Free First Grade Writing Prompts Printables

First grade writing prompts printables can be a great way to help young learners build confidence in writing while having a little fun at the same time.

I created these writing prompt worksheets after realizing my son needed more engaging ways to express his ideas on paper.

Each worksheet invites kids to think creatively, draw, and write without feeling overwhelmed—perfect for early writers still finding their voice.

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Printable Writing Prompts for First Grade Students

These first grade writing prompts feature eight creative topics designed to help kids practice writing while having fun.

Each worksheet includes a space for coloring or drawing, which makes the activity feel more playful and less like traditional schoolwork.

Here’s a look at the prompts included:

Would you rather be a lion or a tiger?

Would you rather have birthday cake or turkey for every meal?

Do you prefer day or night?

This is my best friend, where the children can draw a picture of their friend, and then write their name and why they are their best friend.

If I had $100.

Do you like cats or dogs?

What would it be to live in a castle?

Use the 4 words to write a short story, home, dog, walk, and tree.

Each one is meant to spark curiosity and help early writers express themselves with simple sentences, drawings, and a touch of imagination.

How to Use These Printables With First Graders

These first grade printable writing prompts are easy to use and can fit into any classroom or homeschool routine. Here’s how to get started:

1. Print the pages on regular paper or cardstock—whichever you prefer.
2. Set out crayons, markers, or colored pencils so kids can personalize each prompt.
3. Read the prompt aloud and talk through the question or sentence starter.
4. Let kids draw or color first, especially if they’re hesitant writers—it helps them get into the creative zone.
5. Encourage storytelling with open-ended prompts like “If I had $100…” or “What would it be like to live in a castle?”
6. For simpler choices, like “cats or dogs,” ask kids to explain their answer with a sentence or two.
7. Offer guidance where needed, especially for reluctant writers or students still learning to form letters.
8. Optional: Let kids share their work with a partner or small group to build confidence.

These prompts work well as part of morning work, a writing center, or a fun end-of-day activity.

What Skills Will Children Build While Using These Prompts?

These writing prompts do more than just fill a worksheet—they support key skills in early learning:

• Creative thinking – Prompts like “What would it be like to live in a castle?” encourage kids to imagine new scenarios.
• Decision making – Choosing between cats or dogs (or cake vs. turkey!) helps children express preferences and explain their reasoning.
• Fine motor skills – Coloring and drawing strengthen hand control, which supports handwriting development.
• Sentence building – Kids practice putting their ideas into simple sentences, improving grammar, vocabulary, and clarity.
• Emotional awareness – Writing about a best friend or favorite activity helps children connect writing with real-life feelings.
• Storytelling – Prompts with word banks or open-ended themes give them a chance to experiment with story structure.

These printable writing prompts combine learning with creativity in a way that first graders actually enjoy—and that’s what makes them effective.

Looking for more early writing practice? Try our free read it dot it worksheets—they’re a fun way to build reading and writing skills together!

Helpful Tools to Support Early Writers

While the first grade writing prompts printables can stand on their own, a few extra tools can make the writing process even smoother—especially for younger kids who are still developing handwriting skills.

The Magic Practice Copybooks are a favorite for early writers. These reusable books have grooved letters and come with special pens, making them great for practicing letter formation before jumping into creative prompts.

If your child needs help holding a pencil correctly, the Pencil Grips are a simple and effective solution. They slide onto standard pencils and encourage proper grip, which can make writing less frustrating for beginners.

For even more structured practice, My First Learn-to-Write Workbook is a solid choice. It includes tracing, pen control, and line-following exercises that build the fine motor skills kids need to become confident writers.

Need to print later? Add this to your Pinterest board or share it on Facebook. You’ll have it handy whenever you’re ready to use it!

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Last Updated on 12 April 2025 by Clare Brown