20 First Week of School Writing Prompts for Elementary Students (Free Printable Pack)
The first week of school is an exciting time for students—and the perfect opportunity to spark creativity through writing! These 20 first-week-of-school writing prompts are designed specifically for elementary students in Grades K–5, helping them reflect, express themselves, and ease into the school routine.
Each prompt encourages personal storytelling, imagination, or goal setting—making it easy for teachers and parents to integrate these activities into morning work, writing centers, or SEL (social-emotional learning) time.
🎁 Bonus: Download our Free Printable Writing Prompt Journal at the end of this post!
Benefits of Writing Prompts in the First Week
- Build writing fluency and confidence
- Learn more about students’ interests and experiences
- Encourage self-expression
- Help shy students open up
20 First Week of School Writing Prompts (K–5)
Personal & Reflective
#1. What is one thing you’re excited to learn this year?
#2. Write about a special memory from your summer vacation.
#3. What does your perfect school day look like?
#4. What are three goals you have for this school year?
#5. What makes a good friend?
Fun & Creative
#6. If your backpack could talk, what would it say?
#7. Describe a school where animals are the teachers!
#8. Imagine you’re the principal for a day—what rules would you make?
#9. If you could invent a new subject, what would it be?
#10. If you could sit next to any famous person in class, who would it be and why?
Get-to-Know-You
#11. What are three things everyone should know about you?
#12. Describe your favorite meal and why you love it.
#13. What is your favorite hobby or activity?
#14. If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go?
#15. Write about your family or a special tradition you have.
School & Learning Focused
#16. What subject are you most excited about this year?
#17. What do you do when you find something hard to learn?
#18. Describe your dream classroom.
#19. What do you hope your teacher knows about you?
#20. How do you feel about being back at school? Explain why.
🖨️ Free Printable Writing Journal for the First Week
We’ve bundled all 20 prompts into a beautifully designed, printable writing journal for Grades K–5. Each page includes:
- A prompt at the top
- Primary or lined handwriting space
- Room for a drawing or doodle (optional)
💡 Tips for Using These Prompts
- Use 1–2 prompts per day during the first week
- Encourage students to illustrate their answers
- Turn the best entries into a classroom bulletin board
- Use prompts as discussion starters or partner shares
📌 Final Thoughts
The beginning of the school year is the perfect time to build a habit of daily writing. These 20 prompts are not only fun and engaging, but they also help teachers connect with students while promoting creativity and critical thinking.
📥 Don’t forget to download your free printable journal.