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Ah, winter. People either love it or hate it. I will admit I’m not a big fan. However, kids often enjoy it. Maybe it’s because, at their age, they have so many fun things they can do. So bring the winter excitement indoors with some creative winter writing prompts. Capitalize on your kids’ excitement for this time of year.

Why use writing prompts?

Well, sometimes kids need a little help getting started. A prompt gives them something to start with, and then they can let their creativity flow. 

Writing prompts also allow kids to search through different writing styles and give another one a try. For instance, my daughter will always choose a descriptive writing piece. She isn’t likely to choose writing a how-to piece or even persuasive writing on her own. However, she may see a prompt in one of these styles and feel inspired to give it a try. 

Prompts are also a good way to fill some time. Maybe winter break is coming up, and you don’t want to get into a long writing assignment. Assign a short writing prompt. 

Another useful way to use prompts is for assessing student writing. Give your kiddos a prompt, and see what they can come up with on the spot. 

I know when I went for interviews for teaching positions, they’d have me do a quick writing piece while I waited to be interviewed. Not the best way to relax before going before an interview committee, by the way. 

However, it is good practice for kids. 

No matter how you choose to use these winter writing prompts, there is sure to be something that will grab a kid’s attention and get them writing. 

Writing Prompts

You will find there is a variety of writing styles addressed below. The winter prompts vary to meet the different needs of your kids. Also, it allows you to choose a different style of writing for them, too, if you choose. Overall, the winter writing prompts are for tweens and early teens. 

So, here you will find the winter writing prompts. I also provide a copy you can download and print for yourself. 

20 Winter Writing Prompts

Descriptive Writing

• Describe your favorite winter activities and why you like them. 
• Tell me what your favorite Christmas movie is and why you like it so much. 
• Describe to someone who hasn’t experienced snow what it is like. Use your senses to describe it. 
• Explain what winter is like where you live. 
• Try your hand at poetry. Pick a word related to winter and make an acrostic poem. You could even write a haiku or cinquain winter poem. **
• Write the Top 10 Best Things of the Year. Explain why you chose them.  

Expository

• Research Christmas in another country. Write an essay in which you compare how their Christmas is different from yours. Or you could describe Christmas in that country. 
• Make a How-To booklet that explains how to build a snowman. (See if someone can follow your directions.)
• Research a winter sport you enjoy. Explain what you discover about that sport’s history.

Narrative

• It is a cold winter’s day. You are walking home from a friend’s house when you hear something. You notice the snowman on a lawn looking at you. Suddenly, it speaks… 
• One afternoon, you and your friends build snow forts in the park. The next day you find they have become real forts and full-sized. Not only that, but people are in them! Write your story. 
• Write a story similar to Snowmen at Night by Caralyn Buehner. Describe what your snowman would do at night in your neighborhood or community.
• Write your own Christmas/Kwanza/Hanukkah story. 
• You are ice skating across the pond when you hear thumping on the ice. As you glance down, you see a face looking up through the ice at you. There is a hole a few feet away. What happens next?
• It is New Year’s Eve. You are excitedly counting down to midnight. As you get ready to shout Happy New Year, the room goes dark. What happens next?

Persuasive

• Your friend hates winter. Persuade them why winter is the best.
• What is the best winter sport? Describe it and explain why it is so great.
• Think of your favorite Christmas movie. Persuade someone why it is the best.

Can Be Descriptive or Narrative

• Create a comic about a sledding adventure (real or made up).
• It is a snow day! Write a true or fictional story about your day.

Download your printable copy below. 

**Need some help with poetry?? Check out this site here. It is a great site with all the help you’ll need in poetry for kids. 

Writing for Tweens

I am sure your tweens or teens will find something on the list they may enjoy. Maybe they will be inspired to try a new form of writing. Perhaps, they will take one of the prompts and develop a great short story. 

So, download a copy of the winter writing prompts today. You’ll want them nearby so you will remember to use them. Pull them out from time to time when the kiddos complain they don’t know what to write, or you need a quick writing idea.

If you want more writing prompts, check out the following.

• 20 Creative Spring Writing Prompts to Use Today
• Summer Writing Prompts to Keep Kids Writing
• 20 Fall Writing Prompts to Get Kids Writing

You can also find writing prompts over at My Teaching Library. Check it out.

Happy Homeschooling!