Draw then write: drawing prompts for early writers

Draw and write prompts ask kids to draw a picture first, then write about it. Drawing first helps early writers plan: the picture holds their ideas, gives them details to describe and makes writing feel less scary. It works from kindergarten (labels and one sentence) to grade 3 (a short story).

Why draw first?

• It’s planning. The drawing is a story map.
• It adds detail. Kids write about what they drew: colors, actions, feelings.
• It builds confidence. Every child can draw something.
• It’s motivating. Kids want to explain their characters.

How it works by grade

• Kindergarten: draw, then label two things or write one sentence.
• Grade 1: draw, then write two or three sentences.
• Grade 2: draw a character, then write a short paragraph.
• Grade 3: draw a sequence of three pictures, then write a story.

40 draw and write prompts

Characters

1. Draw a monster. What does it eat?
2. Draw an alien who just landed at school.
3. Draw a robot who helps at home. What does it do?
4. Draw a dinosaur’s birthday party.
5. Draw a silly creature. What’s its name and superpower?
6. Draw a pet that can talk. What does it say?
7. Draw a ghost who is scared of people.
8. Draw a food monster. Where does it live?
9. Draw a unicorn on vacation.
10. Draw a grumpy cat. Why is it grumpy?

Me and my world

1. Draw your favorite place.
2. Draw what you did this weekend.
3. Draw yourself as a grown-up.
4. Draw your family doing something fun.
5. Draw your dream bedroom.
6. Draw your favorite food.
7. Draw what makes you happy.
8. Draw your best friend.
9. Draw something you’re good at.
10. Draw something you want to learn.

What if

1. What if you could fly?
2. What if animals could talk?
3. What if it rained candy?
4. What if you were tiny?
5. What if your toys came alive at night?
6. What if you found a door in a tree?
7. What if a dinosaur came to school?
8. What if you had a robot twin?
9. What if you lived underwater?
10. What if you could visit any planet?

Story starters

1. Draw a character who lost something.
2. Draw two characters who become friends.
3. Draw a character on an adventure.
4. Draw a surprise.
5. Draw a character solving a problem.
6. Draw the start, middle and end of a race.
7. Draw a character’s worst day.
8. Draw a treasure map and what’s at the X.
9. Draw a monster who wants to be a chef.
10. Draw what happens next in a story you just read.

Start with a lesson

A directed drawing lesson makes a great first step: everyone draws a character together, then writes about their own version. See directed drawing. For more story ideas, see story drawing prompts and make a comic with kids.

Printable sheets

Many free activity pages include a draw-and-write option. Browse the teacher resources.

The book that helps

Characters with big personalities make great story starters. Kids draw a Crusty Goober or a silly alien, then write its story.

How to Draw: Crusty GoobersSee it on Amazon

How to Draw: Silly AliensSee it on Amazon

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