Grades 4–5
The Shark Who Was Afraid of Water
A story about facing a fear: why the shark is scared, who helps and the moment it finally swims.
Writing worksheet · Creative writing prompts
The Door at the Back of the Library
A secret-door adventure: what kids find on the other side, who they meet and how they get back.
- Grade level
- Grades 3–5
- Time
- About 35 minutes
- Answer key
- Not needed: answers vary
- Kids practice
- Creative writing, Generating ideas, Story structure, Writing with voice
What kids do
“Behind the last bookshelf, you find a tiny door you have never seen before. Plan where it leads, then write the story.”
Printed on the sheet:
- Who lives there?
- How do you get back?
- Write your story
- The tiny door creaked open, and a cool breeze blew out.
Teacher tip
Have kids describe what they see, hear and smell through the door before anything happens.
How to use it
- Have kids draw a quick sketch to plan before they write.
- Share a short example story you wrote from the same prompt.
- Read the directions aloud so the sheet is about writing, not decoding the directions.
Watch for
Kids copying a friend’s idea. Brainstorm three ideas together so everyone has options.
Talk about it
- What made your main character interesting?
- What did you change when you reread your work?
Take it further
Have kids turn their story into a four-panel comic.
US Letter, prints well in black and white. Free for home and classroom use: print as many copies as you need.
More creative writing prompts
Grades 4–5
The Mysterious Package
A story opening to continue: kids decide what is in the humming box and write the rest of the story.
Grades K–1
What Is the Robot Building?
A picture starter for the youngest writers: draw the robot’s invention, then finish one sentence on handwriting lines.
Grades 1–3
Where Did the Unicorn’s Horn Go?
A silly mystery to plan and write: who took the unicorn’s horn, where it is, and how she gets it back.
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