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.
Writing worksheet · Creative writing prompts
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.
- Grade level
- Grades 4–5
- Time
- About 40 minutes
- Answer key
- Not needed: answers vary
- Kids practice
- Creative writing, Generating ideas, Story structure, Writing with voice
What kids do
“This shark has a big secret: it is scared of water! Plan how it faces its fear, then write the story.”
Printed on the sheet:
- How does it face the fear?
- Write your story
- Every shark in the reef could swim, except one.
Teacher tip
Connect it to real fears kids have faced. The story is stronger when the shark’s fear feels real.
How to use it
- Read the prompt aloud with lots of drama, then give two minutes of quiet thinking.
- Let kids talk the story to a partner before they write a word.
- Give a minute at the end to reread the work out loud to a partner.
Watch for
Stories that never get past the beginning. Ask what happens next and what the problem is.
Talk about it
- What was the funniest idea you had?
- Which sentence on your sheet are you proudest of? Why?
Take it further
Hold an author’s chair where volunteers read their stories aloud.
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
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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.
Grades 2–4
A Day as the Class Mouse
A point-of-view prompt: kids write one school day as the class pet mouse, from morning to after school.
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