When it comes to engaging 8th graders in writing, having the right tools and prompts can make all the difference. With designated time in class, the appropriate writing materials, and inspiring prompts, you can get your students excited about putting their thoughts on paper or typing away on a keyboard.
Here is a list of 8th-grade writing prompts that are designed to spark creativity and encourage self-expression:
1. Would you rather spend the day at the beach, on a snowy mountain, or at an amusement park? Why?
2. If you could teach a class on anything, what would it be?
3. What chore do you secretly enjoy doing at home?
4. If you could change one thing that happened this week, what would it be?
5. Do you enjoy making things like models or desserts? What’s the coolest thing you’ve ever made?
6. What middle school class has been your favorite so far?
7. Do you like substitute teacher days? Why or why not?
8. Imagine you could talk to yourself on your first day of kindergarten. What would you say?
9. Would you prefer a job that pays well or a job that allows you to follow your passion?
10. Do you prefer someone reading a book to you or reading independently?
11. Describe the most beautiful place you’ve ever been.
12. If you were creating a time capsule to open in 20 years, what five items would you include to represent this year?
13. Which holiday do you look forward to the most?
14. What advice would you give to a first-year teacher about kids your age?
15. Would you rather have ten more years of childhood or wake up as an adult tomorrow? What would you do?
In addition to these journal prompts, here are some social-emotional writing prompts to help students explore their feelings and thoughts:
1. Do you prefer planning out your day or being spontaneous?
2. What is the biggest source of stress for kids your age?
3. How can you tell when someone is being dishonest?
4. Do you think your generation is kind or unkind? What changes could make it more compassionate?
5. What character trait do you admire in people? Do you possess that trait?
6. Do you prefer being recognized or staying under the radar? Does this change in different settings?
7. How would you explain “drama” to someone who has never experienced it?
8. Would you rather attend a big party or spend the evening with a few close friends?
9. Do you enjoy resolving conflicts between friends, or do you prefer staying out of them?
10. How have you changed from last year? What about five years ago?
For students who enjoy creative writing, here are some prompts to inspire their imagination:
1. Write a short story about an alien invasion told entirely through text messages.
2. You’re walking through school and take an unexpected turn. Someone or something magical approaches you. What is it?
3. A time traveler from the past or future appears in your house. What items would you need to explain, and how would you explain them?
4. Write about a character with a big secret and another character determined to find out what it is.
5. Your pet can talk for an hour! What would he or she say, and how would you respond?
6. Something unexpected happens at 8th-grade graduation. What is it, and what happens next?
7. You wake up in a tree! How did you get there, who else is up there, and how will you get down?
8. Write a short story about a mythical stranger and an object they left behind.
9. Start a short story with the line “There was nothing else I could do.”
10. Describe an average day on another planet in vivid detail.
For students who enjoy expressing their opinions, here are some argumentative and persuasive writing prompts:
1. Should parents be held responsible for their teens’ behavior?
2. What are the benefits for parents of kids using social media?
3. Should homework be mandatory or just extra credit?
4. Is it acceptable for teenagers to leave school early for a job?
5. Should parents have access to their kids’ text messages and social media?
6. Do you believe the United States should allocate more funds to the military or education?
7. Should student-athletes be required to take physical education classes?
8. Should parents be allowed to select their children’s genetic traits?
9. Should 8th graders have a set bedtime?
10. Can AI serve as a school tutor?
To incorporate writing into math and science classes, here are some interdisciplinary writing prompts:
1. Explain the steps involved in solving an algebraic equation.
2. Share a time when you faced a challenging math problem and what you learned from it.
3. Describe your ideal math class.
4. Identify five jobs that require math skills and choose one you would prefer.
5. How does your favorite sport or activity utilize math?
6. Why are bees essential to our ecosystem? What about flies?
7. Detail a day in the life of an electron.
8. What do you consider the most significant scientific discovery of the past century?
9. Which natural disaster do you feel most prepared for?
10. How does the scientific process enhance our daily lives?
Incorporating writing into social studies classes can enhance students’ understanding of historical events. Here are some social studies writing prompts:
1. If you could add an amendment to the Constitution, what would it be?
2. Which event in American history do you consider the most significant?
3. Write a letter from the perspective of a Civil War soldier to a loved one.
4. Imagine you are a spy during the American Revolution. Which side are you on, and how do you share information across enemy lines?
5. Craft a newspaper article about a historical event studied this year, focusing on what people at the time needed to know.
6. Which historical figure deserves their own holiday, and why?
7. You are an advisor to a historical leader. What advice would you give them about a major historical event?
8. If you could work for any inventor, who would it be and how would you assist in their invention?
9. Would you prefer living in an agrarian or industrial era?
10. Given the choice, would you travel to the New World or remain in your European homeland?
To get 8th graders excited about writing, follow these tips:
1. Make writing a regular part of the daily routine to reduce resistance.
2. Provide relatable prompts that touch on real-life experiences.
3. Offer choices in writing prompts or allow students to freewrite.
4. Differentiate by using simpler writing prompts for less experienced writers.
5. Focus on specific writing skills aligned with CCSS to enhance overall writing abilities.
By incorporating these writing prompts and strategies into your 8th-grade curriculum, you can help students develop and refine their writing skills, preparing them for success in high school and beyond.
