67 Exciting Writing Prompts for Grade 1 (Chinese & English)

Writing can be daunting for children, and it’s hard to know where to begin. With intimidating topics such as grammar rules, spelling, and punctuation, your children may struggle to bring their ideas to life in writing. They need something entertaining and engaging to help them start off on the right foot. With 67 Fun & Exciting Writing Prompts for Grade 1 (Chinese & English), your children can get a personalized learning experience that helps them have fun while they practice. Stimulating topics tailored to their interests will spark their creativity and guide them through their first steps of writing!

Related: 22 Fun and Interactive Ways to Teach Kids Writing Chinese Characters

My daughter does not enjoy writing and often resists when asked to complete her homework. As writing is an important skill, I searched for ways to help improve her ability despite her reluctance.

I discovered that she has a passion for unicorns, magic, and potions, so I suggested she write how to create a potion. This simple suggestion sparked her enthusiasm and she wrote several pages, eventually creating a whole book. I was amazed to see how this topic inspired and unlocked her writing skills.

Since then, I have been trying different writing prompts to help express herself and her love of writing journey began from there.

67 Writing Prompts for Grade 1

If you’re looking for some creative and engaging journal writing prompts for your kids, then this post is perfect for you! I’ve compiled a list of 67 writing prompts for grade 1 available in both English & Chinese that are designed to spark the imaginations of 6 to 7-year-olds to get their pencils moving.

I have divided the writing prompts into 10 different categories:

1. 11 Narrative Writing Prompts
2. 11 Expository Writing Prompts
3. 10 Research Writing Prompts
4. 5 Unicorn-Themed Writing Prompts
5. 5 Dinosaur-Themed Writing Prompts
6. 5 Mermaid-Themed Writing Prompts
7. 5 Vehicles-Themed Writing Prompts
8. 5 Space-Themed Writing Prompts
9. 5 Super Hero-Themed Writing Prompts
10. 5 Magic-Themed Writing Prompts

11 Narrative Writing Prompts for Grade 1

Narrative essay prompts for Grade 1 can provide an engaging and creative outlet for children to express themselves, explore their imaginations, and develop their writing skills. These prompts may focus on a child’s own experiences, such as a special event or something they have recently learned, or they may explore more abstract topics like dreams and goals. By using narrative essay prompts, children can practice writing stories in a way that is both entertaining and educational.

1. The day I met my best friend. 我遇見我最好的朋友的那一天。
2. The funniest thing that ever happened to me. 我經歷過的最有趣的事情。
3. My first day of school. 我上學的第一天。
4. A special person in my life and why they are important to me. 我生命中一個特別的人和為什麼他/她對我很重要。
5. A time when I showed kindness to someone else. 當我向其他人表現出善意的時候。
6. The most exciting adventure I have been on. 我經歷過的最刺激的冒險。
7. A time when I overcame a challenge. 有一次我克服了挑戰。
8. The day I lost my first tooth. 我失去第一顆牙的那天。
9. A time when I helped someone in need. 有一次我幫助了有需要的人。
10. A day at the beach. 在海灘度過一天。
11. A time when I felt really brave. 當我感到非常勇敢的時候。

11 Expository Writing Prompts for Grade 1

Expository essay prompts provide an opportunity for Grade 1 to practice their non-fiction writing skills. These topics may involve exploring a variety of objects, ideas, people, or themes. By writing on these prompts, children can learn more about the world around them and improve their writing abilities during the process.

1. What is my favorite color and why? 我最喜歡的顏色是什麼？ 為什麼？
2. What do I like to do on a rainy day? 在下雨天，我喜歡做什麼？
3. What is my favorite animal and why? 我最喜歡的動物是什麼？ 為什麼？
4. What are some of my favorite things to do with my family? 我最喜歡和家人一起做哪些事情？
5. What is my favorite book and why do I like it? 我最喜歡的書是什麼? 為什麼我喜歡它？
6. What is my favorite outdoor activity? 我最喜歡的戶外活動是什麼？
7. What is my favorite holiday and why? 我最喜歡的節日是什麼？ 為什麼？
8. What is my favorite food and why do I like it? 我最喜歡的食物是什麼？ 為什麼我喜歡它？
9. What is my favorite game to play with my friends? 我和朋友們最喜歡玩的遊戲是什麼？
10. My favorite place to go on a family vacation. 我最喜歡的家庭度假地方。
11. What is one thing that makes me happy and why? 讓我開心的一件事是什麼？ 為什麼？

10 Prompts for Research Writing

Research writing prompts can be a great way to introduce Grade 1 to the world of academic writing. Research writing involves researching and exploring a topic in detail, then using this information to write an essay or report on the subject. These prompts provide an opportunity for children to practice their research skills, while also introducing them to new topics and ideas.

1. What are the different types of insects and their habitats? 有哪些不同種類的昆蟲和他們生活的地方是什麼？
2. Pick a famous person or character and research their life or story. 選擇一個名人或角色，研究他們的生活或故事。
3. What are some fun facts about animals that live in the ocean? 海洋動物有哪些有趣的事實？
4. How do plants grow and what do they need to survive? 植物如何生長，需要什麼才能生存？
5. Research about a type of food and write about where it comes from and how it is made. 研究一種食物，寫出它來自哪裡，如何製作。
6. What are some different types of weather and how do they affect us? 有哪些不同種類的天氣？ 它們如何影響我們？
7. What are some fun facts about the human body? 有哪些人體有趣的事實？
8. What are some different types of fruits and vegetables and how do they benefit us? 不同種類的水果和蔬菜有什麼好處？
9. Pick a musical instrument and research its parts and how it is played. 選擇一種樂器，研究它的部件和演奏方式。
10. Learn about a country or culture and write about its traditions and customs. 學習一個國家或文化，寫出他們的傳統和習俗。

5 Unicorn-Themed (獨角獸) Writing Prompts

This session is especially for unicorn lovers. Writing about unicorns can be a fun and creative way for second graders to express their imaginations.

1. Describe what I think a unicorn looks like and draw a picture of it. 形容我想象一隻獨角獸的樣子，並畫一幅圖。
2. If I had a pet unicorn, what would I name it and why? 如果我有一隻獨角獸寵物，我會給它取什麼名字，為什麼？
3. If I could use a unicorn’s magical powers for a day, what would I do? 如果有一天我可以使用獨角獸的魔力，我會做什麼？
4. Write a poem about a unicorn and what makes them so special. 寫一首詩關於獨角獸和他們有什麼特別。
5. Imagine I am a unicorn: what would I do all day and where would I go? 想像一下我是一隻獨角獸:我會做什麼? 我會去哪裏？

5 Dinosaur-Themed (恐龍) Writing Prompts

This session is intended for those who have an interest in dinosaurs. first graders can use writing about dinosaurs as a fun and imaginative way to express themselves.

1. Imagine I am a dinosaur: what would I do? Write a story about it. 想像一下我是一隻恐龍: 我會做什麼？寫一個關於它的故事。
2. What is your favorite type of dinosaur? 你最喜歡的恐龍種類是什麼？
3. Write about what I think it would be like to live during the time of the dinosaurs. 寫下我認為生活在恐龍時代會是什麼樣子
4. Write a story about a group of dinosaurs who go on an adventure together.寫一個關於一群恐龍一起冒險的故事。
5. What are some different types of dinosaurs and what did they look like? 有哪些不同種類的恐龍，它們長什麼樣子？

5 Mermaid-Themed (美人魚)Writing Prompts

This session is designed for first graders who love mermaids. It will be an enjoyable and imaginative activity that involves writing about these mythical creatures.

1. Draw a picture of what I think a mermaid looks like, and write about her features and abilities. 畫一張你想象的美人魚，寫下她的特徵和能力。
2. Imagine I found a mermaid’s treasure chest – what would be inside? 想像一下我發現了一個美人魚的寶箱 – 裡面會是什麼？
3. Write a story about a day in the life of a mermaid – what does she do all day? 寫一個關於美人魚生活的故事 – 她整天會在做什麼？
4. Write about what I think a mermaid’s home looks like, and what kind of plants and animals live there. 寫下我認為美人魚的家是什麼樣子，以及那裡生活著什麼樣的植物和動物。
5. Create my own mermaid character and write about her personality, talents, and interests. 創建我自己的美人魚角色並寫下她的個性、才能和興趣。

5 Vehicles-Themed (汽車) Writing Prompts

This session is ideal for first graders who have an interest in vehicles. It will encourage first-graders to use their creativity and broaden their horizons by writing about these topics.

1. Draw a picture of my favorite vehicle and write about why I like it. 畫一張我最喜歡的汽車的圖片，寫下我喜歡它的原因。
2. If I could design my own vehicle, what would it look like and what special features would it have? 如果我可以設計自己的車輛，它會是什麼樣子，會有什麼特殊功能？
3. Write a list of all the different types of vehicles I know and what makes each one unique. 寫下我所知道的所有不同類型的車輛以及每一種車輛的獨特之處。
4. If I could be a race car driver for a day, what race would I compete in and what would it be like? 如果我可以成為一名賽車手，我會參加哪場比賽？那會是什麼樣子？
5. Draw a picture of a city filled with vehicles, and write about all the exciting things that happen there. 畫一幅充滿車輛的城市的圖畫，並寫下那裡發生的所有令人興奮的事情。

5 Space-Themed (太空) Writing Prompts

This writing prompt session is designed to encourage first graders to explore the vastness of space through imaginative writing.

1. Draw a picture of my favorite planet and write about it. 畫一張你最喜歡的行星的圖片，寫下你對它的了解。
2. Imagine I could travel to any planet in the solar system – which one would I choose and why? 想像一下我可以前往太陽系中的任何一顆行星 – 我會選擇哪一顆，為什麼？
3. Create my own alien character and write about their appearance, personality, and abilities. 創建我自己的外星人角色並寫下他們的外表、性格和能力。
4. What are some fun facts about space? 太空有哪些有趣的事實？
5. What are some interesting things about the moon? 月球有什麼有趣的事情？

5 Super Heroes-Themed (超級英雄) Writing Prompts

In this session, first-grade children will be prompted to use their creativity and imagination to write about superheroes.

1. Create my own superhero character and write about their powers, backstory, and their mission to save the world. 創建我自己的超級英雄角色，並寫下他們的力量、背景故事以及他們拯救世界的使命。
2. Draw a picture of a city under attack from a supervillain, and write about the hero who saves the day. 畫一幅城市受到超級惡棍攻擊的圖畫，並寫下拯救世界的英雄。
3. If I could have any superpower, what would it be and how would I use it? 如果我可以擁有任何超能力，它會是什麼以及我將如何使用它？
4. Write a story about a superhero team-up, where different heroes come together to save the world. 寫一個關於超級英雄團隊的故事，不同的英雄聚集在一起拯救世界。
5. Imagine I have the power to grant wishes – what kind of wishes would I grant, and how would I use my powers for good? 想像一下，我有能力實現願望——我會實現什麼樣的願望，以及我將如何利用我的力量來做善事？

5 Magic-Themed (魔法) Writing Prompts

This session is designed to capture the imaginations of first-graders and encourage them to explore the possibilities of magic.

1. Write a story about a magic potion that can make dreams come true – what ingredients would you need and how would you brew it? 寫一個關於可以讓夢想成真的神奇藥水的故事 – 我需要什麼成分以及如何釀造它？
2. Imagine I could create my own magic spell – what would it do and when would I use it? 想像一下，我可以創建自己的魔法咒語 – 它會做什麼以及何時使用它？
3. Create a list of ingredients I would use to make a love potion and write about what would happen if someone drank it. 創建一個用於製作愛情藥水的成分列表，寫下如果有人喝了它會發生什麼。
4. Write a recipe for a potion that can turn someone into an animal – what kind of animal would it be and why? 寫一份可以把人變成動物的神奇藥水的配方—它會是什麼樣的動物，為什麼？
5. Imagine I found a mysterious bottle with a potion inside – what would it do and how would I use it? 想像一下，我發現了一個神秘的瓶子，裡面裝有藥水 – 它會做什麼以及我將如何使用它？

How Many Sentences Should a 1st Grader Write?

The exact number of sentences that Grade 1 should write will depend on the specific writing task, as well as the individual child’s learning abilities and interests. Generally speaking, first graders may be asked to write anywhere from one sentence to a few paragraphs. Writing tasks can vary from handwriting practice to short stories or essays.

In addition to focusing on sentence structure, grammar, and punctuation, it is also important to encourage first graders to write creatively. Creative writing tasks may involve writing stories, poems, or even expressing their thoughts in a diary format. As they become more confident in their abilities, you can gradually increase the length of their writing assignments.

Overall, remember that each child is unique and should be given the freedom to express themselves through writing. Additionally, encouraging children to write freely will help them develop a lifelong passion for writing.

Are There Any Tips for Teaching Writing to Grade 1 Children?

Yes! Here are some tips to help you teach writing to first graders:

1. Encourage creativity: Let your first graders explore their imaginations and write about topics that interest them.
2. Model good writing: Show your first graders how to structure a sentence, use proper grammar, and punctuate correctly by providing examples of well-written text.
3. Make it fun: Use games and activities to make the process of learning more enjoyable for your first graders.
4. Give them feedback: Offer your first graders positive reinforcement and constructive criticism to help them improve their writing skills.
5. Use visuals: Visual cues can help first graders understand the structure of a sentence and how punctuation works.
6. Provide practice opportunities: Allow your first graders to practice their writing skills in different formats, such as stories, poems, or essays.
7. Consider their interests: When assigning writing tasks, think about topics that will engage your first graders and make the learning process more enjoyable.

Following these tips can help you create an effective and engaging writing program for your first-graders. With the right guidance and support, they’ll be able to develop their cognitive skills and become confident writers.

Want More Writing Prompts?

• Fun Writing Prompts for Kids: 30-Day Kids Writing Challenge – Childhood101
• 107 Creative writing topics for kids: Imaginative & Fun – KidsnClicks
• 30 Narrative Writing Prompts for 1st Grade – Journal Buddies
• 52 Journal Prompts For Kids – Curly Bun Mom

The Last Thing about Journal Writing Prompts for Grade 1

Writing is a crucial skill, and engaging children at a young age can make a significant impact on their skills development. These 67 journal writing prompts available in both English & Chinese for grade 1 are designed to spark the imaginations of six to seven-year-olds. By encouraging kids to write creatively about their thoughts and experiences, they can develop their writing skills and enjoy the process. So, grab those pencils and let your first-graders start writing today! Please leave a comment to share your experiences with your children.