writing prompts for high school math

Math Journaling Prompts: 101 Ideas to Enhance Your Math Learning

By: Author Paul Jenkins

Posted on August 2, 2023

Categories Education , Journaling

Math journaling prompts are a great way to enhance your understanding of math concepts and improve your problem-solving skills. By writing in a math journal, you can explore different ways of thinking about math problems, reflect on your learning, and develop a deeper understanding of math concepts. Math journaling prompts provide a structured way to guide your writing and help you focus on specific math concepts.

If you’re new to math journaling, don’t worry! Getting started is easy. All you need is a notebook and a pen or pencil. You can start by reflecting on a math problem you solved recently and writing about how you solved it. Or, you can choose a math journaling prompt that interests you and write about your thoughts and ideas. The key is to write regularly and reflect on your learning.

There are many different types of math journaling prompts to choose from, depending on your interests and the math concepts you want to explore. Some prompts focus on specific math concepts, such as geometry or algebra, while others encourage you to explore real-life examples of math in action. By incorporating math journaling into your learning routine, you can enhance your understanding of math concepts and develop a deeper appreciation for the beauty of mathematics.

Key Takeaways

• Math journaling prompts can help you develop a deeper understanding of math concepts and improve your problem-solving skills.
• Getting started with math journaling is easy – all you need is a notebook and a pen or pencil.
• There are many different types of math journaling prompts to choose from, depending on your interests and the math concepts you want to explore.

101 Math Journal Prompts

Here are 101 math journaling prompts for students:

1. Explain how to solve a math word problem step-by-step.

2. What is your favorite type of math problem to solve? Why?

3. What is a math concept you struggled with understanding? How did you eventually understand it?

4. Describe a real-world application of a math concept you learned recently.

5. If you could invent a new operation symbol, what would it be and what would it represent?

6. Choose a math formula and explain what each part of the formula represents.

7. What goals do you have when it comes to math this year?

8. If you could travel back in time to meet a famous mathematician, who would you choose and why?

9. Imagine you are teaching a younger student about fractions. How would you explain fractions using real-world examples?

10. What advice would you give to someone who is struggling in math class?

11. Describe a math-related career you find interesting. What do you think that job entails?

12. How could knowing math help you in your everyday life? Give examples.

13. What is the most creative way you have used math outside of school?

14. Choose a math concept we have learned and write a story problem for it. Solve the problem too.

15. What is an example of a wrong assumption people make about math? Why is it incorrect?

16. How has learning math changed the way you think?

17. What math concept or skill do you hope to master this year? What will you do to achieve it?

18. What is the most interesting math fact you know? Why do you find it so interesting?

19. How do you stay motivated when math gets challenging?

20. Pick a math concept we’re learning and create a comic strip, poem, or song to explain it.

21. Write a list of math vocabulary words and draw a visual representation of each.

22. What everyday activities involve using math, even though we may not realize it?

23. What is your opinion on math? Has it changed over time? Why or why not?

24. What is an example of how math helps us problem solve in real life?

25. What math concepts do you think are the most useful to learn? Why?

26. How do you think learning math now will help you in the future?

27. What is your favorite math memory from elementary school? What do you remember about it?

28. How do you motivate yourself on days when you don’t feel like doing math work?

29. Pick a math concept and write about a time you struggled to understand it. What eventually helped you understand?

30. What is a math misconception you had that was later corrected? What is the right way to think about the concept?

31. Describe your thought process when working through a challenging math problem. What steps do you take?

32. What advice would you give to a student who says “I’m just not a math person”?

33. How has your perspective on math changed from elementary to middle school? What caused the change?

34. Pick an interesting math fact and explain why you want to remember it.

35. How do you think jobs in the future will use math?

36. What is an example of a wrong way to solve a math problem? Why is it wrong?

37. What is the most confusing or complicated math concept you have learned so far? What makes it confusing?

38. How can making mistakes in math help you learn? Provide examples from your experience.

39. Choose a famous mathematician from history. Research and write about their life and accomplishments.

40. Write about a time you felt successful in math. What did you learn?

41. Explain how you stay focused during math class. What helps you learn best?

42. What is your number one tip for excelling at math? Why?

43. What math skills do you plan to work on improving this year? How will you practice them?

44. If math were an ice cream flavor, what would it be and why?

45. What is an example of how math is creative or artistic?

46. Imagine you woke up one day with the ability to be the best mathematician in the world. What concepts would you want to explore and discover?

47. What is the most interesting shape in geometry? Why?

48. How could you use math to predict something in the future?

49. How do you feel when you are working on a challenging math problem? Does this feeling change once you figure it out?

50. How do you celebrate math successes, whether big or small? Why is celebrating your accomplishments important?

51. What is your favorite math tool or resource? How does it help you learn?

52. How do you handle making a mistake in math class? What is your process for correcting it and moving forward?

53. What math concepts seem abstract but have useful applications? Explain.

54. What are the different ways math is used in science? Provide examples.

55. Choose a math formula you have learned and describe how it works step-by-step.

56. What is an example of a math concept you learned in elementary school that you still use regularly?

57. Create word problems for younger students using the math concepts they are learning.

58. If you switched places with your math teacher for a day, what would you teach the class? Why?

59. Write a list of fun math games and describe how they can help build skills.

60. How do you make learning math fun? Share activities, games, or study tips.

61. What is your process for checking your math work to avoid careless errors?

62. Pick a math vocabulary word and use it in a sentence to show its meaning.

63. What math concepts or skills do your parents or grandparents use regularly in their jobs or daily lives?

64. How does learning math help train your brain? Explain.

65. What do you enjoy about math? Have you always felt this way?

66. How do you stay positive when you are struggling to understand a math concept?

67. Choose a math concept and come up with a rhyme, joke, or song to help explain it.

68. How is math used in different careers? Research three different jobs.

69. What is your favorite math memory from elementary, middle, or high school?

70. Imagine you are a math tutor. Write tips for making math interesting for students who are struggling.

71. Choose a complicated math formula. Break it down step-by-step and explain how it works.

72. What is an example of how math requires creativity or imagination?

73. Write about a moment when you felt truly engaged during math class. What were you learning and what made it engaging?

74. How do you organize your notes and study materials for math tests and quizzes?

75. Explain how a challenging math problem can feel satisfying once it is solved.

76. What advice would you give a student who wants to improve at math but lacks confidence?

77. How can learning math be applied to activities like sports, music, cooking, and art? Give specific examples.

78. What math skills and concepts do you hope to master by the end of the school year? Why?

79. How has math technology like calculators and computer programs changed the field? Is this a positive or negative change?

80. How do mathematicians collaborate? Why is collaboration valuable in math?

81. Explain how learning math is like learning a new language.

82. What everyday issues could be solved using math? How?

83. Why is math an important subject to study even if you don’t plan on an explicit math-related career?

84. How can learning math contribute to your overall success in school and life?

85. What advice do you have for fellow students taking challenging math classes this year?

86. What math concepts or formulas do you find most interesting? Why?

87. Can you think of any jobs that don’t use math in some way? Why does math connect to so many careers?

88. How does learning math strengthen your problem-solving skills in areas beyond math?

89. What math skills do you think you will still be using 10 years from now? Why?

90. What are some ways students can make math more relatable to their own lives and interests?

91. How has learning math helped you feel more confident in your abilities in school and beyond?

92. Explain how math research contributes to new discoveries and innovations. Provide examples if you can.

93. What is an example of how art and math intersect? Describe how artists use mathematical concepts.

94. How can teachers make learning math fun and engaging? What activities or teaching methods have helped you?

95. How would you explain what mathematics is to someone unfamiliar with the concept?

96. What is the most interesting or surprising math fact you have learned? Why was it memorable?

97. How can math help us make sense of data in today’s information age? Provide real-world examples if you can.

98. Pick an advanced math concept like

Understanding Math Journaling

The concept of math journaling.

Math journaling is a process of recording your mathematical thinking and learning in a journal. It involves writing down your thoughts, ideas, and strategies as you solve math problems. The journal can be a simple notebook or a more structured book with prompts. The purpose of math journaling is to help you reflect on your learning, organize your thoughts, and develop a deeper understanding of mathematical concepts.

Math journaling can be done at any grade level, from elementary school to high school. It is a great way to encourage students to be engaged in the learning process and to take ownership of their learning. It can also help build confidence in math by providing a safe space to make mistakes and learn from them.

Benefits of Math Journaling

There are many benefits to math journaling. Here are a few:

• Reflection: Math journaling allows you to reflect on your learning and think about how you solved a problem. This helps you develop a deeper understanding of mathematical concepts and strategies.
• Organization: Writing down your thoughts and ideas in a journal can help you organize your thinking. This can make it easier to understand and remember mathematical concepts.
• Engagement: Math journaling can be a fun and engaging way to learn math. It allows you to be creative and express your ideas in a way that is meaningful to you.
• Confidence: Math journaling can help build confidence in math by providing a safe space to make mistakes and learn from them. It can also help you see your progress over time.

Overall, math journaling is a powerful tool for learning mathematics. It can help you reflect on your learning, organize your thoughts, and develop a deeper understanding of mathematical concepts. By engaging in math journaling, you can become a more confident and engaged learner.

Getting Started with Math Journaling

If you’re new to math journaling, it can be overwhelming to know where to start. But don’t worry, with the right tools and personal goals, you’ll be on your way to successful math journaling in no time.

Choosing the Right Tools

First, you’ll need to decide what tools you want to use for your math journaling. Some popular options include plain paper and a pen or pencil, a notebook, or a digital tool like Notability. Consider what tools you feel most comfortable using and what will work best for you.

If you choose to use a notebook, consider using a color-coding system to keep your journal organized. For example, you could use a red pen to write about counting, a blue pen for geometry, and so on. This will help you quickly find information when you need it.

Setting Personal Goals

Next, it’s important to set personal goals for your math journaling. What do you hope to achieve by keeping a math journal? Do you want to improve your problem-solving skills, gain a deeper understanding of mathematical concepts, or simply keep track of your progress?

Once you’ve identified your goals, you can tailor your journal prompts to help you achieve them. For example, if you want to improve your problem-solving skills, you might choose prompts that challenge you to think outside the box and come up with creative solutions.

Remember, your math journal is a personal tool that you can use in any way that works best for you. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different prompts and tools until you find the perfect fit. With a little time and practice, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a confident and knowledgeable math journaler.

Types of Math Journaling Prompts

Math journaling prompts can be classified into two main categories: process prompts and attitudinal prompts. Process prompts encourage reflection on the problem-solving process, while attitudinal prompts focus on the student’s attitude towards mathematics.

Process Prompts

Process prompts are designed to help students reflect on their problem-solving process. They can be used to engage students in critical thinking and to encourage them to think more deeply about the mathematical concepts they are learning. Some examples of process prompts include:

• Reflect on a problem you solved today. What strategies did you use to solve the problem? Were there any strategies that didn’t work? Why do you think they didn’t work?
• Describe a time when you struggled with a math problem. What did you do to overcome the challenge? What did you learn from the experience?
• Choose a problem you solved this week. Write a step-by-step explanation of how you solved the problem. Be sure to include any diagrams or calculations you used.

Process prompts are an effective way to help students develop their problem-solving skills and to encourage them to think more deeply about the mathematical concepts they are learning.

Attitudinal Prompts

Attitudinal prompts are designed to help students reflect on their attitudes towards mathematics. They can be used to encourage students to engage with the subject and to develop a positive attitude towards math. Some examples of attitudinal prompts include:

• What do you enjoy about math? Why?
• What do you find challenging about math? Why?
• Describe a time when you felt confident in your math abilities. What did you do to feel confident?

Attitudinal prompts can be used to help students develop a positive attitude towards math and to encourage them to engage with the subject. By reflecting on their attitudes towards math, students can develop a deeper understanding of the subject and become more confident in their abilities.

Incorporating Math Journaling in the Classroom

Role of the math teacher.

As a math teacher, you play a crucial role in incorporating math journaling in your classroom. Math journaling can be a powerful tool to help students process their learning and develop their problem-solving skills. To get started, you can introduce the concept of math journaling to your students and explain its benefits. You can also provide clear guidelines for journaling, such as the frequency of entries and the types of prompts that will be used.

It’s important to encourage your students to be creative and open-minded when journaling. You can also provide feedback on their journal entries to help them improve their writing and problem-solving skills. Additionally, you can use math journaling as a way to assess your students’ understanding of mathematical concepts and to identify areas where they may need additional support.

Math Journaling Activities

There are many different math journaling activities that you can incorporate into your math class. One popular activity is to have students write about their problem-solving strategies. This can help them develop a deeper understanding of the mathematical concepts they are learning and improve their critical thinking skills.

Another activity is to have students write about real-world applications of mathematical concepts. This can help them see the relevance of math in their everyday lives and develop a greater appreciation for the subject. You can also use math journaling as a way to reinforce key vocabulary and formulas.

To ensure that math journaling is an effective part of your math program, it’s important to provide students with clear prompts and guidelines. You can also use rubrics to assess their journal entries and provide feedback on their writing and problem-solving skills.

Incorporating math journaling in your classroom can be a powerful way to help your students develop their problem-solving skills and deepen their understanding of mathematical concepts. By providing clear guidelines and feedback, you can help your students become confident and successful math learners.

Writing Prompts for Different Math Concepts

If you’re looking for math journal prompts that cover different math concepts, here are some ideas to get you started.

Multiplication and Division

• Write about a real-life situation where you had to use multiplication or division to solve a problem.
• Create a word problem that involves multiplication or division and solve it.
• Write about the properties of multiplication or division and how they can be useful in solving problems.
• Write about a real-life situation where you had to use fractions to solve a problem.
• Create a word problem that involves fractions and solve it.
• Write about the different types of fractions and how they can be used in everyday life.

Polynomials

• Write about a real-life situation where you had to use polynomials to solve a problem.
• Create a word problem that involves polynomials and solve it.
• Write about the different types of polynomials and how they can be used in different fields.

Geometric Shapes

• Write about a real-life situation where you had to use knowledge of geometric shapes to solve a problem.
• Create a word problem that involves geometric shapes and solve it.
• Write about the properties of different geometric shapes and how they can be useful in solving problems.

By using these prompts, you can help your students explore different math concepts and apply them to real-life situations. Whether they’re working on multiplication and division, fractions, polynomials, or geometric shapes, there are plenty of opportunities to practice their math skills and build their confidence.

Enhancing Learning with Math Journals

Math journals are an effective tool for enhancing learning and understanding of mathematical concepts. By reflecting on math problems, students can develop a deeper understanding of the material and improve their problem-solving skills. Here are two ways math journals can be used to enhance learning:

Problem Solving with Math Journals

Math journals provide an opportunity for students to work through math problems in a structured and organized way. By writing down their thought process, students can better understand their own problem-solving strategies and identify areas where they may need improvement. Additionally, math journals can help students develop critical thinking skills by encouraging them to analyze and evaluate their own work.

To get the most out of math journals, it’s important to use prompts that encourage critical thinking and problem-solving. For example, you might ask students to reflect on a particularly challenging problem and explain how they arrived at their solution. Alternatively, you might ask students to compare and contrast different problem-solving strategies and explain why one approach may be more effective than another.

Using Drawings and Diagrams

In addition to written reflections, math journals can also incorporate drawings and diagrams to help students visualize and understand mathematical concepts. By drawing out a problem or creating a visual representation of a concept, students can gain a deeper understanding of the material and identify patterns and relationships that may not be immediately obvious.

When using drawings and diagrams in math journals, it’s important to provide clear instructions and guidelines. For example, you might ask students to label their diagrams and explain how they relate to the problem at hand. Additionally, you might provide students with specific prompts that encourage them to use diagrams and drawings as a problem-solving tool.

In conclusion, math journals are a powerful tool for enhancing learning and understanding of mathematical concepts. By incorporating prompts that encourage critical thinking and problem-solving, and by using drawings and diagrams to help students visualize and understand the material, math journals can help students develop a deeper understanding of math and improve their problem-solving skills.

Incorporating Real Life Examples

Math journaling can be a great way for students to connect math concepts to real-life situations. By incorporating real-life examples into math journal prompts, students can gain a better understanding of how math is used in everyday life. Here are some ideas for incorporating real-life examples into your math journal prompts:

Math in Everyday Life

Math is all around us, and there are plenty of real-life examples that can be used to help students understand math concepts. For example, you can ask students to calculate the cost of a car loan or the amount of pizza needed for a party. You can also ask them to calculate the percentage of English words that come from Latin or Greek roots. These types of prompts help students see how math is relevant to their everyday lives.

Using Objects for Understanding

Another way to incorporate real-life examples into math journal prompts is by using objects to help students understand math concepts. For example, you can ask students to use notes to calculate the area of a room or the volume of a container. You can also ask them to use objects like blocks or coins to help them understand fractions or decimals. By using real objects, students can see how math concepts are applied in the real world.

Overall, incorporating real-life examples into math journal prompts can help students see the relevance of math in their everyday lives. By using prompts that relate to everyday situations, students can gain a better understanding of how math is used in the real world.

Encouraging Creativity and Exploration

Math journaling can be an excellent way to encourage creativity and exploration in math class. By providing prompts that ask students to think outside the box, you can help them develop a deeper understanding of mathematical concepts and see how math applies to the world around them.

One way to encourage creativity is to ask students to come up with their own math problems. For example, you could ask them to create a problem that involves calculating the area of an irregular shape or finding the slope of a line that passes through two given points. By giving students the freedom to create their own problems, you can help them develop a deeper understanding of the concepts they are learning.

Another way to encourage exploration is to ask students to write about real-world examples of math in action. For example, you could ask them to write about how geometry is used in architecture or how statistics is used in sports. By encouraging students to explore how math applies to the world around them, you can help them see the relevance of math in their everyday lives.

Math journaling can also be a great way to encourage creativity and exploration through visual prompts. For example, you could provide students with an image of a fractal and ask them to write about what they notice and wonder about it. By encouraging students to explore the patterns and shapes in math, you can help them develop a deeper understanding of mathematical concepts.

In summary, math journaling can be a powerful tool for encouraging creativity and exploration in math class. By providing students with prompts that ask them to think outside the box and explore the world around them, you can help them develop a deeper understanding of mathematical concepts and see how math applies to their lives.

Assessing Math Journaling Progress

As a teacher, it’s important to assess your students’ progress when it comes to math journaling. Here are some sub-sections to help you reflect on your students’ progress:

Reflecting on Prior Knowledge

One way to assess progress is to have students reflect on their prior knowledge before beginning a new math journal entry. This can help you see if they are understanding the concepts you are teaching and if they are able to apply them to new problems.

You can have students write down what they know about a concept before starting a journal entry, and then have them reflect on how their understanding has changed after completing the entry. This can help you identify areas where students may need additional support.

Reviewing the Table of Contents

Another way to assess progress is to review the table of contents in each student’s math journal. This can help you see if they are covering all of the necessary concepts and if they are able to apply them to different types of problems.

You can also use the table of contents to identify areas where students may need additional support. For example, if a student has not covered a certain concept in their journal, you may want to provide additional instruction on that topic.

Using Blackboard for Assessment

Blackboard is a great tool for assessing math journaling progress. You can use it to grade journal entries and provide feedback to students. You can also use it to track which concepts each student has covered in their journal.

One way to use Blackboard for assessment is to create a rubric for journal entries. This can help you grade entries consistently and provide feedback to students on areas where they can improve.

Overall, assessing math journaling progress is an important part of ensuring that students are understanding and applying the concepts you are teaching. By reflecting on prior knowledge, reviewing the table of contents, and using tools like Blackboard, you can help your students succeed in math.

45 Math Writing Prompts

As children work their way through the math curriculum, it’s important that they understand how to solve the material. However, it’s just as important that they are able to explain their steps and write about math.

By encouraging students to dive deeper into their understanding of math concepts, you will help them retain important information and think critically. Many teachers have taken to using journals as part of their math curriculum in order to help students get into a routine of learning, understanding, and then explaining.

Below, you’ll find a list of math-related writing prompts to get your class started on writing in a math journal.

Using This Guide

These prompts are fairly basic, which leaves room for you to alter them to match your class’s grade level and skill.

Here are a few ways you can use these prompts in your classroom:

• Keep these prompts handy for students to use if they finish their classwork early.
• Reserve part of your math period for journal writing, to help students think critically about what they’ve learned.
• Assign prompts by groups, and have students compare their answers.

The Writing Prompts

• Do you think math is fun? Why or why not?
• Write an acrostic poem using the word “DIVIDE”.
• List three careers that use geometry, and explain how it is used for each.
• Explain what you know about geometry.
• How do you feel when you hear someone say that math is fun? Explain.
• Where is one area you think you could improve in math? How can you work toward this goal?
• Why is it important to learn math using both equations and word problems?
• Give at least three examples of how you use math every day.
• Do you sometimes feel intimidated by math or math class? Explain.
• Write a word problem for someone in your class to solve.
• If math were a person, what would their personality be like?
• What is the process of multiplying a single-digit number by a two-digit number?
• Compare and contrast the concepts of multiplication and division.
• Write a word problem involving a garden.
• Explain what you know about subtraction.
• What is something that you’ve learned in math class recently?
• How do you feel when you finally understand a math concept? Explain.
• Write three ways you use fractions in everyday life.
• Write a short story about someone solving a math problem.
• How can your math teacher make the subject more interesting for your class?
• Think about these things: pizza, driving, shopping, and time. How does math connect to each of these things?
• How does multiplication make addition easier? Give examples.
• List three careers that involve math, and explain why math is essential to each.
• How is math used in sports? Give examples.
• Jot down 7-10 words that relate to math. Use these words to write a math-related poem.
• Write an acrostic poem using the word “MATH”.
• Use a Venn diagram to compare and contrast your classmates. 
• What should you do if you don’t understand a math problem? Explain.
• What is something in math that you’ve learned this year?
• Today in math class, I learned…
• Write a story about a classmate who helps another classmate with math homework.
• Why is it important to keep practicing math over summer break?
• How do we use fractions in real life?
• Explain how to properly use a ruler or yardstick.
• Write MATHEMATICS at the top of your paper, and see how many words you can make from the letters.
• When I think about math, I think…
• Write an acrostic poem using the word “EQUATION”.
• Why is it important to learn how to do math problems on paper before you use a calculator?
• Create a graph using information about people or objects in your classroom.
• Do you learn better by watching someone solve a problem, or by listening and practicing the steps yourself?
• Prove that 3+9=12 using two different methods.
• Why is estimating a good way to solve a math problem?
• Compare and contrast squares and rectangles.
• Write a math problem about something in your classroom.
• Explain a good way to remember how to use the less than and greater than symbols.

Looking For More?

Our site is home to an abundance of academic resources, themed writing prompts, classroom forms, and so much more.

If you are looking for something specific and can’t find it, let is know! We’d love to help make your teaching journey a little easier.

• Math for Kids
• Parenting Resources
• ELA for Kids
• Teaching Resources

How to Teach Skip Counting to Kids in 9 Easy Steps

10 Best Math Intervention Strategies for Struggling Students

How to Teach Division to Kids in 11 Easy Steps

How to Teach Place Value in 9 Easy Steps

8 Math Division Tricks: Making Division Fun & Accessible

Simple & Stress-Free After School Schedule for Kids of All Ages

When Do Kids Start Preschool: Age & Readiness Skills

Kindergarten Readiness Checklist: A Guide for Parents

How to Choose Best School For Your Kid: 12 Best Tips

Why Kids Get Bored at School: 10 Tips to Keep Them Interested

6 Effective Ways to Improve Writing Skills

40 Four Letter Words That Start With A

What Are the Stages of Spelling Development: Ultimate Guide

48 Rhyming Words for Kindergarten Kids

How to Teach Vowels to Kids: A Step-by-Step Guide

15 Best Innovative Tech Tools for Teachers

What is Teachers Professional Development: Strategies & More

11 Best Ways to Create a Positive Learning Environment for Kids

How to Encourage Creativity in the Classroom – 9 Best Tips

25 Best Websites for Teachers

31 Best Math Writing Prompts for Kids of All Ages

10 Best Math Writing Prompts For Kids (Grades 1-5)

10 math writing prompts for middle school children (grades 6-8), 11 math prompts for high school students (grades 9-12), how math writing prompts help students.

Mathematics is more than just numbers and equations; it’s a vital part of our education system that helps students develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills . But how can we make learning math more engaging and less intimidating? This is where creative math writing prompts come into play.

SplashLearn: Most Comprehensive Learning Program for PreK-5

SplashLearn inspires lifelong curiosity with its game-based PreK-5 learning program loved by over 40 million children. With over 4,000 fun games and activities, it’s the perfect balance of learning and play for your little one.

Math writing prompts are unique tools that blend the world of numbers with the art of words. They are about solving problems explaining concepts, exploring ideas, and expressing thoughts in written form. This approach makes math more relatable and interesting for students of all ages. 

Educators can transform how students perceive and interact with mathematics by integrating these prompts into math lessons . It’s not just about finding the right answer anymore; it’s about understanding the ‘why’ and ‘how’ behind it.

Looking for a way to make math engaging and fun for your students? SplashLearn offers a world of interactive math games that turn challenging concepts into exciting adventures. From basic addition to complex algebra , we have something for every learner.

1. Reflect on a Math Challenge: Think about a time when you faced a difficult math problem. How did you solve it? What did you learn from this experience?

This prompt encourages students to reflect on their problem-solving skills and resilience in mathematics. It helps them recognize their growth and learning process in the subject.

2. Math in Everyday Life: Write about how you use math daily. Give specific examples, like shopping, cooking, or planning a trip.

This exercise helps students see the practical applications of math, making the subject more relevant and interesting to their everyday experiences.

3. Your Math Hero: Who is your math hero (it could be a teacher, a famous mathematician, or someone else) and why do they inspire you?

By identifying a math hero, students can explore different aspects of mathematics and its impact while also finding personal inspiration and role models in the field.

4. Math and Future Dreams: How will math be important in your future career or life goals?

This prompt encourages students to connect math with their future aspirations, highlighting the subject’s importance in a wide range of fields and personal ambitions.

See how math shapes the future! Join SplashLearn for games that make learning math fun and relevant.

5. Dream Math Teacher: Imagine you could design your dream math teacher. What qualities would they have? What kind of math games or activities would they do with the class?

Imagining a dream math teacher allows children to think about the qualities that make learning enjoyable and effective. This prompt fosters creativity and provides insights into how they prefer to learn and engage with math.

Create your dream math learning experience with SplashLearn’s engaging games and activities.

6. Math and Creativity: Do you think math can be creative? Give examples of how creativity is used in solving math problems.

This prompt challenges the stereotype that math is purely analytical, encouraging students to see the creative aspects of problem-solving in mathematics.

7. A New Math Concept: Describe a new math concept you learned recently and how it has changed your perspective on math.

Reflecting on recent learning helps students consolidate their knowledge and appreciate the evolving nature of their understanding of math.

8. Math and Sports: Choose your favorite sport and write about how math is used in it. Think about scoring, measuring distances, or calculating averages.

Linking math with sports helps children see the practical applications of math in areas of interest. It demonstrates how math is theoretical and a vital part of activities they enjoy and understand.

9. Your Favorite Math Topic: What is your favorite topic in math and why? Explain what makes it interesting to you.

Encouraging students to identify and articulate what they enjoy about math can enhance their engagement and interest in the subject.

10. Building with Geometry: If you could build anything with geometric shapes, what would you build and why?

This prompt encourages kids to use their knowledge of geometric shapes in a practical, creative task. It helps them understand the role of geometry in design and construction, fostering both creativity and spatial awareness.

Art and geometry are a perfect pair. Delve into the geometric beauty of art and shape with fun games.

11. Math in Nature: Explore how math is used in nature. Write about patterns, symmetry, or shapes you find.

This prompt encourages students to observe and explore the natural world through a mathematical lens, focusing on patterns , symmetry , and shapes . It helps them understand the omnipresence of math in the environment.

12. The Algebra of Everyday Life: How do you use algebra daily? Give examples.

Students are encouraged to identify and articulate how algebra is used in daily activities. This prompt helps them connect abstract mathematical concepts with real-world applications.

Apply algebra in real life with engaging games. Solve Real-Life Problems Now!

13. Math in Cooking: If you have helped in the kitchen, think about how you use math in cooking or baking. Write about an experience where you used measurements or fractions.

This prompt helps children understand the importance of measurements and fractions in cooking, showing math’s role in everyday tasks. It’s a practical way to apply mathematical concepts in a fun, engaging setting.

14. A World Without Zero: Imagine a world where the number zero does not exist. How would things change?

Imagining a world without the number zero challenges students to think about the fundamental role of this number in mathematics and everyday life. It enhances their understanding of the number system .

15. Building with Math: Think about being an architect or a builder who uses math daily. Write about a dream building or structure you would like to design. How would you use math to plan and build it?

This prompt helps children understand the importance of math in architecture and construction. It encourages practical and creative thinking, showing how math is essential in designing and building structures.

16. The Biography of a Mathematician: Write a short biography of a famous mathematician.

Writing a mathematician’s biography allows students to explore the history of mathematics and the contributions of individuals to the field, fostering a deeper appreciation and context for mathematical concepts.

17. If I Were a Math Problem: If you were a complex math problem, what would you be and why?

This creative prompt encourages students to think abstractly and metaphorically about mathematics, fostering a deeper, more personal engagement with mathematical concepts.

18. Math in Music: Explore the relationship between math and music.

Exploring the relationship between math and music helps students understand rhythm, scales, and patterns in music, highlighting the interdisciplinary nature of math.

19. The Future of Math: Predict how math will change in 50 years.

Predicting the future of math encourages students to think critically about the evolution of mathematical concepts and technology, fostering forward-thinking and innovation.

20. Math in Space: Astronauts use math in space. Write about how you think they use math on the International Space Station or when exploring other planets.

By exploring how astronauts use math, this prompt expands a child’s understanding of math’s role in science and technology. It also encourages them to think about math in innovative and advanced applications.

21. The Philosophy of Numbers: Discuss the philosophical aspects of numbers and their existence.

This prompt encourages students to delve into numbers’ abstract and philosophical aspects, exploring their existence beyond practical applications. It fosters critical thinking about the foundational elements of mathematics.

22. Math in Architecture: Explore how math is essential in designing buildings.

Students explore the integral role of math in architecture, understanding how geometric and algebraic concepts are essential in building design. This prompt bridges the gap between mathematical theory and practical construction.

23. Advanced Algebra in Real Life: Identify real-life situations where advanced algebra is applicable.

This exercise challenges students to identify and articulate the application of advanced algebra in everyday scenarios. It helps them recognize the relevance of complex algebraic concepts in real-world contexts.

24. The Role of Calculus in Medicine: Discuss how calculus is used in the medical field.

Discussing the use of calculus in medicine allows students to see the practical applications of this advanced mathematical field, particularly in areas like medical imaging and disease modeling.

25. Statistics in Society: Analyze how statistics affect decision-making in society.

This prompt encourages students to analyze the role of statistics in societal decision-making, highlighting its importance in areas like public policy, economics, and social sciences.

26. Math and Environmental Challenges: Write about how math helps solve environmental issues.

Students are prompted to explore how mathematical models and calculations are used to address and solve environmental issues, emphasizing the role of math in ecological conservation and sustainability.

27. The Economics of Math: Explore the role of math in economics and finance.

This topic allows students to investigate how mathematical principles underpin economic theories and financial practices, highlighting the quantitative aspects of economics and finance.

28. Coding and Math: Discuss the relationship between coding and mathematical concepts.

Discussing the relationship between coding and math helps students understand the mathematical foundations of computer programming and the importance of logical reasoning in technology.

29. Math in Space Exploration: Explore how math is crucial in space travel and exploration.

This prompt encourages students to explore the crucial role of mathematics in space travel and exploration, from trajectory calculations to spacecraft design.

30. The Logic of Math: Discuss the importance of logic in mathematics and its applications.

Students discuss the role of logic in mathematics, understanding its importance in developing mathematical proofs, problem-solving, and the overall structure of mathematical reasoning.

31. Math and Artificial Intelligence: Write about math’s role in AI development.

Writing about the role of math in AI development allows students to explore the intersection of mathematics, computer science, and technology, highlighting the importance of algorithms and statistical models in AI.

1. Enhancing Problem-Solving Skills: Math journal prompts are more than just a way to practice math ; they’re a gateway to developing advanced problem-solving skills. When students write about math problems , they learn to approach these problems from different angles. This practice helps them think critically and find various solutions to a single problem, enhancing their ability to tackle complex challenges.

2. Encouraging Creative Thinking in Math: Creative thinking is as crucial in math as it is in any art form. Math prompts encourage students to use their imagination to explore mathematical concepts. This approach helps them see math as a set of rules to follow and a field full of possibilities and creative solutions.

3. Improving Mathematical Communication: Communicating complex mathematical ideas can be challenging. Math prompts help students articulate their mathematical thoughts clearly and concisely. This practice is essential for students to effectively share their ideas and understandings, whether in a classroom discussion, a written report, or even in future careers requiring mathematical knowledge.

4. Bridging the Gap between Math and Literacy: Often, students see math and literacy as two distinct areas with little overlap. However, math prompts help bridge this gap. Students improve their literacy skills by writing about math while deepening their mathematical understanding. This integrated approach shows students the interconnectedness of different subjects and enhances their overall academic skills.

In conclusion, using math writing prompts offers a unique and effective way to engage students in mathematics. By enhancing problem-solving abilities, fostering creative thinking, improving communication skills , and bridging the gap between math and literacy, these prompts not only make math more accessible but also more enjoyable. 

Ready to make math a thrilling adventure for your students? Join SplashLearn today and transform the way kids learn math.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What are math writing prompts.

Writing prompts for math are questions or statements that inspire students to think and write about mathematical concepts. They encourage a deeper understanding of math by integrating writing and critical thinking skills, making math more engaging and accessible.

How often should teachers use math writing prompts?

Teachers can use math prompts as often as they see fit, ideally once or twice a week. Regular use helps students develop a habit of thinking critically about math, but it’s important to balance them with traditional math exercises.

Can math writing prompts be used for assessment?

Yes, math prompts can be an effective tool for assessment . They allow teachers to evaluate students’ mathematical understanding and ability to communicate and reason, providing a more holistic view of their learning.

Most Popular

15 Best Report Card Comments Samples

101 Best Riddles for Kids (With Explanation)

40 Best Good Vibes Quotes to Brighten Your Day

Recent posts.

15 Best Listening Activities for Kids to Enhance Auditory Skills

Math & ela | prek to grade 5, kids see fun., you see real learning outcomes..

Watch your kids fall in love with math & reading through our scientifically designed curriculum.

Parents, try for free Teachers, use for free

• Games for Kids
• Worksheets for Kids
• Math Worksheets
• ELA Worksheets
• Math Vocabulary
• Number Games
• Addition Games
• Subtraction Games
• Multiplication Games
• Division Games
• Addition Worksheets
• Subtraction Worksheets
• Multiplication Worksheets
• Division Worksheets
• Times Tables Worksheets
• Reading Games
• Writing Games
• Phonics Games
• Sight Words Games
• Letter Tracing Games
• Reading Worksheets
• Writing Worksheets
• Phonics Worksheets
• Sight Words Worksheets
• Letter Tracing Worksheets
• Prime Number
• Order of Operations
• Long multiplication
• Place value
• Parallelogram
• SplashLearn Success Stories
• SplashLearn Apps
• [email protected]

© Copyright - SplashLearn

Make study-time fun with 14,000+ games & activities, 450+ lesson plans, and more—free forever.

Parents, Try for Free Teachers, Use for Free

• Aug 12, 2019

Math: Reflective Math Journaling Prompts

Updated: Aug 18, 2023

I am a HUGE groupie of Dr. Yeap Ban Har. If you have ever heard him discuss a lesson, he has a very specific structure that allows students to collaborate and evaluate. He begins by choosing a thoughtful problem that allows students to solve in multiple ways. The classroom lesson continues in this manner:

Exploration with Observation (10 minutes): Students work to solve the problem presented. They use manipulatives, paper and express their methods in their math journals as an investigative response, if needed. Dr. Ban Har encourages students to solve in more than 2 ways.

Structured Discussion with Sharing of Methods (10 minutes): Dr. Ban Har asks students to share out their methods. As students share, he records their methods using examples, words and pictures. He expresses no judgement on these methods and allows students to see if they are similar or that they work properly.

Reflection or Journaling with Interaction (10 minutes): Students then take a moment to process what has happened this point in the lesson. This can be by reading through part of the textbook and analyzing what the author did. They can also do this by writing in their interactive math journals. However, the prompts should vary based on the type of problem. Check out the graphic below to see the types of prompts he suggests.

Guided Practice (10 minutes): Guided Practice is an opportunity for students to try out the methods discussed with a partner. Students work to solve problems using the various methods. If they need help, they receive assistance from the teacher through questioning.

Independent Practice (10 minutes): Often lessons end without students having an opportunity to process the information on their own. Independent Practice allows students to use the various methods and make sense of problems. Due to the fact that students are working collaboratively throughout the lesson, this independent time is vital to help students finish the lesson.

Dr. Ban Har mentions that Reflection or Journaling can move after Guided Practice, if needed. That allows students to practice and reflect throughout the lesson. If you would like a copy of the lesson structure and the Journal Prompts, click below to access your own printable prompts. These would be great to cut out and glue in a student math journal to remind students how to journal. You can also find out more about how I set up math journals in this blog post here .

If you are interested in more from Dr. Ban Har, check out his blog at http://banhar.blogspot.com/

Recent Posts

Sir Cumference and All the King's Tens

Partnering with Parents in a Hybrid School Setting

Squares, Rectangles and Other Quadrilaterals

Thanks for submitting!

• Skip to main content

Join All-Access Reading…Doors Are Open! Click Here

• All-Access Login
• Freebie Library
• Search this website

Teaching with Jennifer Findley

Upper Elementary Teaching Blog

10 Ways to Get Students Writing in Math

Writing in math is more common and important in the elementary years than ever before. When I was in school, I barely remember writing more than a sentence in math class. Now, students are required and expected to write several sentences and even paragraphs explaining their math and justifying their answer . This can definitely be tricky as many students still think writing doesn’t belong in math. I want to share with you TEN ways to get your students writing in math on a regular basis.

1. Model how to write in math.

Just the same way as we model a new think alouds in reading or a new writing strategy, we should also model writing in math. I like to do this through a problem of the day, using these steps:

• Read the problem together and circle key information (not key words – read more about why key words are not helpful in upper elementary here ).
• Discuss the situation of the problem and ensure all students have an access point.
• Allow the students a few minutes to work on the problem independently.
• Monitor the students while they are working and note any misconceptions or great thinking points.
• Remind the students that when they have solved the problem that they are to prove their answer is correct or explain how they got it.
• Come back together as a class and solve the problem together, calling on students to help you (this is where the monitoring helps- you can specifically jot down students that you want to call on).
• As a class, write the answer, explain the math that was used and why, and justify that the answer is correct.

2. Have partners share their ideas before writing.

One of the reasons many students are hesitant to write in math is because they are not confident with what they will say or are not sure how to put their thoughts in words. I like to have my students share their thoughts with partners before writing them down. This oral rehearsal before they write helps them get their thoughts straight in their head. It also provides a scaffold as their partner is able to scaffold them or ask questions for clarification.

3. Use Constructed Response Tasks

The easiest way to get students to write more in math is to provide them with more opportunities for writing on a consistent basis. Instead of giving equations or multiple choice word problems as practice all the time, try giving constructed response tasks.

I use these constructed response math tasks that I created specifically aligned to my standards (common core). They require the students to answer the question and explain their answer. These work as extra practice and even assessments. You can see the 4th grade ones by clicking here and the 5th grade ones by clicking here .

4. Gallery Walks

My students love gallery walks because they incorporate movement and peer collaboration. They are also a perfect way to get students writing more AND reading and analyzing other students’ writing. Follow these steps:

• Set up tasks around the room written on anchor charts.
• In groups, have the students solve, explain, and justify their answers on a recording sheet or piece of paper.
• As the students are solving the tasks, walk around and choose one group for each task. This group will complete their work on the chart when all groups have worked the problems.
• Have the assigned groups solve the tasks, explain their answers, and justify their math on the chart.
• Do one final walk-through, allowing all the groups to analyze the students’ work on the charts, compare it to their own, and add to it.

Want to see this in action? Click here to read my blog post from a couple of years ago with examples and more details about how to implement a gallery walk in your classroom.

5. Use sentence stems.

I am a huge fan of using sentence stems to provide support to students in all areas of the curriculum even in the upper grades. Sentence stems can easily be provided for math instruction as well. With those stems, the students will have a scaffold to explain their thinking. Click here to read a post with the sentence stems I use to help my students justify their answers in math.

In addition to using generic sentence stems, I also use math tasks that have specific stems for the particular task.  I use my multi-part word problems that are differentiated with a level that includes sentence stems. The sentence stems are helpful in getting the students used to writing their answers in complete sentences. They are also helpful in providing models for how to turn questions into sentences. Click here to check out the bundle of Multi-Part Word Problems in my TpT store.

6. Provide a structure or acronym to help students record their work.

Five years ago  was when the shift to constructed responses and open ended questions first really started to drive my assessments and instruction. My students were not used to this. When they were given a word problem, they would work out the math and then just leave the math on the paper. They didn’t even circle the answer. I knew I needed to come up with something and fast. That was when I created a structure to help the students remember how appropriately answer word problems. This structure has made all the difference with their writing in math. My students use the acronym LOVE to help them ensure they have adequately answered a word problem and written support. Here is the breakdown of LOVE:

• L – Label – all numbers and models should be clearly labeled.
• O – Our Thinking – this is where the writing comes in. The students write the answer in a sentence and their explanation and justification.
• V – Visuals – the students include a visual to support their answer.
• E – Equation – the students ensure they have all the equations included.

To read more about this strategy, grab a poster, and some free word problems, click here.

7. Use math journals and math prompts.

This is probably one of the easiest ways that you can get students writing more in math. You can use journal or prompt writing as a warm up for the math lesson or even as a separate station. There are two main types of math journal prompts I use: Grade-Level/Skill Specific Prompts and General Math Prompts.

Grade-Level/Skill Specific Prompts

These type of prompts are specific to the skills I am teaching. They are perfect for:

• Checking for understanding
• Deeping students’ understanding in math
• Providing practice with using academic vocabulary in math

You can see my 5th Grade standard specific math journal prompts by clicking here or on the image above.

General Math Prompts

In addition to the skill-specific prompts, I like to also have my students write about math in general, math processes, and how they think about math. To do this, I primarily use my Math Practice Prompts. These prompts specifically target the Common Core Math Practice Standards. I sprinkle these in throughout the year when they best align to the skills I am teaching and what I see my students need.

FREE Math Practice Standards Prompts

Join my email list to get the Mathematical Practice Journal Prompts for Grades 3-5 for FREE!

Success! Now check your email to grab your freebie!

There was an error submitting your subscription. Please try again.

More Math Prompts – Reflection Spinner

In addition the journal prompts, you could also use generic prompts for the students to select from after solving a math task or math word problem. This spinner with generic prompts would be a perfect extension to any center. The students solve the problem, spin the spinner for a prompt, and then write to the prompt.

Click here to download the spinner for FREE.

8. Use “3 Minute Concept Writing” activity.

Similar to journal writing, this strategy is a great way to get students writing in math and a great way to assess their knowledge of a concept. On a weekly basis, I like to give my students a math concept and have them write for 3 minutes about everything they know about the concept. This strategy has two purposes – it gets them writing and it gives yo a glimpse into their thinking. You can do this before you teach a skill as a pre-assessment, in the middle of a unit to check their mastery and determine how to proceed through the rest of the unit, or at the end of a unit as a summative assessment. Click here to grab a template to use . Simply print the page, write in the math concept or idea, and make your copies.

9. Read math read alouds and have the students write.

Math read alouds can be very engaging to the students and a great way to get some writing in. As you read the picture book, ask the students questions and have them defend their answers with explanations that include math and details from the read aloud. They will love this so much that they will forget they are even doing so much math and writing.

10. Integrate math into writing instruction.

Math is the least often integrated skill into literacy. We easily integrate science and social studies. If you want your students to write more in math, try integrating math into your writing instruction. Here are a few ideas:

• When teaching how-to writing, have your students choose a math procedure or skill and write a paper about how-to do the math. This can be done several times with new math skills.
• When teaching narrative writing, have the students write about a day without math. I recommend doing a brainstorming chart before hand to scaffold them.
• When teaching opinion writing, the students can write opinions on different math skills they have learned – which is easiest to learn, which is the most difficult, which will help them the most in life, etc.

Which of these strategies or ideas do you use already to get your students writing in math? Do you have another strategy not listed in this post? Let me know in the comments. I am always looking for more ideas and ways to get my students writing in math more.

Share the Knowledge!

Reader interactions, 18 comments.

July 10, 2016 at 9:06 pm

This is such a great post. I love using gallery walks and journal prompts. Looking forward to trying your other suggestions as well. I love the math reflection spinner.

July 10, 2016 at 11:17 pm

Gallery walks are a definite favorite of my students (and me) every year!

September 3, 2020 at 11:50 pm

Thank you for sharing those ideas in such a clear organized way. It really encouraged me to do journals this year and helped with my university assignment. I referenced you in it. Wonderful!

July 11, 2016 at 9:57 am

This is my first visit to your site. I arrived here via a Pinterest link. This list is soooooo helpful. I thank you for sharing your experience. This is going to be so helpful in the upcoming school year. I will be delving into all parts of your site frequently!

July 11, 2016 at 11:56 am

Glad to have you here, Donna! Have a great rest of the summer!

July 14, 2016 at 4:47 pm

I love all your ideas. I,m going to incorporate the gallery walks into math instruction. I was looking at the second idea and wondered if there is a small type. Look at step two and it says student B talks to student B. Thanks for sharing all your ideas. I really appreciate it! I especially love your constructed responses for math.

July 14, 2016 at 5:59 pm

Thanks, Brenda! I have corrected the poster. I appreciate you letting me know about the typo.

July 16, 2016 at 10:15 pm

Awesome post!! It’s difficult to find materials on this area. I’m really looking forward to trying some of these ideas in my class!

July 19, 2016 at 10:21 pm

Wow! Thank you for sharing. These are such great resources and I cannot wait to try them out in my 4th grade classroom. 🙂

August 3, 2016 at 9:24 am

These are wonderful suggestions. I’m a Math Facilitator for our district for K-5 teachers. Would you mind me sharing these ideas and printables with them? We are always looking for great ways to have our kids justify their answers. Love the spinner!

August 10, 2016 at 11:43 am

My department chair is enthusiastic about using the spinner in class this year. Do you have an editable version of this?

November 21, 2019 at 11:09 am

Hi Lisa, I can’t answer for Jennifer Findley but I have an alternative for you. You can have a numbered list of your own writing prompts posted in your room and use something online to assist you in selecting one randomly. I Googled “online spinner” and this was the result. You can see below that there are some other really cool options too. 🙂 https://www.google.com/search?q=online+spinner&rlz=1C1CHBF_enUS862US864&oq=online+spinner&aqs=chrome ..69i57j0l7.2193j0j7&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8

October 14, 2018 at 6:13 pm

Thank you so much, this information and posters are very useful

January 19, 2019 at 10:47 pm

This is so helpful for new teachers. So many great ideas and insights. I know I’m going to be coming back to this site whenever I need anything.

April 22, 2019 at 5:58 am

Thanks for a great valuable piece of advice.

October 8, 2019 at 10:07 pm

I really enjoyed reading your posts! The Bible speaks of how “iron sharpens iron.” You have empowered me through your website and Tpt page. Thanks for all that you’ve done to ensure that the teaching and learning processes are effective for students’ academic success! I truly appreciate the freebies as well! Thanks a MILLION!

November 27, 2019 at 1:32 pm

This post was exactly what I was looking for!

October 1, 2021 at 9:52 pm

you ssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuusssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssss!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Notify me of follow-up comments by email.

Notify me of new posts by email.

You may also love these freebies!

Math Posters

Reading Posters

Morphology Posters

Grammar Posters

Welcome Friends!

I’m Jennifer Findley: a teacher, mother, and avid reader. I believe that with the right resources, mindset, and strategies, all students can achieve at high levels and learn to love learning. My goal is to provide resources and strategies to inspire you and help make this belief a reality for your students.

• There are no suggestions because the search field is empty.

"> "> Writing Across the Curriculum

You know writing across the curriculum is important. here's how to make it a reality., "> "> a guide for math teachers.

"> "> Guide for Administrators

View the Guide

"> Guide for Science Teachers

"> Guide for Social Studies Teachers

"> Guide for ELA Teachers

Thinking made visible.

When students are tasked with writing about their process for determining a solution, they make their thinking visible. Teachers can gain key insights into the depth of student understanding , and they can use that knowledge to deliver specific, actionable feedback and additional instruction as necessary.

Many math standards and assessments now ask that students explain their reasoning when it comes to solving math problems. Common Core math standards , for instance, state that students should be able to “construct viable arguments and critique the reasoning of others.”

The National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) states that math instruction should enable all students to:

• “Organize and consolidate their mathematical thinking through communication”
• “Communicate their mathematical thinking coherently and clearly to peers, teachers, and others”
• “Analyze and evaluate the mathematical thinking and strategies of others”
• “Use the language of mathematics to express mathematical ideas precisely”

In “Principles and Standards for School Mathematics,” NCTM writes that :

“Through communication, ideas become objects of reflection, refinement, discussion, and amendment. When students are challenged to communicate the results of their thinking to others orally or in writing, they learn to be clear, convincing, and precise in their use of mathematical language.”

Writing is a metacognitive task. As such, the process of writing can help students work through complex concepts. Math education expert Marilyn Burns notes that when students write in math class,

“It requires students to organize, clarify, and reflect on their ideas… Writing in math class isn’t meant to produce a product suitable for publication, but rather to provide a way for students to reflect on their own learning and to explore, extend, and cement their ideas.”

When students defend their mathematical solutions in writing, they provide clear evidence of their understanding. Writing forces them to slow down and explain a solution in their own words. As William Zinsser states in Writing to Learn ,  “Writing is how we think our way into a subject and make it our own.”

Math teachers shouldn’t worry about the intricacies of grammar when they review writing. Rather, you should encourage students to demonstrate their understanding of a subject. If students can explain how they obtained an answer, they can likely replicate that work. When teachers review writing about math, they can see whether students fully grasp a concept – or whether they’re just regurgitating formulas.

Making Math Relevant

While written answers make an appearance every so often in traditional math classes, it usually happens with an abstract question – “Train A goes west at 50 km/h and train B goes east at 40 km/h. Both trains depart at the same time, 1000 km apart. When will they cross?”

When it comes to writing in math, you can do more to engage your students. You can help them make real-world connections to math.

Dr. Mona Kiani, a ThinkCERCA School Success Manager, was teaching an 8th-grade class in 2017 when she posed an essential question to her students:

“How do the financial costs and benefits of different opportunities after high school compare?”

Mona’s class read a ThinkCERCA text leveled for 8th grade , which told them about Javier, a student evaluating three degree options and their impact of cost versus pay over time. Mona’s class calculated the economic benefits of each degree, and wrote arguments for which degree Javier should pursue.

Then, Mona extended the lesson. She asked her students to evaluate their choices for life after high school. Every student calculated the benefits and drawbacks of certain options – like attending a community college for two years and then transferring to a state university; going straight to a four-year college; going straight into the workforce.

“Students were immediately excited about the task – understanding finances and how to budget most effectively is inherently interesting to most middle and high school students,” Mona says.

“Students asked thoughtful questions about post-high school life, like what age people retire, what loans are, and what the drawbacks of getting credit cards are. They refined their internet research skills, hopped on the phone to get car insurance quotes, consulted with their parents about budgeting for food, talked to their advisors about dorms versus apartments, and some even swore they’d stop asking their parents for fashion items after creating a budget and seeing how expensive life can be.”

Through the writing activity, students were able to build strong personal connections to the concepts they learned about in math class. They not only learned how to evaluate career options – they understood the real-world importance of their math instruction as well.

Ideas and Activities to Practice Writing in Math

• Use CERCA to show students how to justify an answer in writing. Like Mona’s class, you can use the CERCA Framework to guide students through writing a formal argument in math. They may argue for the correct answer to a problem, or they could argue for the best way to solve a problem. By writing out a formal argument, they explain their processes and justify their thinking.
• State the CLAIM – What solution will students prove?
• Cite EVIDENCE – What evidence (student work and equations) support the claim?
• Explain REASONING – Why does the evidence (work) support the claim (solution)?
• Address COUNTERARGUMENTS – If students are evaluating multiple ways to solve a problem, they can address a second argument for how a person could go about finding a solution.
• Use AUDIENCE -appropriate language – Who is the audience of the assignment? What symbols or equations need to be explained?
• Ask students to write a one-page journal entry explaining a mathematical concept. Students can spend the first ten minutes of a class period working on the entry, and can complete the informal writing sample at home. Two high school mathematics teachers described this process for NCTM . The teachers wrote that the students wanted to keep writing journal entries after an initial trial period because “they learned to explain themselves better mathematically… our comments on the journals gave them immediate feedback on their understanding of the material.”
• Use graphic organizers to help students clarify their thoughts. By writing down information and structuring it on a page, students can analyze the relationship among mathematical concepts. After nine middle school teachers asked students to use the “four corners and a diamond” graphic organizer (in which students write down what they know; what they need to know; possible methods to solve the problem; attempts at solving the problem; and their response to the question) scores before and after students used the graphic organizer suggested that it “may significantly help students coordinate their mathematical ideas, methods, thinking, and writing,” according to Indiana University Southeast Associate Professor Alan Zollman.
• Have students write and reflect with the “Climbing and Diving” technique. This process, described by ASCD author Vicki Urquhart , has students take ten minutes to write down all that they have learned about a lesson or concept. Then, they read their writing and choose one concept to write about for an additional ten minutes, giving students a chance to reflect and organize their thoughts on the concept.
• Give students a few minutes to write down their thoughts before sharing them in a class discussion. The “think-write-share” method ensures that all students are involved in answering a group question, rather than just a few students jumping to the answer and raising their hands to share. It can help students articulate a problem, beyond just solving for it. This strategy also “heightens student engagement in writing,” Brigham Young University Professors Brad Wilcox and Eula Ewing Monroe note . “Concurrently, students are held accountable for their own mathematical understanding.”
• Provide a space for students to discuss a concept in small groups. Burns notes that “having students talk in small groups enables more students to express their ideas. After a discussion, remind students that they can write about any idea they heard, as long as it makes sense to them and they can explain it.”

Math Writing Prompts

• How did adding the shot clock change NBA scoring? [ Assign in ThinkCERCA ]
• When should health officials quarantine infected individuals to prevent diseases from becoming epidemics? [ Assign in ThinkCERCA ]
• What actions should be taken to protect communities along the Atlantic Coast from the effects of sea level rise? [ Assign in ThinkCERCA ]
• What conclusion can you draw about the relationship between the right to vote, voter registration, and voter turnout? [ Assign in ThinkCERCA ]

Math Discussion and Writing in Action

What does literacy in math look like? This video shows how one elementary school makes writing and discussion a core element of math class.

Guide for Science Teachers

Download this guide.

Your free guide to writing across the curriculum

"> "> Ready to spark courageous thinking?

50 Fun Prompt Writing Ideas for High School Students

May 16, 2023

Students either love or hate writing. Those who love it usually are the ones who enjoy reading as well. They might spend their time journaling, composing poetry, or writing short stories. These students not only enjoy the process; they embrace it with every part of their being and enjoy engaging in assigned prompt writing ideas!

For most students, however, writing is synonymous with drudgery. They hear that they are going to have to write something, and they automatically shut down. Because of this unfortunate mindset usually brought about by the feeling of overwhelm, we need to get our students to see the value of high school writing activities that include easy-to-teach Prompt Writing Ideas.

There are so many options beyond the traditional five-paragraph essay! Keep reading for 50 Prompt Writing Ideas for High School Students !

Need help with Test Prep? Check out this  FREE Pack of 3 Test Prep Activities to help students achieve success on standardized tests

Table of Contents

50 Prompt Writing Ideas for High School Students

10 Narrative Prompt Writing Ideas

Before starting my business, I didn’t really see the value of writing stories. I mean, I enjoy a good story. I love reading short stories by Edgar Allan Poe , some of William Shakespeare’s plays , and other random historical fiction. Beyond personal entertainment or academia, I could not really see why teaching narrative writing was so important.

Boy, was I wrong!

Narrative writing is so valuable. Think about it. When we buy something, we really want to hear the story behind it.

We listen to how something was created, how a person struggled with a problem, and how a product provided a solution!  We connect with each other through stories!

Here are some relatively simple ways to incorporate narrative writing in your high school classroom with 10 Prompt Writing Ideas:

•   Write a Journal Entry- Students can respond to someone from a story as if they know the character personally.
•   Create an Advertisement- Students can include a story from a “buyer” as an ad technique.
•  Informational/Argument Essays- Students can use a short narrative as support.
•   Post on Social Media- Students can create a post that tells a story about something…anything!
•   Develop a Business Plan- Students can create a business plan and use narratives to relay the potential of a future business.
•   Write a Poem/Song- Students can write a poem or song that actually tells a story.
•   Create a Website- Students can create an About Me page for a fictitious online store that includes a story.
•   Participate in a Job Interview- Students can conduct interviews with each other and include stories that demonstrate certain skills or knowledge.
•   Give a Speech- Students can do research on an idea they are passionate about and include stories to support their ideas.
•   Record a Video- Students can write and record stories about their lives and “post” them on various platforms.

10 Satirical Prompt Writing Ideas

When it comes to bridging the gap between reading satire and writing satire , students need guidance. I would start by reading both  “Sending Grandma to the Ovens” and “A Modest Proposal.”  These two texts are similar in structure, purpose, and topic. Your students can model their own essays after these texts. They can even propose something!

Here are some HOW TO satirical prompt writing ideas :

• How to be a wonderful boyfriend or girlfriend
• How to propose to someone
• How to be a good student
• How to be a productive employee
• How to grow a business
• How to be an amazing parent
• How to be an effective writer
• How to prepare for exams
• How to get a job
• How to create friendships

10 Expository Prompt Writing Ideas

Essentially, an exposition seeks to explain something. And things in our world ALWAYS need explaining!

We crave information, and one of my major goals as a teacher is to encourage students to seek out information instead of what just pops up on social media feeds. We have so much knowledge, it can be overwhelming, so giving students a focus would be super helpful.

When writing an exposition, students have several options:

They can write about what they already know, write about what they don’t know by doing research, or write about a combination of the two.

Need help with teaching research? Click below!

Here are some expository prompt writing ideas that might require a bit of research:

• Interesting hobbies I never knew about
• Skills I will need for life
• Getting a job interview
• Jobs that we take for granted
• Things to do when we don’t have electricity
• What I never knew about my family
• Popular foods in…(a culture/country)
• Why certain songs are popular
• Uses for a cell phone
• History of chocolate

10 Argument Prompt Writing Ideas

One of the toughest types of writing involving prompt writing ideas for students is the argument essay. Now, I am talking about the “you need to do research to make your case” kind of argument paper.

Let’s be real. Instead of doing the research ourselves, we rely on one or two news outlets to tell us information, or maybe, God forbid, we scroll through social media to get our information.

And I don’t know about you. I usually just get an interpretation or opinion on the facts. I don’t get the actual stories, statistics, and facts. I get, at most, a watered-down version of what I should actually know.

This reality is why we MUST teach our students how to support their ideas with cited evidence. We don’t need to teach students merely to argue. They do this beautifully with their friends on a daily basis. They need to know how to locate credible evidence, and I am not just talking .gov, .org, or .edu! This requirement of credibility applies to pretty much any prompt writing ideas!

Here are some argument prompt writing ideas that will REQUIRE research:

• Should student loans be forgiven?
• Should everyone go to college?
• Should social media companies be allowed to censor content?
• Should students have to take higher-level math?
• Should high school or college students be required to take a financial literacy course?
• Should students take a gap year before going to college?
• Should there be a minimum wage?
• Should students earn grades in their classes (A, B, C, D, F)?
• Should classes be organized by age or ability in a specific subject area?
• Should volunteer hours be required for graduation?

Notice: You don’t have to ask students to write a ten-page argument paper in order to feel like your students are learning what they need to know to be successful. You could start with a page, a paragraph, a discussion, or even a 1-minute presentation. Not everything has to be formal in the introductory stage. Sometimes, we want to get our students thinking about the topic and excited before they begin!

10 Rhetorical Analysis Prompts

I am a big fan of requiring students to practice  writing a rhetorical analysis essay . At first, it can be daunting. Even the word “rhetoric” can be difficult to explain at times.

Most of the Prompt Writing Ideas below can be used or revised to fit any piece of rhetoric:

• How does the speaker use logos in achieving the purpose of the speech?
• What techniques are used by the author to relay the message that_____?
• How does the writer include emotional language in order to appeal to the audience?
• Why is repetition used throughout the passage?
• What forms of evidence support the rhetor’s argument?
• How are the rhetorical appeals used in relation to the audience’s perspective?
• Why might the tone of the speaker change throughout the text?
• What kinds of strategies are used in online ads versus physical ads?
• How might you use different techniques when talking with your parents/guardians versus your friends?
• What types of diction and/or syntax might a creator use when discussing a topic in college?

If you go step by step through the analysis writing process, your students can master this skill. It might take more time than you think, but most students will achieve some level of success. Plus, they can apply these skills to any essay they will have to write in the future! You can teach How to Write a Rhetorical Analysis Essay Step By Step !

By modeling what you want, you will more likely get what you want from your students. This process also applies to writing a rhetorical analysis essay. Going through every step above is key to success.

Here are some reading and writing packs that may make the rhetorical analysis essay process that much easier:

• Sinners in the Hands of An Angry God Rhetorical Analysis Pack
• A Modest Proposal Rhetorical Analysis Pack
• The Declaration of Independence: Rhetorical Analysis Writing Pack
• Gettysburg Address Activities: Rhetorical Analysis Short Response
• Declaration of Sentiments Rhetorical Devices Analysis Activity Stanton
• Sojourner Truth Speech Aint I a Woman: Summary, Rhetorical Analysis
• Patrick Henry’s Give Me Liberty Give Me Death Speech Rhetorical Analysis Pack
• Florence Kelley Speech About Child Labor Rhetorical Analysis Pack
• Sending Grandma to the Ovens Rhetorical Analysis Pack

Need more Prompt Writing Ideas for your middle or high school classroom ? Check out my store  Kristin Menke-Integrated ELA Test Prep !

Hi, I’m KRISTIN!

I primarily focus on  integrating multiple disciplines and subjects. The goal is to make teaching simplified and effective!

Let's Connect

• Follow Follow

Click below to download “13 Simple Strategies to make test prep a breeze!”

• CORE CURRICULUM
• LITERACY > CORE CURRICULUM > Into Literature, 6-12" data-element-type="header nav submenu" title="Into Literature, 6-12" aria-label="Into Literature, 6-12"> Into Literature, 6-12
• LITERACY > CORE CURRICULUM > Into Reading, K-6" data-element-type="header nav submenu" title="Into Reading, K-6" aria-label="Into Reading, K-6"> Into Reading, K-6
• INTERVENTION
• LITERACY > INTERVENTION > English 3D, 4-12" data-element-type="header nav submenu" title="English 3D, 4-12" aria-label="English 3D, 4-12"> English 3D, 4-12
• LITERACY > INTERVENTION > Read 180, 3-12" data-element-type="header nav submenu" title="Read 180, 3-12" aria-label="Read 180, 3-12"> Read 180, 3-12
• LITERACY > READERS > Hero Academy Leveled Libraries, PreK-4" data-element-type="header nav submenu" title="Hero Academy Leveled Libraries, PreK-4" aria-label="Hero Academy Leveled Libraries, PreK-4"> Hero Academy Leveled Libraries, PreK-4
• LITERACY > READERS > HMH Reads Digital Library, K-5" data-element-type="header nav submenu" title="HMH Reads Digital Library, K-5" aria-label="HMH Reads Digital Library, K-5"> HMH Reads Digital Library, K-5
• LITERACY > READERS > inFact Leveled Libraries, K-5" data-element-type="header nav submenu" title="inFact Leveled Libraries, K-5" aria-label="inFact Leveled Libraries, K-5"> inFact Leveled Libraries, K-5
• LITERACY > READERS > Rigby PM, K-5" data-element-type="header nav submenu" title="Rigby PM, K-5" aria-label="Rigby PM, K-5"> Rigby PM, K-5
• LITERACY > READERS > Science & Engineering Leveled Readers, K-5" data-element-type="header nav submenu" title="Science & Engineering Leveled Readers, K-5" aria-label="Science & Engineering Leveled Readers, K-5"> Science & Engineering Leveled Readers, K-5
• SUPPLEMENTAL
• LITERACY > SUPPLEMENTAL > A Chance in the World SEL, 8-12" data-element-type="header nav submenu" title="A Chance in the World SEL, 8-12" aria-label="A Chance in the World SEL, 8-12"> A Chance in the World SEL, 8-12
• LITERACY > SUPPLEMENTAL > Amira Learning, K-6" data-element-type="header nav submenu" title="Amira Learning, K-6" aria-label="Amira Learning, K-6"> Amira Learning, K-6
• LITERACY > SUPPLEMENTAL > Classcraft, K-8" data-element-type="header nav submenu" title="Classcraft, K-8" aria-label="Classcraft, K-8"> Classcraft, K-8
• LITERACY > SUPPLEMENTAL > JillE Literacy, K-3" data-element-type="header nav submenu" title="JillE Literacy, K-3" aria-label="JillE Literacy, K-3"> JillE Literacy, K-3
• LITERACY > SUPPLEMENTAL > Waggle, K-8" data-element-type="header nav submenu" title="Waggle, K-8" aria-label="Waggle, K-8"> Waggle, K-8
• LITERACY > SUPPLEMENTAL > Writable, 3-12" data-element-type="header nav submenu" title="Writable, 3-12" aria-label="Writable, 3-12"> Writable, 3-12
• LITERACY > SUPPLEMENTAL > ASSESSMENT" data-element-type="header nav submenu" title="ASSESSMENT" aria-label="ASSESSMENT"> ASSESSMENT
• MATH > CORE CURRICULUM > Arriba las Matematicas, K-8" data-element-type="header nav submenu" title="Arriba las Matematicas, K-8" aria-label="Arriba las Matematicas, K-8"> Arriba las Matematicas, K-8
• MATH > CORE CURRICULUM > Go Math!, K-6" data-element-type="header nav submenu" title="Go Math!, K-6" aria-label="Go Math!, K-6"> Go Math!, K-6
• MATH > CORE CURRICULUM > Into Algebra 1, Geometry, Algebra 2, 8-12" data-element-type="header nav submenu" title="Into Algebra 1, Geometry, Algebra 2, 8-12" aria-label="Into Algebra 1, Geometry, Algebra 2, 8-12"> Into Algebra 1, Geometry, Algebra 2, 8-12
• MATH > CORE CURRICULUM > Into Math, K-8" data-element-type="header nav submenu" title="Into Math, K-8" aria-label="Into Math, K-8"> Into Math, K-8
• MATH > CORE CURRICULUM > Math Expressions, PreK-6" data-element-type="header nav submenu" title="Math Expressions, PreK-6" aria-label="Math Expressions, PreK-6"> Math Expressions, PreK-6
• MATH > CORE CURRICULUM > Math in Focus, K-8" data-element-type="header nav submenu" title="Math in Focus, K-8" aria-label="Math in Focus, K-8"> Math in Focus, K-8
• MATH > SUPPLEMENTAL > Classcraft, K-8" data-element-type="header nav submenu" title="Classcraft, K-8" aria-label="Classcraft, K-8"> Classcraft, K-8
• MATH > SUPPLEMENTAL > Waggle, K-8" data-element-type="header nav submenu" title="Waggle, K-8" aria-label="Waggle, K-8"> Waggle, K-8
• MATH > INTERVENTION > Math 180, 5-12" data-element-type="header nav submenu" title="Math 180, 5-12" aria-label="Math 180, 5-12"> Math 180, 5-12
• SCIENCE > CORE CURRICULUM > Into Science, K-5" data-element-type="header nav submenu" title="Into Science, K-5" aria-label="Into Science, K-5"> Into Science, K-5
• SCIENCE > CORE CURRICULUM > Into Science, 6-8" data-element-type="header nav submenu" title="Into Science, 6-8" aria-label="Into Science, 6-8"> Into Science, 6-8
• SCIENCE > CORE CURRICULUM > Science Dimensions, K-12" data-element-type="header nav submenu" title="Science Dimensions, K-12" aria-label="Science Dimensions, K-12"> Science Dimensions, K-12
• SCIENCE > READERS > inFact Leveled Readers, K-5" data-element-type="header nav submenu" title="inFact Leveled Readers, K-5" aria-label="inFact Leveled Readers, K-5"> inFact Leveled Readers, K-5
• SCIENCE > READERS > Science & Engineering Leveled Readers, K-5" data-element-type="header nav submenu" title="Science & Engineering Leveled Readers, K-5" aria-label="Science & Engineering Leveled Readers, K-5"> Science & Engineering Leveled Readers, K-5
• SCIENCE > READERS > ScienceSaurus, K-8" data-element-type="header nav submenu" title="ScienceSaurus, K-8" aria-label="ScienceSaurus, K-8"> ScienceSaurus, K-8
• SOCIAL STUDIES > CORE CURRICULUM > HMH Social Studies, 6-12" data-element-type="header nav submenu" title="HMH Social Studies, 6-12" aria-label="HMH Social Studies, 6-12"> HMH Social Studies, 6-12
• SOCIAL STUDIES > SUPPLEMENTAL > Writable" data-element-type="header nav submenu" title="Writable" aria-label="Writable"> Writable
• For Teachers
• PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT > For Teachers > Coachly" data-element-type="header nav submenu" title="Coachly" aria-label="Coachly"> Coachly
• PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT > For Teachers > Teacher's Corner" data-element-type="header nav submenu" title="Teacher's Corner" aria-label="Teacher's Corner"> Teacher's Corner
• PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT > For Teachers > Live Online Courses" data-element-type="header nav submenu" title="Live Online Courses" aria-label="Live Online Courses"> Live Online Courses
• For Leaders
• PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT > For Leaders > The Center for Model Schools (formerly ICLE)" data-element-type="header nav submenu" title="The Center for Model Schools (formerly ICLE)" aria-label="The Center for Model Schools (formerly ICLE)"> The Center for Model Schools (formerly ICLE)
• MORE > undefined > Assessment" data-element-type="header nav submenu" title="Assessment" aria-label="Assessment"> Assessment
• MORE > undefined > Early Learning" data-element-type="header nav submenu" title="Early Learning" aria-label="Early Learning"> Early Learning
• MORE > undefined > English Language Development" data-element-type="header nav submenu" title="English Language Development" aria-label="English Language Development"> English Language Development
• MORE > undefined > Homeschool" data-element-type="header nav submenu" title="Homeschool" aria-label="Homeschool"> Homeschool
• MORE > undefined > Intervention" data-element-type="header nav submenu" title="Intervention" aria-label="Intervention"> Intervention
• MORE > undefined > Literacy" data-element-type="header nav submenu" title="Literacy" aria-label="Literacy"> Literacy
• MORE > undefined > Mathematics" data-element-type="header nav submenu" title="Mathematics" aria-label="Mathematics"> Mathematics
• MORE > undefined > Professional Development" data-element-type="header nav submenu" title="Professional Development" aria-label="Professional Development"> Professional Development
• MORE > undefined > Science" data-element-type="header nav submenu" title="Science" aria-label="Science"> Science
• MORE > undefined > undefined" data-element-type="header nav submenu">
• MORE > undefined > Social and Emotional Learning" data-element-type="header nav submenu" title="Social and Emotional Learning" aria-label="Social and Emotional Learning"> Social and Emotional Learning
• MORE > undefined > Social Studies" data-element-type="header nav submenu" title="Social Studies" aria-label="Social Studies"> Social Studies
• MORE > undefined > Special Education" data-element-type="header nav submenu" title="Special Education" aria-label="Special Education"> Special Education
• MORE > undefined > Summer School" data-element-type="header nav submenu" title="Summer School" aria-label="Summer School"> Summer School
• BROWSE RESOURCES
• BROWSE RESOURCES > Classroom Activities" data-element-type="header nav submenu" title="Classroom Activities" aria-label="Classroom Activities"> Classroom Activities
• BROWSE RESOURCES > Customer Success Stories" data-element-type="header nav submenu" title="Customer Success Stories" aria-label="Customer Success Stories"> Customer Success Stories
• BROWSE RESOURCES > Digital Samples" data-element-type="header nav submenu" title="Digital Samples" aria-label="Digital Samples"> Digital Samples
• BROWSE RESOURCES > Events" data-element-type="header nav submenu" title="Events" aria-label="Events"> Events
• BROWSE RESOURCES > Grants & Funding" data-element-type="header nav submenu" title="Grants & Funding" aria-label="Grants & Funding"> Grants & Funding
• BROWSE RESOURCES > International" data-element-type="header nav submenu" title="International" aria-label="International"> International
• BROWSE RESOURCES > Research Library" data-element-type="header nav submenu" title="Research Library" aria-label="Research Library"> Research Library
• BROWSE RESOURCES > Shaped - HMH Blog" data-element-type="header nav submenu" title="Shaped - HMH Blog" aria-label="Shaped - HMH Blog"> Shaped - HMH Blog
• BROWSE RESOURCES > Webinars" data-element-type="header nav submenu" title="Webinars" aria-label="Webinars"> Webinars
• CUSTOMER SUPPORT
• CUSTOMER SUPPORT > Contact Sales" data-element-type="header nav submenu" title="Contact Sales" aria-label="Contact Sales"> Contact Sales
• CUSTOMER SUPPORT > Customer Service & Technical Support Portal" data-element-type="header nav submenu" title="Customer Service & Technical Support Portal" aria-label="Customer Service & Technical Support Portal"> Customer Service & Technical Support Portal
• CUSTOMER SUPPORT > Platform Login" data-element-type="header nav submenu" title="Platform Login" aria-label="Platform Login"> Platform Login
• Learn about us
• Learn about us > About" data-element-type="header nav submenu" title="About" aria-label="About"> About
• Learn about us > Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion" data-element-type="header nav submenu" title="Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion" aria-label="Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion"> Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
• Learn about us > Environmental, Social, and Governance" data-element-type="header nav submenu" title="Environmental, Social, and Governance" aria-label="Environmental, Social, and Governance"> Environmental, Social, and Governance
• Learn about us > News Announcements" data-element-type="header nav submenu" title="News Announcements" aria-label="News Announcements"> News Announcements
• Learn about us > Our Legacy" data-element-type="header nav submenu" title="Our Legacy" aria-label="Our Legacy"> Our Legacy
• Learn about us > Social Responsibility" data-element-type="header nav submenu" title="Social Responsibility" aria-label="Social Responsibility"> Social Responsibility
• Learn about us > Supplier Diversity" data-element-type="header nav submenu" title="Supplier Diversity" aria-label="Supplier Diversity"> Supplier Diversity
• Join Us > Careers" data-element-type="header nav submenu" title="Careers" aria-label="Careers"> Careers
• Join Us > Educator Input Panel" data-element-type="header nav submenu" title="Educator Input Panel" aria-label="Educator Input Panel"> Educator Input Panel
• Join Us > Suppliers and Vendors" data-element-type="header nav submenu" title="Suppliers and Vendors" aria-label="Suppliers and Vendors"> Suppliers and Vendors
• Divisions > Center for Model Schools (formerly ICLE)" data-element-type="header nav submenu" title="Center for Model Schools (formerly ICLE)" aria-label="Center for Model Schools (formerly ICLE)"> Center for Model Schools (formerly ICLE)
• Divisions > Heinemann" data-element-type="header nav submenu" title="Heinemann" aria-label="Heinemann"> Heinemann
• Divisions > NWEA" data-element-type="header nav submenu" title="NWEA" aria-label="NWEA"> NWEA
• Platform Login

SOCIAL STUDIES

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

29 Back-to-School Writing Prompts for Middle and High School

The first day of school is approaching, and as a teacher, your schedule is likely already filling up with organizational and instructional prep work. However, despite all of your efforts, you may find that some students may emerge slowly from their summer hazes.

Before your middle school or high school students start their assigned reading, get them engaged with these back-to-school writing prompts. Fill up some class time with a few warm-up writing prompts below, or send students home with a larger assignment to get them back into the swing of things!

First Day of School Writing Prompts: Middle School Students

Classroom Prompt Assignments

• Stream of consciousness is when a character lets their thoughts continuously flow. Write a stream of consciousness story of your own and see where your thoughts take you.
• For the new school year, what new skill would you choose to learn if you had the time, money, and ability? Why?
• Write a critique of a book, movie, or show you recently read or watched. What were its strong points? What were its weak ones?
• Describe the reigning emotions you felt this summer. Why did you feel that way, and how do you think these emotions might change as the school year progresses?
• Choose a place you traveled to this summer, either locally or far away, and write a blog post about that location. Should other people visit as well? It could be a restaurant, a town, a shop, or a favorite spot to hang out.
• If there is a club, sport, class, or event you are excited about this year, write what you already know about it. Follow up with some expectations that you have for the experience and yourself.
• A flashbulb memory is a very detailed memory that you have from when you were young. Do you have any memories like that, and if so, what are they about? Are there any events that have happened recently that you think you will remember for a long time?
• Do you have any traditions? If not, which one would you want to start this year?
• Describe the most memorable school project that you’ve ever done. Would you like to do a similar project this year, and if so, how can it be adapted to what you’re learning now?
• If you could create a themed book display for your school library, what would it be? Which titles would it include, and why?

Take-Home Writing Assignments

• Write a letter to your younger self, and then another to your older self.
• One important rule of creative writing is to “Show Don’t Tell.” Write a 1,500-word short story in your favorite genre, following this rule.
• Write a local wildlife guide to your backyard, neighborhood, local park, or even the school itself. What flora and fauna exist there?
• Write a 1,000-word essay about an aspect of your summer that focuses on the five basic senses—Sight, Hearing, Smell, Taste, and Touch.

First Day of School Writing Prompts: High School Students

• Set three resolutions for yourself to accomplish this year and describe why those are the ones you chose.
• Write a list of How-To instructions for something that you know how to do. It could be making a meal, cleaning something, playing a game, babysitting, drawing a picture, etc.
• Create a dream college for you to attend once you graduate. Which academic programs does it offer? What sports, art classes, and clubs are offered? Where is it located?
• Write a short story using only dialogue. Work on creating different voices for each character. If it helps, take notes on each character before the dialogue starts. Does one character use slang? Is the other excitable? Is one character older than the other?
• Write a song on a subject that isn’t usually heard in other songs.
• Create a new class for your school to offer. Why do you think that class is necessary? What are the learning goals for that class, and what are the assignments?
• Which app do you spend the most time on? What are the positive aspects of using the app? What are the negatives?
• Is there a cause that you want to be a part of? What is it, and why is it important to you?
• Create a new club for your community or school. What is the club about? What are your goals, and who do you hope will join?
• Describe three things that you are looking forward to this year.
• What is your ultimate dream job? Research the industry, company, or role you’re interested in and report on what it is and how to get there. Conclude with your expectations before and after your research. Is the job what you thought it was?
• Choose a position with the local government to run for and outline a platform to run on. Then, write a speech to voters about your platform. Make sure to research your current representatives to learn what their platforms are.
• What is going on in the town or city that you live in? Research local events, places, volunteer opportunities, parks, clubs, etc. Visit a new place or attend a new event, then write a review of your experiences using descriptive language. Would you go back again? Why or why not?
• An executive summary is an intro to a business plan that is designed to grab the reader’s attention by summarizing what the new business will accomplish. Write an executive summary between 500 and 1,000 words for a product, venture, or business that you wish existed.
• Research a historical figure that looks a little like you do (bonus points if you’ve never heard of them before now). What did they accomplish?

No matter how much or how little your students read this summer, get their creativity flowing with these thought-provoking journal prompts to kick off the year. By focusing on descriptive language, persuasive arguments, and ideas for the future, your middle school or high school class will find their writer's stride in no time.

Try Writable to support your ELA curriculum, district benchmarks, and state standards with more than 600 fully customizable writing assignments and rubrics for students in Grades 3–12 .

Try out a free trial of Writable today by following these steps:

• Go to hmh.writable.com
• Click "Log in or Create Account"
• Choose "I'm a teacher"
• Sign in with Google or Microsoft account
• Select the grade level you teach
• Activities & Lessons
• Grades 9-12

Related Reading

What Is Academic Vocabulary?

Jennifer Corujo Shaped Editor

March 25, 2024

Podcast: Partnering with Families to Build Early Literacy Skills with Melissa Hawkins in HI on Teachers in America

March 21, 2024

2024 Happy Teacher Appreciation Week Ideas

Brenda Iasevoli Shaped Executive Editor

March 20, 2024

175 Math and Creative Writing Prompts for Kids Of All Grades

Writing prompts are a new way of learning and growing. They are creative ways for children to find some new things around them to learn and explore. Writing prompts can make you excited about something you have seen or experienced.

Creative Writing prompts are very important for all children’s grades because they give you knowledge of many deep concepts that will help you grow and learn.

It’s a very magical process. How can a simple sentence make you believe you can do something different?

These creative writing prompts can be for anyone from middle school journal prompts to writing prompts for high school. All children’s grades can use these prompts to learn something new for themselves.

How does Creative writing prompt help children?

• Writing prompts help kids’ in expressing their feelings in a better way.
• Learning some life lessons and concepts.
• Writing a new story and playing drama.
• Enhancing kids’ thinking ability and exploring things
• Writing prompts increase curiosity in kids 

Math writing prompts for kids:

100+ Free Math Worksheets, Practice Tests & Quizzes

Math creative writing prompts kids to learn math with innovative and playful techniques. Additionally, math prompts increase curiosity in kids to explore the subject deeply. 

•           How many cookies do you want in the evening?
•          How many plants are there in your garden?
•          How many toys do you have?
•          Write the counting of numbers.
•          How many candies do you have in your pocket?
•          How much candy will you give to your friend?
•          Counting friends do you have?
•          How many gifts have you got on your birthday?
•          How many gates are there in your house?
•          How many steps are there on the stairs?
•          How many windows are there in your room?
•          How many heroes do you like?
•          How many students are there in your class?
•          How many teachers do you like?
•          Creating steps on the ground for counting.
•          Rolling the dice and counting numbers.
•          Counting wings for the fan.
•          Telling the time on the clock.
•          Splashing the balloons on the numbers.
•          Finding numbers in the book.
•          A treasure hunt of numbers.
•          Measuring your steps count.
•          Jumping on the number written on the ground.
•          Doing a number dance.
•          Moving up to card number steps.
•          Add and subtract candies.
•          Finding the name of the geometric shapes.
•          Stealing the specific color balloon.
•          Placing the geometric shapes on the blank place.
•          Jumping on the numbers.
•          Aiming the number on the board.
•          Finding the color in the pictures.
•          Designing a number board.
•          Drawing and color of shapes.
•          Rolling the ball on the number ball.
•          Money identification.
•          Comparing the numbers.
•          Ordering the number in ascending or descending order.
•          Paper folding several times.
•          Tell a math word you learned today.
•          Drawing lines on the dots to join them.
•          How many candies can you buy from 10 rupees?
•          How many colors are present in the rainbow?
•          How much is the cost of candies?
•          Differentiation of bright color and dark color.
•          Give an equal number of candies to your friends.
•            Finding the smaller number by comparing 

Math writing prompts for middle school children:

Middle school students creative writing prompts can be included with some high level of math, and middle school writing prompts for any research. These creative writing prompts will help to explore something new that will help them in their studies.

1. Placing the number according to their place values.

2. Finding the place value of a number.

3. Multiplication and division of numbers.

4. Write the table of the numbers by multiplying them.

The digital co-teacher made with ❤️ by teachers

ByteLearn saves you time and ensures every student gets the support they need

5. Designing the math slogan for class.

6. Finding the area and perimeter of the geometric shapes.

7. Finding the total number of shapes in geometry.

8. Writing the formula for finding the area of shapes.

9. Finding which year will be the leap year.

10. How many days does each month have?

11. How far is the earth from the moon and sun?

12. How to find the distance and speed of the car?

13. Difference between counting and skip counting.

14. How much money did you spend today?

15. Fraction of the number.

16. Diving the shapes into a fraction of parts.

17. Measurement of speed and acceleration.

18. Dividing the people into equal numbers of groups.

19. Measurement of time for completing the work.

20. Measure the weight of something.

21. Measurement units for different types of matter.

22. Finding odd, even, the whole number and prime numbers from 1 to 100.

23. Showing the symmetry of the shapes.

24. Creating the largest number using 4,8,3,9.

25. Finding the number multiple of 5.

26. Find the 2D shapes of geometry.

27. Create all the smallest numbers using 8,3,9,4.

28. Create a polygon of 5 sides.

29. Find how many edges and vertices the rectangle and square have.

30. Which geometric shapes have no side and edges?

31. Draw all 3D geometric shapes.

32. Figure out how many years of a gap are between your siblings.

33. Combination of numbers with two-digit.

34. Count numbers up to 100 and count back by skipping 2 steps.

35. Add your mom and dad’s age.

36. Finding all the largest and smallest numbers of all digit numbers.

37. Learning the facts of math.

38. The distance of planets from each other.

39. Temperature units of the different matter.

40. Measuring the amount of liquid in the container.

41. Buy the candies from the shop and add the bills.

42. Calculation of the rotation of the fans.

43. Distance from your school to your home.

44. Coordinates in the graph.

45. Prime factorization of the number.

46. Algebra equations and their order.

47. Convert hours to minutes and minutes to seconds.

48. Convert the centimeter to the meter.

49. Percentage of the number.

50. Decimal number. 

Journal Prompts for middle school:

Through creative writing prompts, middle school journal prompts help students to explore something new with the journal topic. It will include them in extracurricular activities, giving them life lessons and experiences.

1. You are proud of yourself because

2. If you get the opportunity to be a President, what changes will you make?

3. You are afraid of.

4. One thing in which you are well?

5. Which corner of your house is your favorite?

6. Describe the qualities of a good student.

7. What makes you happy?

8. Which time of the day is your favorite?

9. Who is your favorite person?

10. What is the one thing that excites you?

11. What are your hobbies?

12. Which was your best day ever?

13. Climbing on the tree is like…

14. I want to be…

15. Grandparents are…

16. Younger people are…

17. Your favorite travel day.

18. What is the thing that makes you sad?

19. Name of your favorite book.

20. What will you do if you get superpowers?

21. Use some new words and write sentences.

22. Who is your role model, and why?

23. Why do you love your mom and dad?

24. Write about your friends.

25. Write about the adventurous thing you have done earlier.

26. Write about your life goals.

27. Who do you love the most and why?

28. Which is your favorite food?

29. Who is your best friend?

30. What will you do if someone is fighting?

31. What will be your suggestions if someone is doing wrong?

32. Why should everyone respect your elder one?

33. What would be the name that you will give to yourself?

34. What would you do if someone breaks your trust?

35. What will be your reaction if your friend ditches you?

36. Which party will you go to if you have two invitations on the same day?

37. What would you do if you did something wrong?

38. What would you do if someone said something bad to you?

39. Will you apologize if you did something wrong and why?

40. How will you thank someone?

41. What would you do if you got the power of magic?

42. What do you want to become in life?

43. How will you treat your friend if they come to your house?

44. What would be your reaction if someone asked for your help?

45. Will you help the poor person?

46. Describe your surroundings in your words.

47. What is the first thing you do in the morning?

48. Do you exercise daily?

49. How do you feel if you do something good?

50. What is your vacation plan? 

Math prompts for high school:

High school students face a lot of problems while solving math questions . Math creative prompts writing will help them learn the chapter’s facts and concepts. Writing prompts for high school is not easy; it takes researching and studying the topic. 

• Explains the steps of operations you would take to solve a word problem.
• The number system of the math of both types.
• How would you tackle the word problem?
• Define the differences between rational numbers and composite numbers.
• Write all the trigonometric expressions used to solve.
• How many types of angles are there?
• Explain the standard formula for calculating interest in the bank.
• Explain all types of ways to find roots of the algebraic equation of all degrees.
• How do you change the temperature from one degree to another?
• How to write a number in expanded form and word form?
• What is the difference between a factor and a multiple of a number?
• Difference between area and volume of the geometric shapes.
• How many tiles will be used for 56 sq ft of a room of 4 X 5 sq unit of tiles?
• What can be the number who have a difference of 5?
• List the composite number from 1 to 100.
• Find the probability of winning the game of toss between 5 coins.
• Show the population using the graph representation.
• Find the square root and cube root of the number from 1 to 20.
• Simplification of the algebraic equation having variable x, y, z.
• Divisibility rule of the number from 2 to 11.
• Research the properties of multiplication and division.
• Explore the rule of BODMAS.
• What is the process of finding the mean, median, and mode?
• How to find the profit and loss of the sale?
• Solve sudoku for logic building.
• What are the functions and relations?
• Explain sequence and type of series.
• Describe the metric system.
• Explain the types of error and correction.
• Find the ratio and proportion between the given number 56,95. 

You may also like to read- How to divide fractions

Conclusion:

Creative writing prompts the matter of practicing; the more you practice it, the more you will get new ideas and stories for your writing prompts. Writing prompts for kids can help them to extend their thinking ability about something. A creative writing prompt can give you a reason to explore and find something that has been given to you by just a sentence that makes you curious about how things are working.

Free, standards-aligned math worksheets

Enter your email and we’ll send you samples of our most popular math worksheets.

111 Silly Math Jokes and Puns to Make Students Laugh Like crazy

40 Fun Math Questions with Answers

How to Divide Fractions into 3 Easy Steps With Examples

45 Funniest Indoor Math Games for Kids to Play Safely at Home

10 Easy Ways For Exponent multiplication [+Activities]

10 Popular Common Core Math Standards Explained with Examples in the Classroom

100 Best Teacher Appreciation Quotes To Thank Your Educators

About the author.

John Maloney

1 thought on “175 math and creative writing prompts for kids of all grades”.

Pingback: 5 Strategies To Grow Your Student’s Mathematical Vocabulary

Comments are closed.

• Our Mission

6 Ways to Improve Students’ Math Literacy

Middle and high school math teachers can use these ideas to build students’ reading comprehension and reasoning skills using real tasks like budgeting.

While a lot has changed in math instruction over the years, the idea that students need to be math literate has been constant. Being math literate means much more than calculations. Life events such as buying a home, paying taxes, or even estimating how much you’ll spend on groceries require modeling and reasoning skills.

State and district tests often include problems that are real-world based, and that means that students will need to use reading comprehension, along with math skills, in order to show proficiency. This can be particularly difficult for students with learning disabilities, those who have had interrupted schooling, and/or emergent multilingual learners. It’s imperative that math teachers develop a tool kit to help students decipher the math moves needed for such problems.

Through my dissertation research and my many years of teaching mathematics with great math teachers, I have found simple ways to help students become more math literate. Here are some practical ideas on how teachers can help students become math literate, from the perspective of Algebra 1 teachers from various backgrounds.

6 Ways to Help Students Gain Math Literacy

1. Use sentence frames. Sentence frames are a simple way to help students of all backgrounds learn how to state their answers and ask any questions they have about a word problem. Teachers can post sentence frames on a board or even on students’ desks for easy access. Here are some examples:

• “I agree with this answer because ____.”
• “I believe the answer is ____ because ____.”
• “I showed my work by ____.”
• “One strategy that may be helpful is ____ because ____.”

2. Bring back the highlighter. Many Algebra 1 teachers agree that the highlighter is a great way to help emphasize learning in mathematics. The highlighter gives students control of the parts of the problem that they find important. A good suggestion is to demonstrate the use of highlighting key words and have highlighters available for every task and assessment. It also helps students see the patterns in math problems.

3. Speak “algebra.” Students in all math classes need to be speaking math in their classes. It’s important to use the appropriate vocabulary words that pertain to the lesson. This is particularly important as students see formal math language in textbooks and standardized tests. Yes, breaking down the vocabulary for comprehension is a great tactic, but bringing it back to the standard math vocabulary is how we make connections.

4. Use word walls. The word wall was an important part of many math classrooms a few decades ago. They made sure that students saw math words that related to a particular topic being taught. For example, when introducing a polynomial unit, teachers would often put words such as monomial , trinomial , and polynomial on the word wall.

Many Algebra 1 teachers feel that having the visual is most important as students learn about new topics. Students need visual reminders. One suggestion was for students to “own” the word wall by passing out the words in advance and having them hang up each word as it was introduced throughout the unit. Students can make the words artsy and creative in an effort to personalize the resource.

5. Provide foldables or graphic organizers. The use of foldables in the math classroom is a game changer for many students, especially in the post-pandemic era. These low-tech student- or teacher-made “books” constructed out of folded paper provide learners with a handy place to write down the main concepts introduced in a unit. Students have been so used to math technology that there is a need to bring them back to tactile methods.

Providing a foldable to sum up or even begin a unit is a cost-effective method and allows students to use paper and scissors in a creative way to refer to math vocabulary and common word problems. You can find lots of free ideas for foldables online , and there are sites that sell them as well. Some of the designs are very creative and bring a bit of visual art into your math classroom.

6. Have students write relevant word problems. Every time there’s a new curriculum or textbook, word problems get a refresher to connect with the current generation, but there’s no reason why students can’t make up their own. Allow them to write their own word problems, using the context you’re teaching. Not only will students own their own learning, but also they will be able to use critical thinking skills to combine math, vocabulary, and everyday life to further their understanding.

Making the math classroom become a laboratory of reading and math enables students to become owners of the learning process. Students can be math literate, which will allow teachers to facilitate learning processes with all types of word problems, and consequently improve math scores and prepare students for the world of infusing mathematics into their everyday lives.

🎉 Our next novel writing master class starts in – ! Claim your spot →

BEST HIGH SCHOOL WRITING PROMPTS

Join (probably?) the world's largest writing contest. Flex those creative muscles with weekly writing prompts.

Showing 103 prompts reset

Set your story at a wedding reception, where a group of high school friends are meeting for the first time in years., write a story about an unconventional teacher., what was the last daydream that you dreamt while in class (be honest.) turn that into a short story..

High School

Write a story inspired by your favorite Tiktok reel.

You're trapped on a version of groundhog day... and the day that keeps looping for you is the day right before summer break starts..

Introducing Prompted , a new magazine written by you!

🏆 Featuring 12 prize-winning stories from our community. Download it now for FREE .

Write a letter to your middle school self. What would you want them to know?

Interview your favorite fictional villain. what questions would you ask them, you have to escape from a house on fire. what are the first three things you grab why, explain a computer to someone from the 16th century., define what trust means to you., subscribe to our prompts newsletter.

Never miss a prompt! Get curated writing inspiration delivered to your inbox each week.

Write a letter describing yourself and your modern life to a pen pal who lives in the year 1905.

What's your first memory describe it on paper using all five senses., write a guidebook for someone from outer space who is visiting your neighborhood for the first time., re-write a famous fairy tale from the villain's perspective., would you rather be able to change the past or change the future why, write about a time when you did something without thinking it through., if i were a superhero, i would..., describe the color blue to someone who's never seen it before., write a story that takes place completely in the dark., write an essay about technology, and the role that it plays in your life., win $250 in our short story competition 🏆.

We'll send you 5 prompts each week. Respond with your short story and you could win $250!

Contest #244 LIVE

Enter our weekly contest.

This week's theme: Oh Snap!

Prize money

Contest entries, closes at 23:59 - apr 05, 2024 est, recent contests ✍️.

#243 – Re-Imagining Our World Through Speculative Fiction with Alice McIlroy

#242 – Fine Art

#241 – Et Tu, Brute?

#240 – In the Wind

Recent winners 🏆

Niamh O'Dea – read

Liz Grosul – read

Jonathan Page – read

Gem Cassia – read

Leaderboard 🥇

#1 Zilla Babbitt

32349 points

#2 Deidra Whitt Lovegren

28673 points

#3 Abigail Airuedomwinya

22413 points

#4 Graham Kinross

14372 points

#5 Scout Tahoe

13195 points

#6 Chris Campbell

11009 points

#7 Thom With An H

10596 points

#8 Rayhan Hidayat

10210 points

#9 Michał Przywara

9868 points

#10 Deborah Mercer

9603 points

The best writing prompts for high school

Ah, high school. The birthplace of future geniuses, the setting of a million Young Adult books — and the cutting ground of many a brilliant young author. Writing in the classroom is often the best outlet of creativity for kids, and what better way to get your students excited about it than through creative writing prompts for high school students?

Whether you use journal prompts or story ideas to kickstart your high school student’s imagination, writing prompts are sure to help broaden their thinking, sharpen their writing skills, record their thoughts, and get them to engage with the world around them.

If you're looking to cut to the chase, here's a top ten list of writing prompts for high school students:

• In the form of diary/ journal entries, write about someone who's just experienced a big "first."
• Just then, your phone rings. It's your friend and they have some interesting news...
• Write a short story where the protagonist has a doppelgänger.
• Write a story about a misunderstanding.
• Write a story about a strange family tradition, with at least two characters from the family narrating in the course of the story.
• Write a story about someone who would be described, above all else, as: kind.
• Write a story that centers on an Instagram post.
• Write a story that spans a month during which everything changes.
• Write about a group of people determined to win an award for making the biggest cookie ever.
• Write about someone going to extreme lengths to return an overdue library book.

If you have a high school student who’s interested in becoming an author, check out our free resources on the topic:

Develop a Writing Routine (free course) — Any high schooler who’s serious about becoming a published author should know that writing a book doesn’t just take talent. 90% of the process is sitting in front of a blank piece of paper, and having the drive and commitment to put words to paper. That’s why we created this free course, which shows people of any age how to develop a writing routine that works for you. It’s never too early to start the process today!

Want to encourage your high school students to start writing? Check out Reedsy’s weekly short story contest , for the chance of winning $250! You can also check out our list of writing contests or our directory of literary magazines for more opportunities to submit your story.

NEW VIDEO COURSE 🎉

How to Write a Novel

Join Tom Bromley for a writing master class and finish your first draft in 3 months . Learn more →

Explore more writing prompt ideas:

Adults Writing Prompts ⭢

Adventure Writing Prompts ⭢

Angst Writing Prompts ⭢

Character Writing Prompts ⭢

Christmas Writing Prompts ⭢

Dark Writing Prompts ⭢

Dialogue Writing Prompts ⭢

Dramatic Writing Prompts ⭢

Dystopian Writing Prompts ⭢

Fall Writing Prompts ⭢

Fantasy Writing Prompts ⭢

Fiction Writing Prompts ⭢

Fluff Writing Prompts ⭢

Funny Writing Prompts ⭢

Halloween Writing Prompts ⭢

High School Writing Prompts ⭢

Historical Fiction Writing Prompts ⭢

Holiday Writing Prompts ⭢

Horror Writing Prompts ⭢

Kids Writing Prompts ⭢

Middle School Writing Prompts ⭢

Mystery Writing Prompts ⭢

Narrative Writing Prompts ⭢

Nonfiction Writing Prompts ⭢

Novel Writing Prompts ⭢

Poetry Writing Prompts ⭢

Romance Writing Prompts ⭢

Sad Writing Prompts ⭢

Science Fiction Writing Prompts ⭢

Short Story Writing Prompts ⭢

Spring Writing Prompts ⭢

Summer Writing Prompts ⭢

Teens Writing Prompts ⭢

Thanksgiving Writing Prompts ⭢

Thriller and Suspense Writing Prompts ⭢

Valentine's Day Writing Prompts ⭢

Vampire Writing Prompts ⭢

Winter Writing Prompts ⭢

Oops, you need an account for that!

Log in with your social account:

Or enter your email:

• Share full article

Advertisement

Supported by

Student Opinion

310 Prompts for Argumentative Writing

Questions on everything from mental health and sports to video games and dating. Which ones inspire you to take a stand?

By Natalie Proulx

Does social media harm young people’s mental health? Do video games deserve the bad rap they often get? Should parents track their children? Who is the greatest athlete of all time?

Every school day, we publish new questions for students based on the news of the day, including prompts, like these, that inspire persuasive writing.

Below, we’ve rounded up over 300 of those argumentative prompts, organized by topic, all in one place. They cover everything from parenting and schools to music and social media. Each one, drawn from our Student Opinion column , links to a free New York Times article as well as additional subquestions that can help you think more deeply about it.

You can use these prompts however you like, whether to inspire an entry for our new Open Letter Contest , to hone your persuasive writing skills or simply to share your opinions on the issues of today. So scroll through the list below and see which ones inspire you to take a stand.

If you enjoy these questions, know that you can find all of our argumentative writing prompts, as they publish, here . Students 13 and up from anywhere in the world are invited to comment.

Argumentative Prompt Topics

Technology and social media, college, work and money, health and relationships, gender and race, arts and entertainment, parenting and childhood, government and politics, animals, science and time.

Social Media

1. Does Social Media Harm Young People’s Mental Health? 2. How Much Should Speech Be Moderated on Social Media? 3. Should the United States Ban TikTok? 4. How Young Is Too Young to Use Social Media? 5. Should Kids Be Social Media Influencers? 6. What Should Be Done to Protect Children Online? 7. Should There Be Separate Social Media Apps for Children? 8. Are You a Fan of ‘School Accounts’ on Social Media? 9. Will Social Media Help or Hurt Your College and Career Goals? 10. Is It Ever OK to Use Strangers as Content for Social Media?

Phones and Devices

11. Should More Teenagers Ditch Their Smartphones? 12. Should the Adults in Your Life Be Worried by How Much You Use Your Phone? 13. Should Phones Ever Be a Part of Family or Holiday Gatherings? 14. What Are Your Texting Dos and Don’ts? 15. Does Grammar Still Matter in the Age of Twitter? 16. Is Your Phone Love Hurting Your Relationships? 17. Should Texting While Driving Be Treated Like Drunken Driving? 18. How Young Is Too Young for an Apple Watch?

The Internet

19. Do Memes Make the Internet a Better Place? 20. How Excited Are You About the Metaverse? 21. Should Websites Force Users to Prove How Old They Are? 22. What Is the Best Way to Stop Abusive Language Online? 23. How Do You Feel About Cancel Culture? 24. Does Online Public Shaming Prevent Us From Being Able to Grow and Change? 25. Do You Think Online Conspiracy Theories Can Be Dangerous? 26. Does Technology Make Us More Alone?

School Discipline and Attendance

27. Should Schools Ban Cellphones? 28. How Should Schools Hold Students Accountable for Hurting Others? 29. What Are Your Thoughts on Uniforms and Strict Dress Codes? 30. Should Schools Test Their Students for Nicotine and Drug Use? 31. How Can Schools Engage Students Who Are at Risk of Dropping Out? 32. Should Students Be Allowed to Miss School for Mental Health Reasons? 33. Should Your School Day Start Later? 34. Should There Still Be Snow Days? 35. Do Kids Need Recess? 36. Should Students Be Punished for Not Having Lunch Money?

School Quality and Effectiveness

37. How Do You Think American Education Could Be Improved? 38. Do Schools Need to Do More to Hold Students Accountable? 39. Are Straight A’s Always a Good Thing? 40. Should Students Have the Same Teachers Year After Year? 41. Do Teachers Assign Too Much Homework? 42. Should We Get Rid of Homework? 43. Should We Eliminate Gifted and Talented Programs? 44. Is It Time to Get Rid of Timed Tests? 45. What Role Should Textbooks Play in Education? 46. How Should Senior Year in High School Be Spent? 47. Does Your School Need More Money? 48. Do School Employees Deserve More Respect — and Pay? 49. Should Public Preschool Be a Right for All Children?

Teaching and Learning

50. Do You Think We Need to Change the Way Math Is Taught? 51. Should Financial Literacy Be a Required Course in School? 52. Should Schools Teach Students Kitchen and Household Skills? 53. Do We Need Better Music Education? 54. What Are the Most Important Things Students Should Learn in School? 55. What Is the Purpose of Teaching U.S. History? 56. Do Schools Need to Do More to Support Visual Thinkers? 57. Is School a Place for Self-Expression? 58. Should Media Literacy Be a Required Course in School? 59. Can Empathy Be Taught? Should Schools Try to Help Us Feel One Another’s Pain? 60. Should Schools Teach You How to Be Happy? 61. Should All Schools Teach Cursive? 62. Should Kids Still Learn to Tell Time? 63. How Important Is Knowing a Foreign Language

Technology in School

64. How Should Schools Respond to ChatGPT? 65. Does Learning to Be a Good Writer Still Matter in the Age of A.I.? 66. Is Online Learning Effective? 67. Should Students Be Monitored When Taking Online Tests? 68. Should Schools Be Able to Discipline Students for What They Say on Social Media? 69. Can Social Media Be a Tool for Learning and Growth in Schools? 70. Should Facial Recognition Technology Be Used in Schools? 71. Is Live-Streaming Classrooms a Good Idea? 72. Should Teachers and Professors Ban Student Use of Laptops in Class? 73. Are the Web Filters at Your School Too Restrictive?

Education Politics

74. Do You Feel Your School and Teachers Welcome Both Conservative and Liberal Points of View? 75. Should Students Learn About Climate Change in School? 76. Should Teachers Provide Trigger Warnings for ‘Traumatic Content’? 77. Should Teachers Be Allowed to Wear Political Symbols? 78. What Do You Think About Efforts to Ban Books From School Libraries? 79. What Is Your Reaction to the Growing Fight Over What Young People Can Read? 80. What Do You Think About the Controversy Surrounding the New A.P. Course on African American Studies? 81. Should Schools or Employers Be Allowed to Tell People How They Should Wear Their Hair? 82. Does Prayer Have Any Place in Public Schools? 83. Should Schools Be Allowed to Censor Student Newspapers?

College Admissions

84. Should Colleges Consider Standardized Tests in Admissions? 85. Should Students Let ChatGPT Help Them Write Their College Essays? 86. What Is Your Reaction to the End of Race-Based Affirmative Action in College Admissions? 87. Are Early-Decision Programs Unfair? Should Colleges Do Away With Them? 88. Is the College Admissions Process Fair? 89. How Much Do You Think It Matters Where You Go to College? 90. Should Everyone Go to College? 91. Should College Be Free? 92. Is Student Debt Worth It? 93. Should High Schools Post Their Annual College Lists?

Campus Life

94. What Should Free Speech Look Like on Campus? 95. Should Greek Life on College Campuses Come to an End? 96. Should Universities Work to Curtail Student Drinking? 97. How Should the Problem of Sexual Assault on Campuses Be Addressed? 98. Are Lavish Amenities on College Campuses Useful or Frivolous? 99. Should ‘Despised Dissenters’ Be Allowed to Speak on College Campuses? 100. Should Emotional Support Animals Be Allowed on College Campuses?

Jobs and Careers

101. Is High School a Good Time to Train for a Career? 102. Is There Such a Thing as a ‘Useless’ College Major? 103. Should All High School Students Have Part-Time Jobs? 104. Should National Service Be Required for All Young Americans? 105. Is It OK to Use Family Connections to Get a Job?

Money and Business

106. Do You Think the American Dream Is Real? 107. Should All Young People Learn How to Invest in the Stock Market? 108. Should We All Go Cashless? 109. When Should You Tip? 110. Should We End the Practice of Tipping? 111. Are You a Crypto Optimist or Skeptic? 112. Do Celebrities and Influencers Make You Want to Buy What They’re Selling? 113. Is $1 Billion Too Much Money for Any One Person to Have? 114. Are C.E.O.s Paid Too Much? 115. Is It Immoral to Increase the Price of Goods During a Crisis? 116. What Should Stores Do With Unsold Goods? 117. Is There a ‘Right Way’ to Be a Tourist? 118. Who Should We Honor on Our Money?

Mental Health

119. Is Teen Mental Health in a State of Crisis? 120. ‘Love-Bombing.’ ‘Gaslighting.’ ‘Victim.’ Is ‘Trauma Talk’ Overused? 121. Does Achieving Success Always Include Being Happy? 122. Is Struggle Essential to Happiness? 123. Should Schools Teach Mindfulness? 124. How Can We Bring an End to the ‘Epidemic of Loneliness’? 125. Does Every Country Need a ‘Loneliness Minister’? 126. What Ideas Do You Have to Bring Your Community Closer Together? 127. Are Emotional-Support Animals a Scam? 128. Is It OK to Laugh During Dark Times?

Dating and Relationships

129. Who Should Pay for Dates? 130. Do Marriage Proposals Still Have a Place in Today’s Society? 131. Should Your Significant Other Be Your Best Friend? 132. How Do You Think Technology Affects Dating?

Physical Health

133. Should Governments Do More to Discourage People From Smoking and Vaping? 134. How Should Adults Talk to Kids About Drugs? 135. Can Laziness Be a Good Thing? 136. Should There Be Requirements for Teens Who Want to Ride E-Bikes? 137. What Advice Should Parents and Counselors Give Teenagers About Sexting? 138. Should All Children Be Vaccinated? 139. Do We Worry Too Much About Germs?

140. Is It Becoming More Acceptable for Men and Boys to Cry? 141. Is It Harder for Men and Boys to Make and Keep Friends? 142. Should Award Shows Eliminate Gendered Categories? 143. Should There Be More Gender Options on Identification Documents? 144. Justice Ginsburg Fought for Gender Equality. How Close Are We to Achieving That Goal? 145. What Should #MeToo Mean for Teenage Boys? 146. What Is Hard About Being a Boy? 147. Should There Be More Boy Dolls? 148. Is Single-Sex Education Still Useful? 149. Are Beauty Pageants Still Relevant? 150. Should Period Products Be Free? 151. What Are Your Thoughts on Last Names? 152. What Rules Should Apply to Transgender Athletes When They Compete? 153. What Is Your Reaction to the Recent Wave of Legislation That Seeks to Regulate the Lives of Transgender Youths? 154. What Do You Wish Lawmakers Knew About How Anti-L.G.B.T.Q. Legislation Affects Teenagers?

Identity, Race and Ethnicity

155. How Should Schools Respond to Racist Jokes? 156. How Should Parents Teach Their Children About Race and Racism? 157. What Is Your Reaction to Efforts to Limit Teaching on Race in Schools? 158. How Should Racial Slurs in Literature Be Handled in the Classroom? 159. Should Confederate Statues Be Removed or Remain in Place? 160. Should We Rename Schools Named for Historical Figures With Ties to Racism, Sexism or Slavery? 161. How Should We Remember the Problematic Actions of the Nation’s Founders? 162. Does the United States Owe Reparations to the Descendants of Enslaved People? 163. What Can History Teach Us About Resilience? 164. Should All Americans Receive Anti-Bias Education? 165. Is Fear of ‘The Other’ Poisoning Public Life? 166. What Stereotypical Characters Make You Cringe? 167. When Talking About Identity, How Much Do Words Matter? 168. How Useful Is It to Be Multilingual?

TV and Movies

169. Is True Crime As a Form of Entertainment Ethical? 170. Should Old TV Shows Be Brought Back? 171. Does Reality TV Deserve Its Bad Rap? 172. How Closely Should Actors’ Identities Reflect the Roles They Play? 173. In the Age of Digital Streaming, Are Movie Theaters Still Relevant? 174. Do We Need More Female Superheroes? 175. Is Hollywood Becoming More Diverse? 176. When Does Lying in Comedy Cross a Line? 177. How Do You Feel About ‘Nepotism Babies’?

Music and Video Games

178. Will A.I. Replace Pop Stars? 179. If Two Songs Sound Alike, Is It Stealing? 180. Should Musicians Be Allowed to Copy or Borrow From Other Artists? 181. How Do You Feel About Censored Music? 182. What Are the Greatest Songs of All Time? 183. Do Video Games Deserve the Bad Rap They Often Get? 184. Should There Be Limits on How Much Time Young People Spend Playing Video Games? 185. Should More Parents Play Video Games With Their Kids?

186. Are A.I.-Generated Pictures Art? 187. What Work of Art Should Your Friends Fall in Love With? 188. If Artwork Offends People, Should It Be Removed? 189. Should Museums Return Looted Artifacts to Their Countries of Origin? 190. Should Art Come With Trigger Warnings? 191. Is the Digital Era Improving or Ruining the Experience of Art? 192. Are Museums Still Important in the Digital Age? 193. Can You Separate Art From the Artist? 194. Are There Subjects That Should Be Off-Limits to Artists, or to Certain Artists in Particular? 195. Should Graffiti Be Protected?

Books and Literature

196. Is Listening to a Book Just as Good as Reading It? 197. Should Classic Children’s Books Be Updated for Today’s Young Readers? 198. Should White Writers Translate a Black Author’s Work? 199. Is There Any Benefit to Reading Books You Hate? 200. Should Libraries Get Rid of Late Fees?

201. What’s the Best — and Worst — Part of Being a Sports Fan? 202. Who Is the GOAT? 203. Do Women’s Sports Deserve More Attention? 204. What Should Be Done About the Gender Pay Gap in Sports? 205. Should Girls and Boys Sports Teams Compete in the Same League? 206. Should More Sports Be Coed? 207. College Athletes Can Now Be Paid. But Not All of Them Are Seeing Money. Is That Fair? 208. Should High School-Age Basketball Players Be Able to Get Paid? 209. Are Some Youth Sports Too Intense? 210. Are Youth Sports Too Competitive? 211. Is It Bad Sportsmanship to Run Up the Score in Youth Sports? 212. Is It Ethical to Be a Football Fan? 213. Does the N.F.L. Have a Race Problem? 214. What New Rules Would Improve Your Favorite Sport? 215. What Sports Deserve More Hype? 216. How Should We Punish Sports Cheaters? 217. Should Technology in Sports Be Limited? 218. Does Better Sports Equipment Unfairly Improve Athletic Ability? 219. Is It Offensive for Sports Teams and Their Fans to Use Native American Names, Imagery and Gestures? 220. Is It Selfish to Pursue Risky Sports Like Extreme Mountain Climbing? 221. Should Cheerleading Be an Olympic Sport?

Related Writing Prompt

222. Should Parents Ever Be Held Responsible for the Harmful Actions of Their Children? 223. Where Is the Line Between Helping a Child Become More Resilient and Pushing Them Too Hard? 224. Should Parents Give Children More Responsibility at Younger Ages? 225. Should Parents Tell Children the Truth About Santa? 226. Should Parents Weigh in on Their Kids’ Dating Lives? 227. Should Parents Track Their Children? 228. How Should Parents Support a Student Who Has Fallen Behind in School? 229. Do Parents Ever Cross a Line by Helping Too Much With Schoolwork? 230. What’s the Best Way to Discipline Children? 231. What Are Your Thoughts on ‘Snowplow Parents’? 232. Should Stay-at-Home Parents Be Paid? 233. Should Parents Bribe Their Children?

Childhood and Growing Up

234. Is It Harder to Grow Up in the 21st Century Than It Was in the Past? 235. Is Childhood Today Over-Supervised? 236. When Do You Become an Adult? 237. Who Should Decide Whether a Teenager Can Get a Tattoo or Piercing? 238. Do We Give Children Too Many Trophies? 239. What Can Older Generations Learn From Gen Z? 240. What Is the Worst Toy Ever?

Legislation and Policy

241. Should the Death Penalty Be Abolished? 242. Should Marijuana Be Legal? 243. Should the United States Decriminalize the Possession of Drugs? 244. What Is Your Reaction to the State of Abortion Rights? 245. Should the Government Cancel Student Debt? 246. Should Public Transit Be Free? 247. Should There Be More Public Restrooms? 248. Should the U.S. Be Doing More to Prevent Child Poverty? 249. Should the Government Provide a Guaranteed Income for Families With Children? 250. Should Law Enforcement Be Able to Use DNA Data From Genealogy Websites for Criminal Investigations?

Gun Violence

251. Are You Concerned About Violence in America? 252. How Should Americans Deal With the Problem of Gun Violence? 253. What Should Lawmakers Do About Guns and Gun Violence? 254. Should the U.S. Ban Military-Style Semiautomatic Weapons? 255. Should Teachers Be Armed With Guns?

Voting and Elections

256. How Much Faith Do You Have in the U.S. Political System? 257. Is the Electoral College a Problem? Does It Need to Be Fixed? 258. Does Everyone Have a Responsibility to Vote? 259. Should We All Be Able to Vote by Mail? 260. Should There Be a Minimum Voting Age? 261. Should the Voting Age Be Lowered to 16? 262. Should Ex-Felons Have the Right to Vote? 263. Are Presidential Debates Helpful to Voters? Or Should They Be Scrapped?

Freedoms and Rights

264. How Important Is Freedom of the Press? 265. Why Does the Right to Protest Matter? 266. Does the U.S. Constitution Need an Equal Rights Amendment? 267. Do You Care Who Sits on the Supreme Court? Should We Care? 268. Should You Have a Right to Be Rude? 269. Should Prisons Offer Incarcerated People Education Opportunities?

Civic Participation

270. Are You Optimistic About the State of the World? 271. If You Could Take On One Problem Facing Our World, What Would It Be? 272. If You Were Mayor, What Problems Facing Your Community Would You Tackle? 273. Do You Think Teenagers Can Make a Difference in the World? 274. Do You Think It Is Important for Teenagers to Participate in Political Activism? 275. Is Your Generation Doing Its Part to Strengthen Our Democracy? 276. How Is Your Generation Changing Politics? 277. Why Is It Important for People With Different Political Beliefs to Talk to Each Other? 278. Are We Being Bad Citizens If We Don’t Keep Up With the News? 279. Why Do Bystanders Sometimes Fail to Help When They See Someone in Danger? 280. When Is It OK to Be a Snitch? 281. Should Reporters Ever Help the People They Are Covering? 282. Should Celebrities Weigh In on Politics? 283. Should Athletes Speak Out On Social and Political Issues? 284. Should Corporations Take Political Stands? 285. What Do You Think the Role of the First Lady — or First Spouse — Should Be Today?

286. Is Animal Testing Ever Justified? 287. What Is Our Responsibility to Lab Animals? 288. What Are Your Thoughts About Hunting Animals? 289. Should We Be Concerned With Where We Get Our Pets? 290. What Do You Think of Pet Weddings? 291. Is It Wrong to Focus on Animal Welfare When Humans Are Suffering? 292. Should We Bring Back Animals From Extinction? 293. Are Zoos Immoral? 294. Do Bugs Deserve More Respect?

Environment and Science

295. What Role Should Young People Play in the Fight Against Climate Change? 296. Should We Be More Optimistic About Efforts to Combat Climate Change? 297. How Far Is Too Far in the Fight Against Climate Change? 298. Should Plastic Bags Be Banned Everywhere? 299. Is It Ethical to Create Genetically Edited Humans? 300. Should We Still Be Sending Astronauts to Space? 301. Do You Think Pluto Should Be a Planet? 302. Should We Treat Robots Like People?

Time and Seasons

303. What Is the Best Month of the Year? What Is the Worst? 304. Would Life Be Better Without Time Zones? 305. Do You Think It Is Time to Get Rid of Daylight Saving Time? 306. When Do Holiday Decorations Go From Festive to Excessive? 307. Should We Rethink Thanksgiving? 308. When Does a Halloween Costume Cross the Line? 309. Should School Be a Place to Celebrate Halloween? 310. Should the Week Be Four Days Instead of Five?

Students 13 and older in the United States and Britain, and 16 and older elsewhere, are invited to comment. All comments are moderated by the Learning Network staff, but please keep in mind that once your comment is accepted, it will be made public and may appear in print.

Find more Student Opinion questions here. Teachers, check out this guide to learn how you can incorporate these prompts into your classroom.

Natalie Proulx joined The Learning Network as a staff editor in 2017 after working as an English language arts teacher and curriculum writer. More about Natalie Proulx