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101 Exciting 4th Grade Writing Prompts for 2023 (Free Printable!)

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Fourth grade is a time for students to continue to hone their writing chops as they put to use the skills they’ve learned and gain confidence in their abilities. We’ve collected this list of fourth grade writing prompts—including opinion, persuasive, informational, and narrative—to spur your students’ imaginations and get them writing!

You can get 50 of these fourth grade writing prompts in a free PowerPoint slideshow bundle! They make it easy to share these writing ideas with your students.  Grab your free PowerPoint bundle by submitting your email here .

• Persuasive and Opinion Writing Prompts
• Descriptive and Expository Writing Prompts
• Narrative and Personal Writing Prompts
• Creative Writing Prompts
• Current Events Writing Prompts

Persuasive and Opinion 4th Grade Writing Prompts

Would you rather be good at sports or good in school? Why?

Would you rather have lots of money or lots of friends? Why?

What is your favorite subject in school? Why?

Are fourth graders ready to stay home alone? Why or why not?

Name two characters from different books that you think might be good friends. Why?

Which is more important for success, skill or luck?

Should kids be paid an allowance to do chores around the house? Why or why not?

Why are classroom rules important?

If you had a time machine, what era of history would you visit?

Why is math important?

Why is science important?

Should fourth graders have cell phones? Why or why not?

If you could open a store, what type of store would it be and why?

Which would you rather read: a scary story that gives you goosebumps or a funny story that cracks you up? Why?

What is the hardest thing about being a fourth grader?

If I were the ruler of the world, the first law I would pass would be … because …

If you found a backpack filled with dollar bills, what would you do?

Is it ever OK to tell secrets? Why or why not?

What animal makes the best pet? Why?

Is it better to spend an hour a day reading or an hour a day exercising? Why?

Descriptive and Expository 4th Grade Writing Prompts

If you had a YouTube channel, what would you talk about?

What’s the best book you’ve read recently? What was it all about?

If you won a million dollars, how would you spend the money?

Describe what you think of as perfect weather.

Describe how to build a birdhouse step by step.

Write five rules for staying organized.

What is the worst book you ever read?

Describe the physical appearance of someone in your family in detail.

Imagine you are in a hot-air balloon above your house. Describe everything you can see.

Describe how to play your favorite board game.

There’s an old saying: “The squeaky wheel gets the grease.” What do you think this saying means?

Describe your perfect day.

One of your little cousins is very nervous about starting kindergarten. What would you tell them to make them feel better?

Imagine you are an adult and describe your dream job.

Explain your morning routine in detail, from waking up to arriving at school.

Describe the perfect meal, including what you’d eat and where you’d dine.

Share what you do on a typical non-school day.

Explain the right way to do one of your household chores, like making your bed or cleaning your room.

Describe your favorite room at home in detail.

How do you prepare for a big test? Describe the ways you study or practice.

Narrative and Personal 4th Grade Writing Prompts

Share one of the stories your family has told you about when you were a baby.

What is the funniest thing that has ever happened to you?

Write about an adult you look up to.

What’s the nicest thing anybody has ever done for you?

If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?

Write about a time you felt like quitting but didn’t. How did you keep yourself going?

Do you like nonfiction books or fiction books better? Why?

What makes your family unique?

What would you say is your greatest strength? Greatest weakness?

Are you a patient person? Why or why not?

What is something you’ve never done that you would like to try?

What is the weirdest thing that has ever happened to you?

Write about a time you tried something new and how you felt before, during, and after.

What is your earliest memory?

What’s your favorite holiday? What makes it so special?

Write about a time when you felt proud of yourself.

Tell the story of your favorite field trip of all time.

If you could relive any day in your life, what would it be? Would you want it to be the same or different?

What holiday is important to your family? Describe how you celebrate it together.

What’s the best gift you’ve ever gotten? How did it make you feel?

Creative 4th Grade Writing Prompts

If you met an alien, what three questions would you ask them?

Pretend you drank a magic potion that made you as tiny as an ant. Where would you go and what would you do?

Pretend you ate a magic pill that made you as tall as a redwood tree. Where would you go and what would you do?

Write a story that includes these five words: keys, spaghetti, uncle, jellyfish, spaceship.

What would the world be like if dinosaurs still existed?

If you could invent something new the world really needs, what would it be? How would it work?

Retell a classic story, making the villain the hero instead.

Imagine that one day you woke up and found everyone in the world could no longer talk. What would happen next?

Write a new chapter of your favorite book, with yourself as a new character.

Imagine you woke up one morning with a superpower, like invisibility or the ability to fly. Describe your experiences learning how to use that power.

Use these words to start a story: “When I opened the box that came in the mail, I never expected to find …”

Describe a world where it rains fruit juice and snows M&Ms.

Come up with the most ridiculous excuse possible for why you are unable to turn in your homework today.

Describe a world where all the adults are robots, but kids are still human kids.

Imagine a conversation between yourself and a talking animal.

Describe the kind of creature you’d create if you were a mad scientist. Would it be scary and mean? Nice and friendly?

Invent a new kind of candy. Give it a name, and write a commercial jingle for it.

Write about a day where kids are in charge instead of grown-ups.

Imagine you’re lost in a haunted wood, and tell the story of your escape.

Tell a story that ends with these words: “… and that’s how we all learned to fly.”

Describe a night in the life of the tooth fairy.

Current Events 4th Grade Writing Prompts

If you made a time capsule for this year, what would you put in it?

Describe something that you saw in the news recently and how it made you feel.

Tell about an event that happened recently at your school or in your town.

What do you think is one of the world’s biggest problems right now, and how would you solve it?

Read a news story about something happening in another country and summarize it.

Write a news article about something important that happened to you this week.

Create a poem about something in the local news right now.

Write a letter to the editor about a current issue, explaining your opinion.

Find a “good news” story, and share why it makes you happy.

What living famous person do you most admire and why?

What do you think kids today can do about climate change and global warming?

Learn about an endangered animal, and describe what we can do to help it.

What does the word “racism” mean to you?

What is one thing you would do to make your school or town a better place?

Choose an upcoming sports event, and explain who you think will win.

Describe a current fashion trend or something that’s very popular in your school right now, and how you feel about it.

What can we do to help people with different opinions get along with one another better?

Interview a grown-up you know, and write a news article about them.

What do you think is the best new song right now? The worst? Why?

Describe an event that’s happening in the world right now that you don’t understand. What questions would you ask a grown-up about it?

How do you use writing prompts with your students? Come share your ideas and ask for advice in the We Are Teachers HELPLINE group on Facebook .

Also check out 57 awesome 4th grade books you’ll want to share with students ..

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4th Grade Writing Prompts

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Students in fourth grade need varied practice developing their writing skills. According to the Common Core State Standards Initiative , fourth-grade writing should include opinion pieces, informative or explanatory texts, and narratives about real or imagined experiences. Additionally, a fourth-grade writing curriculum should include short research projects. 

These writing prompts offer diverse forms of inspiration for every student.

Opinion Essay Writing Prompts

In an opinion essay , students must state their opinion and back it up with facts and reasons . Ideas should be organized logically and supported by details.

• Best Friends Forever. Write an essay explaining what makes your best friend the best best friend. 
• Awesomeness.  Describe the most awesome thing about being in fourth grade.
• New Worlds. Would you rather help start a colony on a new planet or a city under the ocean? Why?
• School Food. Name one thing you would like to change about your school’s menu and explain why.
• Someday. If you could be a race car driver, an astronaut, or president of a country, which would you choose and why?
• Cityscapes . If you had a friend visit from another state, what is the one place in your city you would insist he or she had to see? What makes this place so special?
• Shipwrecked. You find yourself stranded on a deserted island with only three items in your backpack. What would you want those items to be and why?
• Flat Earth. Some people still believe that the Earth is flat . Do you agree or disagree? Include supporting facts.
• Extra! Extra! Name one class, sport, or club you wish your school offered and explain why it should be available.
• Seasons. Which season is your favorite and why?
• One-star . What is the worst book you have ever read and what made it so terrible?
• Fandom. Who is your favorite TV, movie, or music star? What makes him or her the best?
• Progress.  Identify a way in which you would like to improve as a student this school year. Explain why you would like to get better and list some steps you can take to make it happen.

Informative Essay Writing Prompts

When writing an informative or explanatory essay, students should introduce the topic clearly, then develop the topic with facts and details. When explaining a process, students should outline the steps in a logical order.

• Bullied. Explain how you would handle being bullied and the steps you would take to stop a bully.
• Mad Skills. Describe an unusual talent, hobby, or skill that you possess.
• Cuisine. Describe a food that is unique to your family or area of the world to someone who has never tasted it.
• Role Model. Think of a person who has made an impact on your life and describe the role they’ve played.
• Pay It Forward. What is one thing you would like to do—either now or in the future—to make the world a better place?
• Packing. Explain the most effective way to pack for a trip to ensure that you have everything you need.
• Wild Kingdom. Of all the animals wild or domesticated, write about your favorite. Include interesting facts about this animal in your essay.
• Gaming. Explain how to play your favorite video or board game to someone who has never played it before.
• Problematic. Describe a problem you’re facing and three ways you could possibly solve it.
• Extreme Weather. Choose an extreme weather condition or a natural disaster such as a tornado or a volcanic eruption. Explain its causes and effects.
• Sweet Treats. Explain the process of making your favorite dessert.
• Learning Styles. Think of the way you prefer to learn, such as by reading, listening, or doing. Explain why you think you learn best that way.
• Edison. Thomas Edison said that he didn’t make mistakes, he just learned 10,000 ways not to make a light bulb. Describe a mistake you made and the lesson you learned from it.

Narrative Essay Writing Prompts

When writing narrative essays about real or imagined experiences, students should use descriptive details and logical sequence. They can use dialogue and sensory details to develop their essay .

• Microscopic Details. Imagine being microscopic. Describe an adventurous trip through your body.
• Alone. You find yourself locked in your favorite store alone overnight. Where are you and what do you do?
• Homeless. A friendly stray dog follows you home from school. What happens next?
• Time Travel. Imagine you could travel back in time to when your mom or dad was your age. Write an essay about your relationship with your fourth-grade parent.
• Mismatched. Write a story about someone your age. The story must include a giraffe, a mouse, a flying carpet, and a large birdcage.
• Pet Peeve.  Recount a moment when something really got on your nerves. Describe the experience and why it irritated you so much.
• Surprise! Think of a time your teacher surprised your class. Describe what happened and how the class reacted.
• Special Moments. Think of a specific day or event that you will always remember. What made it so special?
• Travel Through History. Imagine you could travel back in time to live through one event from history . Describe the event and write about your experience.
• The Most Terrible Day. Write an essay about a day when everything went wrong. How did the day start and end, describe the experience.
• Road Trip. Write about a favorite family vacation or road trip. Where did you go? What made it special?
• Funny Pet Tricks.  Can your pet do a funny or unusual trick? Describe it.
• President. If you could be president for a day (or the principal of your school), what would you do?

Research Project Essay Writing Prompts

Fourth-grade students should also complete short research projects using books, magazines, and online sources . Students should take notes and provide a list of the sources they used in their research.

• New Puppy. You want a new puppy. Do some research to determine the best breed for your family and write about it.
• Battles . Research and write about what you consider the most significant or famous battle in history.
• Famous People. Choose a famous person from history or science and write about their lives and contributions.
• Animal Kingdom. Select an animal to research. Include facts about its behavior, habitat, and diet.
• Countries. Choose a country. Investigate its culture and holidays, and find out what life there is like for kids your age.
• States. Pick a state you’ve never visited. Learn three to five unique facts about the state to include in your essay.
• Inventions. What do you think is the greatest or most useful invention of all time? Find out who invented it and how and why it was invented.
• Native Americans. Choose a Native American tribe. Learn about where they lived, their culture, and their use of natural resources in their area.
• Endangered Species. Research and write about an animal that is endangered. Include facts about why it is endangered and any changes that people can make to help increase its population.
• Fine Arts. Learn more about an artist or composer. Include facts about their life and death and most well-known works.
• Authors. Research an author whose books you enjoy. Include facts about what inspired him or her to start writing.
• Dig Deeper.  Research something you’ve studied in history, science, or literature but would like to know more about.
• State Standouts. Choose a famous person from your state. Learn about his or her life and contributions.
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100 Fun Writing Prompts for 4th Grade: Journal Prompts

• Journal Writing Prompts
• Descriptive Writing Prompts 
• Fiction Writing Prompts 
• Opinion Writing Prompts
• Funny Writing Prompts 
• Informative Essay Writing Prompts
• Animal Writing Prompts 
• Poetry Writing Prompts 
• Narrative Essay Writing
• Emotion Writing Prompts 

Writing help stimulates and organize thoughts in children. They make them better off expressing whatever they have in their mind and feel a little less burdensome.

But, how do we inspire young children to write?

Writing Prompts are a perfect genesis for developing writing habits in kids. They brew creativity, vocabulary, a sense of expression and so much more in them.

Without much ado, let’s get straight to the list of 4th grade writing prompts.

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Here are more learning resources for your 4th grader to aid to their learning!

100 Fun Writing Prompts for 4th Grade

10 Journal Writing Prompts

It is important to develop self-expression in kids, which can be made possible through regular journaling. For kids as young as 4th graders, journalling can boost the flow of ideas and spark reflective communication in them. Refer to the list of 4th grade journal prompts and get your students on a writing fling. 

1. What is a secret dream of yours? What can you do now to reach it later in your life?

2. What kind of a friend do you think you are? List three things where you can improve and become a better friend.

3. What is one thing that your teacher does that you don’t like? How would you like her to do that instead?

4. What is your favorite thing about being in the class?

5. Recount the best picnic you had with friends. Where did you go? What part did you enjoy the most?

6. Make a list of 30 things that you love about your life.

7. Who is your inspiration and why?

8. If you are allowed to make a single wish, what would it be?

9. Write about your favorite hobbies

10. Write about the best gift you have received. What made you love it so much?

10 Descriptive Writing Prompts 

Somewhat similar to 4th-grade journal writing prompts, Descriptive prompts can be a great tap into creativity. When you want to keep your students busy with writing in a way that builds a love of details in them, here are the writing topics for 4th graders that you shouldn’t miss.

1. Write about 3 places that would like to travel to. Why and with whom?

2. Imagine your new classmate starts school today. What would you do to welcome them?

3. Describe a mistake you made and what you learned from it.

4. Your uncle overseas wants to know about your city. Write a letter to him describing your city- the famous monuments, eateries, parks, and more.

5. If you get to become a teacher for a day, which subjects will you teach and why?

6. Who inspires you in the family, and why?

7. Share your experience about a time when something unexpected happened.

8. Describe your favorite classmate. What is one more thing(s) that you would want to learn from him/her?

9. What is your favorite outfit? Why and where would you wear it?

10. You have found a lucky object. Share the little details about it.

10 Fiction Writing Prompts 

What is life without fantasy and fiction? Precisely, nothing. Fiction is a powerful tool to pen down the flow of ideas without having to follow a particular format. It not only fuels creativity but improves writing skills and concentration. So, if you are planning to assay your student’s imaginative power, use these writing prompts for 4th grade.

1. Last night, you traveled into space. What did you see?

2. Put yourselves in the shoes of a mad scientist who just discovered a fruit. How does it look it? Narrate its journey from the innovative lab to the market.

3. In your favorite fairy tale, a prince decides to be a villain instead of a hero. Write the chain of events that unfold.

4. One day, you wake up to see that your elder brother has been turned into a horse by an evil witch. Build a story around the scenario.

5. On a lonely stormy night…Continue the story.

6. You have acquired a superpower to turn invisible whenever you like. Narrate the events of how and where you would use this superpower.

7. You were transported into the last story you read. Where are you? How would the story change with your presence?

8. Imagine you got a chance to climb up the ladder to the clouds. Write what you see there.

9. You woke up to find out that you have grown wings. How would your life change?

10. “Do not be angry” I told myself. But, as I looked down… Complete a story.

10 Opinion Writing Prompts

Supporting critical thinking and vision, Opinion writing prompts can be instrumental in shaping the thought process in young minds. More often than not, even the senior students are not aware of how many strong opinions they hold. Therefore, it becomes crucial to let kids practice how to present their arguments in their development years. Here’s a list of opinion writing prompts for 4th grade to kickstart their writing journey.

1. Should recess time be longer in schools? Why, or why not?

2. Should 4th graders receive pocket money from their parents? Why, or why not?

3. Share the best pizza eatery in your town. Why do you think it’s the best?

4. With the annual function coming up, your school wants to invite a famous personality to deliver an inspirational speech or presentation. Who do you think will be the best fit?

5. Would you rather be a class topper, a fine artist, or an excellent sportsperson?

6. Do you think smoking should be banned? Why, or why not?

7. Share your opinion on students bringing a cell phone to school.

8. Should everyone exercise every day? Share your opinion.

9. If you were to plan the school lunch menu, what will you include?

10. Is homework a good practice for learning? What do you think?

10 Funny Writing Prompts 

Do you see your kids getting bored of writing on general topics? Don’t worry, refer to our list of fun writing prompts for 4th grade! Funny Writing Prompts are a great icebreaker to stir up the imagination and interest in students. Moreover, teachers can let students read aloud their fun stories in class. Get ready for a giggle-packed writing period with writing prompts for 4th grade!

1. Your homework was eaten by a dog. Write a story to convince your teacher.

2. Write a story using 5 words: funny, bird, sleep, guitar and pajamas.

3. Imagine you woke up and saw a giant sleeping next to you. Narrate the story.

4. Create a story where chocolate cake is the main character.

5. The rabbit jumped on the moon and the dish ran away with the spoon. Build a humorous story.

6. Imagine your best friend cannot stop sneezing and farting throughout the day. What do you think the day would look like to him?

7. Imagine someone cast a spell on your mother. She could talk nothing but only meow. How would your life change? What can you do to break the spell?

8. Everyone around you turns into a robot. How would you spend your day?

9. What would happen if you ate a cookie and became a dwarf? Narrate the scenario.

10. I never thought my cat would laugh… Continue the story.

10 Informative Essay Writing Prompts

The essence of Informative Writing prompts lies in how well students can convey particulars about an object, a personality, or an event to the readers. As much as they improve their writing skills, the prompts compel the young minds to think critically, and fetch cues from their memory and learning.

Check out the writing ideas for 4th grade kids on the list to make your work a little easier!

1. Write the importance of water in our lives. How can we save water?

2. What are traditions? Which one do you like the most and hate the most in your family?

3. Imagine you are a city tour guide. What are the best places to visit in your city?

4. What is the most interesting book you have ever read? Write a book review.

5. Write a ‘how to play’ guide for your favorite game.

6. Recollect the times you were in quarantine. Write an interesting story about how you overcame tough times.

7. How should we take care of our younger siblings?

8. You are at a farm with your family. Write all that you see around you.

9. Imagine you just experienced an earthquake. What was the first thing you did? Narrate the details.

10. You have become a store manager for a day. Write about all the responsibilities and tasks that you undertook throughout the day.

10 Animal Writing Prompts 

We all agree that animals fit naturally into our stories. That’s because humans share an unbreakable bond with animals. So, why not have a writing session that features animals? This will surely infuse some excitement and divergent thinking in the classroom . Here’s some animal creative writing prompt for 4th graders!

1. Write some interesting facts that you know about animals.

2. How would it be if you woke up doing ‘meow meow’ one morning? Write a story.

3. Imagine dinosaurs taking over the world. What do they make humans do?

4. What if you are in a forest and a lion starts talking to you? What would the conversation be like?

5. If you were allowed to pet 5 animals, which one will you choose and why?

6. ‘A camel was walking in the desert but suddenly…’ Construct an interesting story.

7. Write a story about the friendship of a pigeon and squirrel living on the same tree.

8. Imagine you are swimming in the Indian Ocean and a shark arrives. What will you do?

9. Is the zoo a good place for animals? Why, or why not?

10. If you could have a superpower to turn into any animal, which animal would you become to save a girl who’s been kidnapped? Why?

10 Poetry Writing Prompts 

In a world where classic literature has been lost under social media slang, poetry is still a breath of fresh air. Moreover, poems for kids can be really helpful in improving creative writing skills. They not only learn the real rules of literature and grammar but find joy in expressing themselves. Jump into the poetic world with these 4th grade writing prompts.

1. Write poetry about your first day in 4th grade.

2. Write a haiku about your favorite ice cream.

3. ‘Silvery sweet sound’… Continue the poem.

4. ‘There was once a wise man who told me’. Write a limerick using this line.

5. ‘I met a funny little man…’ Write an interesting poem.

6. Write poetry about Mother Earth.

7. ‘When the winter snow begins to fade…’ Continue the poem.

8. ‘The story is strange, as you will see, The weirdest thing ever happened to me.’’ Write a poem to describe the weirdest scenario you have been in.

9. ‘I woke up one morning with a mermaid tale’. Write a poem.

10. ‘Snow slips down swiftly’. Write a haiku.

10 Narrative Essay Writing

One of the widely practiced 4th grade writing prompts, Narrative writing is all about expressions and stories. It encompasses the beginning, middle, and end of a narrative. Whether it’s a personal incident or a fact or a fiction, it’s sure to spark a joy of creativity in young ones. Here are some ideas that you can use as 4th grade narrative writing prompts.

1. Suppose you become a school principal for a day. Write about what changes you will make in the school.

2. You have to describe your family members to someone who has never met them before. How will you do it?

3. If you had a chance to keep an extra chair at the dining table tonight, whom would you invite and why?

4. What is your favorite memory from 3rd grade? Share details about it.

5. What is one thing that makes you feel sad? How do you overcome this sadness?

6. Write about your favorite holiday meal.

7. When did you score poorly on a test? What did your parents say?

8. Write about your experience at a summer camp. Would you go this year again?

9. If given a chance to visit another planet, where would you go and why?

10. This year my goals are… Write about what all you want to achieve by the end of the year.

10 Emotion Writing Prompts 

Just as adults need an outlet to express their bubbling emotions, so do kids! Journalling is a powerful tool, facilitating reflection and critical thought. While journalling might be a difficult step for most kids, writing prompts can support their creative outlet. It can aid them in expanding their own ideas, articulating their feelings, and boosting their confidence. Look at some interesting fourth grade journal prompts that kids will love!

1. Write a letter to your 15-year-old self.

2. What are 10 things you and your best friend are good at?

3. Describe your favorite time of the year. What activities do you do during this time? Who do you spend it with?

4. Imagine you found a genie who promises to grant you 3 wishes. What wishes would you make?

5. Write about a time you felt a strong emotion- be it happiness, sadness, anger, etc. What made you feel that way? What did you do to control it?

6. Suppose it is your mother’s birthday next week. How can you make it memorable for her? What planning will you do?

7. Do you know about your strengths and weaknesses? Write 5 each.

8. You have to thank 10 people today. Who will be on your list? How will you be thankful to them?

9. When someone compliments you, how do you respond to it?

10. Write about all the times you have felt happy in the last week.

12 Ways To Help 4th Graders With Writing

When it comes to giving a creative push to 4th graders, there can be nothing better than writing prompts. Since young students face more hurdles in following a structural approach to writing, prompts can help kids relieve that pressure. Consequently, they can enjoy flexibility in writing, allowing more room for creativity and imagination.

While kids may benefit immensely from writing prompts, it cannot be made possible without a mentor’s encouragement and support. Here are some of the creative ideas around 4th grade writing prompts that you can explore with kids:

• Encourage recollecting past experiences to stir up the writing process
• Give them friendly instructions
• Talk through building imaginary scenarios
• Respond actively to their communication and prompts
• Curating problem prompts and discussing the probable solutions
• Sharing classic tales or retelling them to fit the current scenario
• Jotting down facts to build creative prompts
• Emphasizing on development of opinionated argument
• Inspiring to write in a variety of styles
• Providing comprehensive support to build the writer’s confidence
• Highlighting authentic grammar rules and spelling
• Use of digital tools to create prompts

The above list is not exhaustive, and there’s always enough room for creativity.

To ease things for you, here are three steps you can consider while using writing prompts:

Step #1: Introduce the statement or topic to the students to steer the creative writing ship

Step #2: Encourage students to make a personal connection with the prompt given, and brainstorm the key points with them

Step #3: Convey the purpose of the writing assignment- an essay, a paragraph, or any other form of writing. Instruct the students using sufficient information to better equip them with writing cues.

Summing Up…

Young kids need support to build writing skills as much as adults do. Writing prompts can be a perfect anchor to get set kids on a writing spree. We hope the above 4th grade writing prompts can serve the enjoyment and purpose of your class! Good Luck!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How can i improve my child’s writing skills using elementary prompts.

It is imperative to build focus in kids as young as 4th graders. Unfocused writing can become troublesome for them in the future. To improve focus, emphasize using basic prompts that encompass their favorite things- toy, place, picnic memory, cup, etc. Make a list of all that they like and ask them to write small details about them. Let them practice these as much as they want. This way, sticking to a single topic, will surely help them stay clear and focused until they start with longer essays.

How do I keep a tab on my child’s progress in writing?

Writing prompts are in themselves a great tool to help teachers and parents measure the progress of the kid. The best way to see whether the kid has improved or not is to let them practice with the elementary prompts daily. You must skim through them, and politely pinpoint the grammatical or punctuation errors. 

However, do not be too harsh on them while communicating their mistakes to them. Remember, all good things take time! Moreover, do not compare your child’s progress to any other child. All children have different capacities and speeds to grasp things. Target steady growth!

How can I make writing prompts a fun activity for the class?

There are endless possibilities to creatively support the use of 4th grade journal prompts. You can divide the students into small groups and pin a challenge of writing prompts between them. Furthermore, teachers can make use of attractive resources like flashcards, worksheets, etc. to add a spark of enthusiasm and fun to the class. 

Since little appreciation and kind words go a long way, you can keep exciting rewards for the kids who perform exceptionally. There’s so much that you can do to unleash the creative side of your 4th graders.

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50 Exclusive 4th Grade Writing Prompts That Are Printable For Free

• February 20, 2024

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• What Are The Benefits of 4th-Grade Writing Prompts?

Narrative Writing Prompts:

Persuasive writing prompts:, descriptive writing prompts:, informative writing prompts:, bonus prompts:, how to use 4th grade writing prompts in the classroom, we also recommend.

Writing is an essential skill that students need to develop at a young age. By providing them with interesting writing prompts, you can encourage creativity, critical thinking, and language development.

Are you looking for engaging and creative writing prompts for your 4th-grade students? Look no further! We have compiled a list of 50 exclusive writing prompts that are not only fun and exciting but also printable for free.

Whether you are a teacher looking for new writing prompts for your classroom or a parent wanting to support your child’s writing development, these 50 exclusive prompts will inspire and motivate young writers to express themselves and hone their writing skills. So, grab a pencil and paper, and let the creative writing begin!

What Are The Benefits of 4th-Grade Writing Prompts ?

Writing prompts offer a treasure trove of benefits for 4th graders, both in terms of academic development and personal growth. Here are some key advantages:

For the learner:

• Boost creativity and imagination: Spark out-of-the-box thinking and encourage unique storytelling concepts.
• Develop essential writing skills: Hone grammar, vocabulary, and sentence structure in a fun and engaging way.
• Increase confidence in writing: Provide achievable challenges and opportunities to showcase creativity.
• Foster critical thinking and argumentation: Prompt persuasive prompts that encourage logical reasoning and expressing opinions.
• Cultivate curiosity and exploration: Spark interest in various subjects and motivate research and learning.
• Promote self-expression and emotional exploration: Give children a platform to share feelings and explore different perspectives.

SEE ALSO: 15 Different Types of Tones in Writing: Must-Know Guide for All Writers

For the parent/teacher:

• Free and readily available: No need to break the bank or scour the internet for new prompts.
• Printable and convenient: Easily access and use them in various settings, classrooms, or family time.
• Diverse and engaging: Offer a variety of genres and topics to cater to different interests and learning styles.
• Spark discussion and collaboration: Use them as starting points for family storytelling nights or classroom activities.
• Support curriculum alignment: Easily find prompts that complement specific lessons or learning objectives.
• Reduce screen time: Offer an alternative to passive entertainment and encourage creative expression.

50 Exclusive 4th Grade Writing Prompts

Writing helps stimulate and organize thoughts in 4th-grade children. They make them better off expressing whatever they have in their mind and feel a little less burdensome.

Let’s take a look at the different writing prompts for 4th-grade students:

Related Post: 107+ Creative Writing Prompts For Middle School Students

• You wake up one morning to find your pet has superpowers! What happens next?
• You discover a hidden door in your attic that leads to a secret world. Describe what you find there.
• You and your best friend shrink down to the size of ants. What adventures do you have?
• You find a genie in a bottle. What are your three wishes?
• You are the main character in your favorite book. What happens when the story takes an unexpected turn?
• You find a magic notebook that writes your wildest dreams into reality. What chaos ensues?
• Your school suddenly announces a time travel field trip. Where and when do you go?
• You discover a talking animal hiding in your backyard. What secrets does it reveal?
• You’re chosen to compete in a wacky intergalactic talent show. How do you wow the judges?
• You wake up to find everyone in your family has switched bodies! How do you get things back to normal?
• Should schools have a longer recess? Why or why not?
• What is the best way to spend a summer vacation?
• Convince your parents to let you get a pet.
• What is your favorite book? Write a review to convince others to read it.
• You are running for class president. Write a speech to persuade your classmates to vote for you.
• Why should homework be abolished? Or, is it actually beneficial?
• Is technology making kids smarter or lazier? Argue your side.
• Convince your teacher to let you have a classroom pet.
• You believe your school mascot is outdated and needs an upgrade. Propose a new one.
• Would you rather have superpowers or win the lottery? Defend your choice.
• Describe your favorite place in the world in as much detail as possible.
• Imagine you are a cloud. Describe what you see as you float across the sky.
• You are lost in a forest. Use your senses to describe what you see, hear, smell, taste, and touch.
• Create a portrait of your best friend using only words.
• Describe a delicious meal in detail, making your reader’s mouth water.
• Describe the feeling of your favorite childhood memory in vivid detail.
• You are a tiny raindrop on a journey down a windowpane. Describe your adventure.
• Create a character based solely on their laugh. Describe them and their personality.
• Imagine you can taste emotions. Describe the taste of happiness, sadness, and anger.
• You are exploring a mysterious cave. Describe what you see, hear, and feel with suspense.
• Research a famous person you admire and write a biography about them.
• How do bees make honey? Explain the process clearly and concisely.
• Write a report about your favorite animal. Include interesting facts about its habitat, diet, and behavior.
• Create a travel brochure for your dream vacation destination.
• Explain the rules of your favorite game to someone who has never played it before.
• Research a natural disaster and explain how it forms and its impact.
• How do airplanes fly? Explain the science behind it in a way kids can understand.
• Write a step-by-step guide on how to bake your favorite dessert.
• Research a historical event and present it as a news report.
• Explain the importance of recycling and reducing waste.

Read Also: 140 Exclusive Writing Prompts For Adults

• Write a poem about your favorite season.
• Create a comic strip about a funny experience you had.
• Write a song about your hopes and dreams.
• Design a new invention that would make the world a better place.
• Write a letter to your future self. What advice would you give yourself?
• Write a limerick about a silly creature you invent.
• Create a puzzle based on your favorite book or movie.
• Design a board game with unique rules and challenges.
• Write a script for a short play starring your classmates.
• Compose a haiku poem about a beautiful natural scene.

Are you interested in learning how to write proposals? Read our article on Proposal Writing: 7 Steps to Writing the Perfect Proposal

Here’s how to utilize 4th Grade Writing Prompts in the Classroom

• Encourage Creativity : Writing prompts are designed to spark creativity. Encourage students to let their imagination soar by using the prompts as a launchpad for inventive and original ideas.
• Developing Writing Skills : Prompts serve as excellent tools to enhance specific writing skills. Teachers can tailor prompts to focus on areas like descriptive writing, narrative storytelling, persuasive arguments, or informative essays.
• Promoting Critical Thinking : Some prompts are crafted to provoke critical thinking. Encourage students to analyze the prompt, consider different perspectives, and develop well-reasoned responses.
• Incorporate Varied Genres : Writing prompts offer the opportunity to explore different genres of writing. From fiction to non-fiction, poetry to opinion pieces, prompts can introduce students to a diverse array of writing styles.
• Individualized Learning : Recognize that each student is unique. Tailor prompts to accommodate various learning styles, interests, and abilities. This individualized approach fosters a more engaging and personalized writing experience.

Tips for Teachers and Parents

• Provide Positive Feedback : Offer constructive and positive feedback on responses to writing prompts. Encouragement fosters a positive attitude towards writing.
• Facilitate Peer Reviews : Incorporate peer review sessions where students can share and receive feedback on their prompt responses. This promotes collaborative learning and a sense of community.
• Regular Integration : Consistency is key. Regularly integrate writing prompts into lesson plans or home activities to make writing a routine practice.

Incorporating 4th-grade writing prompts into the learning journey is a dynamic and effective approach to enhancing writing skills. By encouraging creativity, developing specific writing abilities, and fostering critical thinking, these prompts play a pivotal role in shaping young writers. Whether in the classroom or at home, embracing the versatility of writing prompts contributes to a well-rounded and engaging writing education for 4th-grade students.

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From Ideas to Words: 66 Writing Prompts for Fourth Graders

By: Author Paul Jenkins

Posted on September 5, 2023

Categories Writing

You’re here because you’ve got a fourth grader who’s itching to write, right? Great!

In this article, we’ll explore exciting writing prompts that’ll stretch their imagination.

You’ll discover tips on making writing fun and ways you can support your young author.

Let’s jump in and spark that creative flame together!

Key Takeaways

• Writing prompts for fourth graders enhance communication skills, boost creativity, promote penmanship, and improve language skills through peer editing.
• Narrative prompts encourage sharing personal experiences, ‘what if’ scenarios spark creativity, informational prompts relate to current studies at school, and opinion-based prompts develop argumentative skills.
• Encouraging creative writing in fourth graders can be done by inspiring creativity through storytelling techniques, introducing peer reviewing for constructive feedback, using storybooks as a source of inspiration, and encouraging experimentation with dialogue, suspense, and flashbacks.
• Fun and engaging writing prompts for fourth graders include interactive storytelling with prompt illustrations, imagining talking with animals and sketching a scene with a bird, a magical door appearing in their room and sketching the fantastical world behind it, and discovering a new planet and creating an illustration with unique inhabitants. These prompts promote creative thinking, writing, and artistic skills.

66 Writing Prompts for Fourth Graders

Here are 66 writing prompt ideas for 4th grade students:

• Write about your favorite childhood toy and why it was special to you.
• Describe your ideal treehouse. What would it look like and have inside it?
• Who is your hero? Write about what makes them heroic.
• If you could have any superpower, what would you choose and why?
• What is your favorite season? Describe what you enjoy about it.
• What is the most amazing animal you can think of? Write about what makes it so amazing.
• Imagine you woke up one morning with a mermaid tail. Describe what your day would be like.
• What do you want to be when you grow up and why?
• What would happen if there were no rules for one day?
• What is the best gift you’ve ever given or received? Why was it meaningful?
• Write a story about a magic bicycle that takes you on an adventure.
• If you could visit any time period in history, which would you choose and why?
• Describe your perfect birthday party.
• What are three words that describe you? Explain why you chose each word.
• What is your favorite thing to do outside? Describe why you enjoy it.
• Write about an act of kindness you did for someone. How did it make you and the other person feel?
• If you could have dinner with anyone from history, who would you choose and what would you talk about?
• Describe your favorite family tradition or holiday celebration.
• What is one goal you have for this school year?
• Imagine you could fly. Describe what you would see from up in the air.
• What is your favorite thing about yourself and why?
• Describe a time you felt brave or courageous.
• What makes a good friend? Write about the qualities of a good friend.
• Describe your favorite meal or favorite food. What do you love about it?
• If you were principal for a day, what changes would you make in your school?
• Write a story ending this way: “And that’s when I learned to always…”.
• Imagine you switched places with your parent or guardian for a day. Describe what your day would be like.
• Describe your perfect vacation. Where would you go and what would you do?
• Write about an experience that taught you a lesson. What did you learn?
• Imagine you find a magic lamp with a genie inside who grants you three wishes. What would you wish for and why?
• What is your favorite thing to do on a rainy day? Describe why you like it.
• Who is your favorite book or movie character? Write about them.
• What is one of your talents or skills? How did you develop this ability?
• What does being a good citizen mean to you?
• Describe one of the happiest or best moments in your life so far.
• Write about a time you felt scared. What happened and how did you handle it?
• Explain three steps for how to make or do something you know well.
• What is your favorite holiday? Describe how your family celebrates this holiday.
• Write a story titled “The Surprise in the Attic”.
• What is your favorite thing to do with your family? Describe why you enjoy it.
• What is your favorite animal and why?
• Imagine you could be anyone else for one day. Who would you be and why?
• Describe what the world would look like if everything was a certain color.
• What is the best advice someone has ever given you? Who gave you the advice and why was it meaningful?
• How can kids help protect the environment?
• Describe one of your role models or someone you really admire. Explain why you look up to this person.
• Write about a time you felt proud of yourself. What did you accomplish?
• What does the word “hero” mean to you?
• If you had $100 to donate to charity, which charity would you choose and why?
• Write a story titled “The Mystery of the Missing Lunch”.
• What makes you laugh? Describe something that you find funny or humorous.
• What is your favorite book and why? Describe the characters, setting, and plot.
• What do you want to be remembered for?
• If you could make one rule that everyone in the world had to follow, what rule would you create? Explain your choice.
• Describe your ideal birthday cake or dessert. Be as detailed as possible.
• What is the hardest thing you’ve ever done? Why was it challenging?
• Imagine you discovered a new planet. Describe what it looks like and what you would name it.
• What does the word “courage” mean to you?
• Describe how to make a peanut butter and jelly sandwich to someone who has never seen one before.
• What makes someone a good friend? Describe qualities you think are important in friendship.
• Write about a time you felt disappointed or discouraged. What happened and how did you manage those feelings?
• Describe your favorite season (fall, winter, spring, summer). What makes that time of year special?
• If you were in charge of planning a class party, what would you do to make sure everyone has fun?
• Explain how to play your favorite sport or game. Describe the objects needed, players, and rules.
• If you could take any animal from the zoo home as a pet, which would you choose and why?
• What is one goal you’d like to achieve next school year? Explain why this goal is important to you.

Understanding the Importance of Writing for Fourth Graders

It’s crucial for fourth graders to understand the importance of writing as it’ll enhance their communication skills and boost their creativity. Not only is writing a fundamental way to express ideas, but it’s also a tool for promoting penmanship. When you write, your letters get neater and easier to read!

Engaging in peer editing has its benefits too. You learn from your friends’ work and they learn from yours. It can be fun spotting each other’s mistakes and helping correct them. It strengthens friendship bonds while improving your language skills together!

Types of Writing Prompts Suitable for Fourth Graders

You’re probably wondering what types of creative challenges are suitable for a nine or ten-year-old, aren’t you? Well, when it comes to prompt selection and grading criteria, here’s a simple guide:

• Narrative Prompts
• Encourage them to share personal experiences.
• Challenging them with ‘what if’ scenarios sparks creativity.
• Informational Prompts
• Ask your kids to write about something they’ve learned.
• Assign topics related to their current studies at school.
• Opinion-based Prompts
• Let them express their thoughts on specific subjects.
• This helps in developing argumentative skills.

How to Encourage Creative Writing in Fourth Graders

Don’t underestimate the power of a good storybook, as it can inspire the creative genius in your young ones. Encourage them to try out different storytelling techniques they find interesting. They could experiment with dialogue, suspense, or flashbacks. Let their imagination run wild!

Next, introduce peer reviewing in a fun way. Have them swap stories with friends and give feedback to each other. This approach helps them learn how to constructively critique and accept criticism for improvement.

Fun and Engaging Writing Prompts for Fourth Graders

Let’s explore some exciting and interactive ideas that will stimulate your young one’s creativity and love for storytelling.

Interactive Storytelling is an inventive method to engage fourth graders. They can visualize the narrative through Prompt Illustrations.

You can use these prompts:

• ‘Imagine if you could talk with animals. What would they say?’
• Draw a scene where you’re conversing with a bird.
• ‘A magical door appears in your room, where does it lead?’
• Sketch the fantastical world behind the door.
• ‘What if you discovered a new planet?’
• Create an illustration of this new planet with its unique inhabitants.

Each prompt encourages creative thinking and writing while incorporating art. It will not only make learning fun but also nurture their imaginative skills.

The Role of Parents in Enhancing Writing Skills

You play a vital role in your child’s educational journey, especially when it comes to enhancing their writing skills.

Let’s delve into how you can get more involved in their homework, inspire creative writing, and build vocabulary together.

Parental Involvement in Homework

Having your parents involved in your homework can really help you understand the material better. It’s not just about getting the answers right, but about parent-child bonding and establishing good homework routines.

So, here’s how it works:

• Parental guidance:
• They’ll clarify concepts
• Provide examples
• Help you practice
• Bonding time:
• Homework becomes family time
• You learn more about each other
• Share thoughts and ideas
• Routine setting:
• Consistent timing to do assignments
• Balancing schoolwork with playtime
• Learning discipline and responsibility

Encouraging Creative Writing

Encouraging your imagination to run wild, creative storytelling can be a fun and engaging way to improve literacy skills. By incorporating technology, you’ll find numerous platforms that provide interactive writing prompts for your fourth grader. Think about virtual storybooks or online games centered on storytelling techniques; they make the process enjoyable while enhancing their creativity.

You can also try apps that give a whole new dimension to story construction. They’re not just about typing words; they offer features like adding images, animations, and sounds! It’s all about blending traditional storytelling with modern tools.

Building Vocabulary Together

Building vocabulary together isn’t just educational, it’s also a great way to bond with your child. By playing Word Games and engaging in Vocabulary Challenges, you’re not only helping them learn new words but also developing their thinking skills.

Here are three fun ways to do this:

• Scrabble : This classic game is perfect for 4th graders as it encourages word formation. Get creative by introducing bonus points for certain categories of words. Challenge each other with spelling and pronunciation tests.
• Crossword Puzzles : These are great for enhancing vocabulary and problem-solving skills. Choose age-appropriate puzzles. Cooperate to fill the puzzle faster!
• Charades with Words : A twist on traditional charades; guess the word based on acted clues! Make sure words aren’t too hard!

Teaching Resources for Fourth Grade Writing Prompts

You’ll find a wide array of teaching resources designed specifically for fourth grade writing prompts. These materials are carefully crafted to assist in prompt categorization, which is crucial in organizing your lessons easier. It’s also helpful for students as they can focus on one theme at a time, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of each topic.

Another unique feature you’ll appreciate is prompt personalization. This allows you the freedom to tweak prompts according to your class’ interests and learning levels. By doing so, you’re not only making writing tasks more appealing but also promoting active participation among your learners.

Tips on Making Writing an Enjoyable Activity for Fourth Graders

Making the task of penning down thoughts a fun activity for your pupils can be quite a game-changer in their academic journey. Here are some ways to make writing more enjoyable:

• Interactive storytelling: Use visual aids, props, and interactive elements to bring stories to life. This could include acting out scenes from the story and using digital tools for creating illustrations.
• Peer reviews: Encourage students to share their work and provide feedback to each other. This could involve setting up small group discussions and having one-on-one peer editing sessions.

So, you’re all set to help your fourth grader thrive in writing! Remember, encouraging creativity is key. Use fun prompts, offer support, and make it enjoyable.

With these resources and tips at hand, boosting their skills will be a breeze.

Let’s make learning exciting for them together!

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4th Grade Writing in Texas: What My 4th Grader Needs to Know

•  / 

The Texas Education Agency requires K-12 students to take the STAAR (State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness) every year. The STAAR program measures knowledge of the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) curriculum standards. Read on to find out how you can prepare your 4th grader for the STAAR writing test.

Overview of the STAAR 4th Grade Writing Test

Composition.

Your child will be asked to compose two essays. He or she will be given writing prompts and directed to write a personal narrative on one day and an expository essay on the next day. In expository writing, the student is asked to define, explain or describe something for the reader.

Both essays will be scored on organization/progression, development of ideas and use of language/conventions. For example, expository essays that are well organized will begin with a central idea or topic sentence, include supporting information and contain a concluding statement. The essays will be scored using a four-point rubric, where four is the highest possible score and one is the lowest. A score of three is considered satisfactory.

Revising and Editing

The revising and editing sections of the test will include a series of short passages followed by multiple-choice questions. These questions will ask students to show how a particular sentence from the corresponding passage could be corrected or improved. Additional questions might ask how the organization or development of the passage could be improved.

Your child will also be tested on written conventions, such as parts of speech, simple and compound sentences, capitalization, punctuation and spelling. Both fiction and nonfiction passages are included.

More Information

Visit the Texas Education Agency's website to find more information about the STAAR writing assessment for 4th graders, as well as released test questions and scoring rubrics. It may also be helpful to read the full 4th grade writing assessment document, which details how the test addresses each of the 4th grade writing skills.

How Parents Can Help

Your child can prepare for the multiple-choice section of the writing assessment by working hard on proofreading throughout the year. Every time your child writes an essay or story for school, work with him or her on editing and revising the piece. Be sure your child understands how to organize an essay, and show him or her some strategies for 'pre-writing,' like using an outline or a story web.

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Almost half of Texas fourth graders scored a zero on the STAAR writing composition last year

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Shellie Ross of Wesley Rankin Community Center (right, holding “Reach for the STAARS” sign) takes part in a pep rally to welcome students at Edison Middle Learning Center on STAAR testing day.

From Houston Public Media :

Erika De La Rosa was excited when she heard about the sweeping changes to the STAAR exam .

“When they initially announced it, as an English teacher, it sounded like a fantastic idea because writing should be incorporated everywhere,” De La Rosa said.

She teaches seventh grade in Houston ISD. Before last year, writing was only tested on a separate exam in fourth and seventh grade, as well as in high school.

“What I saw for years was that because it was only tested in fourth and seventh grade, students would only get explicit writing instruction in fourth and seventh grade,” she said. “And so as a seventh-grade teacher, I would be scrambling to try to figure out how can I cover all of these grammar mechanics? How do I cover all of these writing techniques? What can I drop? What do we need to focus on?”

For the first time last year, every public school teacher in Texas from third through eighth grade had to grapple with those questions. The STAAR 2.0 redesign was complete, including a complete shift to an online testing platform, instead of the traditional paper exam. It also marked the end of the separate writing exams in fourth and seventh grade; instead, writing was included at every grade level.

The results were eye-popping. Before the changes, about 5% of students across the state scored a zero out of 8 on “constructed response” writing questions, which are similar to essay prompts. After the changes, 46% of fourth graders scored a zero out of 10 — 20% in seventh grade, and 25% in high school.

“I’m not fully surprised because the test is so new and so different from how things have been in the past,” De La Rosa said. “Because years prior, the task was simply composition. Can they compose something that makes sense, that is all organized, that is grade-level writing? It didn’t require, like, a literary analysis.”

Students also performed poorly in grades where writing was assessed for the first time. Last year, 42% of third graders scored a zero on constructed response questions — along with about 25% of students in fifth, sixth and eighth grade.

Teachers, researchers and school leaders argue the new approach to writing assessment could kill creativity and curiosity in the classroom, especially with the way test scores tie into the TEA’s more stringent school accountability system. The TEA continues to project confidence about the changes, arguing the shift is intended to align the test with how teaching happens in the classroom.

‘Comparing apples to celery’

Chris Rozunik with the Texas Education Agency argued that year-to-year comparisons of constructed response scores are “kind of comparing apples to celery in some ways.”

As she pointed out, the shift from paper to online was not the only change. The writing composition questions are also different. They now include cross-curricular reading passages that reference multiple subject areas, and the grading rubrics for writing questions are more stringent.

“We are asking students to think differently about answering these questions,” Rozunik said. “When we set those standards last spring, we like to think about it as a very different world.”

It’s also important to note that an increase in zeros on writing compositions doesn’t necessarily mean an increase in the number of students who failed the STAAR. For example, 78% of fourth graders passed the RLA STAAR last year compared to 77% the year before.

Before the redesign, students had to get about half the questions on the test correct to “approach” grade level (to pass the test). Now, there are more types of questions , including ones that allow partial credit , and students only have to get credit for about a third of the questions to “approach” grade level.

“It’s not a percentage as we think of in school — you know, 70% is passing,” Rozunik said. “You need to step away from that scale entirely and think about the test as a whole, keeping in mind that we’re required to measure every student in the state of Texas, including the most high-flying, smartest kid on the planet. Within the scale which we generate, you need a lot of room above the approaches category, which is that very first level that students can be considered on track for success in the future.”

The TEA insists the online shift didn’t make the test more difficult, but researchers still have questions about that. With the exception of pre-approved accommodations for kids with disabilities, all students from third grade through high school now take the exam on a computer.

Jodi Pilgrim is associate dean with the College of Education at the University of Mary-Hardin Baylor. She’s also a former fourth-grade teacher.

“We’re wanting to assess how good they are at writing, but there’s a possibility that we’re also assessing how well they can type,” she said. “Those that are really good typers are going to do better on it.”

Concerns about creativity

Pilgrim also worries the new approach to writing could stifle creativity.

Before the STAAR 2.0 redesign, in the spring of 2021, fourth graders were given this quote: “Good teachers know how to bring out the best in students.” Their writing prompt: “ Write about the best teacher you know. ”

“I liked this a lot as a teacher,” Pilgrim said. “It was open-ended. Because if the prompt was a personal experience, any student can write about that. We tend to start our school years writing personal narratives because all students can tell about themselves.”

All students now read longer passages, and then write a response.

Last year, the fourth-grade passage was 500 words about salamanders, Barton Springs and the Edwards Aquifer. Fourth graders were then asked to write about the importance of the aquifer.

“‘Explain why the aquifer is important in the article,’ so I would just take that exact same sentence and say, ‘The Edwards Aquifer is important because …’ Well, that didn’t take much thought,” Pilgrim argued. “One of the things we really focus on in schools right now is critical thinking. The world we live in requires the critical thinker. I don’t really have to think critically to write these responses.”

Rozunick said the TEA intended to make the writing questions more universally accessible through the redesign.

“There’s enough information in that prompt, in any prompt, in any text we have moving forward to be able to really get enough information in order to answer the question,” Ruzunick said. “You do not have to bring in other life experiences or emotions in order to answer these questions. And quite honestly, they’re probably more fair and equitable to students than, you know, ‘what’s your favorite teacher’ or ‘what you did last summer?'”

Pilgrim expects teachers will develop and teach a writing formula for students, especially with the rollout of “machine scoring” for writing questions this year. Most student writing is now graded by a computer, not a person, as first reported by the Dallas Morning News . According to the TEA, machine scoring is not significantly different from human scoring, but it is cheaper and faster.

De La Rosa believes teachers will still have to spend time teaching to the test, but she doesn’t think the pressure will kill creative writing entirely — at least not in her classroom.

“I’ve been really fortunate to be on the campus that allowed me that flexibility or kind of trusted me to make those calls,” De La Rosa said. “There are plenty of campuses that I know and plenty of teachers in situations where they’re not trusted and they’re told exactly what they are allowed to do and what they’re not allowed to do.”

“So I think that is a very valid fear that STAAR being this way will limit a lot of creativity,” she continued. “Because as much as we would love to say, like, ‘Oh, don’t teach to the test,’ it really is circumstantial to what campus and what district you’re in because not all of us are at campuses that allow us the freedom, and not all of us are in districts that trust us to make those decisions for our kids.”

This debate is not new

The pressure to teach to the test doesn’t come from the STAAR exam itself — it comes from the way the state holds districts accountable for test scores.

One extreme example is the state takeover of Houston ISD, which was partially motivated by low test scores at one school. The TEA-appointed management board of Houston ISD wants to significantly increase the percentage of students across the district who meet grade-level standards on the STAAR, and TEA-appointed superintendent Mike Miles has implemented a centrally-created curriculum in dozens of schools that previously struggled with the test.

The pressure to improve test scores is a consistent presence across the state.

“Yeah, accountability can do that — those pressures of teaching,” Pilgrim said. “The district feels the pressure of it, the principal feels it. It trickles down, and the teachers feel it. What’s really unfortunate is when the students feel the pressure.”

In many ways, the test is now low-stakes for students. They do not have to pass the STAAR to move on to the next grade level. But STAAR remains high-stakes for teachers, schools and districts.

The Texas Education Agency assigns school districts and campuses an A through F accountability rating, based largely on students’ test scores and post-graduation readiness. As the STAAR 2.0 redesign unfolded, the TEA also overhauled its A through F system.

At a press conference about the A through F revamp in May 2023, Texas Commissioner of Education Mike Morath explained the reason for the more stringent approach.

“We want to eliminate achievement gaps by race and by class, and we want to ensure that Texas is a leader in preparing students for postsecondary success across the nation,” Morath said. “This is kind of the rigorous expectation Texas needs to be a national leader in preparing students for postsecondary success.”

More than 100 school districts sued the TEA , and the new ratings are currently held up in court.

Tension over test-based accountability has been around for a while, as Duncan Klussman with the University of Houston’s College of Education explained.

“Over the last 20 to 25 years, this has been a constant process where the state establishes a testing system, gives it a name, and then establishes an accountability system,” Klussman said. “And what you see typically is in the first few years of a new system, you see kind of lower scores overall. Then districts start to understand it better, and teachers understand better, and you see scores kind of grow over time.”

Throughout that time, debates raged over whether tests measure social inequality more than school quality, to what degree policymakers should use test scores to dictate how teachers work in the classroom, and whether there are more meaningful ways to measure “student achievement” than one test on one day of the year.

H.D. Chambers is the executive director of the Texas School Alliance.

“I don’t want to dismiss any superintendent or any board member or any elected leader who is hyper-focused on student achievement,” Chambers said. “But is that student achievement being defined by just one thing?”

If you found the reporting above valuable, please consider making a donation to support it  here . Your gift helps pay for everything you find ­­on  texasstandard.org  and  houstonpublicmedia.org . Thanks for donating today.

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Get ready to embark on an astronomical adventure with our Solar Eclipse 2024 Writing Prompt Activities! Designed to captivate the young minds, these activities blend creative expression with key educational concepts, ensuring a memorable learning experience as we anticipate the total solar eclipse on April 8, 2024. Each activity is crafted to spark curiosity, enhance literacy skills, and deepen understanding of this celestial phenomenon.

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