Easy Writing Choice Board Ideas for Teachers

Let’s face it—independent writing time sounds magical… until you’ve got one student asking what to write about every five minutes, another spinning in their chair like it’s an Olympic event, and a third drawing rocket ships instead of writing sentences. 😅

That’s where a writing prompt choice board swoops in to save the day. It’s an easy, low-prep tool that puts students in the driver’s seat while keeping your literacy block running smoothly. (No spinning required.)

In this post, you’ll learn:

• Why choice boards rock,

• How to make one in a flash,

• And sneaky-smart ways to use it in your classroom.

So… What’s So Great About a Writing Prompt Choice Board?

Glad you asked! Choice boards give kids the magic of choice without turning your classroom into chaos. You’re still guiding the ship—but students pick their route.

This little tool:

• Boosts motivation by offering options,

• Encourages ownership (hello, confident writers!),

• And helps build writing stamina while catering to different interests.

Plus, it eliminates the dreaded “I don’t know what to write about.” 🙌

How to Make Your Own (Without Spending All Weekend)

You don’t need to be a design wizard or tech guru. Just follow these simple steps:

1. Pick a layout – A 3x3 grid is a solid go-to (think tic-tac-toe), but feel free to mix it up with 4x4s or even themed lists.

2. Choose your categories – Try narrative, opinion, seasonal, silly, real-life, or imaginative prompts. The more variety, the better!

3. Write your prompts – Go for a mix of thought-provoking and just-for-fun.

4. Design your board – Use Google Slides, PowerPoint, or snazzy printable templates.

5. Prep it for action – Print for centers or assign it digitally. Bonus points for lamination.

Need Prompt Inspo? Here You Go!

Here are some teacher-tested (and student-loved) ideas to kick off your board:

📝 Personal Narrative – “Write about a time you surprised yourself.”
🦄 Imaginative – “Your pet becomes principal for the day. What happens?”
🍕 Opinion – “Is pizza better than tacos? Convince us.”
🌞 Seasonal – “Describe the ultimate summer day. No rules!”
🧦 Silly – “You wake up with socks on your hands. Now what?”

Mix, match, and watch the creativity unfold!

Pro Tips for Using Your Choice Board Like a Pro

You’ve built it—now make the most of it:

✔️ Set expectations – Let kids know how many prompts to do and how to track progress. Stickers, checkmarks, or mini celebrations all work.
🔁 Switch it up – New month? New prompts! Keep it interesting.
🧩 Stay flexible – Use it for centers, fast finishers, or your trusty sub plans.
📣 Encourage sharing – Build community by letting students share their favorite responses.

And consider posting these gentle reminders in your writing area:

• Pick a prompt and stick with it.

• Write the whole time (no disappearing into daydream land).

• Mark prompts as you complete them—yes, coloring it counts!

Ready to Make Writing Time a Breeze?

Whether you’re just kicking off writing workshop or need a go-to plan when your coffee hasn't kicked in yet, a writing prompt choice board is here to help. It's structure with a splash of creativity—just how we like it.

💫 Want to try it out with zero prep?
Grab my FREE School-Themed One-Sentence Writing Prompts—a set of quick, creative prompts perfect for task cards, journal strips, or warm-ups. It’s an easy way to spark ideas and get pencils moving!

And if you’re ready to stock your writing center with even more engaging, print-and-go tools, be sure to explore the full collection in my TpT store. From seasonal bundles to imaginative prompts, there’s something to inspire every young writer!

Let’s stay connected! 💌 Want more freebies and time-saving teacher tools? Join my email list to get exclusive seasonal printables, classroom resources, and more from Squirrelly Creations!