Fun Back-to-School Writing Activities for the Classroom

The first few weeks of the school year set the tone for the months ahead. As teachers, we want activities that not only get students engaged but also help us get to know them better—especially when it comes to their writing skills. Creative writing activities are a perfect way to do both. They’re fun, flexible, and give us valuable insight into our students’ abilities, personalities, and creativity.

Below, I’ll share three easy writing activities you can use right away, plus classroom management tips and tricks for making them run smoothly.

Why Start the Year with Writing Activities?

Beginning the school year with writing games or prompts has multiple benefits:

• Builds classroom community – Students get to share ideas, laugh together, and learn more about one another.

• Provides a writing baseline – You can quickly gauge students’ strengths, weaknesses, and style.

• Boosts confidence – Low-pressure, creative activities help students feel comfortable expressing themselves.

3 Easy Back-to-School Writing Activities

1. Roll-a-Story Game

Give students a set of “story element” options for characters, settings, and problems. They roll dice to randomly select each element, then write a short story.
Why it works: The game-like format keeps things light, while still producing meaningful writing.

Want to try this with your class tomorrow? I’ve got a free Roll-a-Story Chart ready for you to download and use—just print, roll, and let the writing begin!

2. Back-to-School “About Me” Poem

Students write an acrostic or list poem about themselves using prompts such as “I am…,” “I like…,” and “I wonder….”
Why it works: It’s personal, creative, and an easy way for you to learn more about each student while assessing word choice and sentence fluency.

3. Class Story Chain

Start with a fun opening sentence on the board. Each student adds one sentence to continue the story, building on what came before.
Why it works: Encourages collaboration, quick thinking, and a lot of laughs.

4. Writing Gallery Walk

Students write short responses to prompts posted around the room (e.g., “My dream job,” “A place I’d love to visit”). They rotate in small groups and read each other’s ideas. Why it works: Combines movement, creativity, and peer connection.

Tips for Making These Activities Run Smoothly

• Set clear expectations before starting—especially for group activities.

• Keep time limits short for quick engagement and easy sharing.

• Encourage sharing but make it optional for shy students.

• Model the activity so students understand the process and see your enthusiasm.

The Takeaway

Fun, low-pressure elementary writing activities are a fantastic way to start the school year. They give you insight into your students’ abilities, help build a positive classroom community, and kick off your writing instruction with excitement.

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🐿️Looking for ready-to-use writing games and prompts? Check out my Teachers Pay Teachers store for classroom-tested activities that save you prep time and keep your students engaged.