How should I brainstorm ideas for a writing prompt?

For example:

You are in your classroom with your teacher and classmates. Suddenly, your principal makes an announcement that there is a surprise in the cafeteria. Write a story that tells what happens next.

In this lesson you will learn how to focus ideas on a topic

by making a list.

Let’s Review

Before writing the sentences, you need to brainstorm ideas and make a plan.

I need a plan

Let’s Review

Making a Plan

Writing the Sentences

Revising

Brainstorming Ideas

Understanding the Question

Let’s Review

Writing Prompt

You are in your classroom with your teacher and classmates. Suddenly, your principal makes an announcement that there is a surprise in the cafeteria. Write a story that tells what happens next.

A Common Mistake

Writing sentences without brainstorming ideas.

I’m ready to start writing!

Core Lesson

Reread the prompt.1

2 Ask, “What are some possible story ideas?”

3 Make a list of at least 5 possible ideas.

Core Lesson

1Writing Prompt

You are in your classroom with your teacher and classmates. Suddenly, your principal makes an announcement that there is a surprise in the cafeteria. Write a story that tells what happens next.

Core Lesson

2You are in your classroom with your teacher and classmates. Suddenly, your principal makes an announcement that there is a surprise in the cafeteria. Write a story that tells what happens next.

What could happen next in

this story?

Core Lesson

3Possible Story Ideas

1. Ice Cream Party rewarding us

2. A special guest, the President

3. A special event, a circus show

4. A new school banner

5. Early dismissal because of snow

Core Lesson

Reread the prompt.1

2 Ask, “What are some possible story ideas?”

3 Make a list of at least 5 possible ideas.

In this lesson you have learned how to focus ideas on a topic

by making a list.

Guided Practice

You are at walking by your favorite ice cream shop with a friend. Suddenly, you notice a ten dollar bill in your pocket. Write a story that tells what happens next.

Read the writing prompt below. Follow the steps from this lesson to brainstorm possible writing topics.

Extension Activities

Extension Activities

Find a partner. Using topic cards, turn over one card so you can both see it. Work together to list possible story ideas for that topic. How many can you come up with?

Extension Activities

Extension Activities

Imagine you have been given a writing prompt that you cannot think of five possible story ideas for.

What might you do to solve this problem? List three things you might do. Share your list with a partner.

Extension Activities

Extension Activities

The writing prompt below lists several memories you might have of a teacher. For example, something funny your teacher did, something your teacher taught, or a field trip you went on with your teacher. Can you brainstorm a story from your own memories for each suggestion listed?

Extension Activities

Extension Activities

Think about a memory you have of a teacher. The memory could be something funny your teacher said or did, something your teacher taught you, a field trip your teacher took you on, or a time that your teacher made you feel proud. Write a story about that memory.

Let’s Review

Quick Quiz

Read the writing prompt below. Brainstorm possible story ideas by making a list.

Writing Prompt

Think about a time you were helpful. For example, maybe you helped to care for an animal or helped to make a special meal. Write a story about a time you were helpful. Give enough details for readers to understand how you were helpful.