For Teachers

Creative Writing Prompts for Young Authors

By on March 5, 2025   /   For Kids, For Writers, Teacher Tips, Writing  

children writingEnjoy these prompts. Here are a few tips:

 

  • Don’t worry about being perfect
  • Let your imagination run wild
  • Write about things that excite you
  • Read your story out loud to catch fun details
  • Have fun with your writing!

 

Imagine…

  • You wake up one morning and discover you can talk to animals. What conversations do you have, and what adventures unfold?
  • You find a magical key that can open any lock in the world. What would you unlock, and what would you discover?
  • Write a story about a day in the life of your favorite toy when no one is looking.
  • You’ve been chosen to be the first kid to live on a space station. Describe your first week there.
  • A mysterious package arrives at your doorstep with no return address. What’s inside, and how does it change your day?

 

About You…

  • Describe your perfect day from start to finish. What makes it so special?
  • If you could have any superpower, what would it be? How would you use it to help others?
  • Write about a time when you felt proud of yourself and why.
  • Imagine you could trade places with an adult for a day. Who would you choose, and what would you do?
  • What is the most important lesson you’ve learned from a friend or family member?

 

Explore…

  • ]You discover a hidden door in your school that leads to a completely different world. What does this world look like?
  • Write a story about a friendship between two completely different creatures.
  • If trees could talk, what stories would they tell about the world they’ve seen?
  • Create a new invention that would make life easier for kids your age. How does it work?
  • Describe a magical creature that no one has ever seen before. What are its special abilities?

 

Connect with Others…

  • Write about a time when you helped someone and how it made you feel.
  • Imagine you could solve one problem in your community. What would it be, and how would you fix it?
  • Describe a moment when you acted brave, even though you were scared.
  • If you could send a message to kids around the world, what would you say?
  • Write about a time when you learned something new about yourself.

 

Have Fun…

  • You’ve been chosen to design a new holiday. What would it celebrate, and how would people celebrate it?
  • Write a story about what happens in your classroom after everyone goes home.
  • Imagine you can shrink to the size of an ant for a day. What adventures would you have?
  • If your favorite food could talk, what would it say about being eaten?
  • Create a story about a day when everything goes wrong but turns out amazing in the end.

 

Hope you enjoyed stretching your imagination and coming up with new ideas. Why not share your stories with a favorite teacher or some of your friends?

Do you have any suggestions for story prompts? Feel free to share them in the comments below.

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Books to Share with Kids on Presidents’ Day that Emphasize the Democratic Process

By on February 17, 2025   /   Articles, Common Core & NGSS, Curriculum Tie-in, Fiction, For Librarians, For Parents, For Teachers, Nonfiction  

Presidents’ Day serves as a reminder of the role of the president and the foundational values of our democracy. Today and every day, it’s important to teach children about the responsibilities of leadership, including checks and balances and the democratic process.

Here are some books for kids that focus on the presidency, as well as how the democratic process works.

Ellie May on Presidents’ Day by Hillary Homzie

For younger readers, Ellie May on Presidents’ Day provides a relatable way to explore the presidency. I think this is a particularly fun and informative book for younger readers. (True Confession: I wrote this story). While it’s a chapter book, it’s also perfect for reluctant readers who are fourth and fifth graders. In this story, Ellie May learns about presidential qualities and how important it is to have strong, compassionate leadership. This story introduces kids to the idea that the president’s role is not just about authority but also about service to others.

For Which We Stand: How Our Government Works and Why It Matters by Jeff Foster

This book is a great way to get older elementary school as well as middle school students thinking about the democratic process and the roles that various government branches play. Foster breaks down the complex relationships between the executive, legislative, and judicial branches. By highlighting how the system works together to ensure fairness, the book promotes the idea that balance is vital to preserving freedom and justice.

So You Want to Be President? by Judith St. George and Illustrated by David Small

This timeless picture book offers an entertaining and informative look at the quirks and qualities of past presidents. The engaging writing and vibrant illustrations by David Small make it a fantastic starting point for kids of all ages, including upper elementary school students. It introduces young readers to the many responsibilities of the president, including the challenges of leadership, while also celebrating the diversity of presidential experiences.

The Kid Who Ran for President by Dan Gutman

In this fun and imaginative story, a middle schooler runs for president. The book can help young readers gain a better understanding of what it takes to run a campaign. In a humorous style, the book demonstrates how democratic elections function. It points to the fact that anyone can make a difference and how it takes more than blind ambition to lead

Speaking of America by Jared Cohen

This book offers a deep dive into American history, values, and the evolution of leadership, especially focusing on the office of the president. Cohen’s exploration of key moments in American history illustrates how the presidency has influenced the country. It’s an excellent resource for helping kids understand how presidential decisions shape the nation, especially in times of national tension or transformation.

By sharing these books, teachers, librarians, parents and caregivers can help foster a deeper understanding of the democratic process. So as we celebrate Presidents’ Day, let’s remember that the presidency is not just about one individual—it’s about the collective efforts of all Americans to ensure that democracy continues to thrive for generations to come.

Hillary Homzie is the author of the Ellie May chapter book series (Charlesbridge, 2018), Apple Pie Promises (Sky Pony/Swirl, 2018), Pumpkin Spice Secrets (Sky Pony/Swirl, 2017), Queen of Likes (Simon & Schuster MIX 2016), The Hot List (Simon & Schuster MIX 2011) and Things Are Gonna Be Ugly (Simon & Schuster, 2009) as well as the Alien Clones From Outer Space (Simon & Schuster Aladdin 2002) chapter book series. She’s also a contributor to the Kate the Chemist middle grade series (Philomel Books/Penguin Random House). And her nonfiction picture book, If You Were a Princess: True Stories of Brave Leaders From Around the World is a look at historical and current princesses from many diverse lands who have made their mark (Simon & Schuster, August 2022). During the year, Hillary teaches at Sonoma State University. In the summer, she teaches in the graduate program in children’s literature, writing and illustration at Hollins University .She can be found at hillaryhomzie.com and on Instagram, and her Facebook page 

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Keeping Your Middle Grader Engaged with Reading: Five Practical Tips

By on January 30, 2025   /   Articles, For Librarians, For Parents, For Teachers  

If you’re a parent or guardian raising a middle grader, you might find yourself worrying about their reading habits. Rest assured, there are many ways to keep your child immersed in the world of words, even as they navigate the ups and downs of adolescence.

Before middle school, your child might have been an avid reader, eagerly visiting the library and happily tackling writing assignments. But as they grow older, even a relaxing beach read can become a challenge. As their interests shift, it’s the perfect time to introduce new genres and learning activities. Their minds may be on a rollercoaster, but their hunger for stories remains.

Here are five ways to keep your adolescent reader engaged and curious about words:

1. Keep Up the Library Visits
Libraries are treasure troves of resources and activities for teens. Many offer special clubs, summer events, and interactive sessions designed just for them. If your child feels “too cool” for these, find a compromise. Drop them off for an hour with no expectations. They might discover a friend to join them or stumble upon an activity that piques their interest. The key is routine. From reading books and magazines to engaging with librarians or learning a craft, there’s something for everyone at the library.

2. Reinvent Pen Pals
Writing to someone far away can be a fun and meaningful activity. Encourage your child to write letters or postcards to relatives or friends in other countries. This not only hones their writing skills but also broadens their cultural horizons. Establish a routine to make it a regular activity. Avoiding textspeak is crucial, so partnering with someone older or from a different culture can be a rewarding experience.


3. Start or Join a Book Club
Book clubs provide a structured way to keep up with reading. The anticipation of discussing that unexpected twist in chapter six can motivate even reluctant readers. Check out local libraries or bookstores for organized clubs, or start one with other parents. Letting your child choose the book can make them more invested in the experience. Plus, it’s a great way for them to connect with peers who share their interests.

4. Create a Reading or Writing Competition
Sometimes a little friendly competition can work wonders. Set up a reading or writing challenge with enticing rewards, such as a trip to the park, a bookstore gift certificate, or a backyard sleepover. The key is to make the prizes fun and family-oriented. This approach turns reading and writing into a game, making it more appealing and rewarding for your child.

5. Read Together
Set aside time for the whole family to unplug and read together. Whether it’s in the living room or on the porch, the simple act of sitting together while immersed in different worlds can be profoundly bonding. Consider selecting a book to read aloud as a family, which can spark discussions and shared excitement over the story.

Bonus Tip: Explore Audiobooks and Graphic Novels
For kids who might resist traditional reading, audiobooks and graphic novels offer an engaging alternative. These formats can reignite their love for stories and provide a different way to enjoy literature.

We’d love to hear about your adventures in keeping your middle grader engaged with reading. Share your stories and tips in the comments below!

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