How to Boost Engagement in Writing with Fun Games and Creative Prompts
- Amber Freeman
- Jan 19
- 5 min read
Let’s face it: getting middle school students excited about writing can feel like pulling teeth. The struggle is real when it comes to turning those dreaded writing tasks into something students actually look forward to. But what if writing didn’t have to be a chore? What if we could turn it into something that sparks their creativity, gets them engaged, and—dare I say—excites them?
That’s where creative writing prompts and fun classroom games come in! In this blog post, I’ll show you how to use these tools to turn your middle school students into enthusiastic writers. Plus, I’m sharing a free writing prompts list with 118 creative prompts that will help you keep your classroom engaged and inspired.
Why Games Work for Writing Engagement
Let’s start with the elephant in the room: most middle school students don’t love writing. But here's the thing—students are more likely to engage when they see writing as a game, challenge, or fun classroom activity. When you approach writing as a playful, engaging experience, they’re more likely to roll up their sleeves and dive in.
Classroom writing games make writing less intimidating and more interactive. They also help students develop critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving skills—skills that are essential in writing but not always easy to foster in a traditional, lecture-based classroom. By incorporating writing games into your lesson plans, you can create an environment that encourages both fun and learning.
How to Use Writing Prompts as Games
The beauty of writing prompts is that they don’t have to be just a solo activity—they can be turned into an engaging game! Here's how:
1. Prompt Relay Races
Create a writing prompt relay where students work in teams. Each student adds a sentence or paragraph to the story based on the prompt. The catch? The next student can only continue based on the previous person’s work, so things get pretty wild, and fast! Not only will this keep them engaged, but it’ll also force them to think on their feet and adapt their writing style to fit their classmates’ additions.
2. Prompt Scavenger Hunt
Turn your writing prompts into a scavenger hunt! Scatter the prompts around the classroom (or even hide them in random spots) and have students "hunt" for their next prompt. Once they find a prompt, they’ll have a set time (say, 5 minutes) to write about it. Afterward, they can share their responses with the class. To keep the hunt exciting, you could add a challenge where students have to answer at least two prompts within the same theme or genre. The scavenger hunt approach adds an element of excitement and adventure, making writing time feel like a quest.
3. Prompt Card Draw
Write different prompts on individual index cards and place them in a jar. Students take turns drawing a prompt at random and writing a short story or response. You could also make this a timed activity, and see how much of the prompt they can cover in that time. A little rush can really get the creative juices flowing!
4. Speed Writing Challenges
Create a "speed writing" activity using the prompts. Give students a set amount of time (3–5 minutes) to write as much as they can on the chosen prompt. At the end of the time, they share their funniest or most creative response with the class. You can even do this with partners, where one person writes for the first minute, then passes it to their partner for the next minute. The stories will definitely take unexpected twists and turns!
5. Themed Writing Days
Set up themed days where the prompts align with different genres or topics. For example, have a “Sci-Fi Day” where all the prompts revolve around space and futuristic themes, or a “Superhero Day” where students write about their superpowers. This will make writing more fun and allow students to embrace the genre they find most exciting.
The Power of Creative Writing Prompts
We all know that creative writing is about more than just putting words on a page—it’s about engaging the brain, exploring new ideas, and unlocking imagination. Writing prompts, especially the quirky and unique kind, can stimulate all of that.
By using fun and unusual writing prompts, you allow students to tap into their imagination. These aren’t your run-of-the-mill "What I Did Over Summer Break" prompts. No, these are prompts that make students think, laugh, and often go in a completely different direction than they’d expect. This is where the magic happens!
Here are some examples of writing prompts that’ll get students hooked:
“If you were a tree, what kind of tree would you be and why?”
“If you could meet your future self in 10 years what would you want to know?”
“Design your own holiday. What is it called, and how do people celebrate?”
“If animals could talk, what would your pet say about you?”
These creative writing prompts tap into students' creativity and can lead to wild, unexpected responses. The possibilities are endless, and the best part? They’re fun!
Ok, on to the FREE stuff...
Now that I’ve got you thinking about all the ways games and writing prompts can boost writing engagement, it’s time to download my FREE list of 118 writing prompts for middle school classrooms!
These writing prompts are designed to get your students out of their heads and into the creative zone. Whether you use them for quick warm-ups, independent writing, or even as part of a larger project, these prompts will transform your writing lessons into something your students actually look forward to.
Click the pic to get access to your free list of 118 writing prompts!
Ready, Set, Write!
Games and creative writing prompts are a match made in heaven. Not only do they make writing more enjoyable, but they also help students build important skills in a relaxed, creative setting. The beauty of these activities is that they make writing less about rules and more about expression, creativity, and fun.
So, next time you’re looking to spice up your writing lessons, try mixing in a few of these writing games and prompts. Your students will be engaged, motivated, and ready to tackle any writing challenge you throw their way!
And in case you didn't know, I’ve got two amazing memberships designed to make your teacher life easier and your classroom more engaging:
🎯 The Hot Spot Hub – Your ultimate library of ready-to-go games, brainteasers, escape rooms, scavenger hunts, and more. Perfect for chaotic days, last-minute lessons, or just spicing things up—because teaching doesn't have to feel like pulling teeth!
🧠 The Brain Buster Squad – This thing is packed with brainteasers that challenge your students' minds, boost critical thinking, and bring the fun back to learning. It's perfect for keeping kids on their toes and sharpening their problem-solving skills in the most entertaining way possible.
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