Our favorite Winter Writing prompts are a great way to get creative juices flowing for your young writers in the month of January. You will find ideas for short stories, creative writing prompt ideas, and great ideas for journal writing. Whether you use these in a writing center or for extra practice over Winter break, these creative writing prompts are great for this time of year.
Story Starters
Story starters don’t have to just be for writing. I’ve used these story starters as an oral story telling activity too. You can even have partners work together to tell a story that begins in one of these ways.
- I looked to my right and saw a polar bear. You won’t believe what he was doing!
- It was a snowy day. I pulled an icicle down from the roof and instantly I transformed into…..
- The snow piled high, way above the door. I needed to think of a creative way to get to the store. Here’s what I did…
- If was walking across the frozen lake. I saw something shimmer right below my feet. I knew I needed to get it.
- On this special Winter Day, I looked up and saw the most interesting snow flake. It was unlike anything I had ever seen.
- It was a cold morning, which was why I could see my breath, but today my breath looked like different shapes. Each shape must be a clue. I knew I had to solve this mystery.
Roll and Write Short Stories
This is a fun writing activity to put in a literacy center!
Even if Christmas is over, kids will still love to write a short story about it. The best way to use this printable is to give it to each child with one die. They will roll their way through the story to decide on their main character, the setting, and the problem of the story. The first time they try this doesn’t have to be the only time. Kids love to do this over and over again!
It is so much fun to hear the stories that everyone creates! Even if two students roll the same plot, their stories are still different and so creative. Make sure to give your students time to share their writing if they choose too. There are so many benefits to hearing the writing of our peers.
Download the Roll and Write Winter Printable
January Writing Prompts
Do you have daily writing journals? These Winter prompts will encourage children to reflect and write. These can also be a part of a morning meeting to discuss and learn about each other.
- What should the rules of snowball fights be? Write three rules.
- Christmas is over. What do you think they are doing now at the North pole?
- How do you make the best hot chocolate?
- List as many Winter sports as you can. Which is your favorite? Why?
- What is your favorite thing about Winter time? What is your least favorite thing?
- Which part of the gingerbread cookie should you eat first? Why?
- What is the best thing about cold weather? What is the worst thing?
- How do you build a gingerbread house? What decorations does it include?
- What are your New Year’s resolutions? Why did you chose them?
- Have you ever made snow angels? How did it feel? Why do you think the first person to make a snow angel decided to try it?
- What is your favorite Winter activity? Why?
- Describe the best snow fort for you and your best friend. What will it include and what fun things will you bring to it to make it awesome?
- What are your favorite things to do on snow days. Describe three.
More Seasonal Writing Prompts
Here’s a collection of writing prompts to use throughout the year.
Black History Month Writing Prompts
A great way to reflect and learn from each other!
St. Patrick’s Day Writing Prompts
From rainbows and leprechauns to pots of gold and magic, these writing prompts are so much fun!
Easter Story Starters for Kids
Spring is here! Get creative with these story starters.
Fall means back to school, a change in weather, and so much more! Let these Fall themed journal prompts and story starters lead the way into a new school year.
Christmas Writing Prompts for Kids
Christmas is an exciting time! Let that excitement shine with these story starters and journal writing prompts.