10 Emotion Writing Prompts for Kids
- Age
- 4–6, 7–9, 10–12
- Skills
- emotions · description · story structure
These prompts are designed to get children writing about how a character feels — and, ideally, showing the feeling rather than just naming it.
Pick one, set a short timer, and let your child write. Then try the instant feedback box below.
How to use this
- Choose one prompt and read it together.
- Set a 5- or 10-minute timer and let your child write freely.
- Afterwards, look for one place where they could show a feeling instead of naming it.
- Your best friend forgot your birthday. Write what happens next — but don't use the word “sad”.
- Someone opens a letter that changes everything. Show how they feel as they read it.
- A child is about to go on stage in the school play. Describe the moment before they step out.
- Write about the happiest five minutes of a character's day, without using the word “happy”.
- A dog waits at the window for an owner who is late home. Show how the dog feels.
- Someone finds out a secret they weren't supposed to know. What do they feel?
- Write about a character who is nervous, then relieved. Show both feelings.
- The last day of the summer holidays. Capture how it feels.
- A character wins something they didn't expect to. Show their surprise.
- Write about being brave when you're actually frightened.
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