If you’re looking for animal writing prompts and story starters to inspire your class, look no further. From a skateboarding kangaroo and a yoga-loving bear to floating sheep and a holidaying polar bear, these playful prompts are packed with possibilities.
Animals make brilliant characters for creative writing. Children can imagine the world from an animal’s perspective, experiment with personification and create stories filled with humour, adventure and unexpected events.
Here are eight of our favourite animal-themed writing prompts to help you inspire some wonderfully wild writing in your classroom. Each prompt comes with six ready-made writing activities, including a story starter, word bank and punctuation challenge, giving you everything you need to get your class talking, thinking and writing.
Fluffy notices that the grass in her new field tastes slightly peculiar. Moments after taking a cautious nibble, she begins to float into the air, and the rest of the flock soon follows.
“Fluffy had thought that the grass in her new field tasted slightly peculiar.”
Can your class continue the story?
See all six writing activities that accompany this image.
Every morning, Bodhi the grizzly bear visits his favourite forest clearing to practise yoga. When word of his remarkable routine spreads, animals travel from far and wide to learn the secret of his inner peace.
“Sunlight danced through the leaves as a grizzly brown bear named Bodhi set about his daily yoga routine.”
Can your class continue the story?
See all six writing activities that accompany this image.
On a sunny island in the Pacific Ocean, a group of alpacas enjoys a peaceful life filled with sunshine, games and delicious treats. They have never encountered a human, but could that be about to change?
“On a sunny island in the Pacific Ocean, there’s a special place where alpacas lead a relaxed life.”
Can your class continue the story?
See all six writing activities that accompany this image.
A group of children watches in amazement as a kangaroo races through the streets on a skateboard. Roo’s impressive tricks leave everyone wondering where this unusual rider might be heading.
“As the sun began to set, the bustling street went quiet, except for the rhythmic sound of wheels on the road.”
Can your class continue the story?
See all six writing activities that accompany this image.
With his blue shades, infectious energy and talent for mixing beats, DJ Pawz can turn any boring gathering into an unforgettable party. Then an invitation arrives from the most exclusive party in the world.
“As night fell, the streets came alive with the sounds of music and laughter.”
Can your class continue the story?
See all six writing activities that accompany this image.
The competition has been fierce, but one final performer is ready to take to the stage. As a panda begins to sing, the judges are left in stunned silence.
“As the panda took to the stage, the microphone firmly in paw, the audience erupted into a frenzied cheer.”
Can your class continue the story?
See all six writing activities that accompany this image.
The villagers of Ballachulish are about to witness something extraordinary. Muffin, a magnificent but rather smelly Highland cow, has decided to swap rolling in the mud for a luxurious bubble bath.
“In the remote village of Ballachulish, nestled deep in the Scottish Highlands, an extraordinary event was about to unfold.”
Can your class continue the story?
See all six writing activities that accompany this image.
Bjorn the polar bear has left the icy Arctic behind for his first seaside holiday. He is excited to feel warm sand beneath his paws, but a lingering sense of unease suggests that his relaxing break might not go to plan.
“As the sun’s rays danced upon the glistening ocean, a majestic polar bear named Bjorn bumbled his way onto the shore.”
Can your class continue the story?
See all six writing activities that accompany this image.
These prompts can inspire much more than story writing. Your class could:
Encourage children to think about how their animal characters might move, speak and behave. Would they retain their natural animal instincts, or act just like humans? Combining realistic animal characteristics with unexpected situations can lead to wonderfully funny and imaginative writing.
Whether your pupils send sheep soaring through the clouds, join a panda talent show or take a trip to an alpaca paradise, these animal writing prompts offer plenty of opportunities for creativity.