Want to experience some magic in the classroom? When it comes to finding topics to inspire young writers, they do not get much more exciting than enchantment, mysterious objects, powerful potions and extraordinary adventures.
Magical writing prompts give children the freedom to create worlds where anything can happen. A pair of glasses might reveal a hidden reality, an old letter could lead to the stars and an ordinary-looking tree may hold the power to save an entire forest.
Whether you are teaching a magic-themed topic or simply want to sprinkle a little enchantment into your writing lessons, these spellbinding story starters are sure to spark plenty of imaginative ideas.
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.
A reluctant trip to the opticians takes an unexpected turn when a girl chooses a pair of shiny red glasses. The moment she puts them on, the world around her transforms.
“She’d been dreading going to the opticians, but Mum had insisted.”
Can your class continue the story?
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Brothers Leo and Max have discovered a globe that can transport them anywhere in the world. After choosing their next destination, they say its name aloud and wait for the magic to begin.
“‘Hmmm. Where shall we go this time?’ Leo asked his brother.”
Can your class continue the story?
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Deep inside an enchanted forest stands a mystical potion shop filled with bubbling bottles, sparkling jars and shimmering liquids. When an unexpected customer enters, which powerful potion will they choose?
“In the heart of the enchanted forest, nestled between towering oak trees, stood a mystical potion shop.”
Can your class continue the story?
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Sophia has always felt different from the other children at school, but they do not know the truth. When she returns home each evening, her secret magical life begins.
“Sophia had always been different from the other children at school.”
Can your class continue the story?
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Hakim discovers an ancient letter hidden inside a forgotten library book. Covered in tiny glowing stars, it contains a map that could lead him beyond Earth and into the mysteries of space.
“In a cosy corner of the library, Hakim discovered a dusty old envelope tucked inside a forgotten book.”
Can your class continue the story?
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One solitary tree remains standing amid the remains of a dying forest. Unlike all the other trees, this one contains magic, and perhaps the hope needed to restore everything around it.
“The tree was all that remained. A solitary figure stood there in defiance of the destruction surrounding it.”
Can your class continue the story?
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The magician’s slightest thought can burst into life. He has learned to control his incredible powers over the years, but today he is angry, and an angry thought could unleash chaos.
“It all began with his mind. This was where his true power lay.”
Can your class continue the story?
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When Lily discovers a tiny sweet shop hidden down a cobbled alleyway, she finds jars filled with treats called Dragon’s Breath and Mermaid Tears. Then the shop begins to shake and a mysterious voice invites her on a magical quest.
“As Lily walked down the cobbled alleyway, she noticed a small shop tucked away in the corner.”
Can your class continue the story?
See all six writing activities that accompany this image.
These prompts can be used to inspire many different forms of writing. Your class could:
Before children begin writing, encourage them to decide how the magic in their story works. Does it have rules? Is it helpful or dangerous? Can anyone use it? Does it come with an unexpected consequence?
Giving magic clear rules can make even the most extraordinary story feel believable. It also creates opportunities for problems, surprises and plot twists when those rules are broken.
Whether your pupils choose to mix a powerful potion, travel through a magic globe or enter a sweet shop filled with mysterious treats, these prompts will help their imaginations take flight.