1st Grade Narrative Writing Prompts: 61 Great Ideas

Here you will find a cool collection of 1st grade narrative writing prompts.

Not only do these narrative prompts reduce writer’s block, they prompt students to reflect on personal experiences, develop ideas, and strengthen writing skills.

First graders, even reluctant writers, will enjoy sharing about their lives using these engaging narrative writing prompts.

So add a few of these 1st grade narrative writing prompts to your upcoming writer’s workshop plans.

Related: narrative writing sentence starters

1st Grade Narrative Writing Prompts

Find here a variety of 1st grade narrative writing prompts that you can use as writing activities.

1. Tell about a time when you were nervous.

2. Retell a memory of traveling to another city of town.

3. Describe a time when you were ill. How did you get better?

4. Tell about how you applied a new reading strategy.

5. Share a memory about forgetting your homework at home.

6. Write about a time when you got into trouble with your parents.

7. Share a fun memory visiting a water park.

8. Write about how you applied a new math strategy.

9. What things do you like to do on a day off from school?

10. Tell about a time when you had trouble falling asleep.

11. Retell a memory riding on a school bus.

12. What do you want to be when you grow up and why?

13. Write about a time when you received great news.

14. Tell about a time when you made a huge mess.

15. What is it like to be an only child or one child of many?

16. Write about a time when you got hurt.

17. Share a memory of doing something brave.

18. How do you best like to enjoy your lunch time?

19. Tell about an experience visiting the school nurse.

20. How would you describe yourself to others?

1st grade narrative writing prompts
1st grade narrative writing prompts

21. Describe your after school routine.

22. Retell the time when you made a special recipe with a loved one.

23. Write about a time when you missed recess.

24. What’s it like for you going to shop for new clothes?

25. Share a memory being bitten by an insect.

26. Write about a time when you had to share something but didn’t want to.

27. How did you spend last summer?

28. What was your experience like learning to play a new instrument?

29. Describe your weekday morning routine.

30. Tell about a time when you competed in a game and lost. What lesson did you learn?

31. Retell a time when you won at something.

32. Tell about a time when you received an unexpected grade.

33. What do you typically do during the summer?

34. Share a memorable summer camp experience.

35. Tell about your experience learning how to swim.

36. Write about your first day of school this year.

37. Describe a fun sleepover memory with friends.

38. Tell about a time when a teacher helped you do something difficult.

39. What things do you and your best friend do together?

40. Summarize your SMART goals for this year.

41. Share a time when you were given a big responsibility.  

42. What things can you do repeatedly without getting bored? Why?

43. Retell a time when you had trouble remembering something.

44. Describe your least favorite chores to do around the house.

45. What is your favorite holiday and why?

46. Tell about a time when you played a joke on someone.

47. Share a fun memory visiting a zoo.

48. Tell about your favorite book.

49. Describe your favorite board game.

50. Write about a time when someone treated you unkindly. 

51. Tell about a time when you earned some money.

52. What is your favorite time of the day and why?

53. Describe how your family decorates the house for the holidays.

54. Tell about a time when you were bullied. What was the outcome?

55. Write about a special moment spending time with your family.

56. Share a snow day memory.

57. What is your favorite time of the year and why?

58. Share a memory eating at a restaurant with your family.

59. Write about a time when the electricity went out at home.

60. Write about losing a tooth.

61. Would you rather have extra recess every day or a class pet? Why?

Final Thoughts: 1st Grade Narrative Writing Prompts

Now you have a treasure-trove of 1st grade narrative writing prompts to use as writing activities.

Related: books for teaching narrative writing