51 Fun Math Writing Prompts That Spark Critical Thinking

Reinforce all types of mathematical concepts using these fun math writing prompts for students.

Not only do these math writing prompts reduce writer’s block, they promote critical thinking, encourage application of skills, and spark deep reflection.

That’s why they make a great addition to your collection of math and writing activities.

So pencil into your lesson plans this week a handful of these thought-provoking math writing prompts that work well with all grades.

Math Writing Prompts

Following you will find a variety of math writing prompts that can be used for various writing purposes.

  • Create a math word problem that can be solved by someone in your grade level.
  • Draft three to five S.M.A.R.T goals for math. What actions will you take in order to reach these goals?
  • Explain step-by-step how to multiply two-digit numbers.
  • Step-by-step, share how to make a favorite recipe.
  • Explain how to solve a math word problem.
  • Imagine that you’re a farmer in charge of feeding a group of 100 people. Explain in detail how many crops you’ll need to grow. Estimate how many rows of food you’ll need.
  • Compare and contrast division and multiplication.
  • Today in math I learned…
  • Here’s how today’s learning connects with something I already knew…
  • Write about your best experience in math this school year.
  • As you start your math test, you realize that you studied the wrong material. You are not knowledgeable about most of the items on the test. Describe how you would handle this situation.
  • Share a time when you used math last summer.
math writing prompts
math writing prompts
  • Explain how to win a Math Bowl contest. 
  • Provide at least 10 real-life examples of shapes and solids in your kitchen. Describe how each object is used.
  • Write about your worst math experience ever.
  • Brainstorm a math problem that you recently solved. Explain in detail how you solved it.
  • The three most important ideas that I learned from the lesson are…
  • Describe all the ways we use fractions in our real life.
  • Create a story or piece of writing about math. Your piece can be a comedy, mystery, fantasy, tall tale, poetry, comic, persuasive, informative, etc.
  • Explain how to make a good grade on a math test.
  • Write a story using these words: math, measure, height, ruler
  • Write three of your math strengths and three weaknesses.
  • Explain some ways that math can be made more interesting to kids your age.
  • Write a letter to the cafeteria staff convincing them to survey the student body about adding healthier meal options. Explain the importance of doing so.
  • Create a math riddle or two that kids your age would enjoy solving.
  • Describe at least three ways that math is used in everyday life.
  • Explain to a younger child how math is all around us.
  • Think about these items: swimming pool, cell phone, car, pizza, roller coaster. Describe how math is connected to each of these things.
  • Describe three situations in life where multiplication makes counting easier.
  • Make a math quiz that consists of 20 items. Choose any math topic you wish, and include an answer key.
  • Write about the perfect math lesson or activity. 
  • Explain two different ways to multiply two or three-digit numbers.
  • Explain in detail to your best friend how he or she can use mathematical strategies to improve the chances of winning a game.
  • Compare and contrast mathematics and science.
  • Discuss the importance of having strong math skills when it comes to saving and investing money.
  • Write about a time that you overcame an obstacle that you faced in math.
  • In detail, explain how an architect uses mathematical principles in his/her profession.
  • Write about how non-math focused professions still need to use math. Use a singer, writer, or truck driver as an example.
  • How does responding to math writing prompts deepen your knowledge of concepts?
  • You notice that you’ve been charged extra when you receive the restaurant bill. Describe how you will solve this problem.
  • Explain some ways in which math is used in sporting events.
  • Find a recipe in a book or online. Now double or triple the original recipe. Write out the ingredients and the recipe with the adjusted amounts.
  • Share everything you know about (insert math skill, topic, or concept).
  • Pretend that you are a famous mathematician invited to a school to speak to students about the importance of studying math. Write a speech about the importance of learning math.
  • Pretend that you are designing the cover of a math textbook. Describe the cover using lots of details.
  • Sketch a drawing made up entirely of geometric shapes. In one to two paragraphs, describe it.
  • Create a social media hashtag for mathematics. What ideas, events, adventures, activities will your hashtag be known for?
  • Write 10 words related to math. Then compose a poem that includes these words.
  • Brainstorm ways to mix art and mathematics. Now explain in detail how to make your math craft.
  • Pretend you are the number zero. Write a letter to the other digits telling them how important you are. Explain the impact on the number system without zero.
  • G.E.O.M.E.T.R.Y – Create an acrostic poem using the word geometry. 
  • Choose five math words, and then write a haiku about them.
  • List all the words (2-letter, 3-letter, 4-letter, 5-letter, 6-letter, 7-letter, 8-letter, 9-letter, and 10-letter) that you can make using the letters from the term mathematics.  
  • Compose a song that will help kids learn how to skip count.

Final Thoughts: Math Writing Prompts

Now you have a treasure-trove of writing prompts about math to use for various writing activities.

Download lined paper to use with these math writing prompts.

Also see … math sentence stems