It’s October, which means it’s time for some spooky, fun, and autumn-themed writing prompts! These prompts are perfect for getting students excited about writing, and they’re also great for building some important literacy skills. So, without further ado, let’s get into the prompts!
For convenience, each of the prompts can be used right away. Simply write the prompt on the whiteboard or quickly type it into a slide deck. Or, keep reading to find out how I use each of the October writing prompts in my classroom, which allows students’ work to be quickly accessed and displayed with pride.
If you’re like me and want a ready-made resource, you can get it here.
Writing Prompts for October
1. Write an informative piece about a place you would like to explore.
Whether it’s a haunted house, a pumpkin patch, or a forest full of zombies, there are lots of places to explore in October! This prompt is perfect for getting students to think about description and detail in their writing. What can they tell their readers about this place that will make it come alive?
2. Write an opinion piece stating if you enjoy pumpkin-flavored foods or not.
Love them or hate them, pumpkin-flavored foods are everywhere in October! This prompt is great for getting students to think about their opinions and why they feel this way. What are some of their favorite (or least favorite) pumpkin-flavored foods? Why do they taste the way they do?
3. Write an imaginative narrative about Frankenstein coming to your house to play.
This prompt is perfect for encouraging students to use their imaginations! What would it be like if Frankenstein came to visit? Would he be scary or friendly? What sorts of things would he want to do? Students can have a lot of fun with this one.
4. Write an informative piece explaining everything you know about fire safety.
October is also Fire Prevention Month, so this prompt is a great opportunity to teach students about fire safety! They can share what they know about fire safety and help spread the word to others. What are some important things to remember when it comes to fire safety? How can people stay safe if there’s a fire?
5. Write an informative piece about something you no longer worry about.
For many people, October is a month full of worries – from ghosts and goblins to looming deadlines and exams. But it doesn’t have to be all doom and gloom! This prompt is perfect for helping students focus on the positive by writing about something they no longer worry about. What has helped them let go of this worry? How do they feel now that they don’t have to worry about it anymore?
If your students need extra support in writing a solid paragraph, I have this freebie for you. It includes built-in scaffolds to support students in their writing. It’s everything you need to help them write great paragraphs.
No-Prep Writing Prompts for October
You can find each of the writing prompts above is found in the Fold & Hang Monthly Writing Prompts. If you’re a busy teacher with a to-do list a mile long, let me tell you why I love the Fold & Hang Method.
It’s simple and FAST!
The Fold & Hang Method is perfect for busy teachers who don’t have much time to prep for writing. There’s no need to gather materials such as crafting items – all you need is a sheet of paper and a copy machine. This makes it easy to assign one writing prompt weekly without worrying about extra prep.
October Writing Prompts Bulletin Boards
If you’re looking for a fun and festive way to display your October writing prompts, look no further than the Fold & Hang method! This bulletin board technique can easily be set up and add some pizzazz to your classroom. Plus, it’s a great way to get students involved in choosing and decorating the prompts.
Fold & Hang Method:
- Begin by folding a piece of paper in half.
- Student Write to the prompt.
- Slide the completed writing over a ribbon that’s stapled to the wall.
This is a great way to display the October writing prompts for students to see and choose from. Changing the prompts is also quick and easy if you want to mix things up weekly.
Student Sharing of the October Writing Prompts
Publishing and then sharing out is an important part of the writing process, and students will love the opportunity to share their October writing with the class. This is a great way for them to get feedback from their peers and learn from each other. It also lets you see how well they understand and respond to the prompts.
But I know you came for the October Fold & Hang Writing Prompts. So here’s the link to grab them.
Writing can be so much fun – especially when you get to write about spooky, fun things like these October writing prompts! I hope your students enjoy these prompts and that they help them build important literacy skills.
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Happy writing!
–Melissa
