Writing Prompts For Kids: 35 Prompts to Cultivate Cultural Awareness

There are some kids who could write for hours without any question of what to write about. Then, there are those who struggle to get one word on the paper. Regardless of whether or not writing comes easy, writing prompts can be an excellent way to get thoughts flowing. Writing prompts can promote creativity, help you write longer, avoid writer’s block, and help you write more consistently. 

There are so many fun writing prompts for kids.  It is so important for kids to be aware of and take pride in their cultural background so that they can appreciate the differences and similarities of cultures around them. These writing prompts are meant to cultivate that appreciation and awareness.

Benefits of Writing About Personal Experiences

Asking a child to reflect and write on unique personal experiences is an excellent way to promote and celebrate cultural awareness. Kids tend to love to talk about themselves and their experiences. When they have the opportunity to think and write about their unique experiences, it can help them to remember them, increase self-awareness and discover new connections. 

For some, writing about personal experiences can feel easy if the experiences are positive, but for others writing about personal experiences can be challenging if their experiences are negative. It might be necessary to allow for writing breaks if they need it.

Here Are 35 Prompts to Cultivate Cultural Awareness

1. What is your favorite holiday? How does your family celebrate that holiday? 
2. What nursery songs or other songs do you remember from early childhood? Who taught them to you?
3. When and where do you feel most yourself?
4. What cultural celebrations does your family participate in?
5. Write about what cultural celebrations are your favorite and why.
6. Are there shows or movies that you feel represent your family? Explain. If not, imagine one and write about it.
7. How were you named and what does your name mean?
8. What languages are spoken at home and who speaks them? Are there other languages spoken in your extended family that is not spoken in your home? 
9. What are your favorite foods your family makes? Describe what ingredients are in them and how they are made.
10. How do you and your family celebrate birthdays?
11. In your family, are there any specific traditions or customs when there is a funeral?
12. Write about what type of music you listen to at home?
13. What role does your extended family play in your life?
14. What are some expectations your parents/guardians have of you?
15. If you subscribe to a certain religion, what role does that play in your life?
16. What role do you have in your family? Are you the oldest or youngest or in the middle and what responsibilities do you have because of that?
17. What do mealtimes look like in your home?
18. Do you have any special pieces of art or decor in your home that is special to your family? Please describe it and its significance.
19. Write about what you do on the weekends?
20. How have you learned about your family history? A parent, grandparent, or other relatives?
21. How would you describe your family to someone who’s never met them?
22. Describe the happiest day of your life so far.
23. If you could meet with one relative who is no longer alive, who would it be and why?
24. Write about a part of you that you are most proud of. 
25. What is the best and worst thing about living where you do now?
26. If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be and why?
27. Were you raised believing any superstitions? If so, what were they? If not, what do you think about superstitions?
28. Write about an animal that you’ve felt close to. What is the relationship between the two of you?
29. Do you have specific clothing that you wear for special events such as weddings, funerals, or other celebrations?
30. Is there a special birthday in your family or culture that is considered more special than the others? If so, what is it and how is it celebrated differently?
31. Write about one of your earliest childhood memories.
32. Describe a favorite game that you play with or have learned from your family?
33. What are some taboos or things that are shunned or looked down upon in your family?
34. How are babies seen and cared for in your family?
35. What makes you unique?

If you’re looking for more tools on helping your child fall in love with writing, check out one of my favorite writing resources here.