Creative writing is a challenge for many students, often because they can’t come up with anything to write about. That’s why we love picture writing prompts. Each one sparks the imagination and helps young writers jump right into crafting a story to match. We rounded up a whole collection of intriguing images for use with kids in grades K-12 along. Plus we designed a set of free Google Slides featuring all of the prompts so you can easily share them with students.
Tip: Start by showing students the picture (or let them choose from among several) without making any comment about what they’re seeing. For kids who still struggle to get started, suggest a potential title or opening sentence, like the examples included here.
Don’t miss our free downloadable. Grab your full set of ready-to-go Picture Writing Prompts Google Slides with all of the prompts below.
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Elementary Picture Writing Prompts
When kids first see these picture writing prompts, they may or may not immediately feel inspired. If they need some help, ask them questions like “What led up to this moment?” or “What’s going to happen next?”
Puppy Love
![Writing Prompts: Puppy Love Dog holding a rose in its mouth, with a heart-shaped cloud in the sky](https://teachersconnect.co/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/puppy-love-prompt.jpg)
When Larry fell in love, he fell hard.
Ask Sign
![Picture Prompts: Ask Sign Lighted sign reading ASK hanging from a building](https://teachersconnect.co/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/ask-sign.jpg)
When the new sign appeared on Main Street, everyone in town wondered exactly what it meant.
Snowy Footprints
![Picture Prompts: Snowy Footprints A series of random footprints in the snow](https://teachersconnect.co/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/footprints-snow-prompts.jpg)
After that crazy day, all that was left to show for it was footprints in the snow.
Dinosaur Bones
![Picture Prompts: Hiding Place Child hiding inside a large toothy skull, reaching out a hand](https://teachersconnect.co/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/skull-hiding-place-800x800.jpg)
“Come with me if you want to live!” Ash said, reaching out a hand.
Undersea Treasure
![Picture Prompts: Treasure Chest Goldfish swimming around a closed treasure chest sitting in the sand under the water](https://teachersconnect.co/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/fish-treasure-chest.jpg)
For years, no one saw the locked treasure chest but the local fish, who wondered what it could contain.
A Game of Fetch
![Picture Prompts: Snowman and Dog A claymation dog bringing a stick to a snowman in a snowy scene](https://teachersconnect.co/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/snowman-dog.jpg)
To Scout, it was a game, but to Mr. Freezy, it was much more.
Ladybug Gossip
![Picture Prompts: Ladybug Pair Of pair of spotted red ladybugs perched on a leaf](https://teachersconnect.co/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/ladybug-pair.jpg)
The ladybug’s picnic was an excellent chance to meet up with old friends and hear all the latest gossip.
Peekaboo
![Picture Prompts: Peek-a-Boo Two children peering in through a barred window](https://teachersconnect.co/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/peek-a-boo.jpg)
We met them when they peeked into our window, watching us as we ate lunch and watched cartoons.
King of the Jungle
![Picture Prompt: Lion King Majestic lion perched on a log wearing a crown](https://teachersconnect.co/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/lion-king.jpg)
It wasn’t the crown that made Amari the king of all he surveyed.
The Final Pitch
![Picture Prompt: Little League Small child waiting at home base for a baseball pitch that's about to arrive](https://teachersconnect.co/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/little-league-player.jpg)
It all came down to this—the final pitch in a game that was tied 2-2.
Doggie Massage
![Picture Writing Prompts: Doggie Massage Two dogs sitting in a way that looks like one is giving the other a back massage](https://teachersconnect.co/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/doggie-massage-prompt.jpg)
Every dog in the neighborhood knew that Rocky gave the best massages and was always willing to lend an ear too.
Skateboard Life
![Picture Prompts: Skateboard Girl Girl in a striped shirt and red headband posing with a skateboard in front of some graffiti](https://teachersconnect.co/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/skateboard-girl.jpg)
When Charli got her first skateboard, she made herself a promise.
Garden of the Past
![Picture Prompts: Vintage Garden Painting of a woman in old-fashioned clothing walking in a cottage garden](https://teachersconnect.co/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/vintage-garden.jpg)
The woman walked in the garden every day, never saying a word.
Sunset Friends
![Picture Prompt: Sunset Playground Two children on a jungle gym silhouetted against a setting sun](https://teachersconnect.co/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/sunset-playground.jpg)
They met on the jungle gym every day at sunset, sharing everything about their days.
Pink Umbrellas
![Picture Prompts: Pink Umbrellas A sunny alleyway with pink umbrellas strung across it](https://teachersconnect.co/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/pink-umbrellas-prompt-800x534.jpg)
When the pink umbrellas first appeared, Toni thought they might be magic.
Firefly Forest
![Picture Prompts: Firefly Forest Illustration of a forest at night filled with fireflies](https://teachersconnect.co/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/firefly-forest.jpg)
Olivia was surprised to discover that the fireflies didn’t just glow, they also sang.
Robot Spider
![Picture Prompts: Robot Spider A large mechanical spider standing on a stormy beach](https://teachersconnect.co/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/robot-spider-prompt.jpg)
When it first crawled ashore, the mechanical spider moved slowly.
Fallen House
![Picture Prompt: Hurricane House House tipped on its side following a hurricane](https://teachersconnect.co/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/hurricane-house.jpg)
Staring at their house, which was now on its side, the whole family was in shock.
Red Riding Hood
![Picture Prompt: Red Riding Hood A young girl wearing a red hooded cape riding a brown horse in the forest](https://teachersconnect.co/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/girl-horse-prompt.jpg)
If only she’d been riding her faithful steed the day she’d met the Big Bad Wolf, things might have been very different.
Kangaroo Fall
![Picture Prompt: Kangaroo Fall A kangaroo sprawled on its back in the grass](https://teachersconnect.co/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/kangaroo-fall-prompt.jpg)
“Well, this is embarrassing,” thought Bouncer, as laughter filled the air around him.
Lost Cat
![Picture Prompt: Lost Cat A child's hand-drawn sign for a lost cat attached to a tree](https://teachersconnect.co/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/lost-cat-prompt.jpg)
Daci’s big brother said her signs wouldn’t help them find their runaway cat, but he was wrong.
Penguin Bookshop
![Picture Prompt: Penguin Bookshop An illustration of a penguin wearing a top hat, standing in a booksshop](https://teachersconnect.co/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/penguin-bookshop.jpg)
A visit to Mr. Pickerel’s Penguin Bookshop is always an adventure.
Egg Family
![Writing Prompt: Egg Faces A carton of colorful eggs with faces drawn on them](https://teachersconnect.co/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/egg-faces-prompt.jpg)
Of all the eggs in the carton, Ella was the one who could always crack you up.
Sky Swings
![Picture Prompts: Sky Swings Children writing a fairground swing ride](https://teachersconnect.co/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/fairground-swings-prompt.jpg)
That was the year Min was finally tall enough to ride the Sky Swings, but now she wasn’t so sure.
Rubber Duck Parade
![Writing Prompts: Rubber Ducks A row of rubber ducks in various costumes floating down a water-filled gutter](https://teachersconnect.co/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/rubber-ducks-prompt.jpg)
It was truly an honor to be asked to lead the Spring Duck Parade.
Teddy Story Time
![Writing Prompts: Teddy Storytime Three teddy bears posed to look as if they're reading a book](https://teachersconnect.co/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/teddy-bear-book-prompt.jpg)
Every afternoon, the three friends gathered for story time in their favorite spot in the woods.
Underwater School
![Writing Prompts: Underwater Child A child sitting at a desk, looking out the window at fish swimming by](https://teachersconnect.co/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/underwater-child-prompt.jpg)
Nia thought going to school underwater would be exciting, but some days she really missed going outside for recess.
Happy Ball
![Picture Prompt: Happy Ball A red ball with a smiley face floating on the water](https://teachersconnect.co/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/happy-ball-prompt.jpg)
The day Amos started his journey down the river, the sun was shining brightly.
Turtle Trouble
![Picture Prompts: Sea Turtle A grumpy looking sea turtle floating in clear water](https://teachersconnect.co/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/sea-turtle-prompt.jpg)
“None shall pass,” growled the old sea turtle, blocking the way.
Dinosaur Race
![Writing Prompts: Dinosaur Race An illustration of a young girl racing alongside a dinosaur](https://teachersconnect.co/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/dinosaur-race-prompt.jpg)
Pia was supposed to keep Balthazar on a leash, but once they reached the forest, she set him free and they both began to run.
Finally Seeing Eye to Eye
![picture writing prompts cat and mouse Cartoon illustration of a large bear with a tiny mouse standing on its nose, looking into its eyes (Picture Writing Prompts)](https://teachersconnect.co/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/picture-writing-prompts-cat-and-mouse.jpg)
“So, we meet at last, face to face,” Lord Squeakerton said to his enemy, the Count of Catnip.
What?!?
![Picture Writing Prompts Monkey face with mouth and eyes open in surprise](https://teachersconnect.co/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/picture-writing-prompts-monkey.jpg)
It takes a lot to surprise a monkey, but you don’t see something like this every day.
Not Coming Out
![Picture Writing Prompts: Hiding Child Child hiding behind a heap of pillows on a beige couch (Picture Writing Prompts)](https://teachersconnect.co/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/picture-writing-prompts-hiding-kid.jpg)
The day started out normally enough, but by the end, Chris knew he was in over his head.
Life on Other Planets
![Picture Writing Prompts: Space Scene A space scene showing a robot and robot dog standing on the surface of an alien planet, with a domed habitat behind them](https://teachersconnect.co/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/picture-writing-prompts-space-dog.jpg)
“Hurry up,” Grnklor told his robopup. “We have to get back inside before nightfall.”
Reindeer Games
![Picture Writing Prompts: Boy and Reindeer Boy leading a reindeer along a snowy path into the setting sun (Picture Writing Prompts)](https://teachersconnect.co/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/picture-writing-prompts-reindeer.jpg)
The wind had died down, but the setting sun seemed to take all the warmth of the day with it.
Something to Celebrate
![Picture Writing Prompts A young boy raises his arms in triumph as a young girl points at a computer screen, smiling (Picture Writing Prompts)](https://teachersconnect.co/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/picture-writing-prompts-kids-computer.jpg)
Their classmates could hear their shouts of joy from all the way down the hall.
Home Sweet Mushroom
![Picture Writing Prompts: Mushroom House Illustration of a mushroom turned into a house, with a fence and lighted windows, under a full moon](https://teachersconnect.co/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/picture-writing-prompts-mushroom-house.jpg)
When the fairies that lived in the garden invited her to stay with them for awhile, Maria wasn’t sure what to expect.
Loch Ness Mystery
![Picture Writing Prompts: Loch Ness Monster Model of the Loch Ness Monster rising from a lake](https://teachersconnect.co/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/picture-writing-prompts-loch-ness.jpg)
“There it is! I told you Nessie is real!” Angus whispered to Lee.
Lonely Bear
![Picture Writing Prompts: Teddy Bear Worn teddy bear sitting on a stone bridge](https://teachersconnect.co/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/picture-writing-prompts-bear.jpg)
It was hard to say who was lonelier that night, Amil or his lost stuffed bear, Jasper.
Sometimes You Lose
![Picture Writing Prompts: Boy Boy sitting on the ground with his face in his hands](https://teachersconnect.co/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/picture-writing-prompts-boy.jpg)
When his team lost the championship, Miguel was crushed, but it turned out to be the best thing that ever happened to him.
Middle School Picture Writing Prompts
Middle school writing prompts can be a little more complex, with pictures that have a lot of potential interpretations. Encourage students to delve deeper into the story by describing how the characters feel and why they behave the way they do.
New Shoes
![Picture Prompts: New Shoes A pair of light blue Converse sneakers](https://teachersconnect.co/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/new-shoes-prompt-800x533.jpg)
Morgan was incredibly proud of those shoes, paid for entirely with money from after-school jobs.
Never Lose Hope
![Writing Prompt: Never Lose Hope Splotch of green paint with the words](https://teachersconnect.co/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/never-lose-hope-prompt.jpg)
With his last bit of energy, Kai scrawled his message in the wet paint.
Get Me Out
![Picture Prompt: Rescue Button Computer keyboard with a red button reading Get Me Out of Here](https://teachersconnect.co/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/rescue-button-prompt-800x444.jpg)
The keyboard button could only be used once, and no one knew exactly what happened when you pressed it.
Piano Lessons
![Picture Prompts: Piano Keyboard A young child's hands on a piano keyboard](https://teachersconnect.co/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/piano-keyboard-prompt-800x533.jpg)
Before she could even speak, Arya was drawn to the black and white keys.
Fern Baby
![Picture Prompts: Fern Baby Rolled fern front photoshopped to look as if a baby is sleeping inside](https://teachersconnect.co/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/fern-baby-prompt.jpg)
There was no doubt about it, this was was indeed a very special kind of garden.
Sad Bunny
![Writing Prompt: Sad Bunny A person wearing a dingy bunny costume standing on the end of a dock](https://teachersconnect.co/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/sad-bunny-prompt.jpg)
No matter how you looked at it, it had been a very rough day to be the Easter Bunny.
Empty Chairs
![Writing Prompts: Beach Chairs Four empty beach chairs on the shore, with seagulls flying overhead.](https://teachersconnect.co/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/beach-chairs-prompt-800x500.jpg)
By sunset, all four chairs were empty, and the only signs of life were the gulls swooping down from above.
Floating Treasure
![Writing Prompt: Floating Chest Two black birds sitting on a chest floating in the water](https://teachersconnect.co/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/floating-chest-prompt.jpg)
To the birds, it was simply a convenient place to land, but Ali and I knew it was much more than that.
Shadow Question
![Writing Prompt: Shadows A pair of sneakers and a person's shadow in a puddle](https://teachersconnect.co/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/no-shadow-prompt.jpg)
That was the day they discovered that just because you were invisible didn’t mean your shadow was.
Letter and Key
![Writing Prompt: Letter and Key An old key lying on an old handwritten letter](https://teachersconnect.co/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/letter-key-prompt.jpg)
The day she turned 12, Vivi’s aunt handed her an envelope containing the family secret.
Space Target
![Writing Prompts: Space Target An illustration of a woman aiming an arrow at a target against an outer space landscape](https://teachersconnect.co/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/space-target-prompt.jpg)
Onyx paused, knowing that once their arrow hit the target, there was no knowing what would happen.
Mermaid Mystery
![Writing Prompt: Mermaid A mysterious figure that could be a mermaid, seen from below](https://teachersconnect.co/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/mermaid-prompt-800x450.jpg)
It was a mermaid—or was it?
World on a String
![Writing Prompt: Planet Balloons A girl standing on a path, holding a suitcase and a bunch of balloons that look like planets](https://teachersconnect.co/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/planet-balloons-prompt.jpg)
Her dad had promised to give her the world, but she wasn’t expecting three more planets as well.
Bee Standoff
![Writing Prompt: Bee Standoff Two bees face ot face on a purple flower](https://teachersconnect.co/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/bee-standoff-prompt-800x533.jpg)
“This flower ain’t big enough for the both of us!” said Bianca.
Solitary Seat
![Picture Prompts: Fireside Chair A leather chair next to an old woodstove with a valise and old books](https://teachersconnect.co/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/fireside-chair.jpg)
For as long as anyone could remember, Angus McGee spent his evenings in the same chair next to the woodstove.
Best Friends
![Picture Prompts: Girl and Teddy A little girl holding a very large teddy bear, dragging it down a dirt road](https://teachersconnect.co/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/girl-teddy-prompt.jpg)
When you decide to run away from home forever, you can’t possibly leave your best friend behind.
Dinosaur Demise
![Writing Prompts: Dinosaur Meteor Illustration of dinosaurs panicking as a meteor is about to hit the earth](https://teachersconnect.co/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/dinosaur-meteor-prompt.jpg)
In retrospect, setting the time machine to randomly choose a day and time in the past might not have been such a good idea.
Magic Lamps
![Picture Prompts: Magic Lamps A collection of green](https://teachersconnect.co/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/magic-lamps.jpg)
“Choose wisely,” said the old shopkeeper, “for only one of these lamps is truly magic.”
Message in a Bottle
![Picture Prompts: Message in a Bottle Glass bottle on a seashore with a rolled up paper inside](https://teachersconnect.co/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/message-bottle-prompt.jpg)
The message floated at sea for more than 50 years before the day we found it on the beach.
Barrel Boat
![Writing Prompt: Barrel Race Man wearing a life jacket and paddling half a barrel in a lake](https://teachersconnect.co/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/tub-race-prompt.jpg)
Of all the ways to impress someone, Jonah thought to himself, this had to be one of the most ridiculous.
Dragon Guardian
![Writing Prompts: Dragon Guardian A child sitting in the grass, with a dragon curled up around her](https://teachersconnect.co/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/dragon-child-prompt.jpg)
When your parents give you your own dragon guardian, your childhood is bound to be enchanted.
Octopus’s Garden
![Picture Writing Prompts: Under the Sea Diver encountering a large octopus with fish in the background (Middle School Picture Writing Prompts)](https://teachersconnect.co/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/picture-writing-prompts-octopus.jpg)
Wouldn’t you like to be under the sea, in an octopus’s garden in the shade?
Around the Corner
![Picture Writing Prompts: Around the Corner Girl peering around a corner at a boy walking a dog](https://teachersconnect.co/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/picture-writing-prompts-girl-and-boy.jpg)
After finally pressing “send,” she couldn’t resist peeking around the corner to watch him read the text.
Beam Me Up!
![Picture Writing Prompts: UFO Small child sitting in a field watching a flying saucer beam up its tricycle (Middle School Picture Writing Prompts)](https://teachersconnect.co/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/picture-writing-prompts-ufo.jpg)
Milo’s earliest memory was of watching his beloved tricycle float into the sky above him, caught in a beam of light.
Poison Apple
![Picture Prompt: Apple Skeleton A red apple held in a skeleton's hand](https://teachersconnect.co/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/apple-skeleton-800x533.jpg)
To join the club, all Aaron had to do was creep up and snatch the apple from the skeleton’s hand without being seen.
Giraffe Council
![Picture Writing Prompts: Giraffes Three giraffes shown from the neck up against a cloudy blue sku](https://teachersconnect.co/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/picture-writing-prompts-giraffes.jpg)
“It is now 3 p.m., and I call this meeting of the Mighty Council of Giraffes to order,” announced Imari.
Mystery Creature
![Picture Prompts: Mystery Monster Computer illustrated creature with blue scales, pink spikes, and large eyes](https://teachersconnect.co/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/pastel-monster.jpg)
At first glance, it was hard to tell whether the little creature was friend or foe.
Onward
![Picture Writing Prompts: Jump Woman leaping across a chasm silhouetted by an orange sky](https://teachersconnect.co/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/picture-writing-prompts-jump.jpg)
As the sky turned orange, Keisha ran faster than ever and used the last of her energy to push off and soar over the water below.
The End of Days
![Picture Writing Prompts: War A boy stands with his bicycle watching as bombs rain down on a city skyline (Picture Writing Prompts)](https://teachersconnect.co/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/picture-writing-prompts-war.jpg)
Despite their best efforts, they arrived too late—the battle had already begun.
Out of the Book
![Picture Prompts: Out of the Book Woman dressed in a blue ball gown peering out of a book lit from inside, with a mouse nearby](https://teachersconnect.co/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/cinderella-book-800x533.jpg)
“Happily ever after” was about to take on a whole new meaning.
Stopped Clock
![Picture Prompts: Broken Clock Old broken alarm clock stopped at 11:17](https://teachersconnect.co/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/broken-clock.jpg)
I was sure that the time on the broken clock was the clue to solving the mystery.
Dueling Webs
![Picture Prompts; Spiderwebs Two dew-covered spiderwebs in the early morning sun](https://teachersconnect.co/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/spiderwebs.jpg)
It’s never a good idea to build your web too close to another spider’s, but this time I had no choice.
Do Shoes Grow on Trees?
![Picture Writing Prompts: Shoe Tree A bare tree covered with hanging pairs of shoes against a clear blue sky](https://teachersconnect.co/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/picture-writing-prompts-shoe-tree.jpg)
The day I threw my own shoes into the tree was the day I really started to grow up.
Abstract Art
![Picture Prompts: Abstract Art Closeup of splotches of colorful paint](https://teachersconnect.co/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/abstract-art.jpg)
“So,” asked their art teacher, “what do you think this painting means?”
Wandering Robots
![Picture Writing Prompts: Cardboard Robot Small cardboard robot in a field of daisies (Picture Writing Prompts)](https://teachersconnect.co/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/picture-writing-prompts-robot.jpg)
Everything about NB-317 was made of cardboard except his heart—that was made of flesh and blood and very capable of being broken.
Dream Come True
![Picture Writing Prompts: Balloon House Blue house floating in the sky above mountains, held up by blue balloons](https://teachersconnect.co/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/picture-writing-prompts-house.jpg)
It all started when Quinn watched her favorite movie the night before they assigned partners for the eighth grade science fair project.
Mysterious Cave
![Picture Prompt: Fractal Cave Rocky cave with strange geometric patterns in the rock](https://teachersconnect.co/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/fractal-cave.jpg)
The cave was unlike anything we’d ever seen before, and what was more, it almost seemed like the rock was alive.
Storm at Sea
![picture writing prompts ship A pirate ship on stormy seas, with a purple sky and dramatic streaks of lightning](https://teachersconnect.co/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/picture-writing-prompts-ship.jpg)
As the rain lashed his face and lightning tore apart the sky, Kiran had to admit he’d always thought it would be a lot more fun being a pirate.
Grasshopper Close-Up
![Picture Prompts: Grasshopper Closeup A closeup view of a grasshopper looking directly at the camera](https://teachersconnect.co/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/grasshopper-closeup.jpg)
That’s when Javed realized it wasn’t that the grasshopper was too big—it was that he was suddenly very, very small.
UFO Parking
![Picture Prompt: UFO Parking Sign saying UFO Parking with picture of a flying saucer](https://teachersconnect.co/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/ufo-parking-800x600.jpg)
“Well, that’s convenient,” Javdok remarked to Qabow when they saw the sign.
High School Picture Writing Prompts
High school writers are ready to dig deep, exploring character development and detailed plots. These pictures offer a jumping-off point to set their imaginations free.
Cyborg Girl
![Picture Writing Prompts: Cyborg Girl An altered image showing a young girl in a black dress with a white collar, with a neck made of mechanical gears](https://teachersconnect.co/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/cyborg-girl.jpg)
When she was 14, Tasha’s parents finally told her the truth about what she really was.
BBQ Cookout
![Picture Prompts: BBQ Grill Barbeque grill with many different kinds of meat](https://teachersconnect.co/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/bbq-grill-800x476.jpg)
“So, I’m guessing no one told you I’m a vegetarian?” asked Sadie with a smile.
Faces
![Picture Prompts: Faces Hands holding up a phone with a picture of a baby's face in front an old man's face](https://teachersconnect.co/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/faces-prompt.jpg)
The latest app was like a time machine, allowing people to look back in time, but it also had a dark side.
Hopeless
![Picture Prompts: Hopeless Woman sitting on a sidewalk with her head on her knees as others walk by](https://teachersconnect.co/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/hopeless-prompt-800x600.jpg)
She was surrounded by people but never felt more alone.
Hippo Troubles
![Picture Prompts: Hippo Mom and Baby A hippo mother and baby with its mouth open](https://teachersconnect.co/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/hippo-mom-baby-800x571.jpg)
Like all parents, hippos sometimes really need a break from their kids.
iPad Farmer
![Picture Prompts: iPad Farmer Old man in overalls using an iPad while snapping green beans](https://teachersconnect.co/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/ipad-farmer-prompt.jpg)
Grandpa Jack never failed to surprise us.
Marching Band Blues
![Picture Prompt: Sousaphone Player Black man in a red shirt sitting on a bench, wearing a sousaphone](https://teachersconnect.co/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/sousaphone-player.jpg)
Kaleel sat sadly on the bench, watching the rest of the band march away in jaunty time to the music.
Never-Ending Tunnel
![Picture Prompt: Tunnel A white-tiled tunnel stretching far into the distance](https://teachersconnect.co/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/tunnel-prompt.jpg)
The tunnel seemed to stretch to infinity, but Jayma knew what was at the end, and it terrified her.
Carving Out Love
![Picture Prompt: Initials in a Tree A birch tree with](https://teachersconnect.co/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/tree-initials-prompt.jpg)
For years, we wondered who “WP” was, and who it was who loved them so much they carved it into a tree for all to see.
Glowing Globe
![Writing Prompts: Glowing Globe Man holding a glowing globe in a misty library](https://teachersconnect.co/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/glowing-globe-prompt.jpg)
Just then, the globe began to glow, and Jaxson knew he was about to leap through space and time once again—destination unknown.
See No Evil
![Picture Prompts: Posed Skeletons Three skeletons posed in the classic](https://teachersconnect.co/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/posed-skeletons-prompt.jpg)
It seemed like a funny joke to pose the skeletons in front of old Mrs. Petoski’s house, but then she turned up dead, and the police said it was murder.
Upside Down
![Writing Prompt: Upside Down Woman hanging upside down from the ceiling in a kitchen](https://teachersconnect.co/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/upside-down-prompt.jpg)
It’s an odd feeling to wake up one morning and find yourself able to walk on the ceiling.
Face at the Fence
![Picture Prompt: Face in a Fence Child with their face pressed up against a wire fence](https://teachersconnect.co/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/boy-fence-prompt-800x537.jpg)
So much depended on which side of the fence you were on.
Bicycle Race
![Picture Prompts: Bicycle Race Three people competing in a bicycle race](https://teachersconnect.co/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/bicycle-race-prompt.jpg)
Finley had trained too hard for this race to come in third—it just wasn’t good enough.
Family Travels
![Writing Prompt: Family Travels Vintage photo of a Black family strapping luggage to a car, with a young girl posing in front](https://teachersconnect.co/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/family-travels-prompt.jpg)
In the picture, my grandmother’s expression is hard to interpret, but she’s told me the story many times.
Laundromat Antics
![Picture Prompt: Dryer Legs A pair of legs waving out of a dryer in a laundromat](https://teachersconnect.co/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/dryer-legs-prompt.jpg)
Dani never expected to meet her first love feet first.
I’m Sorry
![Picture Prompts: Ring and Note Black and white photo of a wedding ring lying on a sheet of notepaper saying "I'm sorry!"](https://teachersconnect.co/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/ring-and-note-800x533.jpg)
Molly’s mom probably didn’t mean for her to be the one to find the note, but that’s how things turned out.
Through the Storm
![Writing Prompts: Truck in a STorm Pickup truck driving through flooded streets in a storm](https://teachersconnect.co/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/truck-storm-prompt.jpg)
Javier knew it would have been smarter to stay put, but he had to make sure his mom was safe before the worst of the storm arrived.
Lifetime Friends
![Writing Prompts: Baby Friends Two babies holding hands while being held by adults](https://teachersconnect.co/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/baby-friends-prompt.jpg)
They’d been friends for as long as they could remember—even longer, in fact.
Stray Kitten
![Writing Prompts: Stray Kitten A small kitten facing a person's legs, in black and white](https://teachersconnect.co/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/stray-kitten-prompt.jpg)
“I am NOT taking you home with me,” Kai told the tiny mewling kitten firmly.
Abandoned Greenhouse
![Writing Prompts: Abandoned Greenhouse Woman inside an abandoned ramshackle greenhouse in the woods](https://teachersconnect.co/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/abandoned-greenhouse-prompt-800x532.jpg)
Willow was free to leave at any time, but she couldn’t make herself go.
Razor Wire
![Writing Prompts: Razor Wire A fence topped by rolls of razor wire against a blue sky](https://teachersconnect.co/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/razor-wire-prompt.jpg)
Amani’s earliest memory was razor wire—miles and miles of it.
Church Graveyard
![Picture Prompts: Church Graveyard An old graveyard outside a stone church](https://teachersconnect.co/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/church-graveyard-prompt.jpg)
Everyone feels differently in a graveyard, but for me, they’re very peaceful places.
Orb of Death
![Writing Prompts: Crystal Ball A hooded figure folding out a crystal ball with a spooky image in it](https://teachersconnect.co/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/crystal-ball-prompt-800x450.jpg)
“Do you really want to know?” Death asked. “Because once you know, you won’t be able to forget.”
Missed Shot
![Writing Prompts: Wheelchair basketball Men in wheelchairs playing basketball, as one laments a missed shot](https://teachersconnect.co/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/wheelchair-basketball-prompt.jpg)
Steve was sure his shot would make it, but it bounced off the rim just as the buzzer rang to end the game.
First Contact
![Picture Writing Prompts: Alien Alien figure with a human in a spacesuit visible in the window behind them (High School Picture Writing Prompts)](https://teachersconnect.co/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/picture-writing-prompts-alien.jpg)
This was it—the moment that would change what it meant to be human forever.
One Life To Live
![Picture Writing Prompts: Man An old man wearing a cowboy hat sits in front of a house (Picture Writing Prompts)](https://teachersconnect.co/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/picture-writing-prompts-man.jpg)
His face said his life had been a hard one, but his eyes told a different tale.
Winter Walk
![Picture Writing Prompts: Winter Scene Snow-covered field with a winding trail of footprints](https://teachersconnect.co/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/picture-writing-prompts-snow.jpg)
Snow fell, creating a blank canvas to record the story of that fateful walk.
Train to Nowhere
![Picture Prompts: Abandoned Train Car Sepia-toned image of an old sleeper train car in disrepair](https://teachersconnect.co/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/abandoned-train-car.jpg)
It certainly wasn’t the most luxurious way to travel, but then again, no one really wanted to make this trip in the first place.
Modern Mary Poppins
![Picture Writing Prompts: Mary Poppins Woman standing in the middle of a wheat field on a gray day, holding an umbrella and bag](https://teachersconnect.co/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/picture-writing-prompts-mary-poppins.jpg)
She dropped into our lives on a gray day in midwinter, a hint of the spring that was to come.
All That Remains
![Picture Writing Prompts: Empty Hallway A chair sits in the hallway of an abandoned building under a shaft of light from above (High School Picture Writing Prompts)](https://teachersconnect.co/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/picture-writing-prompts-school.jpg)
Dust motes filled the air of the abandoned hallway, replacing the voices once heard there.
Pocket Pal
![Picture Prompts: Pocket Pal A very small bunny being carried in a shirt pocket](https://teachersconnect.co/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/bunny-pocket.jpg)
From the day he found the little creature, Luis refused to go anywhere without him.
The Question
![Picture Writing Prompts: Question Figure holding flowers behind its back, with a woman turning to look in the background](https://teachersconnect.co/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/picture-writing-prompts-happy-ever-after.jpg)
Their happily ever after began quietly, with a bouquet of wildflowers.
Night Lights
![Picture Writing Prompts: Night Lights A person holding an umbrella walks down an alley toward a street filled with neon lights](https://teachersconnect.co/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/picture-writing-prompts-night.jpg)
Misty rain both blurred and emphasized the lights that lit Suri’s way home that evening.
Forest of Fear
![Picture Writing Prompts: Fear Forest Black and white photo of tree trunks with arms and hands reach out from behind them (Picture Writing Prompts)](https://teachersconnect.co/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/picture-writing-prompts-tree.jpg)
At first, Mateo thought it was a joke, but the screams that followed told him there was nothing remotely funny about it.
Eye Spy
![Picture Prompts: Eye Camera Closeup of a human eye, with the pupil represented as a camera lens](https://teachersconnect.co/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/eye-camera.jpg)
At the elite level, being a spy meant serious commitments.
The Yellow Door
![Picture Writing Prompts: Doors A row of white doors with one yellow door (Picture Writing Prompts)](https://teachersconnect.co/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/picture-writing-prompts-doors.jpg)
On their 14th birthday, every resident of Fresnia was required to stand before the Wall of Doors and make a choice.
Graffiti Palace
![Picture Prompt: Graffiti Palace Abandoned warehouse with graffiti on the walls](https://teachersconnect.co/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/graffiti-place.jpg)
To strangers, it seemed random, but every mark on those walls had deep meaning for us.
Fossil Fish
![Picture Prompt: Fossil Fish Fish fossil in light-colored stone](https://teachersconnect.co/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/fossil-fish.jpg)
Millions of years ago, the fish gave one final flop before lying still in the deep mud.
On the Rails
![Picture Writing Prompts: Rail Girl Woman standing on railroad tracks holding a guitar and looking off into the distant sunset (Picture Writing Prompts)](https://teachersconnect.co/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/picture-writing-prompts-rail-girl.jpg)
Aliyah stood on the tracks, uncertain of where to go next.
Art Picture Writing Prompts
These picture prompts are all works of art, some more well known than others. Try providing them to students without sharing the titles first, then offer up the titles if they need some help getting started.
The Dance Class (Edgar Degas)
![The Dance Class by Edgar Degas The Dance Class by Edgar Degas](https://teachersconnect.co/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/the-dance-class-degas.jpg)
Greek Funerary Plaque (520-510 BCE)
![Greek Funerary Plaque Greek Funerary Plaque](https://teachersconnect.co/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/funerary-plaque-greek.jpg)
Washington Crossing the Delaware (Emanuel Leutze)
![Washington Crossing the Delaware by Emanuel Leutze Washington Crossing the Delaware by Emanuel Leutze](https://teachersconnect.co/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/washington-delaware-leutze.jpg)
Kyōsai’s Pictures of One Hundred Demons
![Kyosai Pictorial Record of One Hundred Goblins (Kyosai hyakki ga Kyōsai’s Pictures of One Hundred Demons](https://teachersconnect.co/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/kyosai-one-hundred-demons.jpg)
First Steps, After Millet (Vincent van Gogh)
![First Steps by Vincent Van Gogh First Steps by Vincent Van Gogh](https://teachersconnect.co/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/first-steps-van-gogh.jpg)
Lady Lilith (Dante Gabriel Rossetti)
![Lady Lilith by Dante Gabriel Rosetti Lady Lilith by Dante Gabriel Rosetti](https://teachersconnect.co/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/lady-lilith-rosetti-800x934.jpg)
A Sunday on La Grande Jatte (Georges Seurat)
![A Sunday on La Grande Jatte by Georges Seurat A Sunday on La Grande Jatte by Georges Seurat](https://teachersconnect.co/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/sunday-grande-jatte-seurat.jpg)
After the Hurricane, Bahamas (Winslow Homer)
![After the Hurricane, Bahamas by Winslow Homer After the Hurricane, Bahamas by Winslow Homer](https://teachersconnect.co/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/after-the-hurricane-homer.jpg)
Drawing Lots for Prizes (Kitagawa Utamaro)
![Drawing Lots for Prizes by Kitagawa Utamaro Drawing Lots for Prizes by Kitagawa Utamaro](https://teachersconnect.co/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/drawing-lots-kitagawa.jpg)
Portions of Field Armor (Jacob Halder)
![Portions of a Field Armor by Jacob Halder Portions of a Field Armor by Jacob Halder](https://teachersconnect.co/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/field-armor-prompt.jpg)
Sadie Pfeifer, a Cotton Mill Spinner (Lewis Wickes Hine)
![Sadie Pfeifer, a Cotton Mill Spinner by Lewis Wickes Hine Sadie Pfeifer, a Cotton Mill Spinner by Lewis Wickes Hine](https://teachersconnect.co/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/sadie-pfeifer-spinner.jpg)
Still Life With Monkey, Fruits, and Flowers (Jean Baptiste Oudry)
![Still Life With Monkey, Fruits, and Flowers by Jean Baptiste Oudry Still Life With Monkey, Fruits, and Flowers by Jean Baptiste Oudry](https://teachersconnect.co/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/still-life-monkey-oudrey.jpg)
Man Leading a Giraffe, 5th Century Byzantine
![Man Leading a Giraffe, 5th Century Byzantine Man Leading a Giraffe, 5th Century Byzantine](https://teachersconnect.co/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/man-leading-giraffe-byzantine.jpg)
The Three Skulls (Paul Cézanne)
![The Three Skulls by Paul Cézanne The Three Skulls by Paul Cézanne](https://teachersconnect.co/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/three-skulls-cezanne.jpg)
The Madame B Album (Marie-Blanche Hennelle Fournier)
![The Madame B Album by Marie-Blanche Hennelle Fournier The Madame B Album by Marie-Blanche Hennelle Fournier](https://teachersconnect.co/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/madame-b-album.jpg)
Coiled Trumpet in the Form of a Snarling Feline Face (c. 100 BCE to 500 CE)
![Coiled Trumpet in the Form of a Snarling Feline Face (c. 100 BCE to 500 CE) Coiled Trumpet in the Form of a Snarling Feline Face (c. 100 BCE to 500 CE)](https://teachersconnect.co/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/coiled-trumpet.jpg)
Crazy Quilt With Animals (Florence Elizabeth Marvin)
![Crazy Quilt with Animals by Florence Elizabeth Marvin Crazy Quilt with Animals by Florence Elizabeth Marvin](https://teachersconnect.co/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/crazy-quilt.jpg)
Storytime (Eugenio Zampighi)
![Storytime by Eugenio Zampighi Storytime by Eugenio Zampighi](https://teachersconnect.co/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/storytime-zampighi.jpg)
Cubist Village (Georges Gaudion)
![Cubist Village by Georges Gaudion Cubist Village by Georges Gaudion](https://teachersconnect.co/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/cubist-village-gaudion.jpg)
Zig-Zag Passenger and Freight Train (Unknown)
![Zig-zag Passenger and Freight Train (Unknown) Zig-zag Passenger and Freight Train (Unknown)](https://teachersconnect.co/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/zig-zag-train.jpg)
The Power of Music (William Sidney Mount)
![The Power of Music The Power of Music by William Sidney Mount](https://teachersconnect.co/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/the-power-of-music.jpg)
The Large Tree (Paul Gauguin)
![Picture Prompts: The Large Tree The Large Tree (Paul Gaugin)](https://teachersconnect.co/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/the-large-tree.jpg)
After the Bath (Mary Cassatt)
![Picture Prompts: After the Bath After the Bath (Mary Cassatt)](https://teachersconnect.co/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/after-the-bath.jpg)
Wedding Gown (Korea, Late 1800s)
![Picture Prompts: Korean Wedding Gown Wedding Gown (Korea, Late 1800s)](https://teachersconnect.co/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/wedding-gown-korean.jpg)
The Contemplator (Eugène Carrière)
![Picture Prompts: The Contemplator (Eugène Carrière) The Contemplator (Eugène Carrière)](https://teachersconnect.co/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/the-contemplator.jpg)
The Girl I Left Behind Me (Eastman Johnson)
![Picture Prompts: The Girl I Left Behind Me (Eastman Johnson) The Girl I Left Behind Me (Eastman Johnson)](https://teachersconnect.co/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/the-girl-i-left-behind-me.jpg)
24c Curtiss Jenny Invert Single
![Picture Prompts: 24c Curtiss Jenny invert single 24c Curtiss Jenny invert single](https://teachersconnect.co/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/inverted-jenny.jpg)
Creeping Baby Doll Patent Model
![Picture Prompt: Creeping Baby Doll Creeping Baby Doll Patent Model](https://teachersconnect.co/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/creeping-baby-doll.jpg)
Wrecked Zeppelin (British Library)
![Picture Prompt: Wrecked Zeppelin Wrecked Zeppelin photograph from The British Library](https://teachersconnect.co/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/wrecked-zeppelin.jpg)
Skeleton (Tales of Terror Frontispiece)
![Picture Prompts: Tales of Terror Skeletons Frontispiece from Tales of Terror](https://teachersconnect.co/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/tales-of-terror.jpg)
Get Your Free Picture Writing Prompts Google Slides
![Picture Writing Prompts Gif featuring picture writing prompts Google Slides.](https://teachersconnect.co/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Picture-Writing-Prompts-800x450.gif)
Just click the button below to fill out the form and get instant access to free downloadable Picture Writing Prompts Google Slides with all the prompts included above.