Creativity abounds! This collection of 10 4th grade writing prompts focuses on the arts, including subjects like art, theatre, music, dancing and singing. Fourth grade is when I began playing music in the band and as a result it's a major artistic year in my memory. These 4th grade writing prompts can help your creative children and students to express their artistic inclinations in the form of the written word.
You may notice that the numbers on this page do not start at 1 and work their way up. This is because these 10 4th grade writing prompts are an excerpt from my book, 500 Writing Prompts for Kids: First Grade through Fifth Grade. If you like these free samples, the full version is available in both digital and paperback form.
4th Grade Writing Prompts #1: The Arts
161. Some kids have lessons for certain musical instruments like the piano or the clarinet. Have you ever learned a musical instrument? If so, what was it like and what did you learn from it? If not, imagine that you get the chance to learn your favorite instrument. What is it like and how do you feel playing it?
162. What kind of music do you like listening to outside of school? Do you enjoy listening to what your parents listen to or is their taste in music older than they are? If you had the choice to pick music to play during school, what would it be?
163. The school play has started casting its actors … and you are going to be the star of the show! What is the play (you can make one up) and how do you deal with the following things: learning your lines, trying on your costumes, working with the other actors, taking direction and a hefty dose of stage fright on opening night?
164. In nearly all of the television shows and movies you watch, there are hundreds of actors and technical people working to entertain you. Which of the following positions would you rather be and why: actor, writer, director, sound technician, light technician or producer?
165. Whether you only do art during class in school, or if you take a painting, drawing or ceramics class outside of school, art can be a relaxing and challenging activity. How do you feel when you’re doing art? What do you think it means to be a talented artist? Would you do more or less art if you had a choice?
166. Have you ever been to a museum? These are amazing places that are full of art and history from hundreds (or thousands) of years ago until today. Some kids find museums boring while others find them full of interesting items. What would you (or do you) think of a room full of art and history? If you find it boring, what would you do to change it? If you find it exciting, what do you like about it the most?
167. There are many different kinds of dance that kids and adults can learn. Some dances are for particular cultures like Irish dancing and others are for everyone like ballroom dancing. Have you ever learned a dance? If so, what was it like trying to learn the right steps to the beat of the music? If not, imagine that you had to learn a dance to show your whole class and tell a little story about it.
168. One of the best ways to combine athletics and art is called martial arts. This includes different types like karate, tae kwon do and jiu jitsu. Have you ever practiced martial arts? If so, what was it like and what did you learn about yourself during your lessons? If not, create a story in which you are a master martial artist, teaching a certain form to your students.
169. Who is your favorite singer and why? Have you ever dreamed of become a famous singer yourself? What would a day in your fabulous singing life be like?
170. Are there are artistic activities that you participate in that aren’t in the list of music, theatre, art, dance, martial arts and singing? If so, tell a little bit about it here. If not, make up a new form of art and tell us why it’s artistic and fun.
Done with 4th Grade Writing Prompts? Go back to Creative Writing Prompts.
Use the above prompts or article as inspiration to write a story or other short piece.
