Writing Prompts from Grimm (Workbooks)

Write a fairy tale with help from the Grimm brothers!

As an author and a homeschooling mom for the past fourteen years, I’ve learned a thing or two about getting kids to write.

These workbooks are designed to not only work on writing skills, but logic as well.

The prompts include beginnings, middles, and endings pulled from Grimms’ fairy tales.

Grades 7-12 workbook includes: *100 prompts: 34 Beginnings, 33 Middles, and 33 Endings

Grades 3-6 workbook includes: *50 prompts: 26 Beginnings, 12 Middles, and 12 Endings

The Answer Key in the back reveals the fairy tale origin of the prompt.

The books are divided into three sections of prompts: Beginnings, Middles, and Endings. Each section works on a different aspect of storytelling and logical thinking. Think of the formula as ABC.

Beginning prompts: Students are given “A” and have to come up with what leads to “B” and “C.” Generally, these prompts give characters and setting, but few clues about conflict and plot.

Middle prompts: This type of prompt works on the middle logic of a story. Students are given “B” and have to come up with a logical start “A” as well as a logical conclusion, “C.” The conflict is well underway, so they have to unravel what is going on.

Endings: Starting with the conclusion, “C,” students work the logic backward to arrive at “A” and “B.” Like a detective walking in on a crime scene, they have to come up with characters and motivations and a logical plot that makes sense with the ending.

Appendix: This section lists the story prompt with its original source. Once students have written their stories, they can go and read the Grimms’ version and compare ideas.

Get your students something fun, creative, and classical all at the same time.

Students who write a lot will likely prefer to use the workbook to brainstorm ideas before hopping on a computer for the actual writing. Students who write short and sweet may prefer writing directly onto the pages.