Notes from the Inkpot

Writing, teaching, creating - one ink-stained idea at a time.

Ekphrastic Writing for the Classroom: Art, Photo & Science Prompts for English Teachers
For Teachers, Writing Prompts, Poetry, For Writers, Genres Ink & Insights . For Teachers, Writing Prompts, Poetry, For Writers, Genres Ink & Insights .

Ekphrastic Writing for the Classroom: Art, Photo & Science Prompts for English Teachers

This comprehensive guide to ekphrastic writing in the classroom brings together image-based writing prompts using art, photography, sculpture, science imagery, and AI-generated visuals. Designed for secondary English teachers, the post includes practical ways to use ekphrasis across poetry, prose, monologue, and creative nonfiction, alongside adaptable classroom activities and cross-curricular ideas. Whether you’re planning a poetry unit, setting low-prep bell-ringers, or encouraging close observation and voice-driven writing, these ekphrastic writing prompts for students support inference, imagery, and creative confidence. With clear guidance, differentiated approaches, and links to ongoing writing resources, this post is built for real classroom use.

Read More
70 Personal Narrative Writing Prompts (With Images & Story Starters)

70 Personal Narrative Writing Prompts (With Images & Story Starters)

These personal narrative writing prompts are designed to help students shape real experiences into meaningful, reflective writing. Rather than focusing on journaling or simple recounts, this collection of 70 personal narrative prompts provides structured support through titles, opening lines, closing lines, settings, important people, and picture prompts, guiding writers toward clarity, purpose, and thoughtful reflection. Suitable for middle and high school students, as well as classroom use across KS3–KS5, these personal narrative writing prompts work well for creative writing lessons, exam-style tasks, bell ringers, and independent writing time. The prompts are flexible, classroom-safe, and designed to help writers develop voice, reflection, and narrative control while exploring memory, identity, and lived experience.

Read More