Once you were inspired to write your own 6-Word Story from the Rangers at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, continue to “spark” your writing via prose-focused writing prompts developed by National Park Service Rangers and educator colleagues from across the country. Don’t forget to share your creation using the hashtag #writeout.
Intentional Noticing & Writing
Join elementary teacher Willeena Booker in a park near her home as she finds a comfortable place to sit, does some “intentional noticing,” and uses what inspires her to compose.
Writing During Difficult Times
Join Ranger Steve at Valley Forge National Park as he sits by the fire and shares journal entries that were written during the Valley Forge encampment. These writings give us a view into what it was like at Valley Forge in 1777 and 1778. Write your own story about overcoming challenges.
Get started with Journaling
Join middle grades teacher Diana Weis as she explores a familiar place through writing and drawing in her journal.
Get started on a 6-Word Story
Join elementary teacher Abigail Lund in a city park in downtown Cincinnati where she walks you through how to get started on a 6-word memoir or personal story.
Practice Dialogue
Join Interpretive Media Specialist Jay Elhard at Acadia National Park as he asks would you rather be a lighthouse keeper watching for boats in duress, or a fire lookout, scanning the tree tops for smoke? What conversation would occur if the fire lookout and the lighthouse keeper met in the middle of the park?
Looking for more writing prose ideas? Check out these Story-powered Prompts for Writing Outside! (coming soon)