Spark Your Notebook

“Spark” your writing via 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.

Talking Trees: Prompts for Writing Outside

Prompts for writers to go outside, spend time with the trees, and explore what they communicate to us and to each other.

Layers of the Land: Prompts for Writing Outside

Prompts for writers to get outside and consider how the landscapes around them have been formed, are still changing, and will look in the future.

Nature’s Toolbox: Inspired by George Washington Carver

Prompts for writers to look at nature creatively, like Dr. George Washington Carver did, and use it as your writer’s toolbox.

Built Environment Brainstorming: Inspired by Gateway Arch National Park

Prompts for writers to go outside and consider special structures in their communities.

The Bird’s Nest On the Windowsill

Prompts for writers to go outside and look for moments where nature and the human-made world intersect.

Our Many Trips Around The Sun: Prompts Inspired by Agate Fossil Beds

Prompts for writers that encourage the use of different scales and marks of time to consider the passage of time.

Bug Orchestra: Prompts for Writing Outside

Prompts for writers and composers inspired by the buzzing bees and the hissing cicadas.

Mapping Our Moves: Prompts for Writing Outside

Prompts for writers to go outside and think about the movement of both people and nature.

By Land Or By Sea … Or Portal? Prompts for Writing Outside

Prompts for writers to create characters and imagine their actions and interactions in order to promote dialogue and storytelling.

Innovation Station: Prompts for Writing Outside

Prompts for writers to use their imagination and write about something they want to invent.