Native American Writing Prompts & Topics to Pay Tribute to Their Rich Culture— Exploring Native American culture offers an incredible opportunity for students to appreciate the diversity, strength, and contributions of Native American communities.
And now…
With this new list of Native American Writing Prompts, your students can do just that.
Best of all…
There are two lists of prompts. One list of writing topics is for younger writers (elementary students), while the other is best suited to middle school and high school writers.
Yes!
Native American history, traditions, and experiences span centuries and provide deep insights into respect for the land, storytelling, family values, and resilience.
Of course…
For learners of all ages, writing about Native American topics can help develop a deeper understanding of these rich cultures thoughtfully and respectfully.
In this blog post, we will introduce a variety of Native American writing prompts and topics to encourage writers to reflect on important cultural themes, historical events, and the enduring impact of Native American traditions.
Take a look now and enjoy!
16 Native American Writing Prompts for Elementary Students
- Write an essay on Native American tribes who’ve lived all over the US.
- Write a short informative text explaining facts you’ve learned about Native Americans. Is it about their homes, their clothing, or their way of life?
- Imagine you live in a Native American village. What kind of games do you play with your friends? Describe your favorite game.
- Create a story about a Native American child going on a big adventure. Where do they go and what do they discover?
- Read a story about a Native American legend or hero. Write a story summary in your own words. What did you learn from it?
- Native American culture celebrates nature and animals. If you could create a celebration about something you love in nature, what would it be?
- What would it be like to go to school with Native American kids from long ago? Write about what you would learn and how their school and grades might be different from yours.
- Stereotypes are not always true. If you heard someone say something untrue about Native Americans, how would you explain what their culture is really like?
- Imagine you’re spending a day with Native American children from long ago. What do you do together? Do you help build something or go on a nature walk?
- What do you think Native Americans were thinking during the first Thanksgiving? Write about what you imagine they would say to the settlers.
- Pretend you are a Native American and see colonizers arriving for the first time. What would you think of them and how would you feel about the new visitors?
- Write opinion pieces on why learning about Native Americans is important. How can their history help us understand more about nature and the world?
- Imagine you could learn to speak a Native American language. What would be the first words you’d want to know and how would you use them?
- You’re asked to create a project about Native American traditions. How would you start generating ideas for the project? Write down three ideas and explain why you think they’re important.
- Imagine you are teaching a friend how to make a Native American craft, like a dreamcatcher. Write out the steps and instructions to help them make it.
- Imagine you’re given a short talking task about a Native American celebration or holiday. What would you say to explain its importance? Practice writing a few sentences to share with your classmates.
16 Native American Writing Prompts for Middle School & High School Students
- Native American women were often leaders in their communities. Write a story about a brave Native American girl who helps her village in a special way.
- Write an essay on Native American history.
- Choose a Native American author (such as Leslie Marmon Silko or Louise Erdrich) and analyze their writing style. How does their style help convey important themes about Native American culture or history?
- Imagine you are applying for a creative writing contest about Native American history or culture. What would a sample of your previous work look like? Write a short story or poem that reflects what you’ve learned about Native American heritage.
- Why is it important for educational materials about Native American history and culture to be accurate, high-quality content? How does inaccurate or misleading content affect our understanding of history?
- Draw a grid showing how you would set up a Native American village. Where would you put the homes, gathering spaces, and places to grow food?
- How can learning about Native American history lead to self-reflection on your own cultural heritage and identity?
- How have Native American communities adapted to the impact of a changing world and what can we learn from their resilience?
- Why is the Native American Graves Protection Act important for preserving history and respecting cultural heritage?
- What do you think Native Americans felt upon the arrival of European settlers, and how did their lives change?
- Compare the experiences of Indigenous communities in North America to those of other Indigenous peoples worldwide.
- How do Leslie Marmon Silko’s stories help preserve Native American traditions and perspectives in literature?
- Imagine your school is sending out a weekly newsletter and you’ve been asked to write a section about Native American history. What would you include to help other students learn something new?
- Many traditional Thanksgiving stories don’t accurately reflect Native American perspectives. Rewrite the Thanksgiving story from the point of view of a Native American who lived through that time. What would they want others to know about their experience?
- Use the RACER format (Restate, Answer, Cite, Explain, and Revisit) to answer this question: Why is it important to learn about Native American history in school?
- Imagine your class is part of a “community of educators” teaching about Native American history. What would you want to share with other students about what you’ve learned? How would you help others understand the importance of Native American culture?
Exploring Native American culture through thoughtful writing prompts not only helps students gain a deeper understanding of their rich history but also encourages respect and appreciation for their enduring legacy.
Whether through storytelling, reflecting on their traditions, or engaging in historical analysis, these prompts offer a meaningful way to pay tribute to the diverse and vibrant cultures of Native American communities.
By incorporating these topics into learning, we ensure that the voices and experiences of Native Americans continue to be honored and remembered for generations to come.
86 More Free Writing Prompts & Resources
- 24 Spectacular Storytelling Prompts
- 32 Fantastic Storytelling Writing Prompts
- 30 November Writing Prompts and Ideas About Gift-Giving and Gratitude
Until next time, write on…
If you enjoyed these Native American Writing Prompts,
please share them on social media via TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and/or Pinterest.
I appreciate it!
Sincerely,
Jill
journalbuddies.com
creator and curator
PS Check out this inspiring resource —> Celebrating Native Cultures Through Words: Storytelling and Oral Traditions
