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  • 101 Funny Debate Topics for Elementary, Middle, and High School

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    Debating a topic is a terrific way to practice public speaking, critical thinking, and other important skills. It can feel a little overwhelming at first, though. Silly controversial topics make it easier for kids of any age to connect, engage, and learn. We’ve rounded up the best funny debate topics for elementary school, middle school, and high school. Plus, we’ve got tips for using these fun debate ideas in your own classroom.

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    Silly and Funny Debate Topics for Elementary School

    Start out simple with concrete, clear-cut topics that kids can relate to. At this age, your main goal with fun debates is to teach students to listen with respect and state their own opinions clearly.

    Funny Elementary School Debate Topics About Food

    1. Is a hot dog a sandwich?
    2. What is the best pizza topping?
    3. Which is better, ice cream or cake?
    4. What’s the better ice cream flavor, chocolate or vanilla?
    5. Does ketchup belong on a hot dog?
    6. Which is better, peanut butter or Nutella?
    7. Should you eat macaroni and cheese with a spoon or a fork?
    8. Is a corner brownie better than a middle brownie?
    9. Are chocolate chip cookies the best kind of cookies?
    10. Which is better, hot chocolate or a chocolate milkshake?
    11. Which is better on hot chocolate, marshmallows or whipped cream?
    12. Are chicken wings better than mini drumsticks?
    103 Corny Thanksgiving Jokes for Kids (and Adults!)
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    103 Corny Thanksgiving Jokes for Kids (and Adults!)

    Pop Culture Silly Debate Topics for Kids

    1. Agree or disagree: It would be more fun to hang out with Oscar the Grouch than with Big Bird.
    2. Are animated Disney classics better than the live-action versions?
    3. Would you rather be best friends with Bluey or Daniel Tiger?
    4. What’s more fun to collect, Labubu or Pokémon?
    5. Is it more fun to build LEGO sets following the directions or just making your own creations?
    6. Would you rather be Super Mario or Luigi?
    7. Who is the best Disney princess?
    8. Would you rather be in the Magic Tree House or ride the Magic School Bus?

    More Funny Issues To Debate in Elementary Classrooms

    1. Who would be better at running the world, cats or dogs?
    2. Which is better, summer or winter?
    3. Should teachers give candy as rewards in the classroom?
    4. Is it better to be too hot or too cold?
    5. Should everyone make their bed every day?
    6. If you had a time machine, would you travel forward in time or backward?
    7. Which is the better pet, dogs or cats?
    8. Would you rather have a pet dragon or a pet unicorn?
    9. Should we let people go barefoot anywhere they want?
    10. Would you rather be able to fly or turn invisible?

    Fun and Funny Middle School Debate Questions

    Funny Issues To Debate in Middle School About Food

    1. Is a taco a sandwich?
    2. Agree or disagree: There’s no point in eating fries without ketchup.
    3. What’s the best fast-food restaurant?
    4. Does pineapple belong on a pizza?
    5. Which goes into the bowl first, the cereal or the milk?
    6. Do sandwiches taste better with the crusts cut off?
    7. Is it better to eat leftover pizza cold or to reheat it first?
    8. Does fruit count as dessert?
    9. Which is better, Coca-Cola or Pepsi?
    10. Yes or no: Round pizzas are better than rectangular pizzas.
    11. Is it better to eat an Oreo whole or twist it apart and eat the cream first?
    12. Should you always taste food first before adding salt or pepper?
    13. In a cheeseburger, should the cheese go on top of the patty or underneath?

    Funny Debatable Pop Culture Questions for Middle School

    1. Was Darth Vader a hero or a villain?
    2. Which is better, Harry Potter or Lord of the Rings?
    3. Is The Mandalorian better than the original Star Wars trilogy?
    4. Agree or disagree: Minecraft isn’t as fun as it used to be.
    5. Is Taylor Swift overrated as a musician?
    6. Who’s the better “chosen one,” Harry Potter or Percy Jackson?
    7. Is K-Pop Demon Hunters only for K-pop fans or can anyone enjoy it?

    More Silly Controversial Debate Questions for Middle School

    1. Should all families have a pet?
    2. Which is better, football or soccer?
    3. Clowns: scary or funny?
    4. Should people have to work/go to school on their birthdays?
    5. Is Monday the worst day of the week?
    6. Should you wear socks with sandals?
    7. Is the number 13 really unlucky?
    8. If animals could talk, which one would be the rudest?
    9. Should toilet paper hang with the loose end over or under?
    10. If you had to choose one, would you rather live under the sea or in space?

    Controversial but Funny High School Debate Topics

    Funny Pop Culture Issues To Debate in High School

    1. Which is more dangerous, werewolves or vampires?
    2. Was Robin Hood a hero or a criminal?
    3. Should superheroes have to pay for all the damage they cause?
    4. Is “Breaking Bad” a better crime drama than “The Sopranos”?
    5. Was the “Game of Thrones” ending satisfying?
    6. Agree or disagree: The TV show “Friends” is now too outdated and problematic to be funny.
    7. Is it better to pay a bigger, all-inclusive price for a video game up front, or have a free version with in-game purchases?
    8. What’s the best video game system?
    9. Should difficult games like Elden Ring should have an “easy mode” to help new gamers?
    10. Do the Grand Theft Auto games rely on shock value over quality?
    11. Which was more heartbreaking, “The Fault in Our Stars” or “They Both Die in the End”?
    12. What’s the best romantic couple in a book or movie?
    13. Who gives better performances, solo performers or bands?
    14. Are modern episodes of “The Simpsons” as funny as the older seasons?
    15. Which is better, K-pop or rap?
    16. Would you rather be the superhero or the sidekick?
    17. Is it harder to survive “The Hunger Games” or “Squid Game”?
    18. Posting food pics before eating: acceptable or annoying?
    19. Would you rather have a lightsaber or Thor’s hammer?
    20. Is Darth Vader the worst father of all time?

    Challenging but Silly Controversial Topics To Debate in High School

    1. Is water wet?
    2. Agree or disagree: Humans should eat to live, not live to eat.
    3. Is there intelligent life on other planets?
    4. Should Santa Claus’ elves be paid minimum wage?
    5. Which came first, the chicken or the egg?
    6. Should Pluto still be considered a planet?
    7. Is it better to be a morning person or a night person?
    8. Would the world be better if women were always in charge?
    9. Is it better to be TikTok famous or Instagram famous?
    10. Do aliens live among us here on Earth?
    11. Is bottled water better than tap water?
    12. Agree or disagree: All’s fair in love and war.
    13. Is using curse words really a big deal?
    14. Are skirts more comfortable than pants?
    15. Should GIF be pronounced with a hard G or a soft G?
    16. Do the morals of fairy tales still apply to the modern world?
    17. Which is more fun, going out or staying home?
    18. Is it better to be a big fish in a small pond or a small fish in a big pond?
    19. Should a person sitting in the middle row of an airplane automatically get both armrests?
    20. Would you want to be famous?
    21. Would you rather be rich with no friends or poor with many friends?

    How To Use Funny Debate Topics in the Classroom

    Funny questions are a lighthearted way to teach meaningful discussion skills. No matter what grade level you teach, use these tips to make the most of fun and funny debate topics and questions with your students.

    1. Choose the “right” kind of funny for your students

    Funny debate topics work best when they’re relatable and relevant. If your students don’t get the joke, they won’t be as engaged in the activity. Plus, not all silly debate topics work at every age. Fortunately, we’ve got plenty of funny debate questions on our list—consider these tips when choosing one.

    • Elementary students: Stick with silly but concrete topics that are easy for kids to visualize and argue, like “Would you rather have a pet dragon or a pet dinosaur.” Age-appropriate pop culture questions can be fun too.
    • Middle school: Pop culture questions will be a hit with this age group; tailor them to whatever’s currently popular at your school.
    • High school: Even funny debate topics can go a little deeper, like “Is Darth Vader the worst father of all time?” Or you can choose seemingly silly debate questions that really make them think, such as “Is water wet?”

    2. Start with simple arguments, then add more structure as kids get older

    Don’t weigh down younger kids with complicated terms like “rebuttal” or “rhetoric.” Start slow in the lower grades, and build on skills as they get more practice.

    • Elementary school: Keep discussions light and informal, giving everyone a chance to share their point of view clearly.
    • Middle school: Build a little more structure into debates, with opening and closing statements and rebuttals.
    • High school: Teach students to use rhetorical language and evidence to defend their side.

    3. Teach age-appropriate debate rules and etiquette

    One of the most important lessons students learn while debating is how to listen calmly to other points of view and disagree with respect. Emphasize these ideas at each age:

    • Elementary school: Teach respectful phrases like “I hear what you’re saying, but I think …” or “I understand your point, but what if you think about it this way?” Ensure students don’t interrupt others when they’re sharing their opinions.
    • Middle school: Help students understand that they’re debating ideas, not people. Folks can strongly disagree about a topic but still be friendly as they discuss it.
    • High school: Apply debate rules like time limits, and remind students that even funny topics can help them learn to argue effectively and respectfully.

    4. Take time to reflect after a debate

    In formal debates, one side is usually declared “the winner.” In the classroom, it’s more useful to focus on the most effective arguments made by both sides and how they helped sway the opinions of listeners.

    • Elementary school: Keep a list of strong arguments on the whiteboard as kids “debate.” At the end, take a class vote to see which side they choose, and ask kids if the discussion changed their personal opinion.
    • Middle school: Have students write down their own opinion before a debate. During the debate, encourage them to make notes about the arguments. Then, finish up with a reflection paragraph stating their opinion after the debate—if it changed, what argument swayed them?
    • High school: Assign some students to be “judges,” keeping track of the various arguments and rebuttals and deciding who was most convincing in the end.

    Funny Debate Topics FAQs

    What are some funny debate topics for students?

    For elementary students, try funny, easily relatable questions like “Is a hot dog a sandwich?” or “Would you rather be too hot or too cold?” Middle school students will love silly debate questions about their favorite pop culture, like “Is Taylor Swift overrated as a musician?” or “Does fruit count as dessert?” High schoolers will get a kick out of funny issues to debate like “Do aliens live among us here on Earth?” or “Should superheroes have to pay for all the damage they cause?”

    How do you choose a funny debate topic for your class?

    Silly controversial topics keep the tone lighthearted while still giving students a chance to work on arguing effectively and listening respectfully. Choose a funny issue to debate that your students will recognize and have strong personal opinions about, especially for younger students. Pop culture and food debates like “Should you put ketchup on a hot dog?” are especially popular at any age, while older kids will enjoy fun rhetorical questions like “Would you want to be famous?”

    What are the best funny debate topics for middle school?

    Middle school students love to debate just about anything, but pop culture and food topics can be especially strong choices for this age group. Try questions like “Is K-Pop Demon Hunters only for K-pop fans or can anyone enjoy it?” or “Is it better to eat an Oreo whole or twist it apart and eat the cream first?”

    How can teachers make classroom debates fun and engaging?

    Choosing a silly controversial topic like “Is a taco a sandwich?” is a great way to get everyone involved in a classroom debate in a low-stakes, low-key way. Students will have fun coming up with creative arguments about topics, knowing that it’s unlikely that anyone will be offended by opposing opinions. Let students choose the funny topic they’d like to debate, whether it’s from this list or a debatable question of their own—this encourages a sense of ownership and control.

    What are easy funny debate topics for beginners?

    Keep it simple with silly controversial topics like “Should you wear socks with sandals?,” “Are clowns scary or funny?,” or “Would you rather be able to fly or turn invisible?” Food debate questions are also popular: try “Should you eat macaroni and cheese with a spoon or a fork?” or “Does pineapple belong on pizza?” Just remember to choose a relatable topic that allows students to take sides while they practice arguing effectively and listening respectfully.

    Don’t forget to snag your free debate graphic organizers for all grade levels!

    Image of the debate graphic organizer and debate rules
    We Are Teachers

    Even silly debates need rules and planning! Our free graphic organizers make it easy to help students prep their arguments, state their opinions clearly, and disagree with respect. Just click the button below to grab yours today!

    What are your favorite funny debate topics? Come share in the We Are Teachers HELPLINE group on Facebook!

    Now that you’ve tackled funny debate topics, you’re ready to move on to more serious stuff. Check out Middle School Debate Topics and High School Debate Topics.

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    Jill Staake, B.S., Secondary ELA Education

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  • Elements of Fiction Teaching Guide and Activity Ideas

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    There are so many facets involved in the science of reading. In the primary grades, students are just learning how to read, and the five pillars of literacy are the main focus: phonics, phonemic awareness, vocabulary, fluency, and comprehension. When students reach the upper elementary grades, things shift from learning how to read to reading for meaning. This is the start of a new era for English Language Arts (ELA) students, where elements of fiction are now the main focus.

    Third grade is the start of high-stakes standardized testing, which continues until high school graduation. A deep understanding of the elements of fiction is crucial for students at this point in their ELA education. The six elements of fiction are character, plot, point of view, setting, theme, and conflict resolution. Each one helps students deepen their understanding of a text as they analyze and synthesize information. Let’s get to know more about each and how to incorporate fun ways to teach them to your students.

    6 Elements of Fiction

    Character 

    The characters of a text are the people, animals, or other beings involved in the events of a story. The characters help build the plot of the story.

    Ideas for teaching character:

    • Character role-play: Students act out their favorite character from a story. 
    • Character trait posters: Students draw their favorite character from a story and write different character traits around the drawing to describe them.
    • Character timelines: Build a timeline of the character from beginning to end describing traits at each point. Students can map character growth, which also helps identify the theme of the story. 
    • Character social media profile: Have students create a profile page for a specific character.

    Plot

    The plot consists of the main events of a story and is broken down into three main parts: beginning, middle, and end.

    Ideas for teaching plot:

    • Story maps: Have students draw events in sequence, creating a map of events. There are plenty of ways to do this using different types of ready-made graphic organizers. 
    • B-M-E identification: Have students write a few sentences to a paragraph each for the three main parts of the story: beginning, middle, and end. 
    • Sequence activities: Provide sentence strips or cards with different events from the story. Students then put them in the order in which they occurred. 
    • Plot diagram charts: Make a diagram to show the rise and fall of the plot. Label it with the five key stages of a story: exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution. Use a plot pyramid template to map the story structure, or get artsy with a mountain or roller coaster shape.

    Setting 

    The setting is where and when the story takes place. It is important to identify it from the start since it sets the tone and builds an understanding of the other elements.

    Ideas for teaching setting:

    • Time period research project: Identify the time period of the story and have students research trends, events, and other fun facts about it. 
    • Setting maps: Create maps showing the different locations (real or fictional) of where the main events take place.
    • Travel brochures: Create a travel brochure for a story’s setting. Include landmarks, best things to do, important places from the story, and other highlights to convince others to visit.
    • Setting switch rewrite: Students rewrite the story (or a major scene) in a completely different time and/or place. Students then analyze their own writing (or a classmate’s), comparing and contrasting it with the original version. 

    Theme

    The theme is the central idea, message, or lesson of a story.

    Ideas for teaching theme:

    • Analyze fairy tales and folktales: Both genres are great since they are short stories where characters often learn a lesson at the end. 
    • Cross-text theme hunt: Compare two or more texts (stories, poems, or songs) with similar themes and discuss how each conveys the theme differently. 
    • Theme tracker charts: Students go back through a text individually or in groups and record evidence supporting the theme. For example, as characters grow and change, the theme develops. How does it all build up to the end?
    • Make a theme collage: Students create a digital slide or draw a poster containing different images supporting the theme of a story. 

    Point of View

    The point of view refers to how a character feels and tells the story. This can also refer to the perspective of the narrator of the story. 

    Ideas for teaching point of view:

    • Readers theater: Students are assigned different characters to act out from a story. They tell their point of view of events based on how their character sees it.
    • Point of view rewrite activity: Students rewrite a short story or scene from another character’s perspective or as the narrator. 
    • Create a diary entry: Students pretend to be a character from the story and write a diary entry describing a main event from the story. Students should go into detail about the setting, feelings, relationships with other characters, and more. 
    • Narrator voice comparison: Read two versions of the same event from different points of view. Compare and contrast the point of view of each narrator using a Venn diagram. Fractured fairy tales are great tools for exploring point of view since they take a different angle on the original.

    Conflict Resolution

    The conflict in a story refers to the problem a character faces in the story. The main types of conflict are as follows: character vs. self (internal conflict), character vs. character, character vs. society, character vs. nature, character vs. technology, and character vs. the supernatural. The resolution is how the problem is solved. 

    Ideas for teaching conflict resolution:

    • Conflict type sort: Provide students different scenarios or excerpts from stories. Students identify the type of conflict: character vs. character, self, society, nature, technology, or the supernatural.
    • Conflict timeline: Students record a conflict’s development over time, from the beginning to the end of a story. Students analyze how the character reacts during each event. 
    • Conflict resolution match-up: Write out conflict situations on index cards. Make a matching card for each with a possible resolution. Students match them, providing reasons why they go together. The cards can have more than one answer, providing a fun and creative way to solve the problem!
    • Make connections: Compare a conflict in a text to another situation. Connections can include text-to-text connections, text-to-self connections, or text-to-world connections. Identify how the scenarios are alike and come up with a resolution that works for both examples.

    Elements of Fiction Anchor Charts

    If you need anchor charts to help teach elements of fiction to your students, look no further! Check out these examples and re-create your favorites for your classroom.

    More English Language Arts Resources for Teachers

    Visit our English Language Arts page for even more resources for every grade level.

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    Stephanie Sanders, M.Ed., Elementary Education, M.Ed., Educational Leadership

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  • 130 Interesting Persuasive Essay Topics for Kids and Teens

    130 Interesting Persuasive Essay Topics for Kids and Teens

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    Persuasive writing is one of those skills that can help students succeed in real life. Learn the basics of this valuable skill, then use our big roundup of persuasive essay topics for practice.

    Plus, fill out the form on this page to grab our free printable persuasive essay graphic organizers to pair with your lessons!

    We Are Teachers

    What is persuasive writing?

    In a persuasive essay, the writer uses a combination of facts and emotion to sway a reader to adopt their own point of view or take a specific action. Here are the general steps to writing persuasively:

    • State your position: Clearly and succinctly, state your desired opinion or outcome up front. This could be the point of view you want the reader to adopt (“Pineapple has no place on a pizza.”) or the action you want them to take (“All adults should educate themselves and vote in every election.”).
    • Provide evidence and support: Use facts to support your point of view, citing sources whenever you can. Explain how those facts back up your position, using logic and reason.
    • Anticipate counterarguments: It’s important to know your audience so you can anticipate any counterarguments they might make and try to overcome them.
    • Use emotional appeals: Persuasive essays are similar to argumentative essays, but they incorporate more emotion rather than sticking to facts and logic. For instance, you might try to anger, scare, or create a sense of pride in your reader so they’ll be more likely to agree with you.
    • Make a call to action: Finish strong with the specific action you’d like the reader to take, whether it’s voting responsibly or never putting pineapple on a pizza again.

    Help students understand what strong persuasive writing looks like by exploring well-known examples of persuasive essays, speeches, ads, and more. Then, use the topics here to give them practice writing persuasively on their own.

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    School and Education Persuasive Essay Topics

    Persuasive Essay Topics: Do you think homework should be required, optional, or not given at all?
    • Do you think homework should be required, optional, or not given at all?
    • Students should/should not be able to use their phones during the school day.
    • Should schools have dress codes?
    • All students should wear school uniforms.
    • If I could change one school rule, it would be …
    • Is year-round school a good idea?
    • Should we stop giving final exams?
    • Is it better to be good at academics or good at sports?
    Is it better to be good at academics or good at sports?
    • Which is better, private schools or public schools?
    • Should every student have to participate in athletics?
    • Should schools teach life skills like financial responsibility?
    • Does your school handle bullying well?
    • Do you think schools should ban junk food from their cafeterias?
    • Should students be required to volunteer in their communities?
    • What is the most important school subject?
    • Are letter grades helpful, or should we replace them with something else?
    Persuasive Essay Topics: Are letter grades helpful, or should we replace them with something else?
    • Is it ever OK to cheat on homework or a test?
    • What are the ideal starting and ending hours for a school day?
    • Should students get to grade their teachers?
    • Do you think college should be free for anyone who wants to attend?
    • Should schools be allowed to ban some books from their libraries?
    • Which is better, book smarts or street smarts?
    • Is attending college worth the time and effort?
    Which is better, book smarts or street smarts?
    • Should all students have to learn a foreign language?
    • Are single-gender schools better or worse for students?
    • Schools should reduce or eliminate standardized testing.

    Life and Ethics Persuasive Essay Topics

    If you find money on the ground, should you try to find the person who lost it, or is it yours to keep?
    • Who faces more peer pressure, girls or boys?
    • Should all Americans be required to vote?
    • Is it better to be kind or truthful?
    • Which is better, giving or receiving?
    • Should free speech have any limitations?
    • Is it OK to keep animals in zoos?
    • Should we change the minimum driving age in the United States?
    Should we change the minimum driving age in the United States?
    • Which is more important, happiness or success?
    • Is democracy the best form of government?
    • Is social media helpful or harmful?
    • Should parents be punished for their children’s mistakes or crimes?
    • Should kids have set bedtimes or just go to bed when they’re sleepy?
    • Do you think the government should find a way to provide free universal health care for everyone?
    Do you think the government should find a way to provide free health care for everyone?
    • Is it better to save your allowance or spend it?
    • Is capital punishment ever ethical or justified?
    • Should we ban plastic bags and bottles?
    • Which is better, living in the city or in the country?
    • Immigration benefits the United States.
    • A border wall between Mexico and the United States is essential for reducing crime rates.
    • Should the United States have stronger gun regulations?
    • If I could make a new law, it would be …

    Science and Technology Persuasive Essay Topics

    • Is Pluto a planet?
    • Should human cloning be legal?
    • Should vaccines be mandatory?
    • Do the benefits of nuclear power outweigh the risks?
    • Is it right for countries to still maintain nuclear weapon arsenals?
    Is it right for countries to still maintain nuclear weapon arsenals?
    • Should testing on animals be made illegal?
    • Will expanded use of artificial intelligence be good for humanity?
    • Should all people have free internet access in their homes?
    • Is there intelligent life on other planets?
    • Does technology create more jobs than it eliminates?
    • Should parents use their children’s cell phones to track where they are?
    • Should scientists try to develop a way for people to live forever?
    Should scientists try to develop a way for people to live forever?
    • What’s the best type of smartphone: Android or iPhone?
    • Which is better, Macs or PCs?
    • Do people rely too much on technology in the modern world?
    • Should cryptocurrencies replace cash?
    • Should there be a minimum age requirement to own a smartphone?
    • All people have a responsibility to help combat climate change.
    • Is it important to keep spending money on space exploration, or should we use the money for other things?
    Is it important to keep spending money on space exploration, or should we use the money for other things?
    • Should kids under 13 be allowed to use social media sites?
    • Should we ban cigarette smoking and vaping entirely?
    • Is it better to be an animal that lives in the water or on land?
    • Are humans responsible for an increase in climate change?
    • Should all communities be legally required to recycle?

    Sports and Entertainment Persuasive Essay Topics

    • Should kids be allowed to watch TV on school nights?
    • Which is better, paper books or e-books?
    • Is the current movie rating system (G, PG, PG-13, etc.) effective?
    • Are video games better than board games?
    • Sports teams should have to pay to build their own arenas or stadiums rather than relying on the community.
    • Movie theater tickets are too expensive.
    • Should we allow little kids to play competitive sports?
    Should we allow little kids to play competitive sports?
    • Youth sports have become too competitive.
    • Which is better, reading books or watching TV?
    • Are celebrities obligated to be positive role models for their fans?
    • Does playing violent video games make people more violent in real life?
    • Video games need more inclusive and diverse characters.
    • Are graphic novels just as valuable as traditional fiction books?
    • Women’s sports deserve equal funding and coverage as men’s sports.
    • Should everyone play on the same sports teams, regardless of gender?
    • Choose a book that’s been made into a movie. Which was better, the movie or the book?
    Choose a book that's been made into a movie. Which was better, the movie or the book?
    • Who is the world’s best athlete, present or past?
    • Are professional athletes/musicians/actors overpaid?
    • Is hosting the Olympics a waste of a country’s money and resources?
    • College athletes should be allowed to accept a salary for playing.
    • Which is better, fiction or nonfiction?
    • The best music genre is …
    • What is one book that everyone should read?
    • What new sport should be added to the Olympics?
    What new sport should be added to the Olympics?
    • What’s the best video game system?
    • Does playing video games make you smarter?
    • Should high school athletes be required to maintain a minimum GPA to continue playing?
    • Contact sports like boxing and football are too dangerous.
    • Does reality TV actually depict real life?
    • Should all neighborhoods have free parks and playgrounds?
    • Are awards like the Grammys and Oscars biased and in need of reform?

    Just for Fun Persuasive Essay Topics

    • What’s the best holiday?
    • The very best food of all time is …
    • Which make better pets, dogs or cats?
    • Which is better, artificial Christmas trees or real ones?
    Which is better, artificial Christmas trees or real ones?
    • What’s the best season of the year?
    • Should you put ketchup on a hot dog?
    • Is a taco a sandwich?
    • Does fruit count as dessert?
    • Everyone should eat dessert first.
    • Should people have to go to school or work on their birthday?
    • Are clowns scary or funny?
    • Which is more dangerous, werewolves or vampires?
    Which is more dangerous, werewolves or vampires?
    • The best pizza topping is …
    • What would be the best superpower to have?
    • Should everyone make their bed every day?
    • Which came first, the chicken or the egg?
    • Should you put pineapple on a pizza?
    • Should you eat macaroni and cheese with a spoon or a fork?
    Should you eat macaroni and cheese with a spoon or a fork?
    • Describe the world’s best ice cream sundae.
    • Is Monday the worst day of the week?
    • Would you rather travel back in time or forward in time?
    • Is it better to be too hot or too cold?
    • Are there aliens living among us here on Earth?

    Get my free printable persuasive essay graphic organizers

    persuasive essay road map
    We Are Teachers

    Download our persuasive essay graphic organizer bundle to pair perfectly with your lesson and allow your students to plan their writing with helpful visuals. There are two worksheets, one with a simple layout for younger students and one with a detailed layout that’s best for older students. Both graphic organizers feature a road map theme that walks your students through all the steps, such as stating their claim, providing reasons and supporting facts, and restating the claim. These graphic organizers work for both persuasive and argumentative essays. Just press the button below to grab them!

    What are your favorite persuasive essay topics for students? Come exchange ideas in the We Are Teachers HELPLINE group on Facebook.

    Plus, check out The Big List of Essay Topics for High School.

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    Jill Staake, B.S., Secondary ELA Education

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  • How Personalized Learning Can Benefit Students

    How Personalized Learning Can Benefit Students

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    The Discovery Education blog is a free resource for educators to find time-saving teaching strategies and compelling content for their daily lessons.

    Full of timely tips, high-quality DE resources, and advice from our DEN community, these posts are meant to entertain and inform our users while supporting educators everywhere with new ways to engage their students in and out of the classroom.

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    DE Staff

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  • The Five Senses: Immersion in the Classroom

    The Five Senses: Immersion in the Classroom

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    Sometimes, recreating sensory effects can feel like an extra burden on your lesson planning, or too much effort. In which case, research shows that cutting out one or more of our senses allows us to concentrate more on the senses available to us. Ever turned down the car stereo while searching for a parking spot, or closed your eyes when trying hard to remember something? 

    This can be a powerful tool in the classroom when there are many distractions, or when it’s easier to obscure senses than target them.  

    Close Eyes While Listening: Encourage students to close their eyes while listening to a story or an important explanation. This enhances auditory focus and helps students visualize the narrative in their minds. 

    Turn Out the Lights: When watching a video, turn out the lights or close the blinds to minimize visual distractions and enhance the viewing experience. 

    Create Silence: Mimic a deserted landscape by creating prolonged, complete silence in the classroom. This exercise can be particularly effective in lessons about space, deserts, or other isolated environments. 

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    Hannah McNaughton-Hussain

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  • Five Tips for Quick Formative Assessment 

    Five Tips for Quick Formative Assessment 

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    The Discovery Education blog is a free resource for educators to find time-saving teaching strategies and compelling content for their daily lessons.

    Full of timely tips, high-quality DE resources, and advice from our DEN community, these posts are meant to entertain and inform our users while supporting educators everywhere with new ways to engage their students in and out of the classroom.

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    DE Staff

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  • 117 Moving Quotes About Art

    117 Moving Quotes About Art

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    Art has been created and enjoyed since the beginning of humankind. Art takes many forms including painting, drawing, writing, acting, music, and more. It serves as therapy, expression, protest, and entertainment. There have been many beautiful quotes about art, so we have compiled the best quotes about art from artists, writers, actors, politicians, and philosophers. Check out our list below and be prepared to inspire your students (and yourself!) to create.

    Quotes About Art by Famous Visual Artists

    I never paint dreams or nightmares. I paint my own reality. —Frida Kahlo

    Art is the best possible introduction to the culture of the world. I love it for the buried hopes, the garnered memories, the tender feelings it can summon at a touch. It washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life. —Pablo Picasso

    Art is the best possible introduction to the culture of the world. I love it for the buried hopes, the garnered memories, the tender feelings it can summon at a touch. It washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life. —Pablo Picasso

    Those who do not want to imitate anything, produce nothing. —Salvador Dalí

    Those who do not want to imitate anything, produce nothing. —Salvador Dalí

    The task of the artist is to make the human being uncomfortable. —Lucian Freud

    The task of the artist is to make the human being uncomfortable. —Lucian Freud- quotes about art

    Philosophers and aestheticians may offer elegant and profound definitions of art and beauty, but for the painter they are all summed up in this phrase: to create a harmony. —Gino Severini

    Philosophers and aestheticians may offer elegant and profound definitions of art and beauty, but for the painter they are all summed up in this phrase: to create a harmony. —Gino Severini

    The more I think it over, the more I feel that there is nothing more truly artistic than to love people. —Vincent van Gogh

    The more I think it over, the more I feel that there is nothing more truly artistic than to love people. —Vincent van Gogh

    We don’t make mistakes, we have happy accidents. —Bob Ross

    We don't make mistakes, we have happy accidents. —Bob Ross

    Creativity takes courage. —Henri Matisse

    Creativity takes courage. —Henri Matisse

    If I knew what the picture was going to be like, I wouldn’t make it. —Cindy Sherman

    I’ve been absolutely terrified every moment of my life—and I’ve never let it keep me from doing a single thing I wanted to do. —Georgia O’Keeffe

    I've been absolutely terrified every moment of my life—and I've never let it keep me from doing a single thing I wanted to do. —Georgia O'Keeffe

    Use your blood to paint. Keep painting until you faint. Keep painting until you die. —Yoko Ono

    Use your blood to paint. Keep painting until you faint. Keep painting until you die. —Yoko Ono

    A painting requires a little mystery, some vagueness, and some fantasy. —Edgar Degas

    A painting requires a little mystery, some vagueness, and some fantasy. —Edgar Degas

    Music washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life. —Berthold Auerbach

    Music washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life. —Berthold Auerbach

    Sculpture is the best comment that a painter can make on painting. —Pablo Picasso

    Sculpture is the best comment that a painter can make on painting. —Pablo Picasso

    An artist is not paid for his labor but for his vision. —James McNeill Whistler

    An artist is not paid for his labor but for his vision. —James McNeill Whistler

    The artist’s world is limitless. It can be found anywhere, far from where he lives or a few feet away. It is always on his doorstep. —Paul Strand

    The artist’s world is limitless. It can be found anywhere, far from where he lives or a few feet away. It is always on his doorstep. —Paul Strand- quotes about art

    The sculptor, and the painter also, should be trained in these liberal arts: grammar, geometry, philosophy, medicine, astronomy, perspective, history, anatomy, theory of design, arithmetic. —Lorenzo Ghiberti

    The sculptor, and the painter also, should be trained in these liberal arts: grammar, geometry, philosophy, medicine, astronomy, perspective, history, anatomy, theory of design, arithmetic. —Lorenzo Ghiberti

    A dead princess is only complete when surrounded by gaping crowds with their cameras out, or the opportunity to photograph yourself pulling an amazed expression when a killer whale leaps from a toilet. —Banksy

    A dead princess is only complete when surrounded by gaping crowds with their cameras out, or the opportunity to photograph yourself pulling an amazed expression when a killer whale leaps from a toilet. —Banksy

    In art there is only one thing that counts: the bit that cannot be explained. —Georges Braque

    In art there is only one thing that counts: the bit that cannot be explained. —Georges Braque

    I don’t believe in art. I believe in artists. —Marcel Duchamp

    I don't believe in art. I believe in artists. —Marcel Duchamp

    Painting is the pattern of one’s own nervous system being projected on canvas. —Francis Bacon

    Painting is the pattern of one's own nervous system being projected on canvas. —Francis Bacon

    Quotes About Art by Philosophers

    The culture of a civilization is the art and literature through which it rises to consciousness of itself and defines its vision of the world. —Roger Scruton

    The culture of a civilization is the art and literature through which it rises to consciousness of itself and defines its vision of the world. —Roger Scruton

    As for the story, whether the poet takes it ready made or constructs it for himself, he should first sketch its general outline, and then fill in the episodes and amplify in detail. —Aristotle

    As for the story, whether the poet takes it ready made or constructs it for himself, he should first sketch its general outline, and then fill in the episodes and amplify in detail. —Aristotle

    The most beautiful colors laid on at random, give less pleasure than a black-and-white drawing. —Aristotle

    The most beautiful colors laid on at random, give less pleasure than a black-and-white drawing. —Aristotle

    An artist cannot fail; it is a success to be one. —Charles Horton Cooley

    An artist cannot fail; it is a success to be one. —Charles Horton Cooley- quotes about art

    When shall we see poets born? After a time of disasters and great misfortunes, when harrowed nations begin to breathe again. And then, shaken by the terror of such spectacles, imaginations will paint things entirely strange to those who have not witnessed them. —Denis Diderot

    When shall we see poets born? After a time of disasters and great misfortunes, when harrowed nations begin to breathe again. And then, shaken by the terror of such spectacles, imaginations will paint things entirely strange to those who have not witnessed them. —Denis Diderot

    Art enables us to find ourselves and lose ourselves at the same time. —Thomas Merton

    Art enables us to find ourselves and lose ourselves at the same time. —Thomas Merton

    Ideas matter—and philosophy is the art of thinking about them rigorously. In my view, that should be done in as public a forum as possible. —Sam Harris

    Ideas matter—and philosophy is the art of thinking about them rigorously. In my view, that should be done in as public a forum as possible. —Sam Harris- quotes about art

    Art, it is said, is not a mirror, but a hammer: it does not reflect, it shapes. —Leon Trotsky

    Art, it is said, is not a mirror, but a hammer: it does not reflect, it shapes. —Leon Trotsky

    We have art in order not to die of the truth. —Friedrich Nietzsche

    We have art in order not to die of the truth. —Friedrich Nietzsche

    The productions of all arts are kinds of poetry and their craftsmen are all poets. —Plato

    The productions of all arts are kinds of poetry and their craftsmen are all poets. —Plato

    There are three arts which are concerned with all things: one which uses, another which makes, a third which imitates them. —Plato

    There are three arts which are concerned with all things: one which uses, another which makes, a third which imitates them. —Plato

    Without material art can do nothing, material without art does possess a certain value, while the perfection of art is better than the best material. —Quintilian

    Without material art can do nothing, material without art does possess a certain value, while the perfection of art is better than the best material. —Quintilian

    Astronomy was born of superstition; eloquence of ambition, hatred, falsehood, and flattery; geometry of avarice; physics of an idle curiosity; and even moral philosophy of human pride. Thus the arts and sciences owe their birth to our vices. —Jean-Jacques Rousseau

    Astronomy was born of superstition; eloquence of ambition, hatred, falsehood, and flattery; geometry of avarice; physics of an idle curiosity; and even moral philosophy of human pride. Thus the arts and sciences owe their birth to our vices. —Jean-Jacques Rousseau

    Psychology is a science and teaching is an art; and sciences never generate arts directly out of themselves. —William James

    Psychology is a science and teaching is an art; and sciences never generate arts directly out of themselves. —William James

    The rude beginnings of every art acquire a greater celebrity than the art in perfection; he who first played the fiddle was looked upon as a demigod. —Voltaire

    The rude beginnings of every art acquire a greater celebrity than the art in perfection; he who first played the fiddle was looked upon as a demigod. —Voltaire

    It seems to me now that mathematics is capable of an artistic excellence as great as that of any music, perhaps greater; not because the pleasure it gives (although very pure) is comparable … but because it gives in absolute perfection that combination, characteristic of great art, of godlike freedom, with the sense of inevitable destiny. —Bertrand Russell

    It seems to me now that mathematics is capable of an artistic excellence as great as that of any music, perhaps greater; not because the pleasure it gives (although very pure) is comparable ... but because it gives in absolute perfection that combination, characteristic of great art, of godlike freedom, with the sense of inevitable destiny. —Bertrand Russell

    The urge for destruction is also a creative urge. —Mikhail Bakunin

    The urge for destruction is also a creative urge. —Mikhail Bakunin

    Quotes About Art by Composers and Musicians

    You don’t finish something because you need to get it done. You finish something because you have something to say. —Sarah McLachlan

    You don’t finish something because you need to get it done. You finish something because you have something to say. —Sarah McLachlan

    Art is making something out of nothing and selling it. —Frank Zappa

    Art is making something out of nothing and selling it. —Frank Zappa- quotes about art

    In order to create there must be a dynamic force, and what force is more potent than love? —Igor Stravinsky

    In order to create there must be a dynamic force, and what force is more potent than love? —Igor Stravinsky

    To be deprived of art and left alone with philosophy is to be close to hell. —Igor Stravinsky

    To be deprived of art and left alone with philosophy is to be close to hell. —Igor Stravinsky

    If you don’t call it art, you’re likely to get a better result. —Brian Eno

    If you don't call it art, you're likely to get a better result. —Brian Eno

    Try to make things that can become better in other people’s minds than they were in yours. —Brian Eno

    Try to make things that can become better in other people's minds than they were in yours. —Brian Eno

    We must be patient, and believe that inspiration will come to those who can master their disinclination. —Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky

    We must be patient, and believe that inspiration will come to those who can master their disinclination. —Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky

    It is already a wonderful thing if just the main ideas and general outline of a work come without the racking of brains, through that supernatural and inexplicable force we call inspiration. —Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky

    It is already a wonderful thing if just the main ideas and general outline of a work come without the racking of brains, through that supernatural and inexplicable force we call inspiration. —Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky

     If it is art, it is not for all, and if it is for all, it is not art. —Arnold Schoenberg

    If it is art, it is not for all, and if it is for all, it is not art. —Arnold Schoenberg

    An artistic impression is substantially the resultant of two components. One what the work of art gives the onlooker—the other, what he is capable of giving to the work of art. —Arnold Schoenberg

    An artistic impression is substantially the resultant of two components. One what the work of art gives the onlooker—the other, what he is capable of giving to the work of art. —Arnold Schoenberg

    Don’t only practice your art, but force your way into its secrets. —Ludwig van Beethoven

    Don’t only practice your art, but force your way into its secrets. —Ludwig van Beethoven

    The best music always results from ecstasies of knowledge. —Alban Berg

    The best music always results from ecstasies of knowledge. —Alban Berg

    The gift of imagination is by no means an exclusive property of the artist; it is a gift we all share; to some degree or other all of us, all of you, are endowed with the powers of fantasy. —Leonard Bernstein

    The gift of imagination is by no means an exclusive property of the artist; it is a gift we all share; to some degree or other all of us, all of you, are endowed with the powers of fantasy. —Leonard Bernstein

    A work of art does not answer questions: it provokes them; and its essential meaning is in the tension between their contradictory answers. —Leonard Bernstein

    A work of art does not answer questions: it provokes them; and its essential meaning is in the tension between their contradictory answers. —Leonard Bernstein

    Making the simple complicated is commonplace; making the complicated simple, awesomely simple, that’s creativity. —Charles Mingus

    Making the simple complicated is commonplace; making the complicated simple, awesomely simple, that's creativity. —Charles Mingus

    Passion is one great force that unleashes creativity, because if you’re passionate about something, then you’re more willing to take risks. —Yo-Yo Ma

    Passion is one great force that unleashes creativity, because if you’re passionate about something, then you’re more willing to take risks. —Yo-Yo Ma- quotes about art

    The first mistake of art is to assume that it’s serious. —Lester Bangs

    My role in society, or any artist or poet’s role, is to try and express what we all feel. Not to tell people how to feel. Not as a preacher, not as a leader, but as a reflection of us all. —John Lennon

    My role in society, or any artist or poet's role, is to try and express what we all feel. Not to tell people how to feel. Not as a preacher, not as a leader, but as a reflection of us all. —John Lennon

    Surrealism had a great effect on me because then I realized that the imagery in my mind wasn’t insanity. Surrealism to me is reality. —John Lennon

    Surrealism had a great effect on me because then I realized that the imagery in my mind wasn't insanity. Surrealism to me is reality. —John Lennon

    Listen, real poetry doesn’t say anything; it just ticks off the possibilities. Opens all doors. You can walk through any one that suits you. —Jim Morrison

    Listen, real poetry doesn't say anything; it just ticks off the possibilities. Opens all doors. You can walk through any one that suits you. —Jim Morrison

    All were artists, playing foolish, having fights and making love as if the rest of the world had no racial problems whatsoever. —Chuck Berry

    All were artists, playing foolish, having fights and making love as if the rest of the world had no racial problems whatsoever. —Chuck Berry

    Quotes About Art by Writers

    Art is the stored honey of the human soul. —Theodore Dreiser

    Art is the stored honey of the human soul. —Theodore Dreiser

    I sometimes wondered what the use of any of the arts was. The best thing I could come up with was what I call the canary in the coal mine theory of the arts. This theory says that artists are useful to society because they are so sensitive. … They keel over like canaries in poison coal mines long before more robust types realize that there is any danger whatsoever. —Kurt Vonnegut

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    The practice of art isn’t to make a living. It’s to make your soul grow. —Kurt Vonnegut

    The practice of art isn't to make a living. It's to make your soul grow. —Kurt Vonnegut

    In scorn of nature, art gave lifeless life. —William Shakespeare

    In scorn of nature, art gave lifeless life. —William Shakespeare- quotes about art

    Art and religion first; then philosophy; lastly science. That is the order of the great subjects of life, that’s their order of importance. —Muriel Spark

    Art and religion first; then philosophy; lastly science. That is the order of the great subjects of life, that's their order of importance. —Muriel Spark- quotes about art

    Artists are always the Johnny Appleseeds of gentrification. —Scott Hutchins

    Artists are always the Johnny Appleseeds of gentrification. —Scott Hutchins

    Art enables us to find ourselves and lose ourselves at the same time. —Thomas Merton

    Art enables us to find ourselves and lose ourselves at the same time. —Thomas Merton- quotes about art

    I know that one of the great arts that the writer develops is the art of saying, No. No, I’m finished. Bye. And leaving it alone. I will not write it into the ground. I will not write the life out of it. I won’t do that. —Maya Angelou

    I know that one of the great arts that the writer develops is the art of saying, No. No, I'm finished. Bye. And leaving it alone. I will not write it into the ground. I will not write the life out of it. I won't do that. —Maya Angelou

    Life is pure adventure, and the sooner we realize that, the quicker we will be able to treat life as art. —Maya Angelou

    Life is pure adventure, and the sooner we realize that, the quicker we will be able to treat life as art. —Maya Angelou

    It is the art of mankind to polish the world, and every one who works is scrubbing in some part. —Henry David Thoreau

    It is the art of mankind to polish the world, and every one who works is scrubbing in some part. —Henry David Thoreau

    The conscious utterance of thought, by speech or action, to any end, is art. —Ralph Waldo Emerson

    The conscious utterance of thought, by speech or action, to any end, is art. —Ralph Waldo Emerson

    Art is the need to create; but in its essence, immense and universal, it is impatient of working with lame or tied hands, and of making cripples and monsters, such as all pictures and statues are. Nothing less than the creation of man and nature is its end. —Ralph Waldo Emerson

    Art is the need to create; but in its essence, immense and universal, it is impatient of working with lame or tied hands, and of making cripples and monsters, such as all pictures and statues are. Nothing less than the creation of man and nature is its end. —Ralph Waldo Emerson

    Bullfighting is the only art in which the artist is in danger of death and in which the degree of brilliance in the performance is left to the fighter’s honor. —Ernest Hemingway

    Bullfighting is the only art in which the artist is in danger of death and in which the degree of brilliance in the performance is left to the fighter's honor. —Ernest Hemingway

    Truth in art is the unity of a thing with itself: the outward rendered expressive of the inward: the soul made incarnate: the body instinct with spirit. For this reason there is no truth comparable to sorrow. —Oscar Wilde

    Truth in art is the unity of a thing with itself: the outward rendered expressive of the inward: the soul made incarnate: the body instinct with spirit. For this reason there is no truth comparable to sorrow. —Oscar Wilde

    The primary distinction of the artist is that he must actively cultivate that state which most men, necessarily, must avoid: the state of being alone. —James Baldwin

    The primary distinction of the artist is that he must actively cultivate that state which most men, necessarily, must avoid: the state of being alone. —James Baldwin

    Artists are here to disturb the peace. —James Baldwin

    Artists are here to disturb the peace. —James Baldwin

    And really the purpose of art—for me, fiction—is to alert, to indicate to stop, to say: Make certain that when you rush through you will not miss the moment which you might have had, or might still have. —Jerzy Kosinski

    And really the purpose of art—for me, fiction—is to alert, to indicate to stop, to say: Make certain that when you rush through you will not miss the moment which you might have had, or might still have. —Jerzy Kosinski

    I collect human relationships very much the way others collect fine art. —Jerzy Kosinski

    I collect human relationships very much the way others collect fine art. —Jerzy Kosinski

    The person who wants nothing, hopes for nothing, and fears nothing can never be an artist. —Anton Chekhov

    The person who wants nothing, hopes for nothing, and fears nothing can never be an artist. —Anton Chekhov

    You are right to demand that an artist engage his work consciously, but you confuse two different things: solving the problem and correctly posing the question. —Anton Chekhov

    You are right to demand that an artist engage his work consciously, but you confuse two different things: solving the problem and correctly posing the question. —Anton Chekhov

    Something is always born of excess: great art was born of great terrors, great loneliness, great inhibitions, instabilities, and it always balances them. —Anais Nin

    Something is always born of excess: great art was born of great terrors, great loneliness, great inhibitions, instabilities, and it always balances them. —Anais Nin

    There are two avenues from the little passions and the drear calamities of earth; both lead to the heaven and away from hell—Art and Science. But art is more godlike than science; science discovers, art creates. —Edward G. Bulwer-Lytton

    There are two avenues from the little passions and the drear calamities of earth; both lead to the heaven and away from hell—Art and Science. But art is more godlike than science; science discovers, art creates. —Edward G. Bulwer-Lytton

    Art is the tree of life. Science is the tree of death. —William Blake

    Art is the tree of life. Science is the tree of death. —William Blake- quotes about art

    I don’t understand how any good art could fail to be political. —Barbara Kingsolver

    I don't understand how any good art could fail to be political. —Barbara Kingsolver

    Friendship is unnecessary, like philosophy, like art, like the universe itself (for God did not need to create). It has no survival value; rather it is one of those things which give value to survival. —C.S. Lewis

    Friendship is unnecessary, like philosophy, like art, like the universe itself (for God did not need to create). It has no survival value; rather it is one of those things which give value to survival. —C.S. Lewis

    To discover the mode of life or of art whereby my spirit could express itself in unfettered freedom. —James Joyce

    To discover the mode of life or of art whereby my spirit could express itself in unfettered freedom. —James Joyce

    Really I don’t like human nature unless all candied over with art. —Virginia Woolf

    Really I don't like human nature unless all candied over with art. —Virginia Woolf

    How life did imitate art sometimes. And the cruder the art, the closer the imitation. —Stephen King

    How life did imitate art sometimes. And the cruder the art, the closer the imitation. —Stephen King

    Quotes About Art by Mathematicians and Scientists

    The greatest value of a picture is when it forces us to notice what we never expected to see. —John Tukey

    The greatest value of a picture is when it forces us to notice what we never expected to see. —John Tukey- quotes about art

    True art is characterized by an irresistible urge in the creative artist. —Albert Einstein

    True art is characterized by an irresistible urge in the creative artist. —Albert Einstein

    Is there not a certain satisfaction in the fact that natural limits are set to the life of the individual, so that at the conclusion it may appear as a work of art? —Albert Einstein

    Is there not a certain satisfaction in the fact that natural limits are set to the life of the individual, so that at the conclusion it may appear as a work of art? —Albert Einstein

    One of the strongest motives that lead men to art and science is escape from everyday life with its painful crudity and hopeless dreariness, from the fetters of one’s own ever-shifting desires. —Albert Einstein

    One of the strongest motives that lead men to art and science is escape from everyday life with its painful crudity and hopeless dreariness, from the fetters of one's own ever-shifting desires. —Albert Einstein

    One can envisage an end of science no more readily than one can envisage an end of imaginative literature or the fine arts. —Peter Medawar

    One can envisage an end of science no more readily than one can envisage an end of imaginative literature or the fine arts. —Peter Medawar

    Every science touches art at some points—every art has its scientific side; the worst man of science is he who is never an artist, and the worst artist is he who is never a man of science. —Armand Trousseau

    Every science touches art at some points—every art has its scientific side; the worst man of science is he who is never an artist, and the worst artist is he who is never a man of science. —Armand Trousseau

    How often people speak of art and science as though they were two entirely different things, with no interconnection. An artist is emotional, they think, and uses only his intuition; he sees all at once and has no need of reason. A scientist is cold, they think, and uses only his reason; he argues carefully step by step, and needs no imagination. That is all wrong. —Isaac Asimov

    How often people speak of art and science as though they were two entirely different things, with no interconnection. An artist is emotional, they think, and uses only his intuition; he sees all at once and has no need of reason. A scientist is cold, they think, and uses only his reason; he argues carefully step by step, and needs no imagination. That is all wrong. —Isaac Asimov

    All great scientists have, in a certain sense, been great artists; the man with no imagination may collect facts, but he cannot make great discoveries. —Karl Pearson

    All great scientists have, in a certain sense, been great artists; the man with no imagination may collect facts, but he cannot make great discoveries. —Karl Pearson- quotes about art

    Space belongs to all of us. There is science in dance and art in science. —Mae Jemison

    Space belongs to all of us. There is science in dance and art in science. —Mae Jemison

    Medicine is a science of uncertainty and an art of probability. —William Osler

    Medicine is a science of uncertainty and an art of probability. —William Osler

    Errors are not in the art but in the artificers. —Isaac Newton

    Errors are not in the art but in the artificers. —Isaac Newton

    Art is “I,” science is “we.” —Claude Bernard

    Art is "I," science is "we." —Claude Bernard

    Quotes About Art by Actors and Directors

    The thing about performance, even if it’s only an illusion, is that it is a celebration of the fact that we do contain within ourselves infinite possibilities. —Daniel Day-Lewis

    The thing about performance, even if it's only an illusion, is that it is a celebration of the fact that we do contain within ourselves infinite possibilities. —Daniel Day-Lewis

    To that extent that you can sustain and maintain that childlike part of your personality is probably the best part of acting. —Paul Newman

    To that extent that you can sustain and maintain that childlike part of your personality is probably the best part of acting. —Paul Newman

    I’ve had different opportunities in my life, but I’ve tried to maintain the spirit of an amateur. Our culture roots everything in the barometer of success and how much money you make. But if you really just aspire to a life in the arts, it’s really not a barometer at all. —Ethan Hawke

    I've had different opportunities in my life, but I've tried to maintain the spirit of an amateur. Our culture roots everything in the barometer of success and how much money you make. But if you really just aspire to a life in the arts, it's really not a barometer at all. —Ethan Hawke

    It’s hard to act in the morning. The muse isn’t even awake. —Keanu Reeves

    It's hard to act in the morning. The muse isn't even awake. —Keanu Reeves

    The real actor—like any real artist—has a direct line to the collective heart. —Bette Davis

    The real actor—like any real artist—has a direct line to the collective heart. —Bette Davis

    Making films has got to be one of the hardest endeavors known to humankind. —Spike Lee

    Making films has got to be one of the hardest endeavors known to humankind. —Spike Lee

    Actors are agents of change. A film, a piece of theater, a piece of music, or a book can make a difference. It can change the world. —Alan Rickman

    Actors are agents of change. A film, a piece of theater, a piece of music, or a book can make a difference. It can change the world. —Alan Rickman- quotes about art

    It used to be that we in films were the lowest form of art. Now we have something to look down on. —Billy Wilder (on television)

    It used to be that we in films were the lowest form of art. Now we have something to look down on. —Billy Wilder (on television)

    I steal from every single movie ever made. If people don’t like that, then tough tills, don’t go and see it, all right? I steal from everything. Great artists steal, they don’t do homages. —Quentin Tarantino

    I steal from every single movie ever made. If people don't like that, then tough tills, don't go and see it, all right? I steal from everything. Great artists steal, they don't do homages. —Quentin Tarantino

    Once a month the sky falls on my head, I come to, and I see another movie I want to make. —Steven Spielberg

    Once a month the sky falls on my head, I come to, and I see another movie I want to make. —Steven Spielberg

    I regard myself as an entertainer much more than an artist. —Peter Jackson

    I regard myself as an entertainer much more than an artist. —Peter Jackson

    Quotes About Art by Famous Political Figures

    Like music and art, love of nature is a common language that can transcend political or social boundaries. —Jimmy Carter

    Like music and art, love of nature is a common language that can transcend political or social boundaries. —Jimmy Carter

    Above all, we are coming to understand that the arts incarnate the creativity of a free people. When the creative impulse cannot flourish, when it cannot freely select its methods and objects, when it is deprived of spontaneity, then society severs the root of art. —President John F. Kennedy

    Above all, we are coming to understand that the arts incarnate the creativity of a free people. When the creative impulse cannot flourish, when it cannot freely select its methods and objects, when it is deprived of spontaneity, then society severs the root of art. —President John F. Kennedy

    To encourage literature and the arts is a duty which every good citizen owes to his country. —George Washington

    To encourage literature and the arts is a duty which every good citizen owes to his country. —George Washington

    Now I think, speaking roughly, by leadership we mean the art of getting someone else to do something that you want done because he wants to do it. —President Dwight D. Eisenhower

    Now I think, speaking roughly, by leadership we mean the art of getting someone else to do something that you want done because he wants to do it. —President Dwight D. Eisenhower

    And that, I think, is what the arts and the humanities do—they lift up our identities, and make us see ourselves in each other. —President Barack Obama

    And that, I think, is what the arts and the humanities do—they lift up our identities, and make us see ourselves in each other. —President Barack Obama

    Without tradition, art is a flock of sheep without a shepherd. Without innovation, it is a corpse. —Winston Churchill

    Without tradition, art is a flock of sheep without a shepherd. Without innovation, it is a corpse. —Winston Churchill

    A world turned into a stereotype, a society converted into a regiment, a life translated into a routine, make it difficult for either art or artists to survive. Crush individuality in society and you crush art as well. Nourish the conditions of a free life and you nourish the arts, too. —President Franklin D. Roosevelt

    A world turned into a stereotype, a society converted into a regiment, a life translated into a routine, make it difficult for either art or artists to survive. Crush individuality in society and you crush art as well. Nourish the conditions of a free life and you nourish the arts, too. —President Franklin D. Roosevelt- quotes about art

    Like these quotes about art? Check out these motivational quotes for students too!

    Plus, if you have other favorite quotes about art, come share your favorites in the We Are Teachers HELPLINE group on Facebook!

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    Kristy Zamagni-Twomey

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  • 150 Inspiring Picture Writing Prompts To Spark Creativity

    150 Inspiring Picture Writing Prompts To Spark Creativity

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    Creative writing is a challenge for many students, often because they can’t come up with anything to write about. That’s why we love picture writing prompts. Each one sparks the imagination and helps young writers jump right into crafting a story to match. We rounded up a whole collection of intriguing images for use with kids in grades K-12 along. Plus we designed a set of free Google Slides featuring all of the prompts so you can easily share them with students.

    Tip: Start by showing students the picture (or let them choose from among several) without making any comment about what they’re seeing. For kids who still struggle to get started, suggest a potential title or opening sentence, like the examples included here.

    Don’t miss our free downloadable. Grab your full set of ready-to-go Picture Writing Prompts Google Slides with all of the prompts below.

    Jump to:

      

    Elementary Picture Writing Prompts

    When kids first see these picture writing prompts, they may or may not immediately feel inspired. If they need some help, ask them questions like “What led up to this moment?” or “What’s going to happen next?”

    Puppy Love

    anncapictures via Pixabay

    When Larry fell in love, he fell hard.

    Ask Sign

    Lighted sign reading ASK hanging from a building
    terimakasih0 via Pixabay

    When the new sign appeared on Main Street, everyone in town wondered exactly what it meant.

    Snowy Footprints

    A series of random footprints in the snow
    117O8734 via Pixabay

    After that crazy day, all that was left to show for it was footprints in the snow.

    Dinosaur Bones

    Child hiding inside a large toothy skull, reaching out a hand
    Mysticsartdesign via Pixabay

    “Come with me if you want to live!” Ash said, reaching out a hand.

    Undersea Treasure

    Goldfish swimming around a closed treasure chest sitting in the sand under the water
    Larisa-K via Pixabay

    For years, no one saw the locked treasure chest but the local fish, who wondered what it could contain.

    A Game of Fetch

    A claymation dog bringing a stick to a snowman in a snowy scene
    Hitcom via Pixabay

    To Scout, it was a game, but to Mr. Freezy, it was much more.

    Ladybug Gossip

    Of pair of spotted red ladybugs perched on a leaf
    RonBerg via Pixabay

    The ladybug’s picnic was an excellent chance to meet up with old friends and hear all the latest gossip.

    Peekaboo

    Two children peering in through a barred window
    mostafa_meraji via Pixabay

    We met them when they peeked into our window, watching us as we ate lunch and watched cartoons.

    King of the Jungle

    Majestic lion perched on a log wearing a crown
    ThomasWolter via Pixabay

    It wasn’t the crown that made Amari the king of all he surveyed.

    The Final Pitch

    Small child waiting at home base for a baseball pitch that's about to arrive
    jatocreate via Pixabay

    It all came down to this—the final pitch in a game that was tied 2-2.

    Doggie Massage

    Two dogs sitting in a way that looks like one is giving the other a back massage
    Spiritze via Pixabay

    Every dog in the neighborhood knew that Rocky gave the best massages and was always willing to lend an ear too.

    Skateboard Life

    Girl in a striped shirt and red headband posing with a skateboard in front of some graffiti
    ua_Bob_Dmyt_ua via Pixabay

    When Charli got her first skateboard, she made herself a promise.

    Garden of the Past

    Painting of a woman in old-fashioned clothing walking in a cottage garden
    Prawny via Pixabay

    The woman walked in the garden every day, never saying a word.

    Sunset Friends

    Two children on a jungle gym silhouetted against a setting sun
    vigush98 via Pixabay

    They met on the jungle gym every day at sunset, sharing everything about their days.

    Pink Umbrellas

    A sunny alleyway with pink umbrellas strung across it
    lecreusois via Pixabay

    When the pink umbrellas first appeared, Toni thought they might be magic.

    Firefly Forest

    Illustration of a forest at night filled with fireflies
    monicore via Pixabay

    Olivia was surprised to discover that the fireflies didn’t just glow, they also sang.

    Robot Spider

    A large mechanical spider standing on a stormy beach
    Ray_Shrewsberry via Pixabay

    When it first crawled ashore, the mechanical spider moved slowly.

    Fallen House

    House tipped on its side following a hurricane
    paulbr75 via Pixabay

    Staring at their house, which was now on its side, the whole family was in shock.

    Red Riding Hood

    A young girl wearing a red hooded cape riding a brown horse in the forest
    kudybadorota via Pixabay

    If only she’d been riding her faithful steed the day she’d met the Big Bad Wolf, things might have been very different.

    Kangaroo Fall

    A kangaroo sprawled on its back in the grass
    Katrina_S via Pixabay

    “Well, this is embarrassing,” thought Bouncer, as laughter filled the air around him.

    Lost Cat

    A child's hand-drawn sign for a lost cat attached to a tree
    guapita50 via Pixabay

    Daci’s big brother said her signs wouldn’t help them find their runaway cat, but he was wrong.

    Penguin Bookshop

    An illustration of a penguin wearing a top hat, standing in a booksshop
    ThankYouFantasyPictures via Pixabay

    A visit to Mr. Pickerel’s Penguin Bookshop is always an adventure.

    Egg Family

    A carton of colorful eggs with faces drawn on them
    Alexas_Fotos via Pixabay

    Of all the eggs in the carton, Ella was the one who could always crack you up.

    Sky Swings

    Children writing a fairground swing ride
    JillWellington via Pixabay

    That was the year Min was finally tall enough to ride the Sky Swings, but now she wasn’t so sure.

    Rubber Duck Parade

    A row of rubber ducks in various costumes floating down a water-filled gutter
    Couleur via Pixabay

    It was truly an honor to be asked to lead the Spring Duck Parade.

    Teddy Story Time

    Three teddy bears posed to look as if they're reading a book
    MabelAmber via Pixabay

    Every afternoon, the three friends gathered for story time in their favorite spot in the woods.

    Underwater School

    A child sitting at a desk, looking out the window at fish swimming by
    Darkmoon_Art via Pixabay

    Nia thought going to school underwater would be exciting, but some days she really missed going outside for recess.

    Happy Ball

    A red ball with a smiley face floating on the water
    Pexels/Happy Ball via Pixabay

    The day Amos started his journey down the river, the sun was shining brightly.

    Turtle Trouble

    A grumpy looking sea turtle floating in clear water
    GerDukes via Pixabay

    “None shall pass,” growled the old sea turtle, blocking the way.

    Dinosaur Race

    An illustration of a young girl racing alongside a dinosaur
    Dieterich01 via Pixabay

    Pia was supposed to keep Balthazar on a leash, but once they reached the forest, she set him free and they both began to run.

    Finally Seeing Eye to Eye

    Cartoon illustration of a large bear with a tiny mouse standing on its nose, looking into its eyes (Picture Writing Prompts)
    JenDigitalArt via Pixabay

    “So, we meet at last, face to face,” Lord Squeakerton said to his enemy, the Count of Catnip.

    What?!?

    Monkey face with mouth and eyes open in surprise
    LukasBasel via Pixabay

    It takes a lot to surprise a monkey, but you don’t see something like this every day.

    Not Coming Out

    Child hiding behind a heap of pillows on a beige couch (Picture Writing Prompts)
    ambermb via Pixabay

    The day started out normally enough, but by the end, Chris knew he was in over his head.

    Life on Other Planets

    A space scene showing a robot and robot dog standing on the surface of an alien planet, with a domed habitat behind them
    KELLEPICS via Pixabay

    “Hurry up,” Grnklor told his robopup. “We have to get back inside before nightfall.”

    Reindeer Games

    Boy leading a reindeer along a snowy path into the setting sun (Picture Writing Prompts)
    kinkate/Boy and Reindeer via Pixabay

    The wind had died down, but the setting sun seemed to take all the warmth of the day with it.

    Something to Celebrate

    A young boy raises his arms in triumph as a young girl points at a computer screen, smiling (Picture Writing Prompts)
    StartupStockPhotos via Pixabay

    Their classmates could hear their shouts of joy from all the way down the hall.

    Home Sweet Mushroom

    Illustration of a mushroom turned into a house, with a fence and lighted windows, under a full moon
    Noupload/Mushroom House via Pixabay

    When the fairies that lived in the garden invited her to stay with them for awhile, Maria wasn’t sure what to expect.

    Loch Ness Mystery

    Model of the Loch Ness Monster rising from a lake
    GregMontani via Pixabay

    “There it is! I told you Nessie is real!” Angus whispered to Lee.

    Lonely Bear

    Worn teddy bear sitting on a stone bridge
    Pexels via Pixabay

    It was hard to say who was lonelier that night, Amil or his lost stuffed bear, Jasper.

    Sometimes You Lose

    Boy sitting on the ground with his face in his hands
    Jarmoluk via Pixabay

    When his team lost the championship, Miguel was crushed, but it turned out to be the best thing that ever happened to him.
      

    Middle School Picture Writing Prompts

    Middle school writing prompts can be a little more complex, with pictures that have a lot of potential interpretations. Encourage students to delve deeper into the story by describing how the characters feel and why they behave the way they do.

    New Shoes

    A pair of light blue Converse sneakers
    Tien-seven via Pixabay

    Morgan was incredibly proud of those shoes, paid for entirely with money from after-school jobs.

    Never Lose Hope

    Splotch of green paint with the words
    ShonEjai via Pixabay

    With his last bit of energy, Kai scrawled his message in the wet paint.

    Get Me Out

    Computer keyboard with a red button reading Get Me Out of Here
    aitoff via Pixabay

    The keyboard button could only be used once, and no one knew exactly what happened when you pressed it.

    Piano Lessons

    A young child's hands on a piano keyboard
    pixel_modeler via Pixabay

    Before she could even speak, Arya was drawn to the black and white keys.

    Fern Baby

    Rolled fern front photoshopped to look as if a baby is sleeping inside
    165106 via Pixabay

    There was no doubt about it, this was was indeed a very special kind of garden.

    Sad Bunny

    A person wearing a dingy bunny costume standing on the end of a dock
    RyanMcGuire via Pixabay

    No matter how you looked at it, it had been a very rough day to be the Easter Bunny.

    Empty Chairs

    Four empty beach chairs on the shore, with seagulls flying overhead.
    Stevebidmead via Pixabay

    By sunset, all four chairs were empty, and the only signs of life were the gulls swooping down from above.

    Floating Treasure

    Two black birds sitting on a chest floating in the water
    Syaibatulhamdi via Pixabay

    To the birds, it was simply a convenient place to land, but Ali and I knew it was much more than that.

    Shadow Question

    A pair of sneakers and a person's shadow in a puddle
    janrye via Pixabay

    That was the day they discovered that just because you were invisible didn’t mean your shadow was.

    Letter and Key

    An old key lying on an old handwritten letter
    Pezibear via Pixabay

    The day she turned 12, Vivi’s aunt handed her an envelope containing the family secret.

    Space Target

    An illustration of a woman aiming an arrow at a target against an outer space landscape
    KELLEPICS/Space Target via Pixabay

    Onyx paused, knowing that once their arrow hit the target, there was no knowing what would happen.

    Mermaid Mystery

    A mysterious figure that could be a mermaid, seen from below
    sergeitokmakov via Pixabay

    It was a mermaid—or was it?

    World on a String

    A girl standing on a path, holding a suitcase and a bunch of balloons that look like planets
    Jordan_Singh via Pixabay

    Her dad had promised to give her the world, but she wasn’t expecting three more planets as well.

    Bee Standoff

    Two bees face ot face on a purple flower
    ClaudiaWollesen via Pixabay

    “This flower ain’t big enough for the both of us!” said Bianca.

    Solitary Seat

    A leather chair next to an old woodstove with a valise and old books
    StockSnap via Pixabay

    For as long as anyone could remember, Angus McGee spent his evenings in the same chair next to the woodstove.

    Best Friends

    A little girl holding a very large teddy bear, dragging it down a dirt road
    Greyerbaby/Runaway via Pixabay

    When you decide to run away from home forever, you can’t possibly leave your best friend behind.

    Dinosaur Demise

    Illustration of dinosaurs panicking as a meteor is about to hit the earth
    12222786 via Pixabay

    In retrospect, setting the time machine to randomly choose a day and time in the past might not have been such a good idea.

    Magic Lamps

    A collection of green
    sharonang via Pixabay

    “Choose wisely,” said the old shopkeeper, “for only one of these lamps is truly magic.”

    Message in a Bottle

    Glass bottle on a seashore with a rolled up paper inside
    Atlantios via Pixabay

    The message floated at sea for more than 50 years before the day we found it on the beach.

    Barrel Boat

    Man wearing a life jacket and paddling half a barrel in a lake
    99pixel via Pixabay

    Of all the ways to impress someone, Jonah thought to himself, this had to be one of the most ridiculous.

    Dragon Guardian

    A child sitting in the grass, with a dragon curled up around her
    Xandra_Iryna via Pixabay

    When your parents give you your own dragon guardian, your childhood is bound to be enchanted.

    Octopus’s Garden

    Diver encountering a large octopus with fish in the background (Middle School Picture Writing Prompts)
    Dieterich01 via Pixabay

    Wouldn’t you like to be under the sea, in an octopus’s garden in the shade?

    Around the Corner

    Girl peering around a corner at a boy walking a dog
    StockSnap via Pixabay

    After finally pressing “send,” she couldn’t resist peeking around the corner to watch him read the text.

    Beam Me Up!

    Small child sitting in a field watching a flying saucer beam up its tricycle (Middle School Picture Writing Prompts)
    51581/Alien Abduction via Pixabay

    Milo’s earliest memory was of watching his beloved tricycle float into the sky above him, caught in a beam of light.

    Poison Apple

    A red apple held in a skeleton's hand
    ulleo via Pixabay

    To join the club, all Aaron had to do was creep up and snatch the apple from the skeleton’s hand without being seen.

    Giraffe Council

    Three giraffes shown from the neck up against a cloudy blue sku
    Sponchia via Pixabay

    “It is now 3 p.m., and I call this meeting of the Mighty Council of Giraffes to order,” announced Imari.

    Mystery Creature

    Computer illustrated creature with blue scales, pink spikes, and large eyes
    rosesdotty via Pixabay

    At first glance, it was hard to tell whether the little creature was friend or foe.

    Onward

    Woman leaping across a chasm silhouetted by an orange sky
    sasint via Pixabay

    As the sky turned orange, Keisha ran faster than ever and used the last of her energy to push off and soar over the water below.

    The End of Days

    A boy stands with his bicycle watching as bombs rain down on a city skyline (Picture Writing Prompts)
    TheHilaryClark via Pixabay

    Despite their best efforts, they arrived too late—the battle had already begun.

    Out of the Book

    Woman dressed in a blue ball gown peering out of a book lit from inside, with a mouse nearby
    LisaChe via Pixabay

    “Happily ever after” was about to take on a whole new meaning.

    Stopped Clock

    Old broken alarm clock stopped at 11:17
    Monoar_CGI_Artist via Pixabay

    I was sure that the time on the broken clock was the clue to solving the mystery.

    Dueling Webs

    Two dew-covered spiderwebs in the early morning sun
    pimpelucha via Pixabay

    It’s never a good idea to build your web too close to another spider’s, but this time I had no choice.

    Do Shoes Grow on Trees?

    A bare tree covered with hanging pairs of shoes against a clear blue sky
    PDPhotos via Pixabay

    The day I threw my own shoes into the tree was the day I really started to grow up.

    Abstract Art

    Closeup of splotches of colorful paint
    garageband via Pixabay

    “So,” asked their art teacher, “what do you think this painting means?”

    Wandering Robots

    Small cardboard robot in a field of daisies (Picture Writing Prompts)
    cuilei2016 via Pixabay

    Everything about NB-317 was made of cardboard except his heart—that was made of flesh and blood and very capable of being broken.

    Dream Come True

    Blue house floating in the sky above mountains, held up by blue balloons
    51581/Balloon House via Pixabay

    It all started when Quinn watched her favorite movie the night before they assigned partners for the eighth grade science fair project.

    Mysterious Cave

    Rocky cave with strange geometric patterns in the rock
    TheDigitalArtist via Pixabay

    The cave was unlike anything we’d ever seen before, and what was more, it almost seemed like the rock was alive.

    Storm at Sea

    A pirate ship on stormy seas, with a purple sky and dramatic streaks of lightning
    Noupload/Stormy Seas via Pixabay

    As the rain lashed his face and lightning tore apart the sky, Kiran had to admit he’d always thought it would be a lot more fun being a pirate.

    Grasshopper Close-Up

    A closeup view of a grasshopper looking directly at the camera
    RoosRojas via Pixabay

    That’s when Javed realized it wasn’t that the grasshopper was too big—it was that he was suddenly very, very small.

    UFO Parking

    Sign saying UFO Parking with picture of a flying saucer
    MartinStr via Pixabay

    “Well, that’s convenient,” Javdok remarked to Qabow when they saw the sign.
      

    High School Picture Writing Prompts

    High school writers are ready to dig deep, exploring character development and detailed plots. These pictures offer a jumping-off point to set their imaginations free.

    Cyborg Girl

    An altered image showing a young girl in a black dress with a white collar, with a neck made of mechanical gears
    51581/Cyborg Girl via Pixabay

    When she was 14, Tasha’s parents finally told her the truth about what she really was.

    BBQ Cookout

    Barbeque grill with many different kinds of meat
    davyart via Pixabay

    “So, I’m guessing no one told you I’m a vegetarian?” asked Sadie with a smile.

    Faces

    Hands holding up a phone with a picture of a baby's face in front an old man's face
    geralt via Pixabay

    The latest app was like a time machine, allowing people to look back in time, but it also had a dark side.

    Hopeless

    Woman sitting on a sidewalk with her head on her knees as others walk by
    Jackie_Chance via Pixabay

    She was surrounded by people but never felt more alone.

    Hippo Troubles

    A hippo mother and baby with its mouth open
    christels via Pixabay

    Like all parents, hippos sometimes really need a break from their kids.

    iPad Farmer

    Old man in overalls using an iPad while snapping green beans
    BarbaraJackson via Pixabay

    Grandpa Jack never failed to surprise us.

    Marching Band Blues

    Black man in a red shirt sitting on a bench, wearing a sousaphone
    giovanni42 via Pixabay

    Kaleel sat sadly on the bench, watching the rest of the band march away in jaunty time to the music.

    Never-Ending Tunnel

    A white-tiled tunnel stretching far into the distance
    MarkusDHamburg via Pixabay

    The tunnel seemed to stretch to infinity, but Jayma knew what was at the end, and it terrified her.

    Carving Out Love

    A birch tree with
    elljay via Pixabay

    For years, we wondered who “WP” was, and who it was who loved them so much they carved it into a tree for all to see.

    Glowing Globe

    Man holding a glowing globe in a misty library
    darksouls1 via Pixabay

    Just then, the globe began to glow, and Jaxson knew he was about to leap through space and time once again—destination unknown.

    See No Evil

    Three skeletons posed in the classic
    paulbr75 via Pixabay

    It seemed like a funny joke to pose the skeletons in front of old Mrs. Petoski’s house, but then she turned up dead, and the police said it was murder.

    Upside Down

    Woman hanging upside down from the ceiling in a kitchen
    xusenru via Pixabay

    It’s an odd feeling to wake up one morning and find yourself able to walk on the ceiling.

    Face at the Fence

    Child with their face pressed up against a wire fence
    Greyerbaby/Fence via Pixabay

    So much depended on which side of the fence you were on.

    Bicycle Race

    Three people competing in a bicycle race
    ArminEP via Pixabay

    Finley had trained too hard for this race to come in third—it just wasn’t good enough.

    Family Travels

    Vintage photo of a Black family strapping luggage to a car, with a young girl posing in front
    ArtsyBee via Pixabay

    In the picture, my grandmother’s expression is hard to interpret, but she’s told me the story many times.

    Laundromat Antics

    A pair of legs waving out of a dryer in a laundromat
    Pexels via Pixabay

    Dani never expected to meet her first love feet first.

    I’m Sorry

    Black and white photo of a wedding ring lying on a sheet of notepaper saying "I'm sorry!"
    Catkin via Pixabay

    Molly’s mom probably didn’t mean for her to be the one to find the note, but that’s how things turned out.

    Through the Storm

    Pickup truck driving through flooded streets in a storm
    12019/Storm Drive via Pixabay

    Javier knew it would have been smarter to stay put, but he had to make sure his mom was safe before the worst of the storm arrived.

    Lifetime Friends

    Two babies holding hands while being held by adults
    PublicCo via Pixabay

    They’d been friends for as long as they could remember—even longer, in fact.

    Stray Kitten

    A small kitten facing a person's legs, in black and white
    Alek_B via Pixabay

    “I am NOT taking you home with me,” Kai told the tiny mewling kitten firmly.

    Abandoned Greenhouse

    Woman inside an abandoned ramshackle greenhouse in the woods
    Vika_Glitter/Greenhouse via Pixabay

    Willow was free to leave at any time, but she couldn’t make herself go.

    Razor Wire

    A fence topped by rolls of razor wire against a blue sky
    JodyDellDavis via Pixabay

    Amani’s earliest memory was razor wire—miles and miles of it.

    Church Graveyard

    An old graveyard outside a stone church
    PublicDomainPictures via Pixabay

    Everyone feels differently in a graveyard, but for me, they’re very peaceful places.

    Orb of Death

    A hooded figure folding out a crystal ball with a spooky image in it
    2541163 via Pixabay

    “Do you really want to know?” Death asked. “Because once you know, you won’t be able to forget.”

    Missed Shot

    Men in wheelchairs playing basketball, as one laments a missed shot
    12019/Basketball Game via Pixabay

    Steve was sure his shot would make it, but it bounced off the rim just as the buzzer rang to end the game.

    First Contact

    Alien figure with a human in a spacesuit visible in the window behind them (High School Picture Writing Prompts)
    geralt via Pixabay

    This was it—the moment that would change what it meant to be human forever.

    One Life To Live

    An old man wearing a cowboy hat sits in front of a house (Picture Writing Prompts)
    marcoreyes via Pixabay

    His face said his life had been a hard one, but his eyes told a different tale.

    Winter Walk

    Snow-covered field with a winding trail of footprints
    kinkate/Snowy Scene via Pixabay

    Snow fell, creating a blank canvas to record the story of that fateful walk.

    Train to Nowhere

    Sepia-toned image of an old sleeper train car in disrepair
    NoName_13 via Pixabay

    It certainly wasn’t the most luxurious way to travel, but then again, no one really wanted to make this trip in the first place.

    Modern Mary Poppins

    Woman standing in the middle of a wheat field on a gray day, holding an umbrella and bag
    Vika_Glitter/Umbrella Woman via Pixabay

    She dropped into our lives on a gray day in midwinter, a hint of the spring that was to come.

    All That Remains

    A chair sits in the hallway of an abandoned building under a shaft of light from above (High School Picture Writing Prompts)
    Pixabay via Pexels

    Dust motes filled the air of the abandoned hallway, replacing the voices once heard there.

    Pocket Pal

    A very small bunny being carried in a shirt pocket
    joannafotograf via Pixabay

    From the day he found the little creature, Luis refused to go anywhere without him.

    The Question

    Figure holding flowers behind its back, with a woman turning to look in the background
    aliceabc0 via Pixabay

    Their happily ever after began quietly, with a bouquet of wildflowers.

    Night Lights

    A person holding an umbrella walks down an alley toward a street filled with neon lights
    MasashiWakui via Pixabay

    Misty rain both blurred and emphasized the lights that lit Suri’s way home that evening.

    Forest of Fear

    Black and white photo of tree trunks with arms and hands reach out from behind them (Picture Writing Prompts)
    simonwijers via Pixabay

    At first, Mateo thought it was a joke, but the screams that followed told him there was nothing remotely funny about it.

    Eye Spy

    Closeup of a human eye, with the pupil represented as a camera lens
    Angel-Kun via Pixabay

    At the elite level, being a spy meant serious commitments.

    The Yellow Door

    A row of white doors with one yellow door (Picture Writing Prompts)
    qimono via Pixabay

    On their 14th birthday, every resident of Fresnia was required to stand before the Wall of Doors and make a choice.

    Graffiti Palace

    Abandoned warehouse with graffiti on the walls
    652234 via Pixabay

    To strangers, it seemed random, but every mark on those walls had deep meaning for us.

    Fossil Fish

    Fish fossil in light-colored stone
    photosforyou via Pixabay

    Millions of years ago, the fish gave one final flop before lying still in the deep mud.

    On the Rails

    Woman standing on railroad tracks holding a guitar and looking off into the distant sunset (Picture Writing Prompts)
    NoName_13 via Pixabay

    Aliyah stood on the tracks, uncertain of where to go next.

    Art Picture Writing Prompts

    These picture prompts are all works of art, some more well known than others. Try providing them to students without sharing the titles first, then offer up the titles if they need some help getting started.

    The Dance Class (Edgar Degas)

    The Dance Class by Edgar Degas
    Degas/The Dance Class via metmuseum.org

    Greek Funerary Plaque (520-510 BCE)

    Greek Funerary Plaque
    Greek Funerary Plaque via metmuseum.org

    Washington Crossing the Delaware (Emanuel Leutze)

    Washington Crossing the Delaware by Emanuel Leutze
    Washington Crossing the Delaware via metmuseum.org

    Kyōsai’s Pictures of One Hundred Demons

    Kyōsai’s Pictures of One Hundred Demons
    Kyōsai’s Pictures of One Hundred Demons via metmuseum.org

    First Steps, After Millet (Vincent van Gogh)

    First Steps by Vincent Van Gogh
    First Steps via metmuseum.org

    Lady Lilith (Dante Gabriel Rossetti)

    Lady Lilith by Dante Gabriel Rosetti
    Lady Lilith via metmuseum.org

    A Sunday on La Grande Jatte (Georges Seurat)

    A Sunday on La Grande Jatte by Georges Seurat
    A Sunday on La Grande Jatte via metmuseum.org

    After the Hurricane, Bahamas (Winslow Homer)

    After the Hurricane, Bahamas by Winslow Homer
    After the Hurricane via artic.edu

    Drawing Lots for Prizes (Kitagawa Utamaro)

    Drawing Lots for Prizes by Kitagawa Utamaro
    Drawing Lots for Prizes via artic.edu

    Portions of Field Armor (Jacob Halder)

    Portions of a Field Armor by Jacob Halder
    Field Armor via artic.edu

    Sadie Pfeifer, a Cotton Mill Spinner (Lewis Wickes Hine)

    Sadie Pfeifer, a Cotton Mill Spinner by Lewis Wickes Hine
    Cotton Mill Spinner via artic.edu

    Still Life With Monkey, Fruits, and Flowers (Jean Baptiste Oudry)

    Still Life With Monkey, Fruits, and Flowers by Jean Baptiste Oudry
    Still Life With Monkey via artic.edu

    Man Leading a Giraffe, 5th Century Byzantine

    Man Leading a Giraffe, 5th Century Byzantine
    Man Leading Giraffe via artic.edu

    The Three Skulls (Paul Cézanne)

    The Three Skulls by Paul Cézanne
    The Three Skulls via artic.edu

    The Madame B Album (Marie-Blanche Hennelle Fournier)

    The Madame B Album by Marie-Blanche Hennelle Fournier
    The Madame B Album via artic.edu

    Coiled Trumpet in the Form of a Snarling Feline Face (c. 100 BCE to 500 CE)

    Coiled Trumpet in the Form of a Snarling Feline Face (c. 100 BCE to 500 CE)
    Coiled Trumpet via artic.edu

    Crazy Quilt With Animals (Florence Elizabeth Marvin)

    Crazy Quilt with Animals by Florence Elizabeth Marvin
    Crazy Quilt via artic.edu

    Storytime (Eugenio Zampighi)

    Storytime by Eugenio Zampighi
    Storytime via artvee.com

    Cubist Village (Georges Gaudion)

    Cubist Village by Georges Gaudion
    Cubist Village via artvee.com

    Zig-Zag Passenger and Freight Train (Unknown)

    Zig-zag Passenger and Freight Train (Unknown)
    Zig-Zag Train via loc.gov

    The Power of Music (William Sidney Mount)

    The Power of Music by William Sidney Mount
    The Power of Music via clevelandart.org

    The Large Tree (Paul Gauguin)

    The Large Tree (Paul Gaugin)
    The Large Tree via clevelandart.org

    After the Bath (Mary Cassatt)

    After the Bath (Mary Cassatt)
    After the Bath via clevelandart.org

    Wedding Gown (Korea, Late 1800s)

    Wedding Gown (Korea, Late 1800s)
    Korean Wedding Gown via clevelandart.org

    The Contemplator (Eugène Carrière)

    The Contemplator (Eugène Carrière)
    The Contemplator via clevelandart.org

    The Girl I Left Behind Me (Eastman Johnson)

    The Girl I Left Behind Me (Eastman Johnson)
    The Girl I Left Behind Me via si.edu

    24c Curtiss Jenny Invert Single

    24c Curtiss Jenny invert single
    24c Curtiss Jenny via si.edu

    Creeping Baby Doll Patent Model

    Creeping Baby Doll Patent Model
    Creeping Baby Doll via si.edu

    Wrecked Zeppelin (British Library)

    Wrecked Zeppelin photograph from The British Library
    Wrecked Zeppelin via flickr.com

    Skeleton (Tales of Terror Frontispiece)

    Skeletons Frontispiece from Tales of Terror
    Tales of Terror/British Library via flickr.com

    Get Your Free Picture Writing Prompts Google Slides

    Gif featuring picture writing prompts Google Slides.
    We Are Teachers

    Just click the button below to fill out the form and get instant access to free downloadable Picture Writing Prompts Google Slides with all the prompts included above.

    How do you use picture writing prompts in your classroom? Come share ideas and ask for advice in the We Are Teachers HELPLINE group on Facebook.

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    Jill Staake

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  • 11 Helpful Note-Taking Strategies Your Students Should Know

    11 Helpful Note-Taking Strategies Your Students Should Know

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    We’ve all been there: You’re delivering a lecture full of insight, but students haven’t even picked up a pencil. Yes, today’s students expect printouts, class web pages, and graphic organizers, but good old-fashioned note-taking is still a skill they should master. Here’s why, along with some note-taking strategies they should try.

    Why is it important for students to have good note-taking skills?

    When it comes to learning and remembering information, study after study has shown the importance of actively taking notes rather than passively reading a handout later on. The act of writing engages different parts of the brain, forging new pathways that help students retain information in long-term memory.

    What’s more, the studies show that the more detailed the notes, the better. And using different note-taking strategies helps too. In some cases, a general outline can be effective. But when you want students to analyze the content, encouraging charting or mapping can be more helpful.

    One more good reason to learn to take notes? It’s a skill we use throughout our entire lives. Most jobs require you to be able to take notes during meetings or other activities so you can refer back to them later on. Adults use note-taking strategies on a regular basis, so teaching kids the skill early on will help them succeed later in life.

    Digital vs. Handwritten Notes

    There’s a lot of discussion these days about whether handwriting notes is better than typing them on a computer. Some worry that the digital devices themselves serve as too much of a distraction. When kids aren’t taking notes, they might be browsing the web, playing games, or sending each other messages instead of participating in the lesson. Others wonder if typing is less effective than handwriting when it comes to retaining information.

    The research is still out on whether handwritten notes are better than digital. Some studies say that handwriting is better for learning, while others note that many people type faster than they write, enabling them to take more complete notes that way. And those who have dysgraphia or other learning disabilities should be able to take notes in the way that suits them best. Read more arguments from both sides here.

    Graphic Organizers

    Many teachers use what’s called “structured note-taking” in their classrooms. They provide easy-to-read graphic organizers that only require students to write in specific information. Learn more about graphic organizers here.

    This is an excellent beginning strategy that enables students to grasp difficult concepts and focus on content and connections. But students should also learn to take notes from scratch. After all, in real life, the most they’re likely to get is a printed agenda for a meeting. They’ll need to know how to capture the important points themselves.

    General Tips for Taking Good Notes

    Ultimately, what’s most important is that students learn to take notes, period. Whatever method or strategies they choose, the key is having information in their own words they can return to later when they need to review and study. Here are some general tips to share with your students.

    • Focus on recording the main points of the lesson. Listen for key words and phrases, but don’t try to frantically write everything you hear.
    • Try to summarize the information in your own words rather than writing down the teacher’s words verbatim. Write your notes in a way that will make sense to you later on.
    • Jot down words you’re unfamiliar with or confused about and look them up later. Consider circling these words so they’re easy to spot when you’re reviewing your notes later.
    • Add color, either while you’re taking notes or later on, with a highlighter. Color helps show relationships between concepts, and it engages the brain better too.
    • Don’t be afraid to ask your teacher to repeat something if you feel like you missed it. If you feel like you can’t interrupt, put a star by that section to remind you to ask about it after class.
    • If your handwriting is hard to read, or you think you can organize the information in a better way, go ahead and re-copy your notes after class. It’s a good way to reinforce the information too.

    Symbols and Abbreviations

    College Compass/symbols and abbreviations via collegecompass.co

    Using standard note-taking symbols and abbreviations can be really helpful. There’s no need to memorize all of them at once; choose a few that seem the most useful and give them a try. You can add more as you get better at taking notes. Refer to the chart above for a good list.

    Helpful Note-Taking Strategies

    The most important thing about learning how to take notes is finding a strategy that works. Each student will have a different favorite strategy, so it’s helpful to expose students to different strategies. These are note-taking strategies that can be used across grade levels and subjects.

    Boxing Method

    Colorful math notes on exponential models and kinematics using boxing note taking strategies
    Society 19/box method via society19.com

    For students who have trouble keeping things organized (including their thoughts), the boxing strategy can be very helpful. Each box contains a complete concept, idea, or category. Adding extra colors with pens or highlighters makes things even better. Boxing is a fairly new note-taking strategy, one that’s gained popularity among college students who take notes on digital devices. But it also works well with handwritten notes.

    How it works: Start a box on the page, but don’t draw the fourth line on the bottom. Take your notes inside that box, keeping everything relating to one idea or concept together. When you’re finished with that section, draw the final line to close the box, and begin a new one. (If you’re using a tablet or laptop instead, you can draw a text box instead. It will automatically resize as you work.)

    Charting Method

    Diagram of the charting method of note taking with instructions in how to use it
    Learning Essentials/charting via learningessentials.auckland.ac.nz

    When students need to organize, compare and contrast, or categorize, the charting method comes in handy. It’s simple and easy and works well digitally or when taking notes by hand.

    How it works: Draw lines to divide the page into columns and rows. Write headers on the columns (and rows, if necessary). As you take notes, put the information into the appropriate place on the chart. It’s that simple.

    Cornell Note-Taking Method

    Page demonstrating the Cornell method of note taking (Note Taking Strategies)
    Think Insights/Cornell via thinkinsights.net

    The Cornell method is more than just a note-taking strategy. It offers tips on how to use notes after class for studying too. Cornell University professor Walter Pauk created this method in the 1950s. Others quickly adopted it, since it’s easy to learn and has been proven to help students learn.

    How it works: Divide a page into two columns. The wider column on the right is the Notes column. Here, take concise notes during class, capturing keywords and other important information. Leave space across the bottom of the page or section for the summary, which you’ll complete after class. This is the space for a brief overview of what was covered.

    The left-hand column is known as the Cue column. Use it after class to write review questions that relate to the information in your notes. Then, cover up the Notes section and try to answer the questions in the Cue column. Take some time to reflect on the information, making connections and evaluating what you’ve learned. At the end of each week, review all of the notes you’ve taken to reinforce the learning.

    Mapping Method

    Mindmapping Guide showing the mapping method of taking notes (Note Taking Strategies)
    Chloe Burroughs/mapping via chloeburroughs.com

    The mapping method is terrific for visual learners, as it helps show the connections between main points and supporting details. It’s also helpful for analyzing and evaluating content, rather than just writing it down. Fun fact: Leonardo da Vinci used this method!

    How it works: Start by writing a main topic in the middle of the page. If you like, you can use the same color for all your main topics, then switch to different colors as you add and connect subtopics. Continue to add supporting details where they fit, drawing lines and arrows to note connections. Switch to a new page to begin a new main topic.

    Outline Method

    Handwritten pages showing the outline method of note taking
    A Day to Study/outline method via adaytostudy.tumblr.com

    This is one of the oldest methods of note-taking, and one most kids learn somewhere along the way. You can teach them to use the standard Roman numeral and lettering/numbering system. Or just use bullet points and dashes to simplify things. This logical strategy works well in nearly any subject.

    How it works: Start a main topic to the farthest left on the page. Add subtopics and supporting details on the lines beneath, indenting them slightly:

    Main Topic

    1. Subtopic
      • Supporting Detail
      • Supporting Detail
    2. Subtopic
      • Supporting Detail
      • Supporting Detail

    Start the next main topic all the way to the left, and continue your notes. Rather than writing long sections, try to keep your notes to just key words and phrases, enough to jog your memory later on.

    Sentence Method

    Page describing The Sentence Method of note taking (note taking strategies)
    College Compass/sentence method via collegecompass.co

    The sentence method looks similar to the outline method, but it includes much more information. As the name implies, students write full sentences for each line. This requires the ability to write (or type) quickly and is best for students who have mastered both these skills. One benefit to the sentence method is that you’re likely to have more-complete notes to refer to after class.

    How it works: Start a topic by writing the main point on one line. On the lines beneath it, add bullet points and a full sentence describing the supporting information. Be sure to use your own words rather than the teacher’s. This ensures you’re fully understanding the information rather than just recording what you hear.

    Sketchnotes

    Sketchnotes are fairly new but have a real appeal for those who learn best visually. They combine elements of mapping or boxing with meaningful doodles. The colorful result is fun to look at, and some students may retain images better than words.

    How it works: There aren’t a lot of rules with sketchnotes. Basically, students should try to capture keywords and important phrases, then add images that help them connect with the topic. Block lettering and other doodles are fun to add too.

    Check out: 8 Creative Ways To Use Sketchnotes in Your Classroom

    Q/E/C Method

    Q E C method of note taking question explain conclusion
    Medium/Q.E.C. method via medium.com

    The Question/Evidence/Conclusion method of note-taking is a way to organize and record information from lectures. The Q/E/C note-taking method is ideal for subjects in the humanities, such as history, philosophy, and literature. It helps students keep track of how information is being presented, while focusing on the bigger picture.

    How it works: Students organize their notes by listening first for the question being addressed. Then, they write the evidence that answers the question. Finally, they draw a conclusion. At the end of a lecture, students can review their notes and have concise summaries of each main topic.

    Flow Method

    diagram of flow note taking
    iblog/flow notes via iblog.iup.edu

    Flow note-taking is a nonlinear way to take notes. Nonlinear note-taking methods ask students to actively engage with the topic that they’re learning about as they listen. Flow note-taking looks similar to mapping, but the idea here is to connect higher-level ideas and how they relate to each other. Students write the topics and draw arrows to indicate how they connect with each other.

    The flow note-taking method is active and requires students to think about what they are learning as they learn it. It’s also flexible, and useful in most subjects. It is best when students have some background knowledge, however.

    How it works: Students start by writing one main topic. Then, they jot down the next topic and connect the two to show how they are connected. They write the next topic and continue until they have a web.

    REAP Method

    The REAP method (Read, Encode, Annotate, Ponder) is an active reading note-taking strategy. The idea is that students are engaging with text by reflecting and thinking about their content. Using REAP helps students improve reading comprehension and recall of information. It also builds students’ ability to engage with text and learn how to engage with complex texts.

    How it works: Students complete four stages:

    • Reading the text
    • Encoding or writing the main ideas of the text in their own words
    • Annotating of ideas and quotes in the text
    • Pondering or thinking about the text and writing their reflections or discussing with others.

    Watch how to use the REAP method with historical texts:

    Paragraph Shrinking

    paragraph shrinking example of a graphic organizer
    Read Relevant/paragraph shrinking via readrelevant.com

    Similar to REAP, paragraph shrinking is a way to condense and take notes on what students read. This strategy is a good way for students to focus in on the main idea of a text as they read through. It is useful for both fiction and nonfiction texts, but can be particularly helpful when students are working with nonfiction.

    How it works: Students read a paragraph or section of text. Then, write the main topic or event in that section in the margin or on a separate page. Then, they shrink the paragraph further by stating the main idea in 10 words or less.

    What note-taking strategies help your students succeed in the classroom? Come share your ideas and ask for advice in the We Are Teachers HELPLINE group on Facebook.

    Plus, These Are the Executive Functioning Skills Kids Should Learn, Grade by Grade.

    Use these note-taking strategies, including boxing, charting, mapping, outlining, and the Cornell method, to retain what you've learned.

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    Jill Staake

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  • Encouraging Career Exploration in the Classroom 

    Encouraging Career Exploration in the Classroom 

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    Heidi Corbin

    Ms. Heidi Corbin, a native of Pittsburgh, PA, is a business education teacher serving students, families and the community of Wilmington, Delaware. She is currently in the 22nd year of her second career as an educator. She earned her Bachelor’s of Business Administration from Temple University and worked in the finance, insurance, and banking industries prior to entering education. She has a Master of Arts in Education from Cabrini College, is a DEN STAR, and has taught science, math, English Language Arts, and creative writing in Pennsylvania and Delaware. When school is not in session, she is leading exercise classes as a certified fitness professional, participating in community activities and advising the Business Professionals of America (BPA) club.

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    Heidi Corbin

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  • Helping Students Master New Content and the English Language 

    Helping Students Master New Content and the English Language 

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    Sean O’Brien

    Sean O’Brien is a Pennsylvania high school science teacher and National Honor Society Advisor. He is a DEN STAR and Kahoot Content Creator, and he is passionate about bringing engaging science lessons to his students!

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    Sean O’Brien

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