teaching resource

Migrant Life Writing Prompts

Updated: 30 Apr 2025

Spark thoughtful classroom discussions and meaningful writing about migrant life with these engaging writing prompts for upper primary students.

Editable: Google Slides
Non-Editable: PDF
Pages: 1 Page
Years: 5 - 6

Curriculum

VC2E5LY11

Re-read and edit their own texts and the texts of others using agreed criteria for text structures and language features <ul> <li>re-reading and editing their own and others’ work (which may involve using digital tools) for precision, using negotiated criteria for text structure and meaning, and accuracy of grammar, spelling and punctuation</li> </ul>
VC2E6LY10

Re-read and edit their own texts and the texts of others using agreed criteria and exploring editing choices <ul> <li>discussing the setting in a literary text with a peer during the editing process, and experimenting with literary devices that may enhance the setting</li> <li>re-reading and editing their own and others’ work using negotiated criteria for text structure, meaning and accuracy of grammar, spelling and punctuation, and explaining editing choices as required</li> </ul>
VC2E5LY10

Create different types of texts, written and spoken, with relevant, elaborated and sequenced ideas, using text structure appropriate for topic, purpose and audience, and multimodal elements as appropriate <ul> <li>using research from print and digital resources to gather and organise information for writing</li> <li>planning a report on a topic, sequencing ideas logically and providing supporting detail, including graphics, sound and visuals, to enhance audience engagement and understanding</li> <li>selecting an appropriate text structure for the writing purpose, and sequencing content according to that text structure, introducing the topic and grouping related information in well-sequenced paragraphs with a concluding statement</li> <li>using vocabulary, including technical vocabulary, appropriate for purpose and context</li> <li>using appropriate grammatical features, including more complex sentences and relevant verb tenses, pronoun references, and adverb and noun groups/phrases for effective descriptions</li> <li>writing letters in print and by email, demonstrating understanding of audience</li> </ul>
VC2E6LY09

Create different types of texts, written and spoken, with developed and organised ideas for purpose and audience, and multimodal elements as appropriate <ul> <li>planning a report on a topic, sequencing ideas logically and providing supporting detail (including graphics, sound and visuals) to enhance audience engagement and understanding</li> <li>creating informative texts for 2 different audiences that explore a topic using text structure and language features for the identified audiences, noting the changes required to appeal to each audience</li> <li>using rhetorical devices, images and modal verbs for persuasive effects, for an identified audience</li> <li>selecting and combining digital tools to create texts</li> </ul>

teaching resource

Migrant Life Writing Prompts

Updated: 30 Apr 2025

Spark thoughtful classroom discussions and meaningful writing about migrant life with these engaging writing prompts for upper primary students.

Editable: Google Slides
Non-Editable: PDF
Pages: 1 Page
Years: 5 - 6

Spark thoughtful classroom discussions and meaningful writing about migrant life with these engaging writing prompts for upper primary students.

Explore the Ups and Downs of Migrant Life

Migrant life can be tough. It involves leaving behind familiar surroundings, adapting to new cultures and facing challenges such as language barriers and homesickness. Teaching students about the migrant experience helps build empathy, encourages inclusive thinking and deepens understanding of the diverse backgrounds that make up communities.

To help your students explore these themes, Teach Starter has created this set of 12 open-ended writing prompts. Each prompt is designed to encourage reflection on the migrant experience and help students empathise with what it might feel like to move to a new country.

Example Prompt: Write a narrative (story) about a migrant who finds friendship in an unexpected place in their new country. Be sure to create a rich personality and background for your migrant. In your story, explain how this new friendship influences the migrant’s experience and feelings about living in a new country.

Some of the other migrant life writing prompts found in this resource include:

Diary Entry
A Letter Home
Migrant Interview
Strength in Diversity
Letter to the Community
And many more!

Using these prompts will enable your students to develop and strengthen their writing skills while also considering the themes of change, identity, belonging and resilience.

More Activities for Exploring the Migrant Experience

These versatile writing prompts can be used for more than just writing! Here are a few suggestions on how you could adapt these prompts for additional classroom activities:

Class Discussions – Use the prompts as conversation starters to explore students’ thoughts and questions about the experiences of migrants.
Role Play and Drama – Encourage students to act out short scenes based on the writing prompts, helping them delve deeper into what life can be like for migrants.
Accompanying Artwork – Once students have completed their writing, have them create an artwork to accompany and complement their text.

These activities support both literacy outcomes and social-emotional learning by encouraging thoughtful engagement with this important real-world issue.

Download These Migrant Life Writing Prompts

This resource can be downloaded as a full-colour PDF or editable Google Slides file. Use the Download button above to select your preferred file format.

Print the cards on cardboard to increase the durability of the resource. Place the cards together in a large envelope or ziplock bag for safekeeping.

More Immigration Resources From Teach Starter

Click below to access more teacher-created, curriculum-aligned resources to use when exploring migration and related themes with your students.

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Immigration Worksheets - Year 4-5 Reading Comprehension Pack

Use our differentiated Immigration Worksheets to introduce your students to the concept of immigration and the reasons why people migrate to new countries.

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History of Australian Immigration PowerPoint

Introduce your students to the history of Australian immigration with an in-depth Australian Immigration PowerPoint slide deck.

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Australian Immigration Timeline

A 3 page timeline to display in the classroom when learning about Australian immigration.

Curriculum

VC2E5LY11

Re-read and edit their own texts and the texts of others using agreed criteria for text structures and language features <ul> <li>re-reading and editing their own and others’ work (which may involve using digital tools) for precision, using negotiated criteria for text structure and meaning, and accuracy of grammar, spelling and punctuation</li> </ul>
VC2E6LY10

Re-read and edit their own texts and the texts of others using agreed criteria and exploring editing choices <ul> <li>discussing the setting in a literary text with a peer during the editing process, and experimenting with literary devices that may enhance the setting</li> <li>re-reading and editing their own and others’ work using negotiated criteria for text structure, meaning and accuracy of grammar, spelling and punctuation, and explaining editing choices as required</li> </ul>
VC2E5LY10

Create different types of texts, written and spoken, with relevant, elaborated and sequenced ideas, using text structure appropriate for topic, purpose and audience, and multimodal elements as appropriate <ul> <li>using research from print and digital resources to gather and organise information for writing</li> <li>planning a report on a topic, sequencing ideas logically and providing supporting detail, including graphics, sound and visuals, to enhance audience engagement and understanding</li> <li>selecting an appropriate text structure for the writing purpose, and sequencing content according to that text structure, introducing the topic and grouping related information in well-sequenced paragraphs with a concluding statement</li> <li>using vocabulary, including technical vocabulary, appropriate for purpose and context</li> <li>using appropriate grammatical features, including more complex sentences and relevant verb tenses, pronoun references, and adverb and noun groups/phrases for effective descriptions</li> <li>writing letters in print and by email, demonstrating understanding of audience</li> </ul>
VC2E6LY09

Create different types of texts, written and spoken, with developed and organised ideas for purpose and audience, and multimodal elements as appropriate <ul> <li>planning a report on a topic, sequencing ideas logically and providing supporting detail (including graphics, sound and visuals) to enhance audience engagement and understanding</li> <li>creating informative texts for 2 different audiences that explore a topic using text structure and language features for the identified audiences, noting the changes required to appeal to each audience</li> <li>using rhetorical devices, images and modal verbs for persuasive effects, for an identified audience</li> <li>selecting and combining digital tools to create texts</li> </ul>

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