Scholastic has a writing prompt generator that should help to engage your elementary students and help them have fun while writing.
To begin, students enter their name and choose their grade level. Story Starter has prompts available for grades K-6.
Once students get a writing prompt, they are given options to choose the format. Even though the writing prompt selects a format in the first "column," students can choose a different format after clicking "next."
When students finish, they can download (pdf file) or print their completed narrative. However, there is no option to save their work. Everything must be done in one class period.
Note: there is an audio button on the website, but it doesn't appear to read the prompt to students. All I heard was background noise, which became quite annoying and repetitive after a short time. I recommend muting the computers before using this site.
Overall, this website has many features that elementary students would enjoy. It's colorful, interactive, and allows students to control aspects of their writing. Give Story Starters a try and see what you think. I'd love to get your feedback!
For more on this writing prompt or others, see my Writing Prompts page.
Happy New Year to each of you. May 2014 bring joy and success in your classroom endeavors!