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50 Creative 3rd Grade Writing Prompts (Free Printable!)

Taking the leap from the primary level to the intermediate grades.

Four printed note boards for third grade writing prompts.

Third grade is a huge transitional year in elementary school. Third grade writers have learned foundational concepts and skills and have had time to practice. Now they are developing more complex skills as they dig deeper, learn to make connections, and analyze the topics they write about. Here are 50 third grade writing prompts to help your students master and refine their writing skills.

If you’d like even more upper elementary writing prompts, we publish new ones twice a week on our kid-friendly site: the Daily Classroom Hub . Make sure to bookmark the link!

(Want this entire set in one easy document? Get your free PowerPoint bundle by submitting your email here, so you’ll always have the prompts available!)

1. Tell about a special event in your life.

good writing prompts for 3rd graders

2. What are you best at?

good writing prompts for 3rd graders

3. What do you want to learn more about?

good writing prompts for 3rd graders

4. I could never live without______.

good writing prompts for 3rd graders

5. If you could go anyplace in the world, where would you go and why?

good writing prompts for 3rd graders

6. Interview one of your parents or grandparents and ask them to tell you a story from their childhood. Share their story here.

good writing prompts for 3rd graders

7. Describe one of your favorite book characters. Tell three things about their personality.

good writing prompts for 3rd graders

8. Do you think third graders should have to do chores at home? Why or why not?

good writing prompts for 3rd graders

9. What is something you would change about school if you could?

good writing prompts for 3rd graders

10. Tell about a time you helped somebody.

good writing prompts for 3rd graders

11. Tell about a time somebody helped you.

good writing prompts for 3rd graders

12. Tell about a memorable “first” in your life. For example, the first time you ate a particular kind of food, the first time you met your teacher, etc.

good writing prompts for 3rd graders

13. Describe step by step how to make a pizza.

good writing prompts for 3rd graders

14. What does it mean to be a hero?

good writing prompts for 3rd graders

15. I am afraid of _______ because_______.

good writing prompts for 3rd graders

16. What is the difference between being polite and rude? Give three examples.

good writing prompts for 3rd graders

17. What is the most important rule in the classroom?

good writing prompts for 3rd graders

18. What are the three most important qualities you look for in a friend?

good writing prompts for 3rd graders

19. Do you think kids should be assigned homework? Why or why not?

good writing prompts for 3rd graders

20. Nature gives us many beautiful things—plants, animals, water, weather, stars and planets, etc. What is one of your favorite things in nature and why?

good writing prompts for 3rd graders

21. If I were a spider, I’d _______.

good writing prompts for 3rd graders

22. Three things that make me happy are ______.

good writing prompts for 3rd graders

23. What is your favorite holiday and why?

good writing prompts for 3rd graders

24. Tell about one of your family’s unique traditions.

good writing prompts for 3rd graders

25. If you could have a pet, what would you choose? How would you take care of it?

good writing prompts for 3rd graders

26. Write about a dream you recently had.

good writing prompts for 3rd graders

27. Tell about a person that inspires you and why.

good writing prompts for 3rd graders

28. Name five things you are thankful for and why you are thankful for them.

good writing prompts for 3rd graders

29. What are ways you can be a good citizen?

good writing prompts for 3rd graders

30. When you and a friend disagree, how do you work it out?

good writing prompts for 3rd graders

31. What do you think the world will be like in one hundred years?

good writing prompts for 3rd graders

32. What is your favorite type of weather? Why?

good writing prompts for 3rd graders

33. What superpower do you wish you had? Why?

good writing prompts for 3rd graders

34. What famous person would you like to meet? Why?

good writing prompts for 3rd graders

35. In your opinion, which animal makes the best pet? Give three reasons for your answer.

good writing prompts for 3rd graders

36. If someone gave you $100, how would you spend it?

good writing prompts for 3rd graders

37. Should third graders have cell phones? Why or why not?

good writing prompts for 3rd graders

38. If you could be an Olympic athlete, what sport would you participate in?

good writing prompts for 3rd graders

39. Write about your “getting ready for school” routine.

good writing prompts for 3rd graders

40. Write about your “getting ready for bed” routine.

good writing prompts for 3rd graders

41. If you could travel through time like Jack and Annie in the Magic Tree House, where would you go?

good writing prompts for 3rd graders

42. In your opinion, what does a perfect weekend look like?

good writing prompts for 3rd graders

43. Write about the last time you felt really angry. What happened and how did it all work out?

good writing prompts for 3rd graders

44. Pretend there was a special zoo where animals could talk. Which animal would you talk to and what are three questions you would ask?

good writing prompts for 3rd graders

45. What is your favorite thing with wheels? Why?

good writing prompts for 3rd graders

46. Tell the story of Goldilocks and the Three Bears from the point of view of Baby Bear.

good writing prompts for 3rd graders

47. What do you think would grow if you planted a magic bean?

good writing prompts for 3rd graders

48. Which would you rather be able to do—fly or read people’s minds? Why?

good writing prompts for 3rd graders

49. Tell about an adult in your life that you admire.

good writing prompts for 3rd graders

50. If you were traveling for a week and could only bring a backpack, what would you pack?

good writing prompts for 3rd graders

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50 Creative Third Grade Writing Prompts (Free Printable!)

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100 Fun Third-Grade Writing Prompts for Kids: Journal Prompts

Little girl writing on paper

  • Journal Writing Prompts
  • Funny Writing Prompts
  • Narrative Essay Writing Prompts
  • Fiction Writing Prompts
  • Poetry Writing Prompts 
  • Informative Essay Writing Prompts
  • Opinion Writing Prompts
  • Animal Writing Prompts
  • Descriptive Writing Prompts
  • Emotion Writing Prompts

The power of stories is immense. It not only unlocks the imagination but also improves creativity and vocabulary. For kids as young as third graders , writing prompts can be beneficial to kick-start their writing spree. It is a great way to build various genres of writing skills in kids- from narrative and informative to poetic and funny.

Stick to this blog to track down century options of 3rd grade writing prompts for kids .

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Here are more educational resources to get your third grader learning!

6 Reasons To Give Your 3rd Graders a Writing Prompt?

Teacher helping two kids with writing

When it comes to keeping your students busy with something beneficial, writing prompts are a wonderful tool. Here are a few major ways in which 3rd grade journal prompts can help children.

  • Allows children to think around creatively
  • Enhances a sense of expression
  • Eliminates the dread of writing
  • Improves story-telling
  • Boosts self-confidence in children
  • Refines grammar, spelling, and handwriting with practice

While they get busy writing the best out of their imagination, you can enjoy a sip of hot coffee (a bonus, you know!).

100 Fun Third-Grade Writing Prompts for Kids

10 journal writing prompts.

The habit of journaling must be inculcated in kids from a young age. Wondering why? Well, it goes a long way in developing the ‘writer-like’ mindset in them. Moreover, journaling is known to be a stress reliever in teens and adults alike. Whether they make it a daily or alternate habit later, here are ten examples of 3rd grade journal topics that can be perfect for giving them a needed push.

1. What has been your favorite memory of 2nd grade ?

2. On a rainy day, would you rather be inside or outside? Why?

3. How did you meet your best friend?

4. What flavor of chips do you like the most and why?

5. Who is the favorite cousin in the family?

6. When was the last time you had your favorite dinner outside?

7. Do you have someone who makes you feel special? Who and How?

8. Which school period do you like the most and why?

9. What are you most thankful for in life and why?

10. What is your favorite cartoon character?

10 Funny Writing Prompts

Girl writing sincerely

This is every child’s favorite! Funny Writing prompts can help develop an expression of humor sense in young children. Moreover, it will allow the classroom to have a light moment together when each of them will read their chucklesome experiences aloud. We can already hear the giggles!

Check out these fun writing prompts for 3rd grade kids.

1. If your pencil boxes could talk to each other, what would they be?

2. What if you were an Easter egg?

3. Imagine if cows gave ‘Skittles’ instead of milk. What would the world be like?

4. What makes you laugh?

5. What was the best joke that your best friend cracked recently? How can you make it funnier?

6. What would happen if it did rain cats and dogs?

7. Imagine there’s a kangaroo in the classroom. How did it reach there, and what would the scenario be like?

8. Would you rather wear a swimming suit in a snowstorm or wear a snowsuit to the beach? Which kind of silly will you be and why?

9. Write a review of the animated movie for kids that you have seen recently.

10. Imagine you and your best friend switch families for a day. What would the day be like?

10 Narrative Essay Writing Prompts

Narrative essay prompts can sow seeds for a future author of an American best-seller. One of the most favored writing prompts by teachers, 3rd grade narrative writing prompts expect students to tell a story based on their imagination or actual incidents. They could either build their story on dialogues or use descriptive writing. Let’s head to the list.

1. If your shoe could speak, what story would it tell?

2. One fine morning, you woke up with wings. Narrate the day.

3. If you are allowed to make classroom rules , which new rule would you make and why?

4. Make a story about where thunder comes from.

5. Imagine a boy who only eats oranges to survive. Narrate the story of his life.

6. Describe your last vacation. Where did you go, and what did you do?

7. What is the most interesting story that your family member has told you about?

8. You are given $200 to spread kindness around your city. How will you spend it?

9. If you could fly wherever you would want to, what places would you go and why?

10. What is one thing you do very well? Describe it in detail.

10 Fiction Writing Prompts

Mother helping kid with writing

Here’s another set of 3rd grade writing prompts that will make the creative juices flow in the students. Fiction writing prompts are a great stimulus for young minds to develop their characters, work on a plot line and narrate a story. 

They not only allow expand their imagination in children but gives them an opportunity to enjoy the writing process. Have a look at writing ideas for 3rd grade students:

1. What story does a camera want to tell the world?

2. A princess is trapped in a castle that is guarded by a beast. Instead of waiting for her prince charming to save her, she uses the resources and tools from inside the castle to build her escape plan. What all would she use and how? Write her escape story.

3. ‘There was a knock on the door. I opened it and saw a cat sitting there and,….’. Finish the story.

4. You had a chance to take over your father’s job for a day. Write a story narrating all your day’s events.

5. ‘On a vacation to paradise, something unexpected happens.’ Continue with the story.

6. There was a butterfly in Ohio who needed to earn the colors for herself. She could only earn five colors for herself. What would she do to earn colors, and how?

7. One day, you woke up and realize that you have a magic pen next to you. Narrate the events that followed it.

8. Imagine you get to choose how you would want to live your next 50 years. What would you choose? Who will be the people with you?

9. Your balloon just blew away! Write the story from the balloon’s perspective.

10. You ate a brownie, and now you are 20 feet tall. What do you do next?

10 Poetry Writing Prompts 

With Tik Toks and Reels throwing rubbish in the name of poems for kids , now is the time to introduce young minds to the real essence of poetry. They must be taught the power of syllables, rhymes, apostrophes, punctuation, and word choice to recognize the poetry. 

Poetry Writing Prompts can give good practice to 3rd graders to improve their phrasing ideas and, ultimately, the poetry sense! Whether it’s a limerick or haiku, here’s the suggestion list that you shouldn’t miss.

1. ‘Whenever I sing a silly song,

Whenever I daydream for too long..’ Continue the poem.

2. ‘Within the wrapping paper brown,

the smallest gift I’ve found. Write a poem to talk about the gift.

3. ‘Dear Friend,’. Write a short poem for your best friend.

4. Challenge yourself to write a poem that is no longer than 25 words.

5. Imagine you came from another planet, lost on Earth, and longing for home. Write short poetry to express yourself.

6. ‘Look at the stars and name them all….’ Continue an interesting poem.

7. ‘Through the trees, I go…’ Write a few lines of a Haiku poem.

8. Write a poem about your grandparents.

9. ‘It was quite a big day for me.’ Write a limerick using this line.

10. ‘I met a funny little woman,

As I walked along one day…’ Write a silly poem using this starter.

10 Informative Essay Writing Prompts

A highly beneficial writing exercise for all ages, informative writing prompts are about informing the reader without persuading or making an opinion to it. For 3rd graders, these essays could be a powerful tool to enable them to write from what they already know. It advances their memorization, learning, and reflective ability in them.

Check out the ideas that can be used as writing topics for 3rd graders.

1. Write a process to build a birdhouse in your backyard.

2. If you could meet any famous person in the world, who would it be and what conversion would you have with them?

3. Why is it important to preserve the environment around us? How can you help with it?

4. Do you have a pet? If yes, how do you take care of it?

5. Describe what all do you see on your way to school.

6. How do you prepare for a test? Share some tips with your friends.

7. Write the importance of a healthy diet in our lives. How can we make our diet healthier?

8. Describe life in the coldest cities of the world. Would you live in such places?

9. Doctors, Firefighters, Policemen, Delivery boys, etc., are all heroes. Write about their selfless contribution to our lives.

10. Why do leaves change color during autumn?

10 Opinion Writing Prompts

Kid writing on paper

We all have opinions, and so do the little ones! Teaching young kids to form an opinion can be rewarding for their future goals and personality development. 

It is important to familiarize them with understanding their mind and heart and strike a balance between the two. Opinion writing prompts for 3rd graders can be instrumental in getting them moving in that direction.

To ease the writing process, you can teach the kids about the OREO framework.

O – Opinions

E – Examples

O – Opinion (restated in a concluding note)

Let’s dive into some interesting topics for 3rd grade writing prompts.

1. Do you think teachers should give homework to students?

2. What are some important rules that must be followed in life?

3. How to become a kind human being?

4. What do you do when you are angry? Write some ways to calm yourself down.

5. How to make yourself happy when you are sad? Write from your experience.

6. What is the best restaurant in your city, and why?

7. Should 10-year-olds have their mobile phone? Why or why not?

8. Why should children not eat chocolates very frequently? How should they practice control?

9. Should everyone wear school uniforms in school? Why or why not?

10. If there could only be one season throughout the year, which one would you choose and why?

10 Animal Writing Prompts

If animals bring so much joy to us just by existing, how joyful it’d be to write about them? There are so many reasons to ask children to write about animals. It can be a wonderful way to enhance their creativity, fascination, attention to detail, and of course, writing skills. 

Here’s a list of animal writing prompts for 3rd graders.

1. Which animal would you like to meet and why?

2. Would you rather have a rabbit or a penguin as a pet? Why?

3. If you had a chance to become one farm animal, which one would it be and why?

4. If I were a turtle, I would…

5. Imagine waking up in the morning and seeing your favorite animal getting ready for school. What would the scenario be like?

6. Write how the world would be if humans could talk to animals.

7. You can choose either an animal or a human as your best friend. Which one would you pick and why?

8. If you could choose a different name for ‘Cow,’ what would it be? Why?

9. What I know about chickens is that….

10. A fish took a solo trip to London. Narrate the story.

10 Descriptive Writing Prompts

What do you do when you want your students to go into the tiniest details while writing? Try Descriptive writing prompts for 3rd graders. Whether they write a story or a personal experience, ignite the spark of description with these writing prompts.

1. What is your favorite math game ? Why do you like it? Also, write the steps to play.

2. Imagine you are traveling on a ship in the ocean. What does your ship look like? And, why would you like the best about your ship? Describe your journey.

3. Describe your favorite activity in the mall.

4. Which is better, winter or summer? Support your take with reasons.

5. Share a memorable experience at the park. What made it so memorable? Would you like to relive it?

6. Describe a beautiful scene from nature.

7. Alice gets to visit Wonderland in the movie ‘Alice in Wonderland.’ Describe all that you can think about Wonderland- the location, the environment, the colors, the people, etc.

8. What is a perfect day for you? Include the weather, your clothes, your friends, what you eat, and your activities.

9. Write a description of a trip to the zoo.

10. Who is your favorite teacher, and why? Describe him/her.

10 Emotion Writing Prompts

Kids writing in their copies

School is not limited to books and assignments. It’s also about preparing students to reflect on their feelings and being able to jot them down. Guess what? Emotion prompts can be the right choice here as well! They inspire creativity in kids and aid them in connecting with their feelings and emotions. Few third-grade emotion prompts that you shouldn’t miss.

1. My biggest dream is…

2. My favorite thing about myself…

3. What do you do when you make a mistake? How do you feel?

4. When was the last time you helped someone? What was it about?

5. Write about the happiest day of your life.

6. If you could have any special talent, what would it be and why?

7. What five things do you love about your family?

8. I feel sad when…

9. Imagine your friend is feeling scared. What would you do to calm him/her down?

10. Write a list of 10 things you are grateful for.

Now that you know 100 writing prompts for 3rd grade, there’s nothing that can stop your students shape into brilliant writers. However, a little something that we would like you to know- make writing as much fun as possible for these young minds. Look at a few tips which will help you chart out easy ways to teach writing to 3rd graders.

5 Steps To Help 3rd Graders With Writing

Step 1: sentence-formation.

If students struggle with understanding and forming sentences, they must be taught sentences as a single complete thought. Reading sentences aloud with necessary pauses will bring more clarity to them about the nature of a sentence. Let the children practice in small groups to make the instructions more effective.

 Step 2: Paragraph Writing

The next step will be to familiarize the children with writing small paragraphs. Don’t go throwing the list of 3rd grade writing prompts in one go. Instead, focus on strengthening the core concepts of writing. Introduce children to the parts of a paragraph-head, body, and conclusion.

Step 3: The ‘Sandwich’ Rule

It is a great way to simplify the writing process for third-graders. Teach the children that writing a paragraph is similar to making a sandwich. 

It begins with a piece of bread, i.e., the topic sentence, followed by adding some ingredients in the middle, i.e., the transition sentences, and finally, fishing it with another piece of bread, i.e., the concluding sentences. 

The rule can also be practiced in small groups to enjoy the maximum benefits.

Step 4: Additional Cues

Besides creative writing prompts for 3rd graders, emphasis must be made on using words like ‘because,’ ‘since,’ ‘for example,’ ‘another,’ ‘also,’ etc., to make meaningful connections while writing. Set 30 minutes initially for most pieces. Once they have had enough practice, you can reduce the time accordingly.

Step 5: Technical Cues

In the age of digitization, you cannot fathom eliminating the aid of digital tools to help children write. Teachers must pick something fun and let the students research about them on the internet. Noting down the point will help them build a story or idea smoothly.

Get, Set, Writing!

Writing prompts are not the end but the beginning of a brilliant writing spree for your students. Nonetheless, encouragement and support from your side are imperative to build their confidence. We hope the class will enjoy these 3rd grade writing prompts as much as we enjoyed curating them.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How should i motivate my child to write at home.

Before introducing them to prompts, the most important way you can help your child with writing is to give them a journal, a storybook, a pencil, and an eraser. Keep a separate basket for their stationary supplies so that they can instantly grab them whenever they are in the mood to write.

What can be the first set of prompts that I should begin with?

Children are most closely knit to their parents. Giving them writing prompts to recount a happy family vacation or their favorite family members can be an ideal beginning. Moreover, in the classroom, teachers can use prompts related to their best friend, learning environment, and favorite school activity.

How many writing prompts can I use in one go?

Depends on the length of the class period. However, it is recommended to use one prompt in each class to preserve the class’s interest. Otherwise, children often feel burnout and pressure from having too many topics to write on in a single class.

good writing prompts for 3rd graders

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good writing prompts for 3rd graders

100+ Awesome Writing Prompts for 3rd Grade

Today I’m sharing some awesome writing prompts for 3rd grade! These are great to have on hand to help your kids grow a little in their writing skills each day.

I plan on using this list for our laid-back, summer, homeschool schedule. Along with daily summer reading , simple math exercises, a fun writing prompt, and a whole of lot outdoor fun and play, I think we will be set to go.

To organize these 3rd grade writing prompts, I’ve broken them up into the following categories: books, food, nature, travel, feelings, imagination, friends and family, school, holidays, and favorites. (Also, make sure you get the printable checklist version at the end!)

Let’s get started! Here are 100+ awesome writing prompts for 3rd grade:

good writing prompts for 3rd graders

Book-Related Writing Prompts for 3rd Grade:

  • What is your favorite book, and why?
  • Describe the difference between fiction and non-fiction books.
  • Who is your favorite fictional character, and why?
  • Where do you like to read, and why do you enjoy that spot?
  • What was your favorite book that someone has read to you, and why?
  • Write about why you are glad you know how to read.
  • If you were asked to read a book to a class of 3rd graders, what would you choose, and why?
  • What non-fiction topics interest you, and why?
  • If you could write a book, what would it be about?
  • Who is your favorite author, and why?

good writing prompts for 3rd graders

Food-related writing prompts:

  • Do you prefer savory or sweet foods, and why?
  • Describe the taste and texture of chocolate cake.
  • Whose cooking do you enjoy, and why?
  • Write about your favorite place to eat.
  • Describe your favorite meal.
  • What is your opinion about coffee?
  • If you made a treat for your neighbor, what do you think their reaction would be?
  • What are some things you should be careful with in the kitchen?
  • How do you make scrambled eggs?
  • Describe the weirdest thing you’ve ever eaten.

Nature writing prompts for 3rd graders:

  • Would you prefer a sunny or snowy day, and why?
  • How do you climb a tree?
  • What are your favorite things to do outside?
  • What kinds of sounds do you hear when you step outside?
  • Describe the smell and feel of grass.
  • What is your opinion about snakes?
  • What is your favorite type of weather, and why?
  • What would you use to build an outdoor fort?
  • What is your favorite animal, and why?
  • Explain how being outside and exploring nature makes you feel.

good writing prompts for 3rd graders

Imagination writing prompts for 3rd graders:

  • If you had a time machine, where in history would you go?
  • How would you spend a million dollars?
  • How do you think your pets would describe you?
  • If you made a robot, what would it be able to do?
  • Write a funny story in four sentences.
  • What superpower would you like to have, and why?
  • If trees could talk, what do you think they would say?
  • If you were stranded on an island, what would you do to survive?
  • If you were given three wishes, what would they be?
  • Describe your dream treehouse.

Writing prompts about family and friends for 3rd graders:

  • Describe your family.
  • What makes a good friend?
  • Write about a time when someone was kind and friendly to you.
  • In what ways do you help your family?
  • Write about one of your family traditions.
  • How do you make a new friend?
  • What are some things you love about your family?
  • Write about a favorite memory with a friend.
  • What makes house feel like a home?
  • Who do you look up to in your family, and why?

Birthday and Holiday Writing Prompts for 3rd graders:

  • Which do you prefer Christmas or Thanksgiving, and why?
  • What are some things you like about your birthday month?
  • Describe your favorite holiday tradition.
  • What is the best gift you’ve ever received, and why?
  • Write about your happiest birthday memory.
  • How do you plan a surprise birthday party for someone?
  • What is your favorite holiday, and why?
  • Describe the types of foods you would serve at a holiday party.
  • Write about a gift you made for someone.
  • What is your opinion about birthday cake?

good writing prompts for 3rd graders

Writing Prompts about Feelings for 3rd graders:

  • What does boredom feel like?
  • Who makes you feel happy, and why?
  • Describe a time when you felt shy.
  • How do you cheer yourself up when you are feeling sad?
  • Write about something that scares you.
  • What are some things that make you happy?
  • Write about something you are hoping will happen.
  • Write about a time you noticed someone feeling sad.
  • Describe a time when you felt brave.
  • Talk about a time you felt confident.

Writing Prompts about School for 3rd graders:

  • What is your favorite subject, and why?
  • Talk about something that was difficult for you to learn.
  • Describe how it feels to know something really well.
  • What are some things you would use a ruler for?
  • What would you like to learn more about, and why?
  • In what ways is learning fun?
  • How have books helped you to learn?
  • Write about a time you taught someone how to do something.
  • Who in history inspires you, and why?
  • What is your opinion about recess?

good writing prompts for 3rd graders

Travel Writing Prompts for 3rd graders:

  • If you could go anywhere in the world, where would it be, and why?
  • Do you prefer visiting the country or the city, and why?
  • Describe the beach.
  • What are some challenges that come with traveling?
  • What is your favorite place in the world?
  • What is your opinion about long car rides?
  • How do you entertain yourself while you are traveling?
  • What country would you like to visit, and why?
  • Write about a trip you took with your family.
  • Do you prefer driving or flying, and why?

Writing Prompts for 3rd graders: Favorites

  • What is your favorite food, and why?
  • Write about your favorite thing to play with.
  • What is your favorite place, and why?
  • Describe your favorite dessert.
  • Write about your favorite color.
  • Who is your favorite historical figure, and why?
  • Write about a favorite memory with your family.
  • What is your favorite animal and why?
  • What is your favorite movie, and why?
  • Describe your favorite snack.

good writing prompts for 3rd graders

How to Use the Writing Prompt List for Third Graders

Aim to keep writing simple and fun for your third graders! We want them to experience the joy and satisfaction they can achieve when they combine their skills of writing with communication and imagination.

With that in mind, give your students a writing prompt from the list and ask him or her to write 2-4 sentences. When they are done, look it over together and celebrate their writing accomplishments.

Should you correct your third grader’s writing?

I think it’s a great idea to read over your kids writing each day. First, because it gives you an opportunity to praise them for their hard work and point out things they did really well. Secondly, if gives you a chance to gently correct their mistakes.

With that being said, I usually pick one thing we can correct and work on for next time. Then stick with that one thing until the child is able to incorporate it into his or her writing without being reminded.

Things to look for in you third-grader’s writing:

  • Capital letters at the beginning of a sentence
  • Always capitalize the letter I if it stands alone
  • Punctuation at the end of a sentence
  • Capitalize proper nouns

good writing prompts for 3rd graders

Free Printable Writing Prompts for 3rd Grade

Are you interested in the Free printable Writing Prompts for 3rd grade? This third grade resource includes the 100+ writing prompts from this article in printable, checklist format!   For Access to this freebie, Join the Inspire the Mom Community and sign in with Grow for this exclusive content!

Get it Now!

good writing prompts for 3rd graders

Free Printable:

Download the Free Printable Writing Prompt list for third graders!

Writing Prompts Q & A

1. what is a third grade writing prompt.

What is a third grade writing prompt? It is a prompt (or idea) composed of a question or issue that gives the student a starting point for writing.

2. What are some cool writing prompts?

  • Share your opinion about coffee.

3. Where can I find good writing prompts for kids?

You can find writing prompts for kids here in this post, online, or come up with some your own!

More Writing Resources for Kids

  • An Introduction to Letter Writing for Kids
  • 100 Awesome Writing Prompts for First Grade
  • Understanding the Benefits of Copywork
  • A-Z Words for Kids

What is your favorite writing prompts for third graders?

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Engaging Writing Prompts for 3rd Graders

good writing prompts for 3rd graders

Students in 3rd grade should be writing regularly in a variety of styles and for a variety of audiences. Useful writing projects for 3rd graders include  opinion , informative, and narrative essays, as well as short research projects.

For many students, the most difficult part of writing is facing the blank page. The following grade-level appropriate writing prompts provide plenty of inspiration to help your students get started on a number of different writing assignments.

Narrative Essay Writing Prompts

Narrative essays tell a story based on real or imagined events. Students should use descriptive writing and dialogue to tell their tale.

  • Scary Stuff. Think of something that scares you and explain what makes it so frightening.
  • Grouchy Pants. Describe a day when you were grouchy. What made you so grumpy and how did you get in a better mood?
  • School Rules. If you could make a new school rule, what would it be? How would your rule change an average day at school?
  • Snappy Travel. Imagine you could snap your fingers and be anywhere else in the world. Write about where you’d go.
  • Family Tales. What is the most interesting story that a family member has ever told you about their life?
  • Food Forever. If you could only eat one food for the rest of your life, what would you choose?
  • Book Bound. If you could be the main character from your favorite book, who would you be? Write about an adventure you might have.
  • Seeing Double. Imagine that you have an identical twin who is a different class than you. What pranks would you play on your teachers and classmates?
  • Nessy's Life. Have you heard of the Loch Ness Monster ? Imagine you’re the monster. Describe your life under the sea.
  • Lost. Have you ever been lost? Write about your experience.
  • Perfect Party. Describe what the ultimate birthday party would look like if you could do anything you wanted.
  • Kindness Counts. You’re given $100 to do random acts of kindness for others. What do you do?
  • Memory Eraser . Describe something that happened to you that you wish you could forget. Explain why.

Opinion Essay Writing Prompts

When writing an opinion essay , students should clearly state their opinion, then back it up with sound reasons and facts. Opinion essays should close the essay with a concluding paragraph and a summary of the argument. 

  • Be a Friend. What does it mean to be a good friend?
  • Growing Up or Down. Would you rather be older than you are right now or younger? Why?
  • Hello? Some kids in 3rd grade have cell phones. Do you? Do you think that’s good or bad?
  • Best Pets. Which animal makes the best pet? Give at least three reasons for your opinion.
  • Tattletale. If you saw one of your friends doing something that you knew was wrong, should you tell on them? Why or why not?
  • School Favorites . What do you think is the best subject in school? What makes it the best?
  • Off Limits . Is there a TV show that you’re not allowed to watch or a video game that you’re not allowed to play? Explain why your parents should allow it.
  • Summer School. Should your school be in session year ‘round with more breaks throughout the year or continue to give students the summer off? Why?
  • Junk Food Fans. Should candy and soda machines be available to students on school property? Why or why not?
  • School Supplies. What is the most important tool in your classroom? What makes it so useful?
  • School Pride . What is the best thing about being a student at your school?
  • What’s in a Name? If you could change your name, what would you choose and why?

Informative Essay Writing Prompts

Informative essays introduce a topic, explain a process, or describe an idea, then provide facts, definitions, and details. Students should organize related information into paragraphs in order to write the most logical essay possible. Remember that they should also include introductory and concluding paragraphs.

  • Real Superheroes. Superheroes in movies and comics can do some pretty amazing things, but think of someone you consider to be a real-life hero. What do (or did) they do that makes them a hero? 
  • Liar, Liar. Someone told your best friend a lie about you and your friend believed them. Explain how you’d handle the situation.
  • Student Teacher. Think of something that you found difficult to do at first (such as multiplication or tying your shoes), but that you now understand. Explain the process so that someone else could learn to do it.
  • Holidays . What is your favorite holiday? Explain how you celebrate it.
  • Pet Sitter. Your family is going on vacation and a pet-sitter is coming to care for your pets. Write a note explaining how to care for them.
  • PB&J. Write out the step-by-step process for making the perfect peanut butter and jelly sandwich.
  • Chores. What is a household chore for which you are responsible? Explain how to do it.
  • Emergency Drills. Think of one emergency drill that your school practices. Write a paper describing exactly how to do it as if you were explaining it to a brand-new student.
  • Allergies. Do you have a serious allergy to something like peanuts or milk? Write an essay explaining why it’s so important for you not to come into contact with the allergen.
  • Color Wheel. What is your favorite color? Choose an animal or object that is that color and describe it.
  • State Fun Facts . Describe some interesting facts about your state to someone who has never visited.
  • Family Traditions. Describe a unique family tradition that your family has.
  • Game On.  What's your favorite game? Explain the rules to someone who has never played it before.

Research Writing Prompts

Students in 3rd grade can conduct simple research projects that build on their knowledge about a topic. They should use digital and print media to explore the topic , take simple notes, and create a basic outline before beginning the writing process.

  • State History. What is the history of your state? Research the history and write an essay about one key event in your state's past.
  • Marsupials. Marsupials are animals who carry their babies in pouches. With the exception of the opossum, all marsupials live in Australia. Choose one of them to learn more about.
  • Insects. They may be small, but insects play an important role in our environment. Choose an insect to research and write an essay about its characteristics.
  • Jaws! Are Great White sharks really man-eaters? Research this question and write an essay about your answer. 
  • Bat Signal. How do bats use echolocation?
  • Explorers. Choose a famous (or not-so-famous) explorer to research.
  • Comic Book Heroes. When was the first comic book published and what was it about?
  • Extreme Weather. Choose an extreme weather event such as a tornado, hurricane, or tsunami, and explain its cause.
  • International Space Station. Learn more about the International Space Station: how it's used, who visits it, and why it's important. Write an essay about your findings.
  • Ben Franklin, Inventor . Many people know Benjamin Franklin as a Founding Father and statesman, but he was also an inventor. Learn about some of the things he invented.
  • Legends.  Research a popular legend such as the Lost City of Atlantis, Big Foot, or Paul Bunyan . Write an essay describing the evidence for or against the legend.
  • Presidential History. Research the childhood of one American president and write an essay about what you learn.
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50 Exclusive 3rd Grade Writing Prompts that are Printable for Free

Esther Ezike

  • February 22, 2024

Table of Contents Hide

What are writing prompts, benefits of using writing prompts, what level is 3rd grade, 1. what would happen if you found a garden where the plants could talk what would they say to each other, 2. what would you discover if you were an astronaut exploring a new planet, 3. if you built a time machine with your friends but it only traveled to the past, where and when would you end up, 4. what would life be like if you lived underwater who would be your neighbors, 5. what would you do if you woke up one morning and you were 10 feet tall, 6. how would you react if you got sucked into your favorite book what adventures would you have inside, 7. what kind of mischief would you get into if you found a cloak that made you invisible, 8. what would you do if your pet dog started talking one day what secrets would it share with you, 9. can you imagine a land where everything is made of chocolate describe what a day there looks like., 10. if you could have any superpower for a day, which one would you choose and why, 11. can you describe your imaginary friend and the adventures you go on together, 12. what kind of house would the fourth little pig build, and how would the story change, 13. what rules would you make if you were in charge of the world for one day, 14. how would your day change if gravity stopped working suddenly, 15. where would you end up if you found a secret door in your house, 16. how would you find the treasure if you discovered an old treasure map, 17. what happens next if you meet a monster in your backyard, but it’s friendly, 18. what’s the first thing you would paint if whatever you painted with a magic brush became real, 19. what would you do if you could take a trip to the moon, 20. what’s the best gift you’ve ever received, and why was it so special, 21. what would your daily life look like if you lived in a medieval castle, recommendation.

Writing is one of the best learning tools in a formal school setting. The catch is when it is learned early. So, the need for 3rd-grade students to start learning how to write is of the essence. I will take time to list and explain some 3rd grade writing prompts.

Students undergo a significant transition in third grade as they build upon foundational writing concepts and skills.

With ample practice, they are now delving into more complex writing skills, learning to draw connections and analyze their topics.

The 50 writing prompts provided serve as valuable tools to aid students in mastering and refining their writing abilities.

These prompts encourage students to explore various subjects, fostering creativity and critical thinking.

Through these engaging activities, students can further develop their writing proficiency, preparing them for future academic challenges and enabling them to express their ideas with clarity and confidence.

Wed will list 50 3rd grade writing prompts that will spark creativity in and fun while learning how to write.

Writing prompts are essentially starting points for creative writing. They can take various forms, like a sentence, image, question, or scenario, designed to spark your imagination and get you writing.

They can be used for different purposes:

Overcoming writer’s block: When you’re staring at a blank page and struggling to come up with an idea, prompts can provide a jumping-off point to get your creative juices flowing.

Exploring different genres and styles: You can find prompts specifically designed for genres like fiction, poetry, non-fiction, or specific styles like humor, mystery, or historical fiction. This can help you expand your writing skills and experiment with different approaches.

Practicing specific writing skills: Some prompts focus on particular aspects of writing, like character development, dialogue, plot, or description. This can help you hone your skills and become a more well-rounded writer.

Having fun and being creative: Writing prompts can be a fun and engaging way to express yourself and explore your imagination. They’re not limited to serious writing; they can be silly, humorous, or even nonsensical, just as long as they get you writing and having fun!

Read more: What is a Prompt in Writing? Choosing the Right Writing Prompt for Your Genre and Style

  • Overcome writer’s block:  As mentioned before, they can get you started even when you’re feeling stuck.
  • Improve your writing skills:  By trying different styles and prompts, you can develop your creativity, vocabulary, and storytelling ability.
  • Boost your confidence:  Completing prompts can give you a sense of accomplishment and encourage you to write more regularly.
  • Connect with other writers:  Sharing your writing based on prompts can be a great way to connect with other writers and get feedback.

The level of 3rd grade depends on many aspects. For example;

  • Age:  Typically, children in 3rd grade are  8-9 years old .
  • School year:  In most countries, 3rd grade is the  third year of formal or compulsory education . This means it’s the third year after Kindergarten and the first year after 1st and 2nd grade.
  • Curriculum:  The curriculum in 3rd grade builds upon the foundation of reading, writing, and math skills learned in previous years. It also introduces new subjects like science, social studies, and sometimes arts and music. The specific topics and depth of knowledge vary depending on the country and educational system.

Reading Level:

  • Reading level:  In the US, the expected reading level for the end of 3rd grade is around  grades 2.5-3.5  on the Flesch-Kincaid Reading Grade Level. This means the average 3rd grader should be able to read and comprehend texts written at that level. However, reading levels can vary significantly among individuals.

Developmental Stage:

  • Cognitive development:  Children in 3rd grade are in the concrete operational stage of cognitive development according to Piaget’s theory . This means they can think logically but still have difficulty with abstract concepts.
  • Social and emotional development:  3rd graders are developing their sense of self and their relationships with others. They are becoming more independent and responsible, but they also still need guidance and support from adults.

Overall, 3rd grade is a transitional year in education and development. Children are solidifying foundational skills and expanding their knowledge base while also becoming more independent learners.

The specific level varies depending on the context, but it’s a crucial stage in setting the groundwork for future academic success.

Below are the 50 writing prompts for 3rd grade kids.

22. How would you and your friends find the lost city of gold, and what would you do?

23. Where is the first place you would go if you had a flying carpet?

24. What would animals tell you if you could talk to them?

25. What kind of teacher would you be and what subjects would you love to teach?

26. What would happen if your wish at a magical well came true? What did you wish for?

27. Describe the snowy adventures you would have if you woke up to your town covered in snow.

28. What would a day in your life look like if you had a pet dinosaur?

29. How would you spend a day if it lasted for years?

30. What would you find if you decided to explore the haunted house on the hill?

31. What changes would you make if you were president for a day?

32. How would you bake the world’s largest cookie, and what would you do with it?

33. What would you see and do if you could shrink down and go inside a computer?

34. How would you adapt if you found a land where everyone was a giant except for you?

35. Where would you go and what would you see if you could fly anywhere you wanted?

36. What magic would you discover if you found an enchanted forest?

37. What would you do if you could spend a day as your pet?

38. Can you describe a school where the students learn magic instead of math and science?

39. What adventures or challenges would you face if you were invisible for a day?

40. What would happen if you baked a cake that granted wishes when eaten?

41. What features would your robot friend have, and what adventures would you have together?

42. Where is your dream vacation, and what would you do there?

43. What would you grab if you won a 5-minute shopping spree in a toy store?

44. What would your ultimate treehouse look like, and what features would it have?

45. Where would you wear a pair of shoes that could make you dance like a pro?

46. How would you feel in a world without books? What would you miss the most?

47. Can you invent a robot that could help you with your homework? Describe it.

48. What story would a star in the sky tell about its life?

49. Why is your favorite season your favorite, and what do you love about it?

50. How would you win a race around the world? Describe your journey.

Creative writing is a form of writing where imagination, originality, and expressiveness are emphasized. It goes beyond the bounds of normal professional, journalistic, academic, or technical forms of literature.

Creative writing is important for 3rd graders because it enhances their imagination, encourages critical thinking, improves language and vocabulary skills, and offers a form of emotional expression.

Encourage your 3rd graders to write more by providing them with engaging and fun writing prompts, creating a comfortable writing space, setting aside regular writing times, and encouraging them to read a variety of books.

If your child doesn’t like writing, try to identify the reasons behind their reluctance. It could be due to a lack of confidence, difficulty in coming up with ideas or finding the physical act of writing challenging. Offer them support by exploring different types of writing (like poems, short stories, or journals), using technology to make writing more engaging, or breaking writing tasks into smaller, more manageable steps.

These questions are designed to encourage 3rd graders to think creatively and explore their ideas through writing.

These writing prompts for 3rd grade kids can be personalized and can serve as ideas as well.

  • https://www.weareteachers.com/third-grade-writing-prompts/
  • What is a Prompt in Writing? Choosing the Right Writing Prompt for Your Genre and Style
  • 50 Exclusive 6th Grade Writing Prompts that are Printable for Free
  • 50 Exclusive 2nd Grade Writing Prompts That are Printable for Free
  • 50 Creative Narrative Writing Prompts to Ignite Your Imagination

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60 Fun and Engaging 3rd Grade Writing Prompts

By: Author Paul Jenkins

Posted on August 26, 2022

Categories Education , Creativity , Writing

As a teacher, it is important to keep your students engaged and interested in the material you are teaching. One way to do this is by using fun, and engaging writing prompts. This blog post will list 60 writing prompts perfect for 3rd grade students. These prompts will help your students practice their creative writing skills while having fun simultaneously!

60 3rd Grade Creative Writing Prompts

  • Write a story about a time when you were very brave.
  • Write a story about a time when you were very creative.
  • Write a story about a time when you were very determined.
  • Write a story about a time when you were very helpful.
  • Write a story about a time when you were very honest.
  • Write a story about a time when you were very funny.
  • Write a story about a time when you were very successful.
  • Write a story about a time when you were very kind to someone.
  • Write a story about a time when you were very lucky.
  • Write a story about a time when you were very proud of yourself.
  • Write a story about a time when you were very grateful for something.
  • Write a story about a time when you were very excited.
  • Write about your favorite animal.
  • Write about your favorite holiday and why it’s your favorite.
  • Write about your favorite food and why you love it.
  • Write a story about a time when you were really scared.
  • Write about a time when you were really happy.
  • Write about a time when you were really sad.
  • Write about a time when you did something you weren’t supposed to do and got away with it.
  • Write about a time when you didn’t get away with something you did wrong.
  • Write about your favorite TV show.
  • Write about your favorite movie.
  • Write about your favorite book.
  • Write about your favorite video game.
  • Write about your best friend.
  • Write a story about a time when you were very disappointed.
  • Write a story in which you are the main character and in which something exciting happens to you.
  • Write a letter to your best friend telling them everything you love about them.
  • Write a letter to yourself from the future, telling yourself all the things you have accomplished since writing this letter
  • Write instructions on how to make your favorite food.
  • Write instructions on how to make your favorite toy
  • Write a story about a time when you were extremely adventurous.
  • Write a story about a time when you were extremely friendly.
  • Write a story about a time when you were extremely generous.
  • Write a story about what you did to celebrate your favorite holiday.
  • Write about your favorite family tradition and what it means to you.
  • What is your favorite thing to do on weekends?
  • What is your favorite thing to do for fun?
  • If you could visit any place in the world, where would it be?
  • Why is that place special to you?
  • What would you do if you had the opportunity to visit that place?
  • What are some things that interest you?
  • What are some things that scare you?
  • Write about a time you were really happy.
  • Write about a time you helped someone else.
  • Write about your favorite place to go.
  • Write about a time your family laughed together.
  • Write about a time your family argued together.
  • Write about the best day of your life.
  • Write about the worst day of your life.
  • Write a letter to Santa Claus.
  • Draw a picture of your family and write a paragraph describing them.
  • Write a poem about winter.
  • Write a poem about summer.
  • Write a story explaining why it is important to be kind to others.
  • Write a story explaining why it is important to be truthful to others.
  • Write a story explaining why it is important to be yourself.
  • What do you want to be when you grow up? Why?
  • If you could visit any place in the world, where would it be? Why?
  • What do you think is the most important rule for being happy? Explain why.

Some Types of 3rd Grade Writing Prompts

  • Journal prompts
  • Opinion writing prompts
  • Narrative writing prompts
  • Informational writing
  • Short story
  • Personal Narrative
  • Creative writing

Ask What Is Their Favorite Book Character and Why

A great way to stimulate third grade writing is to ask your students what their favorite book character is and why. This will encourage them to think critically about the characters in the books they are reading and articulate their thoughts in writing. Not only will this prompt help each student improve their writing skills and assist their reading comprehension, but it will also get them thinking deeply about the books they are reading.

How 3rd Grade Writing Prompts Fit Within Age Range Skills

By the time a child arrives in third grade, their vocabulary will have expanded through reading. They will be starting to assimilate various grammatical forms, such as pronouns and plurals, and will start to comprehend and consider the language they use. Alongside more complex word choices, 3rd grade children will understand jokes, riddles, metaphors, and puns more easily. A greater ability to master syllable stress patterns means that third graders can more easily differentiate slight variations in words. They also start to appreciate better how to communicate using various media and settings.

What is 3rd Grade?

Third grade (grade three) is a year in primary education in which most students are 8-9 years old.

What should a 3rd grader be able to write?

Third grade students should be able to write simple, clear sentences using proper grammar and spelling. They should also be able to write about personal experiences, describe objects or events, and tell stories.

What level should a 3rd grader be reading at?

A 3rd grader should be reading books that are at a level appropriate for their reading skills. This means that they should be reading interesting and engaging books while also providing them with practice in reading skills.

How do you teach a third grader to write a paragraph?

Teaching third graders how to write a paragraph can be difficult, as they are still learning the basics of writing. However, there are a few things you can do to help them get started.

  • One way to help your students is to model how to write a paragraph. Show them how to break down a topic into several sentences and use proper grammar and spelling. You can also have them practice writing paragraphs independently, using a topic that interests them.
  • Another way to help your students write paragraphs is by giving them specific instructions on what to include in their paragraphs. For example, you could ask them to write about their favorite animal or describe a recent trip. This will help them focus on the structure of a paragraph and ensure that they include all the necessary information.
  • Finally, be sure to give your students feedback on their writing. Help them revise and edit their paragraphs so that they can improve their writing skills.

How can you make writing for 3rd graders fun?

One way to make writing for 3rd graders fun is using fun, and engaging writing prompts! Try to make each writing prompt as creative as possible. You can also give your students journal writing prompts to do in their own time.

How long should a 3rd grader read each day?

Most students should read for at least 30 minutes each day. This will help them practice their reading skills and improve their comprehension. Additionally, students need to read a variety of genres and texts so that they can expand their knowledge and understanding of the world around them.

How many sentences are in a paragraph for 3rd grade?

A paragraph is typically made up of five to seven sentences. This number can vary depending on the assignment or the purpose of the paragraph. Generally, shorter paragraphs are used for shorter writing pieces, while longer paragraphs are common in longer assignments.

As a teacher, it is important to keep your students engaged and interested in the material you are teaching. One way to do this is by using fun, and engaging writing prompts. This blog post has provided you with a list of writing prompts that are perfect for 3rd grade students. These prompts will help your students practice their writing skills while having fun simultaneously!

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30 Fun And Creative Writing Prompts For 3rd Grade

Third Grade Writing Prompts

Writing prompts can be incredibly beneficial for third-grade students as they not only stimulate their imaginations but also enhance their critical thinking and writing skills. By presenting them with different scenarios, characters, and situations, writing prompts encourage children to delve deep into their creativity and explore various narrative possibilities.

As a teacher, the key to activating third-grade students’ imaginations is to give them fun writing prompts to get them excited about writing. Below you’ll find 30 fun and creative writing prompts for 3rd-grade students that are guaranteed to spark your students’ imaginations and get their creative juices flowing.

Writing Prompts For Third Grade

A Third Grade Student Writing

  • Imagine you wake up one morning to find out you’ve become a superhero. What are your powers and how would you use them?
  • Write a story about a magical tree that grows in your backyard. What is special about it?
  • What would you do if you could fly for a day? Describe your journey in detail.
  • If animals could talk, what would your pet or a favorite animal say? Write a conversation you might have.
  • Imagine that you have been given the task of redesigning your school. What changes would you make and why?
  • Write a story about a character who lives in a world where colors have been lost. How do they restore colors back to their world?
  • Write a letter to your future self. What advice would you give?
  • Imagine that you found a door in your house that you’ve never seen before. Where does it lead to?
  • Write about a day in the life of your favorite dessert. Make it as fun and wacky as possible.
  • Write a story from the perspective of a raindrop on a rainy day.
  • You have been given a magical pen that makes everything you draw come to life. What do you draw first and why?
  • Imagine you are an astronaut exploring a new planet. Describe what you see, hear, and feel.
  • If you could be any mythical creature for a day, what would you be and why? Describe your day.
  • Write a story about a mischievous ghost who lives in your school.
  • You’re a detective and you’ve been assigned to solve the case of the missing cookies. Who are your suspects?
  • Your favorite toy comes to life! What adventures do you two have together?
  • What if you woke up one day and everything was upside down? Write about your day.
  • Write a story about a magical flower that only blooms once every hundred years. What happens when it blooms?
  • If you had a pet dragon, what would a day in your life look like?
  • Write a story about an adventure in a submarine deep under the sea. What creatures do you see?
  • Imagine you could swap places with your teacher for a day. What would you do?
  • Your shoes suddenly gain the ability to talk. What stories do they tell you about where they’ve been?
  • Write a diary entry for a pirate sailing the seven seas in search of treasure.
  • If you could invent a new holiday, what would it be, and how would people celebrate it?
  • You find a magic pebble that grants you three wishes. What do you wish for and why?
  • Write a story about a visit to a planet made of candy.
  • What would it be like if animals were in charge and humans were pets?
  • Write about a day in the life of a coin. Where does it go? What does it see?
  • You have been chosen to host a party for all the fairytale characters. How would you plan and organize it?
  • Imagine you could breathe underwater. Write about your adventures under the sea.

Tips For Using These Writing Prompts In Class

A Third Grade Student Writing

As a third-grade teacher, you are likely aware that merely providing students with a writing prompt may not yield the most effective outcomes. To help students fully tap into their creative writing abilities, consider these actionable strategies.

Offer Clear Instructions

Make sure to explain the prompt clearly and in a way that your students understand. If the prompt is complex, break it down into smaller parts. Ensure they understand the task at hand before they start writing.

Create a Safe Environment

Encourage creativity and originality. Let your students know that it’s okay to make mistakes and they should not be afraid of expressing their unique ideas.

Provide Examples

Sometimes, students may find it challenging to start. Providing an example or two can help them understand the prompt better and stimulate their own ideas.

Use Prompts as Conversation Starters

Discuss the writing prompts in class before students start writing. This will help stimulate ideas, and hearing their peers’ thoughts can inspire students who may be having difficulty.

Use Visual Aids

For younger students, visual aids can be really helpful. Draw a picture, show a video or use storyboards to help illustrate the prompt and get their creative juices flowing.

Allow Choices

If possible, offer more than one writing prompt at a time. Giving students the ability to choose their writing topic can make the task more engaging and personal for them.

Encourage Peer Reviews

After students have written their pieces, encourage them to exchange their stories with their classmates for peer review. This can help students learn from each other and also improve their editing and critiquing skills.

Provide Constructive Feedback

Giving feedback is crucial. Praise students for their efforts and provide constructive criticism to guide them on how to improve their writing.

Include Prompts Related to Current Lessons

While creative prompts are excellent, try to include some prompts that relate to what students are learning. For example, if they’re learning about animals’ habitats, include a prompt about it.

Schedule Regular Writing Time

Make writing a regular activity. Consistency can help students get into the habit of writing and improve their skills over time.

More Writing Prompts

Thanks for reading! I hope your students have lots of fun creating awesome stories using these writing prompts. Before you go, check out these related articles for writing prompt ideas: 1st Grade Writing Prompts 4th Grade Writing Prompts Adventure Writing Prompts Fantasy Writing Prompts

Grade 3 Writing Prompts

25 great third grade writing prompts.

good writing prompts for 3rd graders

These Grade 3 writing prompts will transform your child into a budding young author! Keep scrolling for the following categories:

  • Sentence starters

Descriptive Writing

Journal prompts, personal narrative writing, general prompts, sentence starters.

  • If I was in charge of the world…
  • If I could make the rules in my house…
  • School is interesting because…
  • If I could be friends with a celebrity we would…
  • If all the trees were made of candy…
  • Invent a new game. Describe how you play it?
  • Describe a goal you have for yourself.
  • Describe your perfect pet.
  • Describe your dream job.
  • If you had all the money in the world, describe what you would do.
  • If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
  • What makes you most happy?
  • If someone was to describe your personality, what would they say?
  • What is your proudest accomplishment?
  • How do you show others you care about them?
  • Have you ever been hurt? What happened?
  • Write about a time when you felt you worked really hard.
  • Think about a time when you were sick. What did you do to get better?
  • Describe your favorite memory from when you were little.
  • Do you have a favorite holiday memory? Describe it.
  • If you could bring home any wild animal, what would it be?
  • What do you like to do in your free time?
  • If you and a friend were laughing, what would it be about?
  • Go for a walk outside. Using your five senses, what did you experience?
  • What would happen if you were trapped in a store overnight?

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55 Narrative Writing Prompts For 3rd Grade

As students improve their writing skills, it is important that they explore various types of writing—including narrative writing. Narrative writing is an important step not only in learning to write but also in learning to reflect and think deeper.

Whether students are journaling or making story charts and discussing their answers in class, the following writing prompts are a great place to start with your 3rd graders.

Using These Prompts

You can use these prompts as journaling prompts for your students during your writing practice, but they also make great discussion questions.

Students might feel awkward about expressing some of their emotions, and this is a great way to help them come out of their shell and realize that we’re all more alike than we realize.

Here are a few ways you can use this guide in your classroom:

  • Assign one prompt per table group. Give students time to write down their thoughts, and then have them share with the rest of their table.
  • Challenge your students to use prompts that they find uncomfortable, as those are often the most important ones for them to work on.
  • Ask your students to write using one prompt each day for the entire school week.
  • Don’t grade these assignments; the emotional reflection and self-realization are more important than the grade.

The Prompts

  • Write about the strangest thing that has ever happened to you.
  • What do you think a typical day would look like if you were seven feet tall?
  • Write about a time when you felt very sad. How did you make yourself feel better?
  • Have you ever lost an important game? Write about what happened and how you felt.
  • When you play with friends, what do you like to play?
  • Do you think it’s important for kids to play pretend?
  • Write about your favorite holiday memory.
  • Write about a time when you felt very scared.
  • Have you ever witnessed someone being bullied? What did you do?
  • Why is it important to stick up for yourself?
  • What are some ways that you like to relax on the weekend?
  • Do you speak another language? Do you think all students should learn a foreign language in school?
  • Which Disney character do you relate to most? Why?
  • Which Marvel character do you relate to most? Why?
  • If you could be any color, which color would you be? Why?
  • Describe your perfect family vacation.
  • Why is it important to help those in need?
  • Have you ever had stage fright? What happened?
  • What is a fun fall activity that you like doing with your family?
  • Which season is your favorite? Why?
  • If you could instantly learn one skill, what would it be? Why?
  • Do you prefer board games or card games? Why?
  • What would you do if you woke up tomorrow and could speak to animals?
  • Write about a time when someone close to you hurt your feelings.
  • Write about a challenge you’ve faced. What did you do to overcome it?
  • What do you do for fun when you don’t have screens or technology to entertain you?
  • What is your favorite food? What makes it so special?
  • What is your least favorite food? Why don’t you like it?
  • What do you do when your feelings are hurt? Do you think this is a good way to handle your emotions?
  • Have you ever received an award? What was it for? How did it make you feel?
  • Write about your favorite book. What makes it so special?
  • What is one thing you would change in your classroom?
  • What is the first thing you do when you wake up in the morning?
  • Write about something that seemed bad at first, but turned out to be good.
  • Write five ways you can help someone in need.
  • What are some important skills you need to master to move on to 4th grade?
  • What is the most important thing you’ve learned this year?
  • Would you rather it rain glitter or snow birdseed? Why?
  • Write about the last vacation you took with your family.
  • Do you have a blanket or stuffed animal that is special to you? Write about where it came from and why you love it.
  • Do you prefer Star Wars or Harry Potter? Why?
  • Write five things you can do to calm yourself down when you feel angry.
  • Write about something that makes you laugh.
  • Write about a conflict between you and your best friend. How did you resolve it?
  • Who do you enjoy spending your time with? What makes your time so special?
  • Write about a time when you tried something new. How did you feel?
  • Do you play a sport? What do you enjoy about it?
  • Write five things you can do to feel better when you are sad.
  • Have you ever been in an argument where you knew you were right, but the other person wouldn’t agree? What happened?
  • If you were the teacher for a day, what would you do?
  • What is your favorite animal? What do you think this says about your personality?
  • If you were responsible for cooking breakfast for your entire family, what would you cook? Why?
  • Why is it so important for siblings to get along? Do you get along with your siblings?
  • Write about the best gift you’ve ever received.
  • What are five things you can do to feel better when you are scared?

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good writing prompts for 3rd graders

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Thrifty in Third Grade

Thrifty in Third Grade

By Cassie Smith - Engaging Elementary Resources

100 Exciting Narrative Writing Prompts for 3rd, 4th, and 5th Grade

Are you teaching narrative writing to your students and in need of some unique and creative writing prompts? An exciting writing prompt can be all your students need to finally feel motivated to write!

If your students are bored with regular “write a story about a magical place” narrative writing prompts, then they are going to LOVE these!

These writing prompts are unique and will really get your students’ imaginations churning!

So get the creative juices flowing with this list of 100 creative and inspiring narrative writing prompts!

good writing prompts for 3rd graders

Be sure to sign up below to get the printable copy of this list of 100 narrative writing prompts!

I’ve bolded some of my FAVORITE narrative writing prompts in each of the categories below.

Adventures Await Narrative Writing Prompts

  • Tell a story about friends going to a secret island full of magical creatures.
  • Write about a forest where time gets mixed up, and you have to solve a mystery.
  • Describe a journey to a volcano where you find a special treasure.
  • Imagine rescuing a special animal from an evil person’s castle. What makes this animal so special and why was it being held in this castle?
  • Sail across through a storm across the sea to find a land with lots of secrets and wonders. Describe the trip and what you discover.
  • Write about a chase to catch robbers who took a map leading to hidden treasure.
  • Tell a story about kids exploring a dark and wet cave under the ground. How did they find it and what’s inside?
  • Write about a thrilling adventure in an old building.
  • Create a story about chasing a thief through a big and magical city. What did the thief steal? Why
  • Tell a tale about kids trying to break an old spell that’s causing trouble. What trouble is happening? How can they break the spell?
  • Describe an exciting quest to solve mysteries in a magic forest. What makes the forest magical? What quest are you trying to solve?
  • Imagine flying to a floating island with strange things and surprises. Describe what the floating island looks like and what strange things happen.
  • Write about an investigation into strange events in a faraway village. Who lives here and what is happening?
  • Create a story about finding a magic thing in a random place. What did you find and what makes it magical?
  • Tell a tale about kids walking through a scary swamp looking for a missing item.
  • Write about a journey to find a special flower that can heal anything. Why do you need to find it?
  • Imagine exploring a frozen world with many dangers and surprises.
  • Describe an adventure through a tricky maze to win a special prize. What makes the maze so tricky and what is so special about the prize?
  • Create a story about saving a magic animal from a secret jail. Why was the animal in jail to begin with? How do you help them escape?
  • Tell a tale about stopping a magic item from falling into bad hands.

Whimsical and Wacky Tales Narrative Writing Prompts

  • Tell a funny story about a magical pet that can talk and go on adventures. What type of pet is it? Where does it go?
  • Describe a day when everything at school starts to float, and the kids have to figure out why. How do you make the floating ultimately stop?
  • Write about a town where animals can do things like people, and they all decide to have a big party. What can they do? What happens at the party?
  • Imagine finding a mysterious door at the back of a closet that leads to a land of make-believe. What do you see when you open the door?
  • Create a story about a giant plant that grows in the middle of a neighborhood and causes all sorts of silly things to happen.
  • Tell a tale about a group of kids who find a map leading to a treasure hidden in their town. What is the treasure? What do they do with it once they find it?
  • Write about a day when all the toys in a toy store come to life and go on an adventure after the store closes.
  • Imagine a world where it rains candy, and kids have to figure out how to save the town from being buried in sweets.
  • Describe a day when everyone wakes up with a superpower and someone has to learn how to control it. What superpowers do people have?
  • Write a story about a magical recipe book that makes food come to life.
  • Create a tale about a mischievous leprechaun causing chaos in a small town.
  • Tell a story about a group of kids who build a spaceship out of cardboard and go on an adventure to outer space.
  • Write about a mysterious box that arrives in a classroom, and when opened, it releases a cloud of glitter that brings everything to life.
  • Imagine a day when all the books in a library start swapping stories, and the characters come out of the pages.
  • Describe a town where everyone’s wishes come true but not exactly as they intended.
  • Write about a magical paintbrush that brings anything it paints to life.
  • Create a story about a talking tree that helps kids solve problems in their neighborhood. What advice does the tree give? Does it ever give bad advice that makes problems worse?
  • Imagine a day when all the colors in the world start mixing up, causing everything to look strange and funny. What color is the sky? How can you fix the colors?
  • Tell a tale about a group of kids who discover a secret passage under their school leading to a magical kingdom. Where did they find the entrance and what do they discover under their school?
  • Write a story about a group of animals in a forest who form a detective agency to solve mysteries. Who is the leader? What sort of mysteries do they solve?

Mysteries and Detective Work Narrative Writing Prompts

  • Write about a group of friends who solve the mystery of disappearing objects in their school.
  • Create a story about a detective dog and its young owner solving a case of missing treats in the neighborhood.
  • Describe a mysterious treasure map found in an old attic, leading to an unexpected adventure.
  • Imagine a school where students work together to uncover the truth behind strange messages appearing on the classroom whiteboard. What do the messages say? Who is leaving them?
  • Write about a secret code discovered in an old library book that leads to a surprising discovery. Where is the code discovered? What does it lead to?
  • Tell a tale about a group of kids investigating strange noises coming from a deserted house in their town. What do they hear? What is making the noise?
  • Write a story about a detective cat who helps its owner solve a puzzling case at a local carnival.
  • Imagine solving a case of a missing class pet using clues hidden around the school.
  • Create a mystery involving disappearing colors in a town’s annual art show, and the kids must crack the case before it’s too late and the art is ruined forever.
  • Describe a daring escape from an ancient maze with hidden traps and secrets.
  • Write about following clues left by a mischievous leprechaun to find a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. What makes the leprechaun mischievous?
  • Imagine traveling to a land of talking animals, where you must help them solve a mystery threatening their peaceful kingdom. What is the mystery? How is it threatening their kingdom?
  • Tell a tale about decoding ancient symbols to reveal the location of a long-lost treasure.
  • Imagine discovering a secret portal to a land of giants, where you must outwit them to earn their trust and find your way home.
  • Write about a daring investigation into the disappearance of famous landmarks. Where has the Statue of Liberty gone? Mount Rushmore?
  • Describe a case where kids must solve the mystery of a missing time-traveling machine. Who stole it and why?
  • Create a story about a group of young detectives solving the case of a stolen precious artifact from a museum.
  • Imagine uncovering the truth behind a series of strange events happening during a sleepover.
  • Write about solving the mystery of a legendary creature that roams the woods near a small town.
  • Tell a tale about a group of kids investigating a series of mysterious messages left at their clubhouse. What do the messages say? Who is leaving them?

Heartwarming Moments Narrative Writing Prompts

  • Write about a special surprise party for a friend who has been feeling sad lately.
  • Create a story about a group of kids coming together to help an injured animal and nurse it back to health.
  • Describe a heartwarming reunion between a lost pet and its owner after a long search.
  • Imagine a day when a shy student stands up to a bully, and the class comes together to support them.
  • Tell a tale about a magical place that brings joy to everyone who visits it.
  • Write a story about a young superhero who helps their neighbors during a big storm.
  • Imagine a day when the whole town comes together to clean up a park and make it beautiful again.
  • Write a tale about a group of friends organizing a fundraiser to help a family in need.
  • Describe a surprise visit from a long-lost relative bringing joy to a family.
  • Write about a community coming together to build a new playground for children to enjoy.
  • Tell a story about a kind gesture that helps a new student feel welcome at school.
  • Imagine a day when neighbors work together to rescue a stranded kitten from a very, very, tall tree.
  • Write about a heartwarming friendship between a child and an elderly person in their neighborhood. How did they become friends? How do they help each other?
  • Create a tale about a group of kids organizing a talent show to raise money for a local charity.
  • Describe a moment when someone receives a thoughtful gift that brightens their day.
  • Imagine a day when a group of kids volunteers at an animal shelter and makes a difference in the lives of the animals.
  • Write about a surprise party to celebrate a teacher.
  • Tell a story about a small act of kindness that starts a chain reaction of good deeds in a community.
  • Describe a moment when someone overcomes a fear with the help of their friends.
  • Write a story about a group of kids organizing a cleanup of a local beach to protect the environment.

Fantastic Voyages Narrative Writing Prompts

  • Write a story about a magical flying carpet that takes you on a journey to a mysterious land.
  • Imagine traveling to the bottom of the ocean in a submarine and discovering a hidden world of sea creatures.
  • Describe a thrilling adventure aboard a spaceship exploring distant planets and encountering alien life forms.
  • Create a tale about a time-traveling adventure to a historical era, where you witness an amazing event firsthand.
  • Write about embarking on a hot air balloon expedition with unexpected discoveries along the way.
  • Imagine setting sail on a pirate ship in search of buried treasure on a remote island.
  • Imagine embarking on an expedition to a land of ice and snow, where you must befriend a polar bear to save your group before you freeze.
  • Describe an expedition to the center of the Earth. How do you get there? What do you see?
  • Write about an adventure riding on the back of a friendly dragon.
  • Create a tale about exploring an abandoned city in the jungle.
  • Imagine visiting a magical kingdom hidden behind a waterfall.
  • Write a story about a thrilling safari adventure in the African savanna where you encounter wild animals.
  • Write about a journey through a land of dreams, where you must rescue a lost teddy bear to help a child find sleep again.
  • Create a tale about a voyage aboard a time-traveling train that takes you to a specific moment in history.
  • Tell a story about an expedition to the frozen tundra, where you meet penguins and witness the Northern Lights.
  • Create a tale about a magical circus that appears only once a century. What makes it so magical? Why does it only appear once a century?
  • Write about a daring adventure on a magical ship navigating through stormy seas and encountering sea monsters.
  • Describe a journey through a forest inhabited by strange creatures, where you must seek the help of a wise old owl to find your way home.
  • Create a tale about exploring a hidden cave filled with glowing crystals.
  • Imagine a voyage to a floating island in the sky where gravity works differently.

If you’re teaching narrative writing, be sure to check out the complete personal and fictional narrative writing units for your grade level in my store.

Get your copy of these narrative writing prompts!

Teach your students how to write a strong introduction to their narrative.

good writing prompts for 3rd graders

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I’m Cassie Smith and I’m so glad you decided to stop by. I am passionate about creating engaging curriculum for teachers in grades K-5! I believe learning can be fun AND aligned to standards! Learn More

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Thrifty in Third Grade

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30+ writing prompts for 3rd graders.

Third grade pivots around big transitions like increased academic challenges, the onset of peer pressure, developing complex friendships, looking at situations from the perspective of others, and increasing attention span to create prolonged periods of focus.

3rd grade writing prompts offer a healthy and intimate way to connect with your child on a routine basis—helping them navigate their newfound challenges while also building more self-confidence, self-awareness, and self-esteem.

Parents of 3rd Graders can support their children by asking them about their friends, challenges, and accomplishments, while also getting involved in their child’s social activities at school or alternative hobbies.

Being present as a parent during these years—without being overbearing—reminds your child you are there to help support them as they begin to navigate the world on their own.

Third grade writing doesn’t have to be complex, instead invite your child to simply express their experiences, emotions, and challenges around school, the classroom environment, family, and any other people in their life. 

girl in 8th grade happily writing

What are writing prompts?

Writing prompts work like a question and answer response. When sitting down to reply to a writing prompt, the writer is invited to ask themselves what they think about the given topic, why they feel this way about it, and what their answer might be. In short, writing prompts inspire introspection and inspire those of all ages to become more aware of their opinions, preferences, desires, hopes, dreams, likes, dislikes, and more. 

Scientific research has even shown that expressive writing can help improve children’s memory , and improve both physical and psychological health !

When using 3rd grade writing prompts , the questions are geared towards how your child is developing between the ages of 8-9 years old. During this age your child will begin to face more challenges at school through academics, they will want to be more independent from their family, they will begin to see how others hold different points of view from their own, and will have an increased attention span for longer periods of focus.

As children of this age may be tempted to sit on cell phones more frequently, writing can become a great alternative that can help foster more introspection, communication, literacy, and expression that might otherwise be lost in a cell phone game or the temptation of social media scrolling.

How can I make my 3rd grader enjoy writing?

During 3rd grade (ages 8-9) most children begin building stronger and more complex relationships with friends, in particular friends of the same sex where they might feel comfortable to experience the pre-puberty tween years together.

Often your child will experience more peer pressure during this age, making 3rd grade writing prompts a fantastic way to build their confidence and develop more self-awareness while stepping out into newfound independence. 

strong little girl

Since your child will also become more aware of their changing body, 3rd grade writing prompts offer a safe and healthy outlet to release any insecurities they might have without feeling judged.

Invite your child to write about their relationships with using food as fuel, family, friends, and the changes they notice in their interests and physicality, and any self-doubts they may be experiencing. Expressing these thoughts and feelings on paper is a surefire way to release emotions so your child doesn’t turn towards harmful coping habits.

75 Journal Prompts for Kids

At this age your child may be debating what is right and wrong, and trying to decipher what decisions they should make when faced with life’s challenges; this presents a great opportunity to sit down and write together!

Writing about issues as they arrive and thinking about different ways to approach present experiences will help your child build confidence in their decision making skills while reminding them that they have the power to inflict different outcomes (and additionally will enhance their writing skill s).

Writing about likes and dislikes can also help your child pinpoint what they enjoy, which can inspire them to join extracurricular activities, start new hobbies, volunteer, or try a new sport.

And if your little one is really reluctant to put a pen to paper , invite them to write about the dream they had the night before (which can also be a deep insight to their subconscious, allowing parents a glimpse into what their child might be holding in), create a list of words that express how they feel in that moment, or write a story about their favorite book character .

Overall, a writing prompt shouldn’t feel the same as chores for your little one, if it does try to find a new angle of exploration so it initiates the element of fun.

30+ 3rd Grade Creative Writing Prompts

Checkout these 30+ 3rd grade writing prompts that are sure to inspire your little one with hours of fun expression! 

  • What is your favorite thing to do after school and why?
  • If you could have any superpower, what would it be and how would you use it?
  • Write about a time when you were really proud of yourself.
  • Imagine you woke up one day and everything was made of candy . What would you do?
  • Describe a place you would love to visit and why.
  • If you could paint the world one color , what would it be and why?
  • What is your favorite book and why do you like it?
  • Write a story about a talking animal .
  • If you could have any pet, what would it be and why?
  • Describe your perfect day.
  • Write a letter to your future self.
  • What are your favorite type of books ?
  • What is your favorite food and why do you like it?
  • Imagine you could time travel. Where would you go and what would you do?
  • Write a story about a magical adventure with a dragon .
  • What is your favorite thing to do with your family?
  • If you could invent anything, what would it be and how would it work?
  • Describe a time when you helped someone.
  • What is your favorite holiday and why do you like it?
  • Write a story about a robot.
  • Imagine you had a million dollars. What would you do with it?
  • Describe a time when you were scared.
  • What is your favorite game and why do you like it?
  • Write a story about a lost treasure.
  • Imagine you are a famous writer , what would you be known for and what would the title of your bestseller be?
  • If you could be any character in a book, who would you be and why?
  • What is your favorite thing to do outside?
  • Imagine you could have any job in the world. What would it be and why?
  • Describe a time when you felt really happy.
  • Write a story about a superhero.
  • What is your favorite thing to do at school and why?
  • If you could be any animal, what would you be and why?
  • Describe a place you would not want to visit and why.
  • What is your favorite thing to do on the weekend?
  • Imagine you could meet any famous person. Who would it be and why?
  • Write a story about a haunted house.
  • What is your favorite thing to do with your friends?
  • If you could have any job for a day, what would it be and why?
  • Describe a time when you were surprised.
  • What is your favorite movie and why do you like it?
  • Write a story about a time machine.
  • Imagine you could have any superpower for a day. What would it be and how would you use it?
  • Describe a place you have never been but would like to go to.
  • What is your favorite thing to do in the winter?
  • If you could have any magical power, what would it be and why?
  • Write a story about a talking tree.
  • What is your favorite thing to do in the summer?
  • Imagine you could fly. Where would you go and what would you see?
  • Describe a time when you felt really proud of someone else.
  • What is your favorite thing to do in the fall?
  • Write a story about a space adventure.
  • If you could have any job when you grow up, what would it be and why?
  • Describe a time when you were really excited.
  • What is your favorite sport and why do you like it?
  • Imagine you could live anywhere in the world. Where would you live and why?
  • Write a story about a magical creature.
  • What is your favorite thing to do in your free time?
  • If you could have any talent, what would it be and why?
  • Describe a time when you had to make a tough decision.
  • What is your favorite thing to do when it rains?
  • Imagine you could talk to animals. What would you say to them?
  • Write a story about a time when you went on an adventure with your friends.
  • What is your favorite subject in school and why?
  • If you could have any vehicle, what would it be and why?
  • Describe a time when you had to be brave.
  • What is your favorite thing to do with your siblings?
  • Imagine you could have any magical object. What would it be and how would you use it?
  • Write a story about a time when you solved a problem.
  • What is your favorite outdoor activity and why?
  • If you could have any costume, what would it be and why?
  • Describe a time when you had to be patient.
  • What is your favorite thing to do in the morning?
  • Imagine you could have any animal as a pet. What would it be and why?
  • Write a story about a time when you learned something new.
  • What is your favorite thing to do in the evening?
  • If you could have any food for dinner, what would it be and why?
  • Describe a time when you had to apologize.
  • What is your favorite thing to do at the park?
  • Imagine you could live in any time period. When and where would you live and why?
  • Write a story about a time when you helped someone in need.
  • What is your favorite thing to do during recess?
  • If you could have any job in the world, what would it be and why?
  • Describe a time when you were really happy for someone else.
  • What is your favorite thing to do during art class?
  • Imagine you could have any superpower for a week. What would it be and how would you use it?
  • Write a story about a time when you had to work hard for something.
  • What is your favorite thing to do at a birthday party?
  • If you could have any animal as a best friend, what would it be and why?
  • Describe a time when you had to be creative.
  • What is your favorite thing to do during music class?
  • Imagine you could have any job for a week. What would it be and why?
  • Write a story about a time when you overcame a challenge.
  • What is your favorite thing to do during gym class?
  • If you could have any toy, what would it be and why?
  • Describe a time when you had to be a good listener.
  • What is your favorite thing to do during science class?
  • Imagine you could have any pet for a week. What would it be and why?
  • Write a story about a time when you had to be responsible.
  • What is your favorite thing to do during social studies class?
  • If you could have any object, what would it be and why?
  • Describe a time when you had to be persistent.
  • What is your favorite thing to do during library time?
  • Imagine you could have any job for a month. What would it be and why?

Sav Lucia is a Holistic Educator and Writer based in the United Kingdom. She has worked with top tier companies like Hello Alfred and Wellness Coach Live applying the insights of modern science to the fields of consciousness so individuals can better understand their behavior and how it impacts the world around them.

good writing prompts for 3rd graders

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Grammar and Writing Workbook for Grade 3

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Informative writing prompts

Grade 3 writing prompts.

Students are prompted to write short informative essays about grade level appropriate subjects. Some example sentence starters (stems) and linking words are provided.

good writing prompts for 3rd graders

Write about conflict

Write about junk food

Write about pets

Write about a future field trip

Write about cheering someone up

Write about your favorite sport

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Write about third grade

Write about a special place

Write about transportation

Write about heroes

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good writing prompts for 3rd graders

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IMAGES

  1. Writing Topics For 3rd Grade

    good writing prompts for 3rd graders

  2. Writing Prompts For 3rd Graders

    good writing prompts for 3rd graders

  3. 68+ Imaginative and fun 3rd-grade writing prompts

    good writing prompts for 3rd graders

  4. Grade 3 Writing Prompts

    good writing prompts for 3rd graders

  5. Creative Writing Prompts 3rd Grade

    good writing prompts for 3rd graders

  6. 68 Imaginative and fun writing topics for 3rd graders

    good writing prompts for 3rd graders

VIDEO

  1. How to Write Good Prompts for Pytti 4 AI Animation (Stream) No sound

  2. Writing Prompts in 3s

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  5. Writing Prompts in 3s

  6. Writing Prompts in 3s

COMMENTS

  1. 50 Creative Third Grade Writing Prompts (Free Printable!)

    10. Tell about a time you helped somebody. 11. Tell about a time somebody helped you. 12. Tell about a memorable "first" in your life. For example, the first time you ate a particular kind of food, the first time you met your teacher, etc. 13. Describe step by step how to make a pizza.

  2. 57 Exciting 3rd Grade Writing Prompts (Updated!)

    Third grade is one of the best years to implement a regular journaling schedule in your classroom. That is also what makes using 3rd-grade writing prompts such a wonderful tool. Using 3rd Grade Writing Prompts. Third-grade journal writing prompts can provide your students with a starting point for their work.

  3. Free and Fun 3rd Grade Writing Prompts

    3rd Grade Writing Prompts (Free & Fun!) These 3rd grade writing prompts give your students the chance to write about their experiences and the issues that are important to their lives. Plus…. Your 3rd graders will consider the similarities between themselves and their best friends, reflect on their own abilities and talents, and….

  4. 30 Creative Writing Topics for Grade 3 » JournalBuddies.com

    Fun and Fabulous Writing Topics for Grade 3 Students— When kids write, their minds are opened to brand new worlds and endless possibilities—and there is no form of writing more conducive to inspiring ideas than journaling.Oh yeah… check out our list of writing topics for third graders. Enjoy!

  5. 100 Fun Third-Grade Writing Prompts for Kids

    Step 2: Paragraph Writing. The next step will be to familiarize the children with writing small paragraphs. Don't go throwing the list of 3rd grade writing prompts in one go. Instead, focus on strengthening the core concepts of writing. Introduce children to the parts of a paragraph-head, body, and conclusion.

  6. 100+ Awesome Writing Prompts for 3rd Grade

    Things to look for in you third-grader's writing: Capital letters at the beginning of a sentence. Always capitalize the letter I if it stands alone. Punctuation at the end of a sentence. Spelling. a vs. an. Capitalize proper nouns.

  7. Engaging Writing Prompts for 3rd Graders

    Updated on April 01, 2020. Students in 3rd grade should be writing regularly in a variety of styles and for a variety of audiences. Useful writing projects for 3rd graders include opinion, informative, and narrative essays, as well as short research projects. For many students, the most difficult part of writing is facing the blank page.

  8. 70+ Dynamic 3rd Grade Writing Prompts

    Using 3rd grade writing prompts the right way might be what inspires a student's writing. Choose one of these prompts to get them started on the right path!

  9. 50 Exclusive 3rd Grade Writing Prompts that are Printable for Free

    The catch is when it is learned early. So, the need for 3rd-grade students to start learning how to write is of the essence. I will take time to list and explain some 3rd grade writing prompts. Students undergo a significant transition in third grade as they build upon foundational writing concepts and skills.

  10. 60 Fun and Engaging 3rd Grade Writing Prompts

    How 3rd Grade Writing Prompts Fit Within Age Range Skills. By the time a child arrives in third grade, their vocabulary will have expanded through reading. They will be starting to assimilate various grammatical forms, such as pronouns and plurals, and will start to comprehend and consider the language they use. Alongside more complex word ...

  11. 75 Third-Grade Journal Prompts

    75 Third-Grade Journal Prompts. 5 min. Develop students' writing skills and encourage a healthy dose of self-expression with these third-grade journal prompts! Journal writing is a great way to help children develop a range of writing skills, from narrative to opinion and persuasive to informational. Keeping a journal also allows students to ...

  12. 30 Fun And Creative Writing Prompts For 3rd Grade

    30 Fun And Creative Writing Prompts For 3rd Grade. Writing prompts can be incredibly beneficial for third-grade students as they not only stimulate their imaginations but also enhance their critical thinking and writing skills. By presenting them with different scenarios, characters, and situations, writing prompts encourage children to delve ...

  13. 25 Great Grade 3 Writing Prompts

    Get your child's imagination and creativity flowing with 25 different Grade 3 writing prompts. Perfect for teachers, parents, and homeschoolers! ... Grade 3 Writing Prompts 25 great third grade writing prompts. These Grade 3 writing prompts will transform your child into a budding young author! Keep scrolling for the following categories:

  14. 55 Narrative Writing Prompts For 3rd Grade

    55 Narrative Writing Prompts For 3rd Grade. As students improve their writing skills, it is important that they explore various types of writing—including narrative writing. Narrative writing is an important step not only in learning to write but also in learning to reflect and think deeper. Whether students are journaling or making story ...

  15. Expository Writing Prompts for 3rd Grade: 43 Great Ideas

    3. Explain the reasons why people should avoid junk food. 4. Think of a person that you admire a lot. Explain why he or she is so special to you. 5. Explain to your teacher why you deserve to pass to the next grade level. 6. Think about the strategies that good readers implement as they read.

  16. 100 Exciting Narrative Writing Prompts for 3rd, 4th, and 5th Grade

    Adventures Await Narrative Writing Prompts. Tell a story about friends going to a secret island full of magical creatures. Write about a forest where time gets mixed up, and you have to solve a mystery. Describe a journey to a volcano where you find a special treasure. Imagine rescuing a special animal from an evil person's castle.

  17. 30 Fun 3rd Grade Writing Prompts » JournalBuddies.com

    3rd Grade Writing Prompts on Compassion and Charity— Third grade is a big year for many students—they're finally older than the "little kids," but they're still not quite old enough to be considered "tweens" or the "middle school kids."As a result, the third grade can be an important year of reflection, self-awareness, and personal growth for young students.

  18. 30+ Exciting Writing Prompts for 3rd Graders

    Overall, 3rd grade writing prompts can be used to encourage creative writing or enact problem solving abilities for the challenges most 8-9 year olds face. Using 3rd grade writing prompts on a regular basis can encourage your little one to become more self-aware, confident in their opinions and perspectives, embrace their creativity, and ...

  19. 51 Narrative Writing Prompts for 3rd Grade: Great Ideas

    29. Tell about a time that you had a strange, funny, or scary encounter with an animal. 30. Tell your strategy for responding well to narrative writing prompts for 3rd grade. 31. Describe a time you stood up for yourself. 32. When has something been very hard for you but you kept trying? 33.

  20. Third Grade Writing Prompts

    This set of free, printable writing prompts is designed specifically for third graders to practice responding to questions, and writing about past experiences. These writing prompts help students to develop creativity, handwriting, and conventions in writing. Our Ready Yeti Bundle helps students learn to write with creativity and imagination!

  21. 51 Awesome Opinion Writing Prompts for 3rd Grade Students

    Examine third graders' preferences and beliefs using these high-interest opinion writing prompts for 3rd grade students. These third grade opinion writing prompts promote critical thinking, highlight how students feel regarding certain topics, plus encourage learners to develop writing skills. So whether you're preparing for state testing ...

  22. Informative writing prompts for grade 3

    Grade 3 writing prompts. Students are prompted to write short informative essays about grade level appropriate subjects. Some example sentence starters (stems) and linking words are provided. Informative writing prompt. Write about conflict. Write about junk food. Write about pets. Write about a future field trip.

  23. 51 Great Persuasive Writing Prompts for 3rd Grade

    10. Persuade your sibling to play a board game with you. persuasive writing prompts for 3rd grade. 11. Children should be able to go to bed at whatever time they want. 12. Persuade your mom/dad to let you open a gift one day before your birthday. 13.