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

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

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.

2. What are you best at?

3. What do you want to learn more about?

4. I could never live without______.

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

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

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

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

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

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.

14. What does it mean to be a hero?

15. I am afraid of _______ because_______.

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

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

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

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

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?

21. If I were a spider, I’d _______.

22. Three things that make me happy are ______.

23. What is your favorite holiday and why?

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

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

26. Write about a dream you recently had.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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108 Engaging Creative Writing Prompts for 3rd Grade

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Creative writing is the perfect way to get kids interested in writing. Students’ imaginations are bursting with ideas and they’re usually still willing to share them at this age. The more we can get them writing poems, songs, stories, and paragraphs now, the more they’ll start to see themselves as writers with valuable original thoughts worth expressing. For those times when imaginations are running dry and kids need a little inspiration, or when you want them to practice a specific writing skill, these 108 creative writing prompts for 3rd grade are here to spark creativity. Enjoy!

Story Starters and Other Narrative Writing Prompts

Writing stories—fictional or real—gives children a chance to develop several creative writing skills. They practice writing dialogue, developing characters, and fashioning situations that ignite their creativity and send them gallivanting down rabbit trails. 

Although 3rd-grade students are still relatively new writers and most won’t produce complete narratives yet, practicing story writing is the best way to introduce concepts like plot, character, conflict, and setting. 

Choose one of these concepts to focus on for several lessons and select third-grade writing prompts that lend themselves well to highlighting these aspects of writing. For example, you might ask students to spend a day or two focusing on their descriptions of the characters in their stories and another few days trying out different types of conflict. 

Later, they might choose to take the parts they like best from these various assignments and put them together to form a larger narrative. 

These story starters are fun writing prompts designed to push kids out of their comfort zones and put their imaginations to work. 

Instructions for students

• These storytelling prompts are written in a few different styles. Some of them offer you the first line of a story. For these prompts, copy the first line onto your page and continue writing from there. 
• Other prompts give you a specific situation and then ask you to think about what you might do or say in that situation. They could also ask you to take the idea as a starting point and expand it to make it more your own. Don’t feel like you need to answer the questions directly. They are there to give you more ideas to think about as you develop your story idea. You can write your story as answers to the questions if you like, but you can also just use them as inspiration. 
• When you see an ellipsis (three dots) at the end of a writing prompt, that means the sentence is incomplete and your version of the sentence should replace the three dots with your own words. 

24 Story Starters and Creative Writing Prompts for Third Graders

• Imagine you have the ability to become characters in video games. Write a short story that shows how you would use this power.
• Do you have a best friend? If so, write the story of how you met and became friends. (You can write what really happened or make up your own version of events to show how two people might become best friends).
• Write a story about a group of friends who build or discover a time machine. What time period do they travel to? Describe what they see, hear, smell, and eat.
• You and your friends are kayaking on a lake when you discover a hidden island. Describe what it looks like, how you explore it, and what you find there. 
• It’s the hottest day of the year. You turn on your air conditioner and, instead of giving you an icy blast, it transports you to a snow-covered tundra. You see a small cottage with lights on and knock on the door. Who greets you and how do they help you get back home?
• Your doorbell rings. You answer the door, but there’s nobody there. Then you look down and see two lizards talking on cell phones. “We need to talk,” the smaller one says to you. What do they tell you? How do you respond?
• You just learned that your good friend has special powers she’s kept secret forever. All she needs is a cup of sand, three fish scales, and a splash of mud and she can make the most incredible thing happen. Write about what happens when she shows you her secret talent. 
• There’s a big windstorm one night. The lights flicker and the power goes out. A few minutes later, it comes back on and your favorite character from the last book you read is sitting at your table. Who is it, what are they doing, and how do you make them feel welcome?
• Think about a fairy tale you know well, such as The Three Little Pigs or Little Red Riding Hood. Write your own version of the story with a few key details changed. For example, instead of The Three Little Pigs, you could write about The Three Shy Turtles or The Three Little Pigs and Their Big Sister. 
• You go to watch a play at a theater, but when the curtains open, something unexpected happens. What is it and how do you respond?
• Write about a day in which time moves backward from night to morning. 
• Write a story about two characters who don’t seem like they should be friends but somehow are. For example, you could write about a cat and a mouse, or an old woman and a little boy. What brought them together and in what ways does their friendship help them?
• You’re playing hide-and-seek with a friend and you hide in the attic. It takes her a while to find you and, while you are waiting, you start looking through some old boxes up there. You find letters written to a family member a long time ago. Who are they from? What do they say? Imagine you learn about a family secret while reading them. What could it be? 
• Write a story that happens completely in one small space like a closet or a car. Include at least two characters. 
• A young cat finds itself alone in the forest. How did it get there? What does it do? Who does it meet? Does it find its way home or stay there? Tell its story using lots of descriptive words. 
• “It’s not all your fault,” my mom said. “There’s something you don’t know.” 
• One day, everybody brings their favorite stuffie to class. A mix up happens and all the stuffies go home with the wrong kids to the wrong houses. What happens that night? Try to write from more than one perspective. For example, you could write a paragraph or two from the perspective of one of the students and then a paragraph or two from the point of view of a stuffie. You could also have a paragraph that quickly highlights the action at several houses. (“Kimmy’s little sister cried all night. Panda freaked out when he missed his dinner and tried to eat the toilet paper. Leah wanted to call the police but her mom wouldn’t give her the phone.”
• Your aunt shows up at your house with a box of glazed donuts and a canoe strapped to the roof of her car. “Time for a little trip,” she says. 
• Write a story that’s told entirely in letters between two friends. They might write about the last time they saw each other, the upcoming summer break, or some of their favorite book characters. Tell us as much as you can about the characters and their friendship without writing  about  them. Let everything come out through the letters they send. 
• What if you could invent a new planet? What sounds, sights, and smells would it have? Would people live there or some other kind of creatures? After you write down the details of your planet, write a short story that takes place there. You might write about how it was discovered or you could write a scene that shows what life is like there. 
• You’re walking through the park with your family. You come around a curve in the path and spot a fox sitting under a tree writing in a notebook. What do you do? Do you talk to it? Does it speak? What is it writing?
• You’re sitting on the sofa watching a TV show when your sister, who is an artist, comes into the room. She has taken all your favorite toys and used them in her art project. Describe what you see, the conversation you have with her, and the lengths you’ll go to to recover your treasured toys. 
• “It seemed like a good idea at the time,” said Alex. “If the owl hadn’t climbed the treehouse and eaten the fish…”
• The school year ended. You were supposed to be on holidays. Then your parents signed you up for summer school without telling you. It might have been okay if it weren’t for… 

For another take on third-grade writing prompts, check out  70 Picture Prompts for Creative Writing . 

Poetry Writing Prompts for Third-Grade Students

Another great way to introduce 3rd graders to creative writing is to get them writing free verse poetry. …

Students should be encouraged to brainstorm their own topics, as the ones they come up with will likely be the most inspiring for them. However, if they’re stuck for ideas or you want to give them a list of things to write about, have them pick one of the topics below. They may also find it helpful to use a brainstorming sheet to flesh out their ideas. 

• Make a list of three things that happened to you this week. Choose one of them and draft a poem that tells what happened and how you felt about it.
• Write a poem about a special tradition from your favorite holiday. 
• Write an ode that celebrates your favorite subject in school. For example, “The Joys of Math” or “Ode to Art Class.”
• Write a poem describing the best pet you can imagine.
• Write a poem from the perspective of an animal.
• Write a poem that tells about an imaginary being. Try to convey details about its size, appearance, feelings, problems, abilities, and lifestyle. 
• Write a haiku about your favorite summer activity.
• Write a poem detailing the first time you tried your favorite food. If you don’t remember that experience, feel free to make it up. How do you imagine it would be tasting that amazing dish for the first time?
• Write about a poem that describes a time when you lost something important. 
• Write a poem about your favorite place without naming the place. Use lots of details that help the reader see this place in their minds. 
• Write a poem about a recent dream you had. Try not to mention that it was a dream. 
• Choose one of the four seasons and write a poem describing what makes it special. 
• Write a poem about something that’s really special to you but that seems ordinary to everyone else such as an old t-shirt or a craft you made out of recycled materials. Try to help your reader understand why it’s so important to you. 
• Write a poem describing a day when everything goes wrong. 
• Write a poem about your favorite person. Include details about why they’re so important to you. Consider giving your poem to them as a gift. 
• Write a poem about a secret place (real or imagined) that only you know about. 
• Write a poem about all the things you love to do outside. 
• Write a poem that introduces your city or town to a visitor who has never been there. 
• Write a poem about a game you love playing such as Hide and Seek, Pictionary, or Charades. 
• Write a poem that includes dialogue. You could write the whole poem as a conversation or sprinkle dialogue throughout. 
• Write a funny poem listing everything you think about when you can’t fall asleep at night. 
• Write a poem that imagines something about your future. It could be a single event such as “When I Finally Go to Disneyland” or it could be a more general description of what you’d like your future life to be like such as “What I’ll Eat When I Grow Up.”
• Write a poem that explains how to do a simple task such as one of your favorite (or least favorite) household chores.
• Write a poem that uses as many sound words as possible such as bang, splash, chirp, and buzz. 

For more poetic inspiration, check out  100 Inspiring Poetry Writing Prompts for Kids . 

Journal Writing Prompts

Kids can also stretch their creative muscles through journal writing. Journaling is a precursor to memoir writing and storytelling is the heart of memoir. While journal entries can sometimes gravitate toward a mundane recitation of chronological events, they’re also an opportunity to challenge kids to become better writers. 

A nice thing about journalling is that you don’t have to invent completely original material from scratch. You are taking events from your life and making an interesting story out of them, playing with language and sentence structure, and experimenting with what to include and exclude until you end up with something enjoyable to read. 

Challenge kids to keep a running list of things that have happened to them in their writing journals so they always have a creative writing topic ready. Remind them that writing topics don’t have to be sensational (the birth of a new sibling, say). Simple events that might otherwise be overlooked—the sighting of the first blue jay to return in the spring, for example—can form the basis of strong pieces of writing when we take the time to reflect on the event and make connections. 

Continuing with the blue jay example, such an experience might lead curious children to think about the changes that come with the season and, perhaps, the seasons of their own young lives thus far. Or they might ponder the bird and wonder what she’s been up to since she last visited the backyard. Maybe they’ll see two birds competing for a choice tree and reflect on an argument they had with a sibling. The more we can get them thinking about, reflecting on, and making connections between their experiences, the more we’ll see these themes emerge in their writing. 

Here are some ideas to get them thinking about what to write in their journals:

• A trip you’ve taken
• Your feelings about a situation (losing an important toy, having to share a bedroom, or passing a swimming test, for example)
• How you spent a recent birthday or holiday
• A new skill you’ve just mastered
• A skill you wish you had but haven’t learned yet
• A food you tried but didn’t like
• A walk you’ve taken in nature
• A change in one of your friendships
• Something that scared you until you worked up the courage to try and then enjoyed doing
• A time when you really wanted something and finally got it
• A time when you really wanted something and didn’t get it
• A time when someone made you feel good
• Something you saw that turned out not to be what you expected it to be
• A time when you did something that scared you
• The way your favorite song makes you feel
• Something you’ve learned about recently that you wish you’d known sooner
• Describe your perfect day
• The toy or special thing you treasure the most and why it’s so special to you
• Your earliest memory
• A gift you received that meant a lot to you
• A time when you laughed until your belly hurt
• A teacher you’ve enjoyed learning from
• A book you’ve read over and over again
• Three things you love about your family

Need journal prompts for older kids? Check out these  60 Creative Journal Prompts for Teens

Songwriting Prompts

Writing songs is another fun way for kids to practice their creative thinking skills while also processing their emotions and experiences. Coming up with the lyrics to a song can provide stress relief for kids and give them an opportunity to express their emotions safely. 

For some kids, coming up with lyrics and a melody to a song may be too challenging. Encourage them to choose a song, jingle, or nursery rhyme they already know and write new lyrics to the same tune. Examples of simple songs they might start with include: Twinkle Twinkle Little Star, Baa-Baa Black Sheep, London Bridge is Falling Down, Rock-A-Bye Baby, and Waltzing Matilda. You can find more kid-friendly songs in this  playlist for kids . 

As an extra challenge, kids may want to initially write their lyrics to fit an existing tune and then come up with a new tune once they have their lyrics down. This would be a good extension activity for kids who finish their lyric writing early. 

• Write a song about your favorite animal.
• Think about three or four possessions (things you own) that are important to you. Write a song that celebrates the special role these items play in your life. 
• Think about the last time you got angry. What made you angry? How did you feel? What did you want to do about it? What did you actually do? Write a song that helps someone else understand how you felt and why. 
• What is your favorite show or movie? Choose a main character from that story and write a song inspired by them. It could be about them or it might be from their point of view. Think about what’s important to them and what they might want people to know. 
• Write a song that describes your dream day. What would you do if you could do anything you wanted? Who would be with you? Make the details as specific as possible. 
• Think about someone in your family who has an annoying habit. For example, your little brother who tells your parents everything you do wrong. Write a song that reimagines that annoying habit as a good thing. (“He must love me to pay so much attention to me…”)
• Write a song that is meant to be sung by a whole class of students. 
• Write a song about someone you look up to. 
• Write a song about something that most people seem to like but that you hate. Try to convince them they’re wrong about the thing and that it’s truly awful. 
• Write a song about someone you don’t see anymore such as an old neighbor or a friend who moved away. What do you miss about the times you had with that person?
• Think about something you loved doing when you were younger but haven’t done in a while. Write a song that shares your memories of that activity. 
• Write a song about something you hope for or would like to see happen. 

Descriptive Writing Prompts

Descriptive writing adds color and texture to many forms of writing including travel writing, poetry, fiction, and memoirs. One of our challenges as teachers is ensuring kids know how to write effective descriptions while also helping them learn how to balance descriptive prose with other written elements such as dialogue and action. A written work too heavy in descriptive writing might help the reader create vivid pictures in their minds without ever telling them anything. 

In third grade, these young writers are generally too young to discern this delicate balance between showing and telling, but it’s still a great time to develop their use of descriptive words. 

Before giving them these writing prompts, introduce them to the importance of using specific nouns and vivid verbs and adjectives in their writing. This is a wonderful time to instill thesaurus skills and show them how to choose the most appropriate words for each situation. 

When assigning prompts from this section, tell students their goal is to paint a picture with their words. If they read their work to a classmate who closes their eyes, can the classmate picture the scene clearly? If not, where do they need to add or change details?

• Write about the most memorable dream you’ve ever had. Describe it in as much detail as possible. Where did it take place? What did you see, hear, and smell? Who was there? What did they look like? What did they do?
• Choose a room in your house and describe its most important features.
• Go outside and find a tree, flower, or other plant that intrigues you. Describe it in detail: what does it look like? How big is it? What does it feel like? If one of your friends took your description and went to the same outdoor area, could they find your plant based on your description?
• If you could decorate your bedroom any way you wanted with no limits, what would it look like?
• Imagine the coziest outfit you can. Describe how it looks and feels. How do you feel when you put it on?
• Describe your mom or another woman you know well. What does she look like? What does her voice sound like? Does she have wear a certain perfume? How do you feel when she gives you a hug or puts her arm around you?
• Describe a regular tradition you have with your family, such as having a large pancake breakfast on Saturdays. Help your reader feel like they’re living the memory with you by painting a detailed picture of the scene. 
• Write about the inside of your family’s car. What does it smell like? How many seats are there? What would you find if you looked between or underneath the seats? Describe the music you listen to in the car and the kinds of conversations you have there. 
• Describe a store you go to frequently. If possible, try to visit the store before you write about it and make notes about the things you notice there using your five senses. Tell about what you see, hear, taste, smell, and feel. 
• Describe your writing process, that is, what you do when you write. Do you sharpen pencils and put an eraser nearby? Do you start writing right away or do you make an outline or brainstorm ideas first? Do you write single-spaced or double-spaced? Is your writing neat or messy? How do you feel when you write?
• What is the best thing about being you? Maybe it’s your sense of humor, your Lego-building skills, or the way you ride your bike fearlessly down hills. Maybe you live in a really cool city with lots of fun things to do. Whatever makes your life special, write about that and describe why you love it.
• What’s your favorite thing to do on a Sunday morning? Describe what you do, who does it with you, and how you do it.  

Other Creative Writing Prompts for 3rd-Grade Students

• Write a scene where a famous person from another time period shows up in your classroom. 
• Write a diary entry from the perspective of a Disney character or a character from a book you’ve read. 
• Think about a scene you didn’t love in your favorite movie. Rewrite the scene to make it more enjoyable. 
• Write a letter to your favorite author and tell them what you love about their book(s).
• Invent a new country with its own language, customs, and history. Write about how your country came to be and what makes it special. If you want, you can draw a map to go with your writing.
• Write a scene from the point of view of an object in your house such as a toaster, the dining table, or a video game console. 
• Write a story or poem in which each sentence starts with the next letter in the alphabet. In other words, the first sentence or line starts with A, the second with B, the third with C, and so on. 
• Write about a lost object that was found after many years. 
• Pick a city you’ve visited and make a travel brochure about it. Include a section in which you describe the city and another in which you talk about your experience there.
• Write a comic book* based on your favorite book or story. Try to include both dialogue (in speech bubbles) and descriptions of what’s happening. 
• On a big piece of paper, draw a picture of the inside of a really cool house with loads of interesting rooms. Then write a short story about the people who live there and what life is like inside their amazing house.
• Write an imaginary interview with a character from a book or movie. Pretend you’re asking them questions to publish in a magazine or newspaper and invent their answers.  

Comic book templates are available in our post,  10 Fun Writing Activities for Kids . 

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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 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

• 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

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

Fun Creative Writing Topics and Prompts for Third Grade

Sometimes, creative writing assignments aren’t just confusing for the student. 

What should a 3rd grader write about?

What should your expectations be? How can you help your student succeed?

Today’s post is all about helping you source creative writing topics that are perfectly suited for third grade (or upper elementary).

What Makes Creative Writing Different?

Creative writing can be tricky to explain to a student, especially if you’re working with a child who is used to thinking conventionally. 

In a nutshell, it differs from academic or essay-style writing in that it highlights the writer’s imagination and creative invention. 

The artistic nature of creative writing can make some students nervous. That’s why clear-cut creative writing examples are incredibly helpful. 

get this picture prompt printable for free!

It’s also helpful to let them read or listen to creative short stories to provide ideas of how to begin. Seeing examples illustrates how to write creatively better than trying to explain it in words.

Another important aspect of creative writing is that it doesn’t have to be true – or even based on fact. It can be difficult for a third grader to believe it’s okay to stray from reality. Eggs and ham aren’t green, so why pretend they are?

Discuss potential story writing topics with your child so you can help him or her break down those restrictions. 

Sharing examples will help them see the liberty (and fun!) that creative writing offers. 

Creative Writing Tips and Techniques for Grade 3

For elementary students, good topics for creative writing are broad enough for the student to use his imagination but not so broad that he has no idea where to begin. 

Instead of just handing him a topic such as “outer space,” try a narrower topic, such as “tell me a story about boy in the future who travels to the moon with his class for a science field trip.”

Here are a few more tips to help while you’re working on creative writing with your own third grader:

• Story writing ideas or topics can range from telling a made-up story about what happened at dinner last night to creating an amazing adventure or imaginary world.
• When you teach writing to 3rd graders , it’s helpful to give them several creative writing ideas to unleash their imaginations.
• Try recording your students as they tell a story. More than likely, just talking about the story they want to write will help them gather their thoughts.
• If you’re not sure how to start an introduction paragraph for a third grader , have her look at examples of her favorite books to see how the authors pique her interest immediately.
• Discuss the elements of the story beforehand to help it feel more real to your student. Ask him questions about the setting—when it’s happening and where—as well as the plot. Talk to him about the main characters, guiding him with questions that help him see through the characters’ eyes and better envision what they might do.
• If your student really can’t get started, set a timer and just have him write whatever comes to mind. There’s nothing uncorks writer’s block faster than just sitting down and writing—even if it starts out as nonsense.
• Encourage your student to use literary devices such as similes and metaphors, even if she doesn’t know those terms. Explain how a teddy bear’s fur can be “like a cloud” or that a hard worker can be a “busy bee.”

Above all, to encourage successful creative writing, encourage your students to write about topics they enjoy. Their pleasure will reflect in their stories.

12 Creative Writing Topics for Third Grade That Inspire Imaginative Stories

Speaking of enjoyable topics, here are some examples of creative writing topics paired with question prompts to get your student started:

1. Imagine you step outside, and all the grass has turned blue. What do you do? 

The key to a good creative writing topic is, well, creativity! Whimsical topics inspire students to unleash their imagination and enjoy writing. 

If your third grader has been reluctant to write lately, it might be time to pull out a fantastical scene like this one and “let them loose” so to speak. 

Encourage your student to brainstorm a bit before writing. 

These prompts can help:

• What made the grass turn blue?
• Is it a good thing? Does it cause problems?
• Can you fix it? Will the grass ever be green again?

2. What if you woke up and realized you had switched bodies with someone else in your family? 

A topic like this is a great exercise for the mind. It may even help him gain a little empathy as he writes and realizes how different a parent’s day is from a child’s.

Some prompts to help him get going:

• Which family member do you think would be most interesting to trade bodies with for a day? 
• Would it be exciting or scary to wake up as that person? 
• Would your characters keep it a secret?

3. What if your pet could talk but only to you? 

Some of the more appealing creative writing topics for kids are those where students can easily form ideas (which builds confidence). 

Most children already talk to their pets, so it’s not a huge leap to imagine them talking back. Use that headstart to build a story.

4. What would you do if you found a treasure map?

Finding a treasure map can inspire many tales. The plots are endless! 

A few questions to get your child started:

• Where was it found? 
• Was it put there by pirates, a king, or your great grandmother? 
• Is it in code? 
• How do you figure out where the treasure is?

5. What if there was a sweet, lovable, non-scary monster who lived under your bed?

This creative writing topic takes the monster-under-the-bed and transforms him into a friend. 

• What if every night, after Mom and Dad tuck you in, you get to spend some time with an interesting creature known only to you?

6. What if your closet door is really a door to another world?

This Narnia -style prompt inspires students to describe a secret fantasy world. Help them get into the groove by discussing the many characters they encounter. 

• Are they magical creatures or copies of everyday people he knows now? 
• What kind of world lies on the other side of his closet? 
• What’s happening there? 
• Is it similar to our world or vastly different?

7. Create an imaginary friend and take him on some adventures with you.

This type of freewriting prompt for 3rd grade students allows for more exploration. It’s a broader topic for the child who already thinks creatively and won’t be overwhelmed by its broadness. 

If your student likes this topic but still needs some inspiration, here are some questions to ask:

• How old is your friend? 
• Is it a boy or a girl? 
• What type of creature is he – human, animal, bug, robot, or something else? 
• What’s something you’d love to do with a friend if you could do anything you want to do?

8. Rewrite a fairy tale so that it takes place today in your own town.

This writing topic alleviates some uncertainty a third grader may have in getting started. Once your student chooses a fairy tale, then it’s just a matter of re-forming the characters and setting. 

It’s a wonderful topic for students who need more structure than the average creative writing assignment provides.

9. Explore and describe the dusty old attic of a dilapidated mansion.

This topic is one of the more descriptive writing topics for grade 3 . It’s compelling to think about, but it doesn’t have to be too bizarre.

(Check out this post for examples of descriptive writing .) 

Your student can be as creative and imaginative as he or she desires. 

Your third grader can create descriptions of realistic objects found in an old attic, or he can dive deep and paint images of ancient or other-worldly artifacts.

10. Imagine your parents won a million dollars. How would your life change?

Let his imagination soar, describing the planes he plans to pilot around the world or the mansion in which he’ll entertain world leaders.

Perhaps he’ll purchase a private island and find hidden treasure or build an orphanage in a third-world country. 

11. What if your dolls have their own secret lives when you’re not around?

This creative writing topic has, of course, been explored by many published authors, which just proves it’s a captivating one. 

Questions to get started:

• What do your dolls do when they “wake up”?
• Do they go anywhere?
• Do they have jobs?

12. Imagine your older cousin is getting married and asks you to be a bridesmaid (or groomsman). Tell me all about the wedding and your part in it.

Creative writing prompts for grade 3 can also be about a realistic but fictional situation, like participating in a wedding. 

Third grade girls, especially, may enjoy planning a fantasy wedding. She may even wish to pen her own wedding!

Have her describe the dresses, the flowers, the decorations, the ceremony, and anything else she’s interested in. 

If your child chooses this topic, be sure to tuck her written work away for later—what a fun story to share at her own “real life” wedding!

bring excitement into your student’s writing – no prep required!

About the author.

Jordan Mitchell

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:

• 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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Engaging 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.
• 4th Grade Writing Prompts
• Second Grade Writing Prompts
• Writing Prompts for 5th Grade
• First Grade Writing Prompts
• Writing Prompts for 7th Grade
• 24 Journal Prompts for Creative Writing in the Elementary Classroom
• 49 Opinion Writing Prompts for Students
• Fun March Writing Prompts for Journaling
• November Writing and Journal Prompts
• January Writing Prompts
• February Writing Prompts
• October Writing Prompts
• May Writing Prompts
• Writing Prompts for Elementary School Students
• September Writing Prompts
• Martin Luther King Jr. Writing Prompts

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Third Grade Creative Writing Worksheets

• The Parts of a Letter
• Write Your Own Mad Libs ®
• Writing a Descriptive Paragraph (Gr. 3)
• Fill-in Story: The Halloween Party
• Fill-in Halloween Story: A Scary Night
• Fill-in Story: Halloween Carnival
• Writing a Personal Narrative (Gr. 3)
• My Friend Writing Printable
• Student Proofreading Checklist
• Creative Writing with Photo Inspiration
• Same Name Word Puzzle
• Life in the Sea
• Bio Poem Handout
• Writing a Research Report (Gr. 3)
• Favorite Foods
• Script Writing Handout
• Make Your Own Holiday
• A Note About Witches: Fill-in-the-Blanks
• Antonyms and Synonyms
• Immigration Picture Prompts
• Post Card Template
• My New Year's Resolutions (3-6)
• Discovering Pronouns 10
• Discovering Punctuation 2
• Discovering Capitalization 4
• Discovering Punctuation 9
• If I Were the Teacher
• Writing Activity: Describe the Rain Scene
• Change the Dialog in a Comic Strip
• Discovering Conjunctions
• More Creative Writing Printables, 3rd Grade

Featured 3th Grade Resources

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How do I use writing topics in my classroom?

Do you want to inspire your students to write great narratives, essays, and reports? Check out these grade-specific writing topics organized by mode (explanatory, creative, and so on). Or search for writing topics that relate to a theme, such as “life” or “animals” or “family.”

Jump to . . .

Explanatory writing.

• A day in the rainforest
• After-school games
• An important person I know about
• At the library
• Foods I don't like
• Friendly places
• Games I play with friends
• Games we play at recess
• Good things in my neighborhood
• How plants grow
• How to make my favorite dessert
• How to make new friends
• I like spring because . . .
• I like to make . . .
• I'd like to see . . .
• Insects, insects everywhere
• Learning to ride a bike
• My favorite food
• My favorite pet
• My favorite season
• My mom's/dad's hobby
• My new friend
• My shopping list
• Our clubhouse
• The biggest bubble-gum bubble
• The funniest zoo animal
• This person makes me laugh
• What I know about . . .
• What I know about an animal
• What I know about dinosaurs
• What I know about stars
• What I know about the ocean
• What I like about math
• What makes me laugh?
• What will I share?
• Who I will be in the future
• Who's at the zoo?
• Why I like to read
• Why I love to sing
• Words I think are funny

Persuasive Writing

• Don't litter!
• Things that would make my neighborhood better

Narrative Writing

• A day at the beach
• A special birthday
• Buying something with my own money
• Cooking dinner with Mom/Dad
• Eating lunch with my friends
• Going grocery shopping
• Going to the circus
• I rode on a . . .
• I'm happy when . . .
• Losing my teeth
• My adventure
• My trip to . . .
• Noisy times and quiet times
• Playing a game with Grandma/Grandpa
• Playing with pets
• Something funny that happened to me
• The biggest thing I ever saw
• The last time I cried
• When _ was born

Response to Literature

• A book I just read
• Some of my favorite books

Creative Writing

• A story about a holiday
• A trip on a rocket ship
• Dear George Washington
• Seeing the world through the eyes of . . .
• Sometimes I wish . . .
• What if I met a . . .
• What if I were 10 years old?
• What if I were someone else?
• What if toys could talk?
• What's under my bed?

Research Writing

• I wonder why . . .
• Something I don't understand
• A bicycle I'd like to have
• A day in the desert
• A great place to go
• A great treehouse
• A place I like to visit
• A sport I'm good at
• A trip on a monorail
• Activities for indoor fun
• Activities for outdoor fun
• Amazing facts I know
• An amazing animal
• Dancing to the music
• Having fun at school
• Helping out around the house
• Magic tricks I can do
• Making my favorite food
• My favorite baby-sitter
• My favorite board game
• My favorite teacher
• My homework place
• Our classroom pet
• Some things I like about the museum
• The best house pets
• The weirdest house pets
• Things that are hard to believe
• Things to do in the snow
• Unusual fruits and vegetables
• Water balloons!
• What I like about where I live
• What makes me special
• Who is beautiful?
• Let's help the environment by . . .
• Things I'd like to change
• A cozy spot at home
• A funny time in my family
• A great day with a friend
• A helpful person I have met
• A person who means the world to me
• A walk in the woods
• Funny things my pet has done
• My best birthday
• My favorite family story
• Putting on a play
• Swimming at the pool or lake
• When everything goes wrong
• Book characters I'd like to meet
• A dark hallway
• Donuts for dinner
• Something I wish would happen
• What if there were no electricity
• All about an amazing animal

Business Writing

• A cartoon character that I like
• A song that means a lot to me
• A special photograph
• A special, secret place
• A trip in a submarine
• An important time in history
• Building a fort
• Creatures that live in the ocean
• Creepy, crawly things
• Dirt bikes and skateboards
• Do I want to be famous?
• Doing homework
• Going to the dentist
• Gone fishing!
• How to stop hiccups
• How we divide the chores at our house
• I don't understand why . . .
• I'd like to invent a machine that . . .
• If I started my own business, I'd . . .
• Instructions for a pet sitter of my pet
• Let's help the animals by . . .
• Looking at the globe
• My favorite clothes
• My favorite form of exercise
• Pizza is . . .
• Staying at a friend's house
• The first day of school is the worst/best because . . .
• The rules we follow
• Things I see when I take a walk
• What I use a computer for
• What if I were the teacher?
• What is important to me?
• What it's like to use a wheelchair
• What my dreams feel like
• When I see nature, I . . .
• Why I like/dislike playing team sports
• Why my mom and dad are the greatest
• My school really needs . . .
• A day in the life of my pet
• A visit to a friend's school
• An excellent birthday party
• Discovering a new friend
• Getting my first pair of glasses
• Grandma's attic
• I'll never eat another . . .
• My best day
• My first school memories
• My most embarrassing moment
• Rings on her fingers
• Talk about being scared!
• When I did something amazing
• When I was upside down
• When the big storm hit
• If I wrote like the author of . . .
• A really spooky story
• Summer games
• What if we suddenly had to move?
• A game that meant a lot to my childhood
• A school field trip
• A toy I've held onto all these years
• A trip to a space station
• A typical lunch hour
• Can farmers grow enough food for everyone?
• Here's what a new student needs to know
• How I can change the way I look
• How I picture myself four years from now
• How I would define the word . . .
• I would have liked to have lived during this time.
• I'm principal for the day. Here is my schedule.
• I've done something that no one else has done
• If I could be someone else, I would be . . .
• My bedroom from top to bottom
• My favorite place
• My idea of a fun weekend
• My life as a . . .
• My participation in an activity outside of school
• One thing I want to do by the time I leave 8th grade
• Overcoming health problems
• The wildest hairstyle I have ever seen
• What a family member taught me
• What a house of the future might look like
• What I broke or lost that belongs to someone else
• A big hazard on the road
• A big problem in education is . . .
• A cool store
• A dedicated teacher or coach
• Dear Senator
• Discover nature
• Finally, a good assembly
• How could TV be better?
• Let's save _ in our schools
• My best class ever
• My favorite neighbor
• My favorite singer(s)
• Rights that kids in my grade should have
• The worst food I ever ate
• This really bugs me
• What's good about hard work?
• Why I deserve a larger allowance
• Why parents should be honest with their kids
• Why school fund-raisers are important
• Why weekends need to be longer
• A memorable bus ride
• A narrow escape from trouble
• A time that was just not fair
• A visit to a relative's house
• If I lived back in history
• If only I would have listened!
• My first concert
• My first friend
• Summer in a cabin by a lake
• The most fun I've had recently
• We couldn't stop laughing!
• We got caught!
• When I was lost
• A great book made into a great movie
• My favorite character from a book
• What if a book came to life?
• What this story means to me
• How _ came to be.
• Life among the cloud people
• Long ago and far away
• Meeting myself in the future
• Traveling west in a wagon train
• When the dinosaurs returned
• A job I'd really like to have
• All about an amazing place
• The most fascinating things I learned
• The tallest, the deepest, the longest, the biggest
• When I conducted an experiment
• When science took a big leap forward

Personal Writing

• The book that got me hooked on reading
• A day I will always remember
• A friend who moved away
• A great scientific breakthrough
• A person who changed history
• A personal habit I'd like to change
• A project I am working on
• A typical evening at home
• A visit with the doctor or dentist
• An invention that transformed the world
• Causes of a huge change in the world
• Coping with brothers and sisters
• Hanging out
• How a vehicle works
• How do people cope with constant pain?
• How I express myself artistically
• How it would feel to walk in space
• I admit it: I enjoy professional wrestling.
• I take some things too seriously
• If I were a superhero, I'd be . . .
• Is pollution a necessary evil?
• Is this love?
• Morning madness
• My craziest experience in a restaurant or shopping mall
• My dream car
• My first crush
• My first encounter with a bully
• My muscles were so sore after . . .
• My Web site
• Self-esteem
• Something this school really needs is . . .
• Sometimes, adults seem . . .
• The environment: problem and solution
• The hardest thing I have ever done
• The idea hit me like a tornado.
• The next wave of social media
• The toys I'll never give up
• Tools I will need in my intended profession
• We all make mistakes
• What animals can teach people
• What different colors mean to me
• What do Americans do well?
• What do I do to break routine?
• What do I worry about?
• What if school sports were dropped?
• What invention would I like to see in my lifetime?
• What it's like where I work
• Who knows me best?
• Why are crime dramas so popular?
• Why are some people so cruel?
• "Obstacles are what you see when you take your eyes off the goal."
• A change that would improve school life
• Foods I love, foods I hate
• I couldn't believe that Mom/Dad volunteered me for that job
• It's a rule, so it's right . . . right?
• Let's hear it for my favorite senior citizen
• Let's push alternate forms of energy
• Putting my foot in my mouth
• The government should . . .
• What most drives me crazy is . . .
• Why appearance is not so important
• Why I deserve the job
• _ is like a boomerang
• A funny thing happened when . . .
• A meaningful gift I've given or received
• A time when I got in trouble
• An unforgettable dream
• Looking at pictures of family and friends
• My brother or sister made me so mad
• My worst vacation
• What I regret most
• When I faced my fears
• When I learned something difficult
• When I traveled to . . .
• A remarkable artist
• An all-new album from an important artist
• An amazing work of art
• Meet the characters of . . .
• The music that moves me most
• The theme of my favorite story is . . .
• Alone on a desert island

Creative Writing Worksheets for 3rd Graders

Printable Creative Writing Worksheets for 3rd Graders aligned with Common Core Standards. SplashLearn is an award-winning learning program used by more than 40 million children.

CONTENT TYPE

• Lesson Plans
• Math (1,020)
• Number Sense (121)
• Compare Numbers (18)
• Compare 3-Digit Numbers (9)
• Order Numbers (21)
• Order 3-Digit Numbers (10)
• Skip Counting (2)
• Skip Count By 10 (2)
• Even And Odd Numbers (24)
• Place Value (33)
• Round Numbers (21)
• Round Numbers To The Nearest 10 (10)
• Round Numbers To The Nearest 100 (10)
• Addition (146)
• Addition Properties (6)
• Addition Strategies (19)
• Add Using Multiples Of 10 (8)
• Add Three Whole Numbers (18)
• 2-Digit Addition (21)
• 3-Digit Addition (87)
• 3-Digit Addition Without Regrouping (22)
• 3-Digit Addition With Regrouping (42)
• Subtraction (155)
• Subtraction Strategies (25)
• Subtract From 10 Strategy (4)
• Subtract Using Multiples Of 10 (6)
• 2-Digit Subtraction (40)
• 2-Digit Subtraction Without Regrouping (11)
• 3-Digit Subtraction (98)
• 3-Digit Subtraction Without Regrouping (40)
• 3-Digit Subtraction With Regrouping (25)
• Multiplication (250)
• Multiplication Strategies (89)
• Multiplication With Equal Groups (25)
• Multiplication With Arrays (23)
• Multiplication Sentences (50)
• Repeated Addition To Multiply (15)
• Times Tables (63)
• Multiplication By 2 (5)
• Multiplication By 3 (6)
• Multiplication By 4 (5)
• Multiplication By 5 (8)
• Multiplication By 6 (5)
• Multiplication By 7 (4)
• Multiplication By 8 (5)
• Multiplication By 9 (4)
• Multiplication By 10 (5)
• Multiplication Properties (64)
• Commutative Property Of Multiplication (10)
• Distributive Property Of Multiplication (31)
• Multiply By Multiples Of 10 (18)
• Estimate Products (8)
• Multi-Digit Multiplication (8)
• Multiply 2-Digit By 1-Digit Numbers (8)
• Division (111)
• Divide On A Number Line (10)
• Division Facts (47)
• Estimate Quotients (5)
• Long Division (3)
• Divide 3-Digit By 1-Digit Numbers (3)
• Fractions (101)
• Fractions Using Models (42)
• Fractions On A Number Line (15)
• Compare Fractions (11)
• Order Fractions (18)
• Order Fractions Using Models (10)
• Equivalent Fractions (14)
• Equivalent Fractions Using Models (6)
• Fractions Operations (3)
• Geometry (20)
• Shapes (17)
• 2D Shapes (17)
• Attributes Of 2D Shapes (5)
• Partition Into Equal Parts (2)
• Data Handling (16)
• Measurement (31)
• Length (10)
• Measure Lengths Using The Ruler (8)
• Estimate Lengths (2)
• Capacity (4)
• Conversion Of Measurement Units (8)
• Perimeter (5)
• Time In Quarter Hours (10)
• Time To The Nearest 5 Minutes (6)
• Time To The Nearest Minute (1)
• Digital Clock (14)
• Elapsed Time (2)
• Multiply And Divide Money (2)
• Algebra (10)
• Factors And Multiples (9)
• Word Problems (160)
• Addition Word Problems (44)
• 2-Digit Addition Word Problems (18)
• 3-Digit Addition Word Problems (18)
• Subtraction Word Problems (16)
• Subtraction Word Problems Within 20 (1)
• Multiplication Word Problems (42)
• Division Word Problems (12)
• Multi-Step Word Problems (19)
• Reading (98)
• Phonics (3)
• Diphthongs (2)
• Reading Comprehension (96)
• Cause And Effect (4)
• Inference (8)
• Prediction (18)
• Sequencing (8)
• Story Elements (6)
• Authors Purpose (6)
• Compare And Contrast (4)
• Ask And Answer Questions (13)
• Point Of View (3)
• Reality And Fantasy (4)
• Using Illustrations (5)
• Using Text Features (3)
• Context Clues (4)
• Writing (305)
• Handwriting (259)
• Word Tracing (83)
• Sentence Tracing (50)
• Cursive Writing (126)
• Cursive Words (74)
• Cursive Sentences (52)
• Creative Writing (46)
• Opinion Writing (15)
• Descriptive Writing (20)
• Writing Paragraphs (45)
• Grammar (193)
• Adverbs (27)
• Adjectives (23)
• Singular And Plural Nouns (16)
• Pronouns (14)
• Parts Of Speech (6)
• Prepositions (6)
• Punctuation (7)
• Tenses (32)
• Article A An The (2)
• Spelling (16)
• Common Misspellings (6)
• Unscramble (7)
• Vocabulary (73)
• Affixes (4)
• Commonly Confused Words (2)
• Compound Words (9)
• Figures Of Speech (4)
• Synonyms And Antonyms (9)
• Word Puzzles (45)
• Word Search (34)

Complete the Story Worksheet

Complete the story by examining pictures. Enjoy this engaging and interactive task to enhance your storytelling skills. Join the adventure today!

Let's Predict: What Happens Next?

Engage your child with this printable reading worksheet to enhance their prediction skills with a fun writing activity.

Prediction Practice: What Happens Next?

Inspire children to practice prediction with this engaging spaceship-themed worksheet, designed to build comprehension skills.

Predict the Mystery: Sarah's Midnight Adventure

Discover the joy of creative writing and practice prediction with our fun worksheet on a midnight adventure.

Making Predictions: What Will Happen Next?

Introduce kids to the skill of prediction with this fun worksheet while reading a story about a strange discovery in a jungle.

Can You Predict What Happens Next?

Build creative writing skills with our fun worksheet on prediction and read a story to predict where a map leads.

Predict the Discovery: Dr. Anderson's Science Marvel

Explore the world of creative writing with our fun science-themed worksheet focused on developing prediction skills.

Read and Predict: The Mansion on the Hill

Advance your child's creative writing skills with our exciting prediction worksheet with a story about a mansion on the hill.

Read and Predict: Daniel the Explorer

Develop creative writing skills with our fun prediction printable while reading about the adventures of Daniel the explorer.

Let's Predict: The Talking Tree

Practice creative writing with our fun worksheet, while honing your prediction skills using the story of a talking tree.

Let's Predict: Museum Mysteries

Encourage creative writing practice with our exciting museum-themed worksheet, focusing on the skill of prediction.

Opinion Writing: My Favorite Food

Improve your child's creative writing practice with our fun worksheet, focusing on writing about their favorite food.

Opinion Writing: My Favorite Hobby

Strengthen your child's creative writing practice with our hobby-themed printable worksheet focusing on writing sentences.

Opinion Writing: My Favorite Season

Help your child learn opinion writing with our enjoyable printable worksheet, focusing on writing about their favorite season.

Opinion Writing: My Favorite Festival

Practice opinion writing with this engaging printable worksheet centered on writing about your favorite festival.

Opinion Writing: My Favorite Animal

Refine your kid's opinion writing skills with our printable worksheet as they write all about their favorite animal.

Opinion Writing: My Favorite Movie

Master opinion writing practice with this engaging, movie-themed printable worksheet for honing creative writing skills.

Opinion Writing: My Favorite Book

Elevate your child's opinion writing practice with this engaging worksheet, focused on writing about their favorite book.

Opinion Writing: Favorite Holiday Destination

Excel in opinion writing practice with our printable worksheet focused on writing about a favorite holiday destination.

Opinion Writing: Favorite Flavor of Ice-Cream

Augment your kid's opinion writing practice with our fun, printable worksheet themed on their favorite flavor of ice-cream.

Opinion Writing: Favorite Sport

Boost your child's opinion writing practice with our exciting sports-themed worksheet, perfect for enhancing writing skills!

Opinion Writing: Favorite Teacher

Improve your child's opinion writing with this engaging creative writing worksheet to write about their favorite teacher.

Opinion Writing: Favorite Board Game

Engage in creative writing practice with our fun, board game-themed printable worksheet focused on opinion writing.

Opinion Writing: Favorite School Subject

Inspire children with this printable worksheet, focusing on opinion writing as they write about their favorite school subject.

Opinion Writing: Favorite Restaurant

Discover the joy of creative writing with our opinion writing practice worksheet, and enjoy writing about a favorite restaurant.

Opinion Writing: Favorite Pet Animal

Introduce your child to opinion writing with our enjoyable worksheet focused on writing about their favorite pet animal.

Descriptive Writing: A Day at the beach

Excel in creative writing with our printable worksheet, focusing on writing a picture description about a day at the beach.

Descriptive Writing: A Snowy Day

Augment creative writing with this engaging printable worksheet, while writing about a snowy day.

Descriptive Writing: At the Park

Boost your kid's creative writing practice with our printable worksheet while writing a description about a day at the park.

Descriptive Writing: At the Zoo

Improve creative writing practice with this engaging printable worksheet, focusing on writing about a day at the zoo.

Descriptive Writing: Camping with Friends

Engage in creative writing practice with our enjoyable printable worksheet while writing about a camping trip with friends.

Descriptive Writing: A Visit to the Farm

Inspire your child with this printable worksheet, enhancing creative writing practice while writing about a farm visit.

Descriptive Writing: Out on a Hike

Discover the world of creative writing with our engaging practice worksheet, and write about a fun hike.

Descriptive Writing: Museum Adventures

Introduce creative writing skills with our fun practice worksheet, while writing about a visit to the museum.

Descriptive Writing: A Memorable Performance

Build creative writing skills with our engaging printable worksheet, while writing about a memorable stage performance.

Descriptive Writing: Christmas Celebrations

Explore creative writing practice with this worksheet, and write about your special Christmas celebrations.

Descriptive Writing: Helping the Community

Boost your child's creative writing skills with our fun, practice worksheet while learning about helping the community.

Descriptive Writing: Science Fair

Develop your creative writing skills with this engaging science fair-themed printable worksheet for writing practice.

Descriptive Writing: Family Trip

Learn creative writing with our engaging printable worksheet, focusing on descriptive writing about a family trip.

Descriptive Writing: Theme Park Fun

Build creative and descriptive writing skills with this engaging printable worksheet on the theme of theme parks!

Descriptive Writing: Art Class

Elevate your child's creative writing skills with our engaging printable worksheet, while writing about a fun art class

Descriptive Writing: At the Lemonade Stand

Develop creative writing skills with this fun printable worksheet as you write about what happens at the lemonade stand.

Descriptive Writing: Chefs at Work

Discover the world of picture descriptions with our engaging creative writing worksheet as you write about chefs at work.

Descriptive Writing: Family Meal

Elevate creative writing skills with our engaging picture-based printable worksheet while writing about a family meal.

Descriptive Writing: Tree House Time!

Engage in creative writing practice with our printable worksheet while writing a descriptive paragraph about tree house time.

Descriptive Writing: Off to School

Refine your child's picture description skills with this printable writing worksheet, while write about being back at school.

Your one stop solution for all grade learning needs.

Reading & Math for K-5

• Kindergarten
• Learning numbers
• Comparing numbers
• Place Value
• Roman numerals
• Subtraction
• Multiplication
• Order of operations
• Drills & practice
• Measurement
• Factoring & prime factors
• Proportions
• Shape & geometry
• Data & graphing
• Word problems
• Children's stories
• Leveled Stories
• Context clues
• Cause & effect
• Compare & contrast
• Fact vs. fiction
• Fact vs. opinion
• Main idea & details
• Story elements
• Conclusions & inferences
• Sounds & phonics
• Words & vocabulary
• Reading comprehension
• Early writing
• Numbers & counting
• Simple math
• Social skills
• Other activities
• Dolch sight words
• Fry sight words
• Multiple meaning words
• Prefixes & suffixes
• Vocabulary cards
• Other parts of speech
• Punctuation
• Capitalization
• Narrative writing
• Opinion writing
• Informative writing
• Cursive alphabet
• Cursive letters
• Cursive letter joins
• Cursive words
• Cursive sentences
• Cursive passages
• Grammar & Writing

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• Other topics

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Other Grade 3 Writing Topics

More grade 3 writing exercises.

These worksheets cover other grade 3 writing topics.

Restating the question  - restate the question in your reply

Topic sentences  - write topic sentences for given texts

Writing similes and metaphors  - describe something by comparison to something else

Paraphrasing  - rewrite a text in your own words

Formal letter writing  - write various types of formal letters

Editing practice  - edit a text using editing symbols

Sample grade 3 writing topics worksheet

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The Online Writing Lab at Purdue University houses writing resources and instructional material, and we provide these as a free service of the Writing Lab at Purdue. Students, members of the community, and users worldwide will find information to assist with many writing projects. Teachers and trainers may use this material for in-class and out-of-class instruction.

The Purdue On-Campus Writing Lab and Purdue Online Writing Lab assist clients in their development as writers—no matter what their skill level—with on-campus consultations, online participation, and community engagement. The Purdue Writing Lab serves the Purdue, West Lafayette, campus and coordinates with local literacy initiatives. The Purdue OWL offers global support through online reference materials and services.

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