3rd Grade Writing Prompts

Welcome to our 3rd grade writing prompts! Third grade brings more opportunity for learning and growing. These scholars are learning more and stretching their skills as students and people. It’s important to ignite a love of writing through a variety of writing opportunities and topics. Use the categories of “Feats of Fantasy,” “Mystery Mayhem,” “Awesome Animals,” “Science-Fiction Stories,” “Me!”, and “Finish-the-Ending” to embrace the magic of writing. Writers are encouraged to plan and review their work. Keep in mind that some prompts may demand contextualization depending on the learner’s background and needs.

3^rd Grade Writing Prompts

Category 1: Feats of Fantasy

Channel your inner witch, wizard, or warlock with these fantastical creative writing prompts. Writers can use these prompts to imagine encounters with magical creatures, fantasy powers, dragons, enchanted forests, and fairies.

1. Write a story about a magical creature that lives in your back or front yard.
2. Imagine that you can fly. Write a story about where you go and what you see.
3. Write a story about a kind wizard who invites you on an adventure.
4. Write a poem about a pet dragon named Dolly.
5. Draw a fantasy forest setting. Be sure to include details that show how it’s magical and unlike a normal forest.
6. Write a diary entry from the perspective of a fairy who is learning the art of fairy magic.

Category 2: Mystery Mayhem

Mystery lovers– this is the category for you! If you like to ask: “Hmm? How did that happen? Where did that come from? What should happen next?,” use this category for a thrill. Writers can use these prompts to imagine mysteries, creative clues, and wild stories that need solutions.

1. Write a story about a missing toy that is found in a strange place.
2. Pretend you are a news reporter who writes a story about students who arrive at school one day to discover that there are no adults in their school. Where did the adults go?
3. Write a story about a school talent show where a student reveals a surprise talent.
4. You’ve found a map that leads to a treasure. Write a story about the adventure, the treasure, and don’t forget to give your story a clever title!
5. Create a “WANTED” poster about a missing item. Add descriptors, images, and any information that will help potential “searchers” find the missing item.
6. Develop an infographic about the best way to solve a mystery. Create your infographic in the style of a “how-to” guide.

Category 3: Awesome Animals

Awesome animals are all around us with these creative writing prompts. From the city to the country, to the jungle to the aquarium, animals from all places can provide us with much wonder and adventure. Writers can use these prompts to imagine experiences with awesome animals and understand and share ways that we can protect our furry friends.

1. Write a story about a day in the life of a squirrel who lives in a busy city.
2. Write a script (dialogue) that details a conversation between you and your pet one hour before it’s time for your pet to have breakfast or dinner.
3. Write a story about a lost animal that you find on your way home from school and take care of.
4. Write a speech about an animal that you feel is underestimated and overlooked.
5. Write a short, informative essay about an animal that is on the verge of becoming endangered. The goal of your essay should be to spread awareness.
6. Write a short essay about an animal who plots its escape from an aquarium.

Category 4: Science-Fiction Stories

Science-fiction stories help us imagine how our world can evolve or change based on the magic and mystery of science. Writers can use these prompts to imagine time travel, spaceship classrooms, alien teachers of the future, and insects from distant worlds.

1. Design a robot who can help you do something when you feel like you’re in a rush.
2. Design a spaceship classroom. What would your space teacher need to help students learn? What unusual features would your spaceship classroom have?
3. Imagine that you can time-travel. Write a story about where you go and what you see.
4. Pretend you are a news reporter who is writing a story about the first alien teacher to ever teach at your school. Explain the alien teacher’s challenges and successes.
5. Write a journal entry from the perspective of someone who lives 1,000 years in the future.
6. Write a poem about a new type of insect that people believe has come from a distant planet.

Category 5: Me!

As with all years, it’s very important to reflect on yourself and your goals for the future. Writers can use these prompts to develop stories, reflect on the past, look forward to the future, and introduce themselves as people and learners!

1. Write a story about a time when you felt really proud of yourself.
2. Write a story about a person who is a hero to you. Share your story with them.
3. Write a story about a job or career you hope to one day have.
4. Write a journal entry that reflects on one of your greatest challenges or struggles.
5. Imagine that you could go on a vacation anywhere you wanted! Plan your travel details in an agenda/ itinerary. How long would you go and what would you do each day?
6. Create a “profile” or introduction for yourself. Use these questions to create your profile: What should people know about you? How do you like to learn? When do you feel your best? What experiences are challenging or difficult for you?

Category 6: Finish-the-Ending

One way to spur creativity is with “Finish-the-Ending” style prompts. Writers can use these 3rd grade writing prompts to begin their stories and then finish them by writing the balance of the story after the phrase, “So then,…”

1. You and your classmates discover it’s your teacher’s birthday, but you forgot to plan a party. So then,…
2. You and your classmates discover a purple egg with green spots in a corner of your classroom. So then,…
3. You and your classmates realize that one of your classmates has forgotten their lunch. So then,…
4. You and your family discover that one of you will receive an award. So then,…
5. You and your family find an unusual animal inside your mailbox. So then,…
6. You and your family realize it will rain all day when you’ve already planned a pool party. So then,…