Here you will find a quality collection of third grade writing prompts that give students plenty of ideas to write about.
These writing prompts encourage critical thinking, develop writing skills, stretch the imagination, and motivate kids to express themselves.
Additionally, these writing prompts for third graders reduce writer’s block resulting in students producing content faster.
That’s why they make a great addition to your collection of writing activities.
So pencil into your lesson plans this week a few of these fun 3rd-grade writing prompts.
Third Grade Writing Prompts
1. Write about something that scares you.
2. What are the three best things about being in the third grade?
3. Write about a time when you felt grouchy.
4. If you could only eat one food for the rest of your life, what would you pick and why?
5. If you had an identical twin, what kinds of pranks would you play on others?
6. Explain the differences plus similarities between chapter books and picture books.
7. Compare and contrast third grade to another grade.
8. Explain how you help out at home.
9. Write the characteristics of your dad or brother.
10. Create a new rule for your school. Explain what it would change.
11. If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would it be and why?
12. If you could hang out with one of your favorite book characters, who would it be and why? What fun things would you do together?
13. Retell a story that a family member told you.
14. Should writing prompts be included on standardized tests? Why or why not?
15. If you could change one thing about your house, what would it be and why?
16. Write about the main character of your favorite book.
17. Imagine you are Bigfoot. Describe what your life would be like.
18. Write about a time you were lost.
19. Describe the perfect birthday party.
20. Draft a letter to your grown-up self.
Related: 3rd Grade Narrative Writing Prompts
21. If you could do anything to make someone’s day nicer, what would you do?
22. Write about a time when you wished things happened differently.
23. Define a good friend.
24. Would you rather be younger or older than you are now? Why?
25. Do you think those your age should have cell phones? Why or why not?
26. What kind of animal is the best pet? Why?
27. Use figurative language to describe someone you love.
28. What would you do if you saw one of your friends breaking a rule at school?
29. Write about your favorite subject in school.
30. Explain to your parents why they should let you watch a movie.
Related: 3rd Grade Opinion Writing Prompts
31. Which school supply do you believe is the most important and why?
32. Write the best thing about being a student at your school.
33. Would you change your name if you could? Why or why not?
34. Do you believe junk food should be available at school? Why or why not?
35. Write about a real-life superhero.
36. How would you respond if someone told a lie about you?
37. Explain how someone can care for a pet or house while away on vacation.
38. Share something that was once difficult for you but is easy now.
39. Tell about your favorite holiday.
40. Explain how to make the perfect peanut butter and jelly sandwich.
41. Should school happen year-round? Why or why not?
42. Explain to a new student how to do a fire drill practice.
43. Describe an object that is the same color as your favorite color.
44. Draft ten to fifteen interesting facts about your state.
45. Summarize a good read-aloud book you read or heard recently.
46. Explain a tradition your family does each year.
47. Write an instructional manual with the rules of your favorite game.
48. Compose a poem about a birthday celebration.
49. Write about an African animal.
50. Choose an insect to write about.
51. Write a speech asking classmates to be on the fundraising committee.
52. Draft a thank you letter to a custodian.
53. Explain why some animals migrate for winter.
54. Choose an explorer, and write about where they explored.
55. Write about an extreme weather condition.
56. Share a memory about feeling excited about an event.
57. Explain how to study for a spelling test.
58. Choose an invention, and tell how it has made life easier.
59. Share a time you felt nervous.
60. Write a timeline of your life.
61. Retell a special event you attended.
62. Write about a usual day from the perspective of an eraser.
63. If you could dress up as anything for Halloween, what would it be and why?
64. Write an article for the school newspaper highlighting the benefits of attending after-school tutoring.
65. Explain how to behave appropriately on the playground.
66. Create a story using these words: third grade, field trip, broke down, transportation
67. Explain how to care for a plant.
68. Write 10 words associated with a cafeteria. Now create a poem using these words.
69. Explain what you do after school.
70. Describe a cactus.
71. Explain the correlation between feet, inches, and yards.
72. Describe something you do well.
73. Write about something you could not live without and explain why.
74. Explain the personality of your favorite book character.
75. Write about a time you helped an adult learn something new.
76. Recall a time that someone helped you.
77. Write about a “first time” that you remember well like your first time eating your favorite food or your first time playing a sport.
78. Explain how you make a pizza.
79. Tell the difference between being polite and being rude. Give examples.
80. What is the most important rule at school? Why?
81. Explain the three qualities you think are most important in a friend.
82. Should schools require students to complete homework? Why or why not?
83. Tell what you think it’s like to live in a rainforest.
84. Write about what you would do if you were a teacher for a day.
85. If you could have any pet, what would it be? How would you take care of it?
86. Explain a dream you had recently.
87. What three things make you happiest?
88. Write about a person who inspires you, and explain how.
89. In your opinion, what’s the best way to deal with bullies?
90. Describe how you think the world will be 100 years from now.
91. Write about five things you are thankful for and explain why.
92. What is your favorite type of weather? Why?
93. How can you be a good citizen? Give at least three examples.
94. If you could have a superpower, what would it be and why?
95. What or who would you spend $100 on? Why do you choose these things or people?
96. If you could meet someone famous, who would it be and why?
97. Explain how you get ready for school.
98. If you could play one sport professionally, which would it be? Why?
99. Describe the perfect weekend.
100. What do you like best and least about responding to third grade writing prompts?
101. Explain your nighttime routine.
Final Thoughts: Writing Prompts for Third Grade
Now you have a treasure-trove of 3rd grade writing prompts to use during writer’s workshop or as writing activities.
Related: best third grade read aloud books