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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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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

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!

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.
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• 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
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• January Writing Prompts
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• May Writing Prompts
• Writing Prompts for Elementary School Students
• September Writing Prompts
• Martin Luther King Jr. Writing Prompts

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

• February 22, 2024

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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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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?

How Night Zookeeper can help

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Our language arts program for kids includes thousands of award-winning writing activities, from creative writing prompts, to interactive lessons, to writing games that your child will love!

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More writing prompts & activities

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• Elementary Writing Activities

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• Award-winning reading & writing program for kids
• Improves spelling, grammar, punctuation & vocabulary
• Over 1,000 different learning games and activities

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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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The TeacherVision editorial team is comprised of teachers, experts, and content professionals dedicated to bringing you the most accurate and relevant information in the teaching space.

Engaging Writing Prompts for Grade 3 Students to Inspire Creativity

Are you looking for exciting writing prompts to engage and inspire your Grade 3 student’s creativity? Look no further! We have a wide range of stimulating writing prompts that will captivate their imagination and help them develop their writing skills.

• Key Takeaways:
• Engaging writing prompts are a great tool to inspire creativity in Grade 3 students.
• Writing prompts improve critical thinking skills and foster imagination.
• Encouraging students to write about their favorite things enhances creativity.
• Promoting new experiences and setting small goals encourages creativity in young writers.
• Using writing prompts can be beneficial for journal keeping, creative writing classes, or inspiring short stories.
• Fun and Creative Writing Prompts for Grade 3 Students

Let your Grade 3 student’s imagination run wild with these fun and creative writing prompts! From talking to animals to defending themselves against false accusations, these prompts will spark their creativity and encourage them to express their thoughts and ideas through writing.

• Imagine you have the ability to talk to animals. Write a story about a day in your life as an animal communicator. What adventures do you encounter and what do you learn from talking to animals?
• Write a persuasive essay defending yourself against false accusations. What are you accused of, and how do you prove your innocence? Use strong arguments and evidence to support your case.
• Describe a memorable dream you’ve had. What happened in the dream? How did it make you feel? Use sensory details to bring your dream to life on paper.
• Explore the concept of heroes. Who is your hero and why? What qualities make someone a hero? Write a tribute to your hero, highlighting their achievements and impact on your life.

These prompts are designed to encourage grade 3 students to think creatively and develop their writing skills. They are great for individual writing exercises, classroom discussions, or even sharing with family and friends. By writing about their favorite things like foods, places, songs, books, toys, games, seasons, holidays, movies, animals, pets, and book characters, students can further enhance their imagination and storytelling abilities.

Remember, the goal is to foster creativity and self-expression, so encourage your child to write freely and without judgment. Promote new experiences, ask them to write about what they love, encourage them to focus on the senses to bring their writing to life, and set small goals to keep them motivated.

So, let’s get started! Grab a pen and paper, or open a blank document on your computer, and let your Grade 3 student’s creativity soar with these exciting writing prompts!

• Foster Creativity and Develop Writing Skills with Writing Prompts for Grade 3

By incorporating writing prompts into your Grade 3 student’s routine, you can foster their creativity, develop their writing skills, and unleash their full potential. These engaging prompts not only enhance critical thinking but also provide an outlet for self-expression and imagination. Whether used for journal keeping or creative writing classes, these prompts will inspire your child to write captivating stories and explore their inner creativity.

One exciting writing prompt for grade 3 students is to imagine the ability to talk to animals. Encourage your child to think about what it would be like to have conversations with their favorite animals and explore the unique perspectives they might gain. Another intriguing prompt is defending oneself against false accusations. This allows your child to exercise their problem-solving skills and develop their ability to argue persuasively.

Additionally, having your child describe a memorable dream can unlock a world of imagination. Encourage your child to embellish their dream with vivid details and create a narrative that captures the essence of their experience. Exploring the concept of heroes is also a great way to inspire creativity. Your child can write about their personal heroes or invent their own superhero, complete with unique powers and a captivating backstory.

To further enhance creativity, encourage your child to write about their favorite things. This can include foods, places, songs, books, toys, games, seasons, holidays, movies, animals, pets, and book characters. By focusing on what they love, your child will be motivated to express themselves in a meaningful and engaging way.

Remember, the key to fostering creativity in young writers is to promote new experiences, not worry about perfection, focus on the senses, and set small goals. Writing prompts for grade 3 students provide the perfect platform to encourage these practices. So, unleash your child’s creativity and watch their writing skills soar with these exciting and free writing prompts!

• Q: What are the benefits of using writing prompts for grade 3 students?

A: Writing prompts improve critical thinking skills, foster imagination, and help students express themselves.

• Q: What are some interesting writing prompts for grade 3 students?

A: Some interesting writing prompts for grade 3 students include imagining the ability to talk to animals, defending oneself against false accusations, describing a memorable dream, and exploring the concept of heroes.

• Q: What are some favorite things that grade 3 students can write about?

A: Grade 3 students can write about their favorite things such as foods, places, songs, books, toys, games, seasons, holidays, movies, animals, pets, and book characters.

• Q: How can creativity be encouraged in young writers?

A: To encourage creativity in young writers, it is important to promote new experiences, not worry about perfection, have them write about what they love, focus on the senses, and set small goals.

• Q: How can writing prompts be used?

A: Writing prompts can be used for journal keeping, creative writing classes, or inspiring short stories.

• Source Links
• https://www.weareteachers.com/third-grade-writing-prompts/
• https://www.journalbuddies.com/writing-grade-level/third-grade-creative-topics/
• https://thinkwritten.com/writing-prompts-for-kids/

Hundreds of Awesome Creative Writing Topics for kids

Creative writing is a great way for children to express themselves using imagination. At Kids Play and Create, we value young writers, and we are constantly updating our list to bring you new, fun, and imaginative writing prompts for kids.

We have story starters, icebreakers, fiction writing prompts, and fun topics to inspire kids through writing. From young students to middle school students and even high school, we have great writing prompts for all writing styles and even the most reluctant writers.

We started out with 50 creative writing topics for kids but have added many more. Check back regularly for newly added writing topics. 

                Check the end of the article for updated Creative Writing Topics for Teens. Are you looking for Creative Writing topics for 1st grade and 2nd grade with free printables? We have that too!

What is Creative Writing?

Creative writing can be used to explain many types of writing. It is a writing style that lets the writer express themselves.  Some forms of creative writing entertain the reader, while others are therapeutic.  Creative writing lets the writer use their imagination and takes the reader on a journey into their thoughts.

Is Creative Writing Important?

Creative writing is a great way to learn more about the children you work with.  You can find out things about what they like and don’t like.  Depending on the topic you choose, you can also find out things about their personality, what kind of friends they are, how they feel about themselves, and if they set goals and more.  

There are many benefits to writing. Creative writing helps build critical thinking skills and writing skills. These writing prompts will build a child’s confidence to write their own stories.

How do you get kids to want to write without complaining?  Give them fun topics that they will learn about themselves while writing.  On this list, you will find various good topics for both younger and older children.

Creative Writing is fun for All Ages.

Creative writing isn’t just for older children. It can be for the little ones too. Young students as early as Preschool or Kindergarten may not have the ability to write but can express themselves through drawing.

Have young students concentrate less on the writing and more on drawing a picture that goes with the topic. Children are great at expressing themselves through art.

Awesome Creative Writing Prompts for Elementary Students

1. Have the children write on top of the page:  I Am Special Because… This is a good topic to help children express themselves.

Have the children think about why they are special and ask themselves questions, here are some examples: what am I good at? Who have they helped? How have I made a difference? What special talent do I have?

2. If I was a superhero, what kind of superhero would I be, and what powers would I have? (This can also be done using villains)

 Examples of powers they can write about: are flying, super speed, eye lasers, walking through walls, shooting ice, shooting fire, changing the weather, camouflage, shapeshifting (changing shape), and turning invisible. 

Activity:  Keep track of who chose a superhero or a villain. Do not let the children know that another activity will follow after the writing activity. When the writing activity is over, split the children into two teams, the superhero team and the villain team.  Have them vs. each other in a game of tag.  Who will champion the superheroes or the villains? 

3. What do I want to be when I grow up and why? This a great way to get to know children.  By asking what they want to be when they grow up, you can find out what the children like.  It’s also a great way for children to start thinking about the future.

4. If you were given three wishes, what would they be and why? This is a fun topic.  Children can think about having anything in the world.  Will they pick something like peace on earth or go the million-dollar route?  

5. If I could invent a new animal, what animal would it be?  Have the children ask themselves the following questions: What does the animal look like (what color, is it big or small, is it a combination of two animals)?  What sounds does the animal make?  What does it eat?  Where does it live?  Describe the animal’s habitat.

Creative Writing Topics for Kids

6. If I could invent a new toy, what kind of toy would I create and why? Or, If I could improve a toy, which toy would I improve, and how would I make it better?  You can talk to the children about the creative process:  First, you come up with an idea, then you have to get it made.  You can talk to the children about manufacturing toys.  Here are some questions you can ask the children about improving a toy.  How do you want to make the toy better?  Do you want to make the remote control car faster?  Is the game challenging enough?  Do you want your doll to have more features or do more?  These are all questions you can ask the children to get their brains thinking.

7. If I could make something disappear in my life, what would it be and why? Ask the children if there is something in your life that makes them unhappy.  Is there a problem you are having?  

8. All About me essay. Some sample questions the children can ask are:  What are my likes and dislikes? What is my favorite subject in school? What do I want to be when I group up?  Who is their favorite actress/actor?  Where do they want to visit? They can name the people in their family, talk about any extracurricular activities they do, etc.

In what ways do I help my family? Have children write about the ways they help their families.  Do you have chores?  If so, what are they?  Do you help your mom or dad cook?  Do you talk out the garbage? Do you take care of your siblings?  Do you have a job to help pay bills?  

10. How can I be a better friend?  Have children think about what type of friends they are.  Are they good listeners?  Are you kind?  Do you talk about your friends to other people?  Have them think about how they would like to be treated by a friend, do they treat their friends the way they want to be treated?

The Best Creative Writing Topics for 4th and 5th grade

11. If you could be invisible, what would you do and why? Have the children think about what it would be like to be invisible.  Would they use this new power for good or would they try to do something bad?

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12. What do you think about bullies and why? Have the children define what a bully is to them in their paper.  Do they think they are a bully?  Do they think bullying is wrong?  Remember, these are things the children are feeling, there are no wrong answers.

13. Why is it important to be honest and not lie?  To them, the children with their writing ask them the following questions. What does it mean to be honest?  Have you ever told a lie that turned into another lie?

14. What would you do if you won a million dollars?  This question is usually a favorite topic with the children.  Ask them if they think one million dollars is a lot of money.  Depending on where you live, it might be just enough to buy a small house and a car.  What are some things you would buy?  Would you save some or spend it all?

15. If you could change the world, what would you do and why? This is a good question for older children.  Would they change things, such as ending hate and violence in the world? Would they change things such as making gas or food free for everyone? You will get various answers, making this a fun and interesting topic.

Fun Writing Prompts Ideas

16. If you were a king/queen, what would you do and why? This is a fun topic for both younger and older children.  Activity: Have the children draw their kingdom and a picture of them as king or queen

17. If you could invent a video game, what kind of game would you create and why? This topic is also great for older children and young er children.  Children love playing video games, they may not realize that they can make video games for a living.  Talk to the children about video game developers and the process of creating video games.  Have them brainstorm ideas for games, and find out what they can come up with.

18. Write about a time when you had to be brave, what did you do, and how did it feel?  Ask the children if they have ever been afraid. What were they afraid of? Did something scary happen to them?  What did they do to get through it?

19. Write about a trip to the moon, how did you get there, what did you see, it was fun or scary?

20. Write about something you are good at?

21. Write about one thing you want to learn about?

22. Write about a time when you worked hard to get something. This can be a thing or an accomplishment, like making a team, finally getting that cartwheel, or passing a test.

23. Write about five things you could be better at if you worked hard and gave more effort.  There is always room for improvement.  Talk to the children about the importance of trying hard and working towards a goal.

24. If you had to give away $1,000, what would you do with it, who would you give it to? This is a great question when talking to children about being kind and helping others.  

Journal Prompts or Kids

25. What is the best thing someone has ever given to you?

26. What is the nicest thing someone has ever done for you?

27. Write about what you can teach others. Everyone is good at something.  This question helps children think about what they’re good at and how they can help others.

28. Did you ever get into an argument with a friend or family member? How did that make you feel?  

29. Did you ever hurt someone’s feelings?  Explain what happened and how it made you feel.  

30. Did someone ever hurt your feelings? How did it make you feel? Did you talk to that person about it?

31. Is there anyone you would like to switch places with? who and why?

32. What does it mean to be loyal?

33. When was a time you were loyal to a friend or a friend who was loyal to you?

34. What famous person would you like to meet? Write about a day spent with a famous person.

Self-Esteem Writing Topics

34. Has a friend ever betrayed you? How did it make you feel? What do you think your friend should have done differently?

35. Have you ever been friends with someone who was unpopular or not part of the group?  This is a great question to ask children when teaching them about acceptance and how it feels not to be part of a group.

36. When was a time you felt you were treated unfairly? How did it make you feel?

37. Is it fair to give someone a head start in a race?  When is it fair? When is it not fair?

38. Write about a time when you had a strong opinion about something? Why did you feel so strongly about it?

39. Write about a time you made a big mistake.  How did you fix it?  Everyone makes mistakes.  This writing topic helps children understand that mistakes are part of the learning experience.

40. Write about a time when you were very angry.  What happened? How did being angry make you feel? I find that many times children will feel sad when they are angry.  Did I make a good choice when I was angry? This is a great writing topic when discussing feelings with children.  It is important for them to understand that anger isn’t wrong, and you are allowed to feel angry.

41. If you heard a rumor about a friend you knew wasn’t true, what would you do? How would it make you feel?

42. Write about a time when you cheered someone up. What did you do? How did it make you feel? How did it make that person feel?

43. Write about a time you used your inner strength to get through a tough situation.

44. Write about three things that are hard for you and why.

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45. When was the last time you were afraid? What scared you? How did you react?

46. What is the bravest thing you’ve ever done?

47. Who is your hero, and why?

48. What do you think risk-taking is?  Have you ever taken a risk?

49. Write about your best friend. Who are they, how long have you known them, and why are they your best friend?

50. What does it mean to have good character? Do you think you have good character, why?

Short Story Writing Topics for Kids

51. Think about something you are not allowed to do but wish you could.  Write about why you want to do it and why you should be allowed to do it.

52. If you could be on a t.v show, which one would it be and why?  

53. If you had to choose to be one age for the rest of your life which age would you want to be?  Why?

54.  If you could pick the perfect job, what would it be?

55. You just found a treasure map, write about what you would do next.  Do you decide to look for the treasure?  Who is going to help you?  What supplies do you need? Did the map lead you to the treasure, or was it fake?  If you found the treasure, what was it?  What did you do with it?

56. You just built a time machine.  Where in time would you go?  What did you do?  What did you see?  Would you want to stay there or come back to the present time?

57.  You just discovered a new land.  What are you going to call your land?  What kind of animals live there?  Have you discovered anything on your land?  What are you going to build on your new land?

58. Challenge the kids to write a scary story.

59. If you are working with younger children, instead of having them write, you can have them draw and answer questions about their drawing.  Try some of these topics.

1  Create a monster.  Your monster can be silly, scary, funny, big, little, colorful, etc..  What is your monster’s name?  What does your monster eat?  Where does your monster live?  Is your monster nice or mean?  You can write the answers to the questions on the paper for the child or have them come up and share their drawing, while they are showing their picture, ask them questions about their monster.

2.  Create an animal.  This is the same as the monster but just an animal instead.

3. Create new food. What kind of food is it?  Is it a dessert, is it something spicy, is it a combination of both?  Have the children draw a picture of their new food.

Group Writing Prompts for Kids

I’ve been working with kids on group writing and art projects.  The kids enjoyed these topics the best.

58. Create a fairy tale. have each group member write one part of the story. Then have each member of the group draw one part of the story. When the children are finished writing, have them come up in front of the class and retell their story.   

59.  Create an amusement park.  Discuss as a group the name of the park.  Have each member of the group write about the parts of the park. 

A. What is the theme of your park?  Adventure, thrill rides, water rides, safari, etc.

B.  Write about the type of rides in the park.  Are there shows in the park?

C. Describe places to eat at the park and what type of food they serve.

D. Do they have a gift shop?  What do they sell at your park?

Art Project:  On a large poster board, have each group member draw a park map.  List of attractions, games, food, restrooms, gift shops, shows, etc..

 60. Create a planet – Your group has just discovered a new planet.  Have a group discussion about the planet.  What is the name?  Do anyone live on the planet? Is there water on the planet? Did you find fossils, aliens, or animals?  Is there oxygen? Are there plants, trees, or water?  Have each member of the group write something about the planet.

Art Project: Make a planet out of paper mache.  Once dry, paint, and decorate the planet.

Newly Added Creative Writing Prompts

61. Create a new food/or meal and make a recipe to teach others how to make it.  Have the kids draw a picture of the new food/meal.

62. Create a new game and describe how to play.  This writing topic lets children use their imaginations.  Have the children draw out the game on paper.  If creating a  board game, have the children turn the paper into a board game.

63. Write about a time you lost a game, didn’t do well on a test, or made a mistake, what lesson did you learn? This is a great writing topic to use when teaching children about losing.  Everyone loses sometimes.  losing actually makes you better.  Without losing, sometimes, you won’t strive to become better.

64.  Your video just went viral on Youtube.  What did you do in your video? These days children spend so much time looking at videos on Youtube.  Have them imagine what it would be like to become famous overnight with a viral video.

Fabulous Creative Writing Prompts for Kids

65.  Pretend you had an evil twin.  Write about some things your evil twin does.

66. What is the grossest lunch you have ever been served?  Write about this gross meal.  Remember to add many details about what the food looked and tasted like.

67. What is your sorcerer’s name?  What kind of sorcerer would you be?  Would you be evil or nice?  What kind of powers would you have?  What is something that you did as a sorcerer?

68. What are your personal superpowers?  Are you a great friend, are you smart, do you have a hidden talent?  Write about the superpowers that you already have.

See also   Black History Month Writing Prompts for Students .

69. Write about a time when you were proud of your work and did your best.  How did that make you feel?  Do you always try your best?  Why or why not

70. You have been working hard on your schoolwork/project all for a while, and your mind and body are tired, and you need a break.  What are some ways that you like to take a break?  Do you like to color, take deep breaths, play your favorite game, nap, or have a snack?  Tell us about how you like to take a break.

• Invent a new holiday. What would you call your holiday? When is it celebrated? How is it celebrated?
• You became a movie star overnight, what movie were you in? What character did you play?
• Write about your favorite sport. Why is it your favorite? Give directions on how to play.
• What is your favorite thing? Describe it and tell why it is your favorite.
• Who is your favorite teacher? Explain why they are your favorite.

The Best Creative Writing Prompts and Topics for Teens

• Have you ever seen somebody being treated unfairly?  If so, did you do anything about it, or did you ignore it and walk away?
• Do you talk to people the same way in person as you do on social media?
• How do you think social media has changed or is changing the world?
• What kind of America do you want to live in?
• What are your plans after high school?
• What do you think college life is like?
• Do you think it is important to save money at your age?  If so, how do you save money?  Why do you think it is important?
•  Do you know what it means to have good credit?  Do you think it is important to have good credit?  Why?
• Would you ever join the military?  Why?
• Who is your idol, and why?
• What is your favorite childhood memory?

New Creative Writing Prompts for Middle School and High School Students

• If you could take a trip anywhere in the world, where would you go?
• Write about something you would love to try and why
• Write about something you did but then felt guilty about it later.  How did you handle the situation?
• What is the hardest experience you have ever been through?  How did you handle it?
• Have you ever been to a job interview?  Where are you prepared?  Did you get the job? Would you say something different if you could do it over? Would you be better prepared next time?
• How do you think the world will be 50 years from now? How do you think people will treat each other?  How do you think the internet/social media has changed the world?  What kind of cars do you think we will be driving?  Will we still be using gas?
• Write about your dream home.  Would you live in a house or an apartment in the city?  Do you want a big house or something small?  What kind of fun features would your dream home have?
• If you were a parent, would you let your child have a social media account?  Why or why not?
• Would you rather work in a team on a project or alone?
• Write about your favorite song, why is it your favorite?  What is your favorite verse?  How do you feel when listening to it?
• If you were a clothing designer, what kind of clothes would you design?
• You have to spend one year stranded on a deserted island, you can bring five things or people with you, what do you bring?
• You are a superhero, you have to use your powers to make a positive change in the world.  What powers do you have?
• You are given the power to change one thing you don’t like about yourself, would you change anything?  If yes, what would you change and why?
• Write about your future self. What is your life like?

Updated Creative Writing Topics for Middle School and High School

• You are creating a new amusement park.  What kind of park would it be?  What kind of rides does it have?
• Write about the best Christmas gift you have ever received. Explain what it was, why it was your favorite, who gave it to you, do you still have it.  
• You were given 1 million dollars, but you must give it away.  Who would you give it to?  would you give it to one person or a couple of different people?  Would you donate it to an organization? 
• Name 5 of the most important things in your life ( house, family, health, etc..); now you just lost all of them.  How would you feel, what would you do?
• You just became a YouTube sensation.  What did you do that made you famous?  How does it feel to be recognized by people on the street?
• A friend of yours has been depressed and said that they told you they don’t want to live anymore.  What do you do and why?
• How would people describe you and why?
• Do you think that violent video games make people violent?  Do you think there should be age restrictions on video games?
• You have a choice of giving up social media or hanging out with your friends for a week, which one do you choose and why?
• Do you think what you learn in school can help you in the real world?  What topics do you think you should be learning and why?

The Best Creative Writing Prompts for Teens Continued 

• Do you think that money can buy happiness, why or why not?
• Do you think you need higher education to become successful?
• How important is your cell phone with you? I rather give up….blank…. than my cell phone (explain).
•  Describe the perfect day. What would you do?
• Have you ever been faced with discrimination?  Were you the one being discriminated against, or were you a witness to discrimination, How did you feel?
• If you were given the opportunity to meet anyone in the world, living or dead, who would you want to meet and why?
• Why do you think we pay taxes?  Do you believe taxes are necessary?  What do you think our tax money is used for?

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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

70 Picture Prompts for Creative Writing (with Free Slides)

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Visual writing prompts help young writers generate new ideas and overcome writer’s block. We’ve put together 70 picture prompts for creative writing that you can use in your writing centers or lesson plans to get your students’ creative juices flowing.

Picture Writing Prompts for All Ages

Writers of all ages and experience levels can get stuck thinking about what to write. Writer’s block is not just a challenge for reluctant writers. Even professional writers have days when they feel less than inspired.

Visual prompts can result in a vast array of story ideas. A single image viewed by ten writers will result in ten completely different stories. Even if you use verbal cues to get students thinking about the picture, each student will still write a unique response to the image.

Visual creative writing prompts are fantastic for elementary school because younger students often relate more to a pictorial prompt than a written one, but don’t shy away from using these with high school and middle school students as well. Pictures make a fun alternative to your typical writing prompts and story starters and can help shake up your regular routine.

How to Use Picture Prompts for Creative Writing

There’s no limit to the ways you can use writing prompts. Here are some of our favorite ways to incorporate image prompts into your weekly lesson plans .

• Writing Center. Print cards or writing pages with these images on them and put them in a writing center for your students to discover at their own pace.
• Specific Skills. Use story picture prompts to help kids work on specific writing skills. For example, you could work on descriptive writing by having them describe the setting of the picture in detail. Or you could work on character development by having them make up a history for a person in a picture.
• Warm-up Activity: You could pop the pictures into Google slides and project an image on a screen or whiteboard for the first fifteen minutes of class and have students work on a short story as soon as they enter the class.

No matter how you decide to use them—whether at home or in the classroom—photographic writing prompts are a great way to cultivate a daily writing habit and encourage kids to explore new topics.

70 Pictures for Writing Prompts

We’ve selected 70 of the most interesting pictures we could find for this exercise. When choosing photos for writing prompts, we look for high-quality photos with intriguing subject matter, but we try to go beyond that. We want to share images that suggest a story, that make the viewer ask questions and wonder why things are the way they are.

We want to feel propelled to explore questions like, What happened before the photo that led to this moment? What are we witnessing in this photo? What’s about to happen?

A photo doesn’t make much of a story starter if it doesn’t suggest that there might be a bigger picture lurking beneath the surface.

We hope you and your students love these picture prompts for creative writing as much as we do. If you love them, go ahead and scroll to the bottom to grab your own copy.

We’ve included a couple of questions with each picture that you could use to spark pre-writing conversations in your classroom, which can be helpful when working with younger students who might need a little more direction.

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Whose cat is this? What is he looking at? Where is he?

What is the owl thinking about? Is he alone? What does he hope to eat for dinner?

Who are these frogs? What is their relationship with each other? Why are they taking photos?

How did the dog get a phone? Why is he taking selfies? What is he doing with the pictures he takes?

This cat doesn’t look too happy. What’s bugging him? Did he get too many phone calls or is he waiting on an important call that’s taking too long to come?

What do these chicks think of the dog? What does the dog think of the chicks? Do you think they can communicate with each other? If so, what would they say?

Where do these lemurs live? What are they looking at? What is something unusual that might happen to them?

What is this fox doing? Is he yawning and stretching or is he trying to scare someone away? What kind of mischief does he like to get up to?

Is this wolf alone? If not, who is with him? What is he planning to do? Does he have a family to feed or protect?

What is this child doing on the laptop? Can he actually read and type or is he just playing? If he can read and type, how did he learn that at such a young age? What other cool things can he do?

Where is this woman? Is she lost? How did she get to this street? What interesting things might she discover as she explores this new city?

Why is the dog wearing glasses? Can he see through them? What are he and the girl doing? How does he feel about it?

Who are these two little boys? What is their relationship with each other? What is the teddy bear’s story?

Who are these children? Why are they running? Is it a race or are they playing a game? Who’s going to win?

Whose horse is this? Does the little boy own it or does he just visit it? Can the horse talk? How does the boy feel when he’s with the horse?

What is this boy reading? Does the book have magical powers? Does the boy? Do the stories in the book become real or does something else special happen?

Where is this man? How did he get there? What is he looking for?

Who is walking over the bridge? What’s on the other side? Is it worth the risk?

What are these people doing on the elephant? Where are they? Are they tourists or is the elephant their pet? What would life with an elephant be like?

Who made this map? It looks old. Has it been hidden away for a long time? Who discovered it and how? What does it lead to?

Whose typewriter is this? What important or secretive thing might they be working on? What could happen if the wrong person finds their work?

Who are these three stuffed animals? Are they living? What is their story?

Whose ukulele is this? Why did they leave it here? Who might find it?

Where is the owner of the bike? Where does this path lead? What if the bike’s not there when the owner returns?

Whose shoes are these? Why did they leave them here? Why are they so dirty?

Who was reading the newspaper? What was the most interesting thing they read? Where have they disappeared to?

Who put this sign on the old truck? What do you think of it? How did the truck end up in its current condition and location?

Who set the table? Who are they expecting? What special occasion are they celebrating? What could go wrong?

Whose birthday cake is this? Are they having a party? Who is there? Who did they want to have there that didn’t show up?

Who lives here? How do they access their home? What is their life like?

Who built the igloo? Where is it? How does it feel to spend the night inside it?

What is the history of this castle? Who lives in it now? Does it have any special or magical features?

Is this barn abandoned or do people live on the property? What kind of animals might live here? How do they keep themselves entertained?

What is it like living on a houseboat? What kind of community do you think forms among the neighbors? Imagine you live on one of these boats and think about how your daily life might change. What interesting things could you do if you lived here? What would you miss the most?

Where is this hut? Who lives here? What mystery might unfold if a stranger came knocking at their door?

What is this lighthouse called? Who runs it? How often do they leave? What is the most memorable experience they’ve had as a lighthouse operator?

How did this house get here? Does anyone live in it? What would life be like here?

Where is this festive street? Are the people there celebrating something? Where is everybody?

Who lives here? How did they build this house? Are they hiding from something? What does it look like inside?

Whose notebook is this? Why did they leave it here? What’s written in it and how might it change the life of the person who finds it?

What are these women doing? What are they supposed to be doing? Will they be in trouble if they get caught?

Who might be represented in this statue? Why is she being pulled by lions? What amazing things might she have done to deserve a statue in this prominent place?

Where is this? Who is riding in the hot air balloons? Where are they going and why?

How old is this tree? Where is it? What are some of the most fascinating stories it could tell?

Where is this carousel? Who is riding it? Can you think of a special or strange story about how it came to exist in this particular place?

What are these people thinking about? What’s at stake for them? What happens if one of them sneezes?

Where are these penguins? What are they talking about? Which one of them is the leader?

What is this place? Was it designed to be open like this or was it once part of someone’s home or a public building? How have people’s opinions of this place changed over time?

Who are these kids? Is this what they’re supposed to be doing? What happens when their teacher sees them?

Who is supposed to ride in this boat? Where are they going? Will they make it there?

Is this plane special to someone? What did they have to do to get it/build it? Where will they fly to in it?

Who decorated this train car? Which passengers will fill it up? What will they talk about?

Whose skis are these? Why are they sticking out of the snow? How did their owner get down the mountain without them?

Where does this gondola go? Who rides it? How does it feel to ride it?

Who’s driving the monster truck? Why is it at the beach? What is it going to crush? Who is watching?

Where is the boat going? Who is on it? What is their mission?

What city is the helicopter flying over? Why? Is the driver looking for something specific or do they have a special delivery?

What’s the little boy doing in the boat? Is he alone or is someone with him? Where is he trying to go?

Who is in the sub? What’s it like inside? What are they doing?

Whose book is this? What’s it about? What’s happening to it?

How did that piece of land with the house on it break off from the rest of the world? Why? Where is it going? Is anyone in the house?

Who is this girl? Where is she? Who is she shooting at?

Where does this scene take place? Is the lizard/dragon good or bad? What is its relationship with the girl?

What do these books represent? What kind of world is this? What (or who) is inside the books?

What are these dinosaurs discussing? Where are they? What do they do for fun?

Whose cottage is this? Do they still live there? If not, where have they gone? If so, what do they do there?

What is the moth thinking about? Is it alone? What’s the biggest challenge it faces in this moment?

Who is the owl looking at? Has it read these books? What is its greatest talent?

Where are these trees? Why are they pink? Do they have any special powers or features?

What do you think? Which kind of pictures do you like best for creative writing prompts ? Let us know in the comments.

Tuesday 5th of March 2024

I LOVE these! My daughter has always struggled with written story prompts and an internet search this week convinced me of the value of picture prompts for reluctant readers/writers (https://youcanjournal.com/journal-picture-prompts/ if you're interested!). I'll definitely be using these to help improve her writing skills. Thanks so much!

Tuesday 26th of December 2023

I think the idea of using picture prompts is a great idea. It initiates oral language thus building vocabulary. It allows lends itself to students working in small groups to stimulate new ideas. The prompts engage the students and gives the teacher the opportunity to focus on specific writing skills.

luke elford

Wednesday 13th of December 2023

cloey mckay

Tuesday 17th of October 2023

I tried this with myself and my 6th-grade students, and they love it. it gives room for so much creativity.

Nayyar Abbas

Tuesday 30th of May 2023

This is very good idea and it really works, viewing these one try to think one's own way that what these pictures are telling or asking? I also recommend that this idea should also be given to the students for building their creative instinct.

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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 (1,282)
• Number Sense (172)
• Number Representation (6)
• Represent Numbers Using Place Value Blocks (5)
• Compare and Order Numbers (56)
• Compare Numbers (37)
• Compare Numbers within 20 (2)
• Compare Numbers within 100 (23)
• Compare Two 2-Digit Numbers (7)
• Compare 3-Digit Numbers (10)
• Compare Multi-Digit Numbers (1)
• Order Numbers (19)
• Order 3-Digit Numbers (10)
• Order Multi-Digit Numbers (9)
• Skip Counting (2)
• Skip Count by 10 (2)
• Even and Odd Numbers (24)
• Place Value (67)
• Read and Write Numbers (21)
• Place Value Chart (12)
• 3-Digit Numbers on Place Value Chart (12)
• Round Numbers (21)
• Round Numbers to the Nearest 10 (10)
• Round Numbers to the Nearest 100 (10)
• Addition (184)
• Model Addition (3)
• Addition Properties (2)
• Commutative Property of Addition (2)
• Add Using Models (3)
• Addition Strategies (47)
• Addition Strategies within 20 (10)
• Make 10 Strategy (6)
• Add Three Whole Numbers (3)
• Addition Strategies within 100 (12)
• Add using multiples of 10 (7)
• Addition Strategies within 1000 (25)
• Add using multiples of 100 (18)
• Addition Facts (6)
• Fluently Add within 20 (6)
• Equal Expressions (2)
• Addition Without Regrouping (55)
• Add within 100 without Regrouping (1)
• Add within 1000 without Regrouping (54)
• Add 10 to 3-digit numbers (4)
• Add 100 to 3-digit numbers (7)
• Add 3-digit number to 1-digit (10)
• Add 3-digit number to 2-digit (12)
• Add two 3-digit numbers (22)
• Addition With Regrouping (55)
• Add within 100 with Regrouping (17)
• Add within 1000 with Regrouping (38)
• Regroup ones and add (10)
• Regroup ones and tens and add (10)
• Subtraction (171)
• Model Subtraction (4)
• Subtract using Models (7)
• Subtraction Strategies (47)
• Subtraction Strategies within 20 (10)
• Relate Addition and Subtraction within 20 (2)
• Subtract from 10 Strategy (4)
• Subtraction Strategies within 100 (19)
• Subtract using multiples of 10 (6)
• Subtraction Strategies within 1000 (18)
• Subtract using multiples of 100 (11)
• Subtraction Facts (6)
• Fluently Subtract within 20 (6)
• Equal Expressions in Subtraction (2)
• Subtraction Without Regrouping (46)
• Subtract within 100 without Regrouping (3)
• Subtract Multiples of 10 (2)
• Subtract within 1000 without Regrouping (43)
• Subtraction With Regrouping (42)
• Subtract within 100 with Regrouping (13)
• Subtract within 1000 with Regrouping (29)
• Subtract across Zeros (1)
• Multiplication (303)
• Arrays (12)
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• Multiplication Sentences (43)
• Repeated Addition to Multiply (10)
• Multiplication on Number Line (1)
• Multi-digit Multiplication (3)
• Multiply 2-digit by 1-digit Numbers (3)
• Multiplication Properties (62)
• Associative Property (10)
• Commutative Property (10)
• Distributive Property (27)
• Multiply by 0 and 1 (10)
• Estimate Products (7)
• Multiply by multiples of 10 (9)
• Times Tables (87)
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• Multiplication Facts of 2 (10)
• Multiplication Facts of 3 (10)
• Multiplication Facts of 4 (10)
• Multiplication Facts of 5 (10)
• Multiplication Facts of 6 (10)
• Multiplication Facts of 7 (10)
• Multiplication Facts of 8 (10)
• Multiplication Facts of 9 (10)
• Multiplication Facts of 10 (6)
• Multiply by 11 (5)
• Multiply by 12 (5)
• Division (144)
• Division Facts (48)
• Division Facts of 2 (5)
• Division Facts of 3 (6)
• Division Facts of 4 (5)
• Division Facts of 5 (5)
• Division Facts of 6 (5)
• Division Facts of 7 (5)
• Division Facts of 8 (5)
• Division Facts of 9 (5)
• Division Facts of 10 (5)
• Divide on a Number Line (10)
• Long Division (11)
• Divide 2-digit by 1-digit Numbers (8)
• Divide 3-digit by 1-digit Numbers (3)
• Estimate Quotients (19)
• Fractions (156)
• Identify Fractions (25)
• Identify fractions using models (9)
• Identify fractions on the number line (11)
• Represent Fractions (42)
• Represent fractions on the number line (10)
• Mark fractions on the number line (10)
• Represent fractions using models (10)
• Represent fractions using real-word objects (8)
• Compare Fractions (13)
• Compare fractions using visual models (5)
• Compare fractions using number lines (2)
• Compare fractions without visual models (6)
• Order Fractions (18)
• Order fractions using visual models (10)
• Order fractions without visual models (8)
• Equivalent Fractions (21)
• Equivalent fractions using models (7)
• Equivalent fractions using number lines (7)
• Equivalent fractions without visual models (7)
• Identify equivalent fractions (2)
• Convert Fractions (3)
• Mixed Numbers as Fractions (3)
• Fractions Operations (5)
• Add and Subtract Fractions (4)
• Subtract Fractions (4)
• Subtract fractions using models (2)
• Subtract like fractions (4)
• Add and Subtract mixed numbers (1)
• Add mixed numbers (1)
• Add two mixed numbers (1)
• Decimals (20)
• Read and Write Decimals (2)
• Decimals Expanded Form (2)
• Compose Decimals (2)
• Compare and Order Decimals (3)
• Compare decimals (3)
• Compare decimals using models (3)
• Compare using decimal grids (2)
• Compare using decimal number lines (1)
• Equivalent Decimals (3)
• Geometry (34)
• Shapes (23)
• 2d Shapes (23)
• Identify Quadrilaterals (3)
• Identify triangles (1)
• Identify polygons (10)
• Attributes of 2D shapes (5)
• Hierarchy of 2D shapes (1)
• Partition 2D Shapes (3)
• Partition into equal parts (3)
• Measurement (46)
• Capacity (4)
• Conversion of Measurement Units (6)
• Data Handling (15)
• Organize and Interpret Data (11)
• Organize data in bar graphs (1)
• Organize data in line plots (1)
• Organize data in picture graphs (1)
• Interpret data in bar graphs (1)
• Interpret data in line plots (1)
• Interpret data in picture graphs (1)
• Length (12)
• Measure Lengths (11)
• Measure Lengths using the ruler (11)
• Estimate Lengths (1)
• Area of Shapes (3)
• Area of 2D Shapes (2)
• Area as Additive (1)
• Perimeter (5)
• Perimeter of Shapes (5)
• Perimeter of Regular Shapes (2)
• Perimeter of Irregular Shapes (2)
• Analog Clock (11)
• Set time (4)
• Elapsed Time (1)
• Time in Quarter Hours (12)
• Time to the Nearest 5 Minutes (10)
• Time to the Nearest Minute (1)
• Counting Money (19)
• Operations With Money (2)
• Multiply and Divide Money (1)
• Algebra (9)
• Factors and Multiples (9)
• Multiples (9)
• Word Problems (173)
• Addition and Subtraction Word Problems (84)
• Addition Word Problems (39)
• Addition Word Problems within 100 (19)
• Add to Compare Word Problems (10)
• Addition Word Problems within 1000 (18)
• Subtraction Word Problems (20)
• Subtraction Word Problems within 20 (1)
• Subtraction Word Problems within 100 (10)
• Subtract to Compare Word Problems (10)
• Subtraction Word Problems within 1000 (9)
• Multiplication and Division Word Problems (58)
• Multiplication Word Problems (37)
• Division Word Problems (21)
• Multi-step Word Problems (32)
• Reading (88)
• Phonics (2)
• Diphthongs (2)
• Reading Skills (86)
• Cause and Effect (4)
• Inference (3)
• Identify the Main Idea (8)
• Prediction (5)
• Sequencing (7)
• Story Elements (6)
• Authors Purpose (3)
• Compare and Contrast (4)
• Ask and Answer Questions (4)
• Point of View (3)
• Comprehension (13)
• Character Analysis (8)
• Reality and Fantasy (4)
• Using Illustrations (4)
• Using Text Features (3)
• Context Clues (4)
• Evaluating Authors Argument and Evidence (3)
• Writing (304)
• Handwriting (259)
• Word Tracing (83)
• Sentence Writing (50)
• Cursive Writing (126)
• Creative Writing (45)
• Grammar (194)
• Adverbs and Adjectives (46)
• Nouns and Pronouns (78)
• Pronouns (13)
• Parts of Speech (8)
• Prepositions and Conjunctions (11)
• Prepositions (2)
• Punctuation (7)
• Sentences (2)
• Verbs and Tenses (46)
• Article A An The (1)
• Spelling (17)
• Common Misspellings (6)
• Unscramble (8)
• Vocabulary (49)
• Abbreviations and Contractions (3)
• Affixes (4)
• Commonly Confused Words (6)
• Compound Words (9)
• Figures of Speech (4)
• Similes and Metaphors (4)
• Synonyms and Antonyms (10)
• Word Puzzles (13)

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.

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