Third-graders are beginning to learn from their peers. Ask them for their help when brainstorming.
Third-graders are busy expanding their vocabularies and learning about the world, and they're starting to wonder about where they belong in the big picture. Some of the best writing prompts for third-graders capitalize on both their greater understanding and their growing worries.
Understanding Third Graders
Developmentally, third graders have good logic skills and are reading well enough to follow multi-step directions. They probably appreciate different types of humor (including sarcasm) and are savvy enough to grasp the difference between "salesmanship" and mere description. Emotionally, while third graders are still seeking adult approval, they're growing up fast, connecting to their peers in a more meaningful way, and typically exclude adults from their play.
By taking these things into account when brainstorming with third graders, you can help them develop writing ideas to engage their imaginations and improve their writing skills.
Ideas
Third-graders are taking small steps toward independence. Support them by giving them writing prompts such as:
- Write step-by-step instructions for making a sandwich, tying your shoe, or brushing your teeth.
If they need help getting started, tell them to pretend they are explaining the task to a first- or second-grade child or a younger sibling.
Remember that their problem-solving skills are improving dramatically at this age. Involve children in brainstorming, using "what if" and "how" questions, for example:
- You and three friends want to form a band, but you have no instruments. What can you do?
If they need help formulating ideas, ask them how they might make music with objects around the house or on the playground. Or, ask them how they could earn money to buy instruments.
While third-graders share many common developmental traits, they're all individuals. Because of that, it's important to recognize many different things will capture their interest.
Look at their daily activities for ideas. The books they like to read, the clubs they belong to, the music they like and the jokes they tell all offer clues about their interests. Chances are, those things will provide great writing prompts.
More Writing Prompts
When an expanded vocabulary meets a child's sense of wonder, writing is fun.
Of course, one of the best ways to brainstorm writing ideas for third-graders is to ask the children themselves. Try open-ended questions with an element of fantasy, like these:
- If you could join any club or sports team in the world, which would you join and why?
- If there were no clubs or teams in the world, what kind of club or team would you start?
- Pretend you are 18-feet tall. Now tell your best friend what it's like.
- Your shoes are talking to each other. What are they saying?
Developing Skills
An adult directing a brainstorming session using writing ideas like these can focus the children on a variety of different skills, from using sensory details in their descriptions to creating dialogue. More advanced third-graders might be ready to use a single writing prompt to develop different ideas, or to rewrite an answer using a different tense or another point-of-view.
When third-graders are brainstorming, don't be surprised if their writing surprises you.
