3rd grade opinion essay samples

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Opinion writing for grade 3

Opinions, reasons and examples.

These worksheets and writing prompts help students express their opinions in writing in a structured manner.

Supporting details : adding details to support the main idea

Writing opinion paragraphs : stating and supporting your opinion

Opinion paragraphs with examples : using examples to support your reasons

Opinion writing prompts : write opinion pieces from prompts

Grade 3 opinion writing worksheet

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Scaffolding an Opinion Writing Essay With Frames and Templates

Teaching opinion writing to your 3rd, 4th, or 5th grade students soon?  Use the sentence starters and paragraph frames below in your lessons to help students structure their writing, use transitional words, stay on topic, and support their opinions.

Templates like the examples below are a great way to introduce opinion writing.  The hope is that eventually, students will go on to write without a provided outline and add a little of their own personality to their writing, but starting off with a clear structure helps students learn to become better writers.

Start Small - With Opinion Writing Sentence Starters or Frames

3rd, 4th, and 5th grade students love giving their opinions, so help them structure their opinions with sentence starters and frames. This is a great way to introduce opinion writing and doesn't frustrate students.

Providing structure is especially beneficial for your ELL and low language students, but ALL students can improve their writing with this scaffolding.

Some example sentence starters are below.  Depending on the topic being discussed and the opinion being shared, not all sentence frames will work in all situations.  Adapt them for your particular scenario!

Example Sentence Starters

• In my opinion, _____ is better than _____ because _____.
• The best thing about _____ is _____.
• I am strongly against _____ because _____.
• Although some people believe _____, I believe _____.
• Ever since _____, I have believed _____.

Using a Paragraph Template or Frame

Example paragraph frames.

In my opinion, __________ is better than __________ because __________.  For example, _______________.  Furthermore, _______________.  Clearly, _______________ is the worse option.

I prefer __________ because __________.  For instance, _______________.  Also, _______________.  Finally, _______________.

Opinion Writing Essay Template / Structure / Outline

Going from writing paragraphs to writing an entire essay can be overwhelming for upper elementary students - and middle school students as well!

Modeling how to write an opinion essay is an essential first step.  (My Scaffolded Opinion Writing Resource includes a teacher model to make this easy for you.)

After modeling an opinion essay, provide students with an opinion writing template/outline to help them structure their own writing.  This will help students stay on topic, use transitional words, and provide support for their opinions.  And, most importantly, it will keep students from feeling overwhelmed and frustrated.

If you know your students would benefit from this type of scaffolding but don’t have the time to create it yourself, check out my Scaffolded Opinion Writing Resource.

It walks students through the writing process with support each step of the way. This resource also provides a model essay so that you can model expectations for your students. Plus, it can be used over and over again with different topics.

If you found these opinion writing tips to be useful, then you will probably like these tips for teaching students how to write a compare and contrast essay. 

Want a Compare and Contrast Freebie?

Download these reading passages with a compare and contrast activity for free and use it to today!

33 Opinion Writing Prompts for 3rd Grade

An opinion is your personal way of feeling. It is not based on facts, but rooted in your own personal knowledge and beliefs. Your opinion can be shaped by your life experiences and those around you.

Opinions can change and evolve over time, or they can stay the same.

Everyone has their own opinion, and that makes life interesting! Sharing your opinion can help you find like-minded friends and help you learn even more.

In our opinion, writing can help you discover your own opinions and find out what means the most to you!

How to use these prompts:

There are so many ways to enjoy these writing prompts!

You can pick a random number and write as much as you can, or you can go down the list and write a prompt each day as a writing challenge.

You can set a timer or a fixed word count and let the words fly!

There is no wrong way to use these writing prompts, you just have to pick one and start writing.

The writing prompts:

• What do you think an opinion is? Why do you think it is so hard to put into words?
• How do you form an opinion? Is it formed quickly or slowly over time?
• Can an opinion change over time? How does it change?
• Answer the age-old question: in your opinion, which came first, the chicken or the egg?
• What is your opinion on cartoons? Are they only for kids, or can adults enjoy them too?
• In your opinion, what is the best superhero and why? What makes them special?
• What, in your opinion, is the best food in the world? How is it prepared? When did you first have it?
• Do you think it is necessary to go to college after high school? Why or why not?
• What is your opinion on school sports? Should participation be required or not?
• Do you think every student should have a computer provided to them? Why or why not?
• Do you think students should get a vote on what is served in the cafeteria? Why or why not?
• What is your opinion on school uniforms? How do you think they benefit or detract from the learning experience?
• In your opinion, what is the best weather to live in? Do you prefer hot summers or snowy winters?
• What’s the best theme park, and what informs your decision? Is it the rides, the food, the wait times?
• In your opinion, what book should everyone read at least once? Share your opinion on the book as well.
• What is the ultimate dessert in your opinion? How is it different from other desserts?
• What is your favorite holiday besides Christmas? Rank your top5 favorite holidays and explain why, in your opinion, they are the best.
• In your opinion, what movie should everyone see in their lifetime? Should they watch it with a friend or experience it alone?
• What is the best vacation spot in your opinion? Be sure to include your vacation experience there as well.
• What is your favorite type of exercise? Explain why you want others to try that exercise.
• What genre of music, in your opinion, is the best? Why?
• What is your favorite kind of ice cream and why? Have you tried your friend’s favorite flavors? Has it changed your opinion?
• What is the most interesting animal in your opinion, and why?
• What, in your opinion, is the best animal for a pet? Have you ever had this pet, or known someone that has? What makes them a great pet?
• Would you rather live in a house or an apartment? Why?
• What career seems most interesting to you? Is that what you want to be when you grow up?
• In your opinion, is chess or checkers more enjoyable? Why?
• What is, in your opinion, your favorite board game? Do you play by the rules or make up your own? Who is your favorite person to play with?
• What is your opinion on video games? Should everyone play video games? Why or why not?
• Do you think everyone has the responsibility to vote when they are old enough? Why or why not?
• Do you think that homework should be required for students? Is it beneficial for students to have extra practice at home, or do they get enough learning time at school?
• In your opinion, should virtual learning be offered to all students from now on? Or do you believe that every student should be learning in a classroom at school. Why?
• In your opinion, do you think you should have dessert with every dinner? Would it be the same dessert or a different one? What do you think about ordering dessert first?

Looking for more?

We provide unique and interesting free content for writers and readers of all ages to share and enjoy on our website!

Try inspiring some writing about the moon , or dogs – or maybe try writing about why we dream ? We have literally thousands upon thousands of original writing prompts on our site, as well as all sorts of random story starter generators and more!

If you have any questions or suggestions for us, please reach out. Your opinion matters to us, and we look forward to hearing from you! Thanks and see you again soon.

Shaping Young Minds: Opinion Writing Topics for 3rd Grade

My name is Debbie, and I am passionate about developing a love for the written word and planting a seed that will grow into a powerful voice that can inspire many.

1. Developing Writing Skills: Why Opinion Writing is Important for 3rd Graders

2. exploring engaging topics: inspiring ideas for opinion writing in 3rd grade, 3. nurturing critical thinking: encouraging 3rd graders to form informed opinions, 4. promoting self-expression: creating a safe environment for 3rd grade opinion writing, 5. incorporating real-life connections: connecting opinion writing to everyday experiences, 6. building logical arguments: teaching 3rd graders the art of persuasive writing, 7. cultivating empathy: empowering 3rd graders to write about social issues, 8. encouraging collaboration: peer feedback and revision in 3rd grade opinion writing, frequently asked questions, in conclusion.

Opinion writing plays a crucial role in the development of writing skills for 3rd graders. It goes beyond simply expressing thoughts and ideas; it encourages young students to think critically, engage in open-minded discussions, and develop their own unique perspectives. Here are several reasons why opinion writing is essential for 3rd graders:

• Enhances critical thinking: Through opinion writing, students learn to analyze various topics from different angles and make informed judgments. They develop the ability to gather evidence, evaluate arguments, and support their opinions with logical reasoning.
• Fosters communication skills: When children express their opinions in writing, they’re encouraged to articulate their thoughts clearly and concisely. This skill helps them organize their ideas effectively and communicate their viewpoints with confidence and coherence.

Moreover, opinion writing empowers 3rd graders by giving them a voice. It allows them to express their feelings, preferences, and beliefs on a wide range of subjects, such as their favorite books, sports, or even current events. By practicing opinion writing, children gain a sense of autonomy and become more capable of participating in constructive conversations both in and outside the classroom.

In 3rd grade, opinion writing not only teaches students essential skills but also encourages them to express themselves freely. To assist young writers in generating interesting and thought-provoking ideas, we’ve compiled a list of engaging topics that will spark their imagination and promote critical thinking.

Take a look at some exciting ideas to incorporate into your opinion writing lessons:

• Is it better to read books or watch movies? Invite students to share their preference and explain why they believe one medium is superior to the other.
• Should school uniform be mandatory? Encourage students to debate the pros and cons of wearing a school uniform, considering factors such as equality, individuality, and school spirit.
• Which season is the best? Explore the unique characteristics of each season and allow students to defend their favorite, showcasing their creative writing skills.
• Should pets be allowed in school? Ask students to articulate their stance on the topic, weighing the benefits and potential distractions that pets may bring to the classroom.

These topic suggestions aim to captivate 3rd graders’ interest and encourage them to form and support their own opinions. Remember, providing a safe and inclusive environment for open discussions is key to fostering their growth as independent thinkers and writers!

Developing critical thinking skills is crucial for 3rd graders as they begin to form their own opinions about the world around them. By nurturing their ability to think critically, we empower them to analyze information, question assumptions, and make informed decisions . Here are some effective strategies to encourage 3rd graders in developing this essential skill:

• Engage in thought-provoking discussions: Encourage open-ended questions and active participation in class discussions. By asking students to explain their reasoning and supporting their opinions with evidence, we foster critical thinking.
• Current events exploration: Introduce students to age-appropriate news articles and encourage discussions on topics that are relevant to their lives. This exposes them to different perspectives, helps them think beyond their immediate experiences, and broadens their understanding of the world.

Moreover, it is essential to provide students with a safe and inclusive environment where they feel comfortable expressing their opinions without fear of judgment. Praising their efforts in formulating well-reasoned arguments and celebrating diverse viewpoints will further fuel their desire to think critically. By nurturing critical thinking in 3rd graders, we equip them with a valuable skill that will serve them well throughout their academic journey and beyond.

Creating a safe environment for 3rd grade opinion writing is essential in promoting self-expression among young writers. By establishing a supportive atmosphere, students can feel comfortable sharing their thoughts and opinions without fear of judgment. Here are some strategies to promote self-expression in the classroom:

• Encourage active listening: Foster a culture of respect by teaching students the importance of active listening. This will help students feel heard and validated when expressing their opinions.
• Modeling open-mindedness: As an educator, it is crucial to model open-mindedness and respect for differing views. By doing so, students will learn to appreciate diverse opinions and feel encouraged to express their own.
• Provide choice: Offer a variety of topics for opinion writing, allowing students to select a subject they feel passionate about. This autonomy promotes engagement and aids in developing confident writers.

Moreover, it is equally essential to create a safe space where students can feel free to express themselves:

• Create a non-judgmental environment: Emphasize the importance of giving and receiving constructive feedback. Encourage students to focus on the content rather than criticizing individual opinions.
• Incorporate peer collaboration: Implement activities that promote collaboration and discussion, such as pair or group writing exercises. This allows students to share ideas, learn from one another, and build confidence in expressing their opinions.

By implementing these strategies and fostering a safe environment, 3rd-grade students will thrive in their opinion writing journey, gaining valuable skills in self-expression and communication that will benefit them throughout their academic and personal lives.

Opinion writing becomes more meaningful and relatable when it is connected to real-life experiences. By incorporating everyday connections, students can develop a deeper understanding of their own perspectives and engage in more authentic discussions. Here are some creative ways to connect opinion writing to the real world:

• Current Events: Encourage students to read and analyze news articles or watch relevant videos that discuss topics they are interested in. This not only enhances their knowledge on various subjects but also helps them develop critical thinking skills as they form opinions based on factual evidence.
• Personal Reflections: Provide opportunities for students to reflect on their own experiences and emotions. This could involve writing about their favorite books, movies, or even their personal values. By connecting their opinions to their own lives, students become more invested in their writing and find it easier to express themselves.

Furthermore, incorporating real-life connections in opinion writing fosters empathy and broadens students’ understanding of different perspectives. By discussing diverse opinions on topics such as climate change, social justice, or even popular culture, students are exposed to a range of viewpoints. This exposure teaches them to respect differing opinions and engage in respectful debates, ultimately strengthening their communication and collaborative skills.

In order to teach 3rd graders the art of persuasive writing, it is important to focus on building logical arguments. By giving students the necessary tools to construct solid arguments, they will be better equipped to express their ideas effectively and convince others of their viewpoint. Here are some strategies and activities that can help enhance their persuasive writing skills :

• Understanding the audience: Teach students to consider who their audience is and what their concerns or interests may be. Encourage them to tailor their arguments accordingly and use language that appeals to their audience.
• Identifying supporting evidence: Emphasize the importance of using evidence to back up their claims. Teach students to find reliable sources, such as books or articles, to support their arguments. Help them learn how to present this evidence in a clear and organized manner.
• Exploring counterarguments: Introduce students to the concept of counterarguments and teach them how to address opposing viewpoints. Encourage them to anticipate counterarguments and explain why their own position is stronger.
• Using persuasive language: Teach students various techniques, such as using strong adjectives and adverbs, appealing to emotions, and employing rhetorical questions. These language tools can help make their arguments more compelling and persuasive.

By building strong logical arguments, 3rd graders can become skilled persuasive writers. Encourage them to practice these strategies through class debates or persuasive writing assignments. Remind them that their opinion matters and by presenting well-constructed arguments, they have the power to influence others.

Cultivating empathy is crucial in today’s society, and it is never too early to start teaching it to our children. In this empowering workshop, we bring together a group of talented 3rd graders to explore and write about social issues that matter to them. By engaging these young minds in discussions about empathy, they will develop a deeper understanding of the world around them and learn how their words can make a difference.

Through interactive activities and thought-provoking prompts, we guide the 3rd graders in expressing their thoughts and emotions about various social issues. We foster their creativity and encourage them to think critically about topics such as bullying, poverty, and environmental conservation. Our experienced facilitators provide a safe space for these young writers to share their perspectives and feelings, empowering them to use the power of the written word to raise awareness and advocate for positive change.

Throughout the workshop, our emphasis is on teaching these 3rd graders how to write effectively about social issues. We encourage them to use descriptive language, incorporating sensory details that evoke emotions in their readers. By emphasizing the importance of research, we guide them to gather facts and statistics that support their arguments and opinions. Additionally, we inspire them to interview individuals who have experienced these issues firsthand, amplifying authentic voices in their writing. Overall, this workshop equips young minds with the tools and the confidence they need to make a meaningful impact on the world around them.

• Cultivate empathy in young 3rd graders
• Encourage critical thinking and creativity
• Promote effective writing about social issues
• Provide a safe space for sharing perspectives
• Teach the importance of research and interviewing

Collaboration plays a crucial role in the development of 3rd graders’ opinion writing skills. By encouraging peer feedback and revision, students not only enhance their writing abilities but also foster teamwork and critical thinking. Here’s how teachers can create a collaborative environment in the classroom:

1. Peer Feedback Sessions: Set aside dedicated time for students to provide feedback on each other’s opinion pieces. This can be done through structured activities such as pair or small group discussions. Encourage students to focus on specific elements of writing, such as clarity of arguments, use of examples, or organization. Remind them to be constructive and respectful in their feedback, highlighting both strengths and areas for improvement.

2. Revision Stations: Transform your classroom into interactive revision stations to engage students in the revision process. Divide the room into different areas, each focusing on a specific aspect of opinion writing. For example, one station could be dedicated to strengthening introduction paragraphs, while another could focus on incorporating persuasive language techniques. Allow students to rotate through these stations, providing them opportunities to revise their own work and receive guidance from their peers. This hands-on approach not only encourages collaboration but also empowers students to take ownership of their writing.

Q: What are opinion writing topics for 3rd grade? A: Opinion writing topics for 3rd grade are subjects that allow students to express their personal views and provide reasons to support their opinions. These topics encourage critical thinking skills and help students develop their own unique voice through writing.

Q: Why is opinion writing important for 3rd graders? A: Opinion writing is important for 3rd graders as it helps them develop their communication skills, creativity, and ability to express themselves effectively. It also encourages independent thinking, as students learn to form opinions based on their own experiences and observations.

Q: What are some popular opinion writing topics for 3rd graders? A: Popular opinion writing topics for 3rd graders include: 1. Should students have to wear school uniforms? 2. Is it better to have a pet or a sibling? 3. What is the best after-school activity? 4. Should kids be allowed to vote? 5. Should school days be shorter? 6. Is homework necessary? 7. Which is better, indoor or outdoor games? 8. Should junk food be banned at school?

Q: How can teachers facilitate opinion writing in 3rd grade classrooms? A: Teachers can facilitate opinion writing in 3rd grade classrooms through various strategies: 1. Provide clear explanations of what opinion writing is and model the process for students. 2. Offer a range of age-appropriate and engaging topics for students to choose from. 3. Encourage brainstorming sessions to help students gather ideas and arguments. 4. Teach students how to structure their opinion pieces, including writing an introduction, supporting paragraphs, and a conclusion. 5. Foster a classroom environment that values and respects differing opinions. 6. Provide regular feedback and support to help students improve their writing skills. 7. Incorporate peer-review activities to encourage collaboration and revision.

Q: How can parents support their 3rd graders in opinion writing? A: Parents can support their 3rd graders in opinion writing by: 1. Encouraging their child to practice writing their opinions by discussing daily topics or events. 2. Reading opinion articles together and discussing the arguments made by the writer. 3. Helping their child brainstorm ideas and organize their thoughts before writing. 4. Providing constructive feedback on their child’s writing, focusing on both strengths and areas for improvement. 5. Setting aside regular time for writing practice at home. 6. Celebrating their child’s accomplishments and progress in opinion writing.

Q: Why is it important for 3rd graders to develop their own opinions through writing? A: It is important for 3rd graders to develop their own opinions through writing because it helps them develop critical thinking skills, learn to evaluate information, and express themselves confidently. Writing allows children to reflect on their own thoughts and emotions, fostering creativity and individuality.

Q: Are there any benefits of opinion writing beyond 3rd grade? A: Yes, opinion writing continues to be valuable beyond 3rd grade. As students progress through their education, the ability to express opinions effectively becomes increasingly important in academic and professional settings. Opinion writing helps students develop skills such as persuasive writing, critical analysis, and communication, which are relevant throughout their lives.

In conclusion, opinion writing in 3rd grade helps young minds develop critical thinking skills, express their thoughts, and build confidence in communicating their ideas. It is a valuable tool that empowers them to shape their own perspectives and participate in meaningful conversations.

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Not So Wimpy Teacher

The Not So WImpy Teacher creates resources for busy teachers in grades 2-5 who are looking to deliver engaging and meaningful lessons without overwhelm and chaos.

Opinion Writing Unit THIRD GRADE

Grade Level: 3rd Grade

My third grade opinion writing unit includes 8 weeks of done-for-you writing lessons about how to write a strong opinion essay . This unit contains detailed lesson plans, mentor texts, anchor charts, student writing tasks, and rubrics –everything you need to be a capable, confident writing teacher with students who love to write.

Also available in the following bundles

More about this resource

If teaching writing has ever made you cry, weep, tear out your hair, question your existence, or binge-watch reality television—because it’s just that frustrating and overwhelming—this writing unit is perfect for you. 

If your students dread writing time more than meatloaf in the school cafeteria…this writing bundle is perfect for them, too. 

Teaching writing can be tough. Teachers tell me that their district-provided writing curriculum is:

• too complicated

Or worse, they don’t have any curriculum at all. Yikes! 

But my third grade opinion writing unit makes teaching writing easy . It takes all the guesswork out of teaching writing and gives you the tools you need to teach engaging and effective writing lessons without breaking a sweat.

This resource is part of a money-saving writing writing bundle! Click HERE to see the bundle!

The ready-to-use lessons and activities in this opinion writing unit will teach your students h ow to use supporting facts, reasons, and examples, consider opposing viewpoints, write topic and concluding sentences, and structure paragraphs . And all you have to do is print and teach . The lesson plans are that simple. Seriously.

Student-friendly mentor texts make it easy to provide illustrative examples of new writing skills. You don’t have to waste your time and money hunting down just the right book.  Focused mini lessons and daily writing tasks simplify the writing process helping ALL students, even reluctant writers, experience success. Preprinted anchor charts make it easy to model new skills and engage in shared writing without wasting valuable time. 

And best of all, my opinion writing unit  makes writing fun  for  ALL  your students – from  reluctant writers  to  excited writers . The  Student Success Path  helps you identify where your students are on their writing journey and plan just-right lessons and  interventions .  Short, focused lessons  keep students engaged. Simple, direct writing tasks help kids develop confidence.  Conference materials,  including outlines and topic cards, you can use to guide small group discussion make it easy for you to  differentiate lessons.

Choice empowers students  to write about things they care about and makes them more invested in their writing. And that’s a big deal because  students who enjoy writing and get lots of practice perform better on standardized testing.

Plus, these materials are  easy-to-use . Everything is organized in folders to help you find just what you need. A  Quick Start Guide  makes it simple to get started and provides tips on how to prep materials for long-term use.

The 2-week  Starting Writing Workshop mini-unit  will help you start your writing instruction on the right foot. Detailed teacher directions show you exactly how to use all the resources and activities.

How Our Writing Bundles are Aligned with the Science of Reading :

• Structured writing routine: Our writing bundle is organized into 4 genres. Each 8-week unit is carefully structured, beginning with foundational skills before moving into more advanced skills. Students are taught a systematic approach to writing including: brainstorming, drafting, revising, editing, and publishing.
• Explicit instruction: Daily lessons begin with explicit instruction including access to examples via mentor texts, modeling, and directed practice. Each skill is broken down into bite-size pieces so that students can learn one skill at a time. Students practice skills independently, working on one sentence or paragraph at a time.
• Differentiation: Writing is differentiated through small group instruction that provides reteaching, additional practice, and support at appropriate levels.
• Daily opportunities to write: The majority of the writing lesson is reserved for independent writing time, providing students with large blocks of time to write and practice skills every day. 
• Demonstrates the connection between reading and writing: Mentor texts provide concrete examples of writing skills and allow children to experiment with and apply sophisticated skills and language in their own writing. In addition, constructing their own writing pieces helps students recognize, connect, and understand these strategies when reading.  

What’s Included:

• Detailed teacher directions and suggestions for simple implementation
• Unit-at-a-glance calendar for each unit
• 7 exclusive videos walking you through how to get the most out of these writing units
• 40 days of lesson plans that include guiding questions, materials, mini lessons, student work tasks, student share tasks, intervention, and several extension activities
• 14 original mentor text passages
• 24 opinion writing task cards (identifying whether a topic is an opinion)
• 24 opinion writing prompts task cards
• 11 teacher anchor charts (blank and filled in versions)
• Student anchor charts and printable for writing notebooks
• Conference and goal tracking forms
• Writing grades tracking forms
• List of 10 additional mentor text books (Remember, using them is optional, because I’ve included all the mentor texts you need) 
• 6 different writing publishing papers
• Student writing notebook cover and dividers
• Teacher notebook covers and binder spines
• Multiple ideas for author share celebration
• DIGITAL writing notebooks on Google Slides
• Conferencing Materials – Conference outlines, a sample conference, and topic cards you can use to guide your small-group conferences
• Student Success Path – Identify where your students are on their writing journey
• Starting Writing Workshop Bonus – Two weeks of writing lesson plans to help build stamina and set your students up for writing success

Skills Covered:

Students learn h ow to craft a strong opinion essay using supporting facts, reasons, and examples, topic and concluding sentences, and structured paragraphs. Lessons include:

• Setting goals
• What is an opinion essay?
• Generating essay ideas
• Writing strong opinion statements
• Writing a lead
• Supporting your opinion with reasons
• Considering your audience
• Consider opposing opinions
• Supporting your opinion with examples
• Topic and concluding sentences
• Word choice
• Transitions
• Writing a conclusion
• Generating deeper topics (research based)

How to Use it in the Classroom: 

A typical day of writing:.

I recommend you set aside thirty minutes for writing each day (or more if you have it). Check out the sample schedules below. Each day follows the same plan:

• Mini-Lesson (8-10 minutes):  The day kicks off with a mini-lesson to teach a particular skill. The mini-lesson uses mentor text (remember, it’s included in the unit) and anchor charts. For the teacher version of the anchor charts, you can project and fill them out with the class, or print and display them in your classroom. The student versions are smaller so they can fill them out and keep them in their writing notebooks for reference.
• Work Time (18-20 minutes) : Students will apply the skill they just learned into their writing each day. The included writing tasks make it crystal-clear what to do during independent writing time–for you and your students. By the end of the unit, they will have completed two full masterpieces and many other independent writings.
• Share Time (2 minutes) : Students are encouraged to share a piece of their writing with a partner or with the entire class. This makes writing more meaningful to kids and holds them accountable.

Organization Made Easy:

• The opinion writing unit is organized into multiple folders and files so it’s easy for you to find what you need.
• A 40-day daily schedule so you know exactly what to teach each day.
• Detailed daily lesson plans make teaching writing easy.

Differentiation:

There are many ways to differentiate writing assignments:

• These daily writing prompts are intentionally short and sweet so that all students, even those below grade level, can feel successful. Most tasks can be completed in 1-2 sentences.
• More advanced writers can write longer responses, or work on a second masterpiece if they finish early.
• Students can complete fewer task cards or work with a partner; you can also provide support to students as they work on task cards.
• The process for teaching writing includes group conferencing time. These groups should be based on ability so that you can individualize your instruction to meet the specific needs of the group.

Why you’ll love this writing unit: 

• You’ll save hours of prepping and planning time. The daily lesson plans are easy to implement. All you have to do is print and teach. 
• Mentor texts are included. You do not need to hunt down or purchase any additional books! (Unless you want to. Far be it from me to stand between a teacher and new books.) 
• Digital anchor charts project onto your white board-so you don’t have to be Picasso or Renoir to anchor your kids in the lesson.
• Pre-printed student anchor charts make it easy for students to follow along without having to write every word and draw complicated diagrams.
• Digital student notebooks are perfect for 1:1 classrooms and a great way to save paper.
• These lessons work for all students, even students below grade level.
• Task cards incorporate movement, reinforce concepts, and make learning fun. Daily share time encourages students to take pride in their writing.
• Direct writing instruction provides a solid foundation of writing skills that leads to increased test scores.
• Aligned with the Science of Reading .

*****************************

More Third Grade Writing Units:

Personal Narrative for Third Grade

Informational Writing for Third Grade

Fiction Narrative for Third Grade

Writing Units for Other Grade Levels:

Second Grade Writing Bundle

Fourth Grade Writing Bundle

Fifth Grade Writing Bundle

Additional Resources You Might Like:

3rd Grade Spelling Curriculum Growing Bundle

Frequently Asked

Yes. I also have personal narrative , informational essay , and fiction narrative writing units available.

This opinion writing unit is available for grade 3. I also have opinion writing units available for grades two , four , and five .

I prefer composition notebooks because they are sturdy and easy to use and store. But other teachers have used spiral bound notebooks or three-ring binders.

Yes. These writing lessons are based on Common Core standards.

The lessons for consecutive grade levels are very similar because the standards are similar. The biggest difference is that the reading level on the mentor text passages is modified to meet the specific grade level. Other differences include new examples in the lesson plans and anchor charts and new task cards. It is generally fine to use units that are one level above or below grade level. You might want to select the lower grade level to ensure that the mentor texts are easier for students to read.

Each unit includes eight weeks of materials. I recommend spending 30-45 on writing each day. The lesson takes 8-10 minutes and the rest of the time would be used for independent writing.

Students complete two masterpieces in each unit. But they may work on additional pieces if they finish daily assignments early.

My writing units are a standalone curriculum. They are not based on or aligned with any other curriculum. However, they are based on the writing standards. My curriculum is organized into units of study and formatted in the workshop model and hundreds of teachers have successfully used my writing units with their district provided curriculum.

My writing units are a standalone curriculum. They are not based on or aligned with any other curriculum. With that being said, I have hundreds of teachers who have chosen to use my units as a supplement to their Lucy curriculum because it is more manageable and engaging for students.

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3rd grade writing samples

by: Jessica Kelmon | Updated: November 27, 2022

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In 3rd grade writing, there’s an emphasis on students’ nonfiction writing being both well-researched and well-organized. Your child’s teacher may introduce various methods to help kids organize their thoughts — from outlining to using Post-it notes and everything in between. These 3rd grade writing samples come from a class where the teacher has the kids use colored paper: pink paper for introductions, yellow paper for supporting reasons (backed by evidence ), and green paper for conclusions. There are a couple of key differences you may notice this year in terms of fundamental 3rd grade skills . For example, while second graders simply write straightforward introductory statements in their reports, third grade writing is supposed to have, “grabby,” or intriguing introductions to pique the reader’s interest. Read more about your third grader’s writing under the Common Core .

Third grade writing sample #1

Saving Water by Bella

In her report, Bella does a great job of writing a “grabby” introduction and making sure that her conclusion relates to her introduction.

Third grade writing sample #2

Saving Water by Cade

Notice how Cade includes details in his introduction. He also includes many supporting reasons, also called evidence from the text, in his report. Using evidence is an essential skill that continues to be a focus every year.

Third grade writing sample #3

Saving Water by Laura

Third graders are taught to emphasize the content and organization of their writing. Making edits to spelling and grammar are considered a final step — and aren’t quite as important as getting their ideas on paper. As you read Laura’s report, you may notice the spelling corrections (like the dark “c” in “faucet”) that she makes at the end, after concentrating on her introduction, supporting reasons, and conclusion.

See more examples of real kids’ writing in different grades: Kindergarten , first grade , second grade , fourth grade , fifth grade .

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