IMP SAMPLES

http://www.readingrockets.org/looking-at-writing/third-
grade-writing-sample-4

https://www.teachervision.com/creative-writing/writing-
descriptive-paragraph-gr-3
DISCUSSION + SAMPLE
http://examples.yourdictionary.com/narrative-essay-
examples.html

During third grade, children are really flexing their idea

muscles and learning to express those ideas in more
sophisticated ways. Sentences are getting longer and more
complex. Kids are learning to use a dictionary to correct their
own spelling. Grammar improves; for example, you'll see
appropriate punctuation, contractions, and correct subject-
verb agreement. Third graders can write an essay with a
simple thesis statement, examples and supporting details,
and a thoughtful concluding sentence. They are building skills
in the writing process research, planning, organizing,
revising, and editing (with help from teachers and peers).

What is this child able to do as a writer?

Generates an interesting idea for a story.
Uses descriptive language ('relaxing at my dad's house').
Writes a story that flows sequentially from beginning to end.
 Uses punctuation correctly periods at the end of sentences and an exclamation
point to show excitement.
Uses an apostrophe to show ownership ('my dad's house').

Move your cursor over each red bubble for observations about this childs
writing.

[Click the sample to view the full size image. See transcript]

What does this child need to learn next?

Although this story has a beginning, middle and end, it ends rather abruptly. This
writer is a reluctant writer who just wanted his story to end. The writer should be
encouraged to add more details to the middle of his story and make a longer, more
drawn out ending. A popular reading comprehension strategy is to have students
write alternate endings to books they have read.

Since he has already made it unrealistic with a shark in his dad's swimming pool,
the teacher could challenge him to make several endings, each one more amazing
and creative than the last. The class could then get involved by voting on which
ending they like most. Here's an example of an assignment in which students are
asked to write an alternate ending to Lemony Snicket (262K PDF).
s