3rd Grade Writing Prompts #5: Math

Two plus two equals: story time? This series of 10 3rd grade writing prompts focuses on the subject of math. Sure, math is viewed as the opposite end of the spectrum of writing by many people, but if you really want to excite math lovers with writing, you might as well let them write about it!

You may notice that the numbers on this page do not start at 1 and work their way up. This is because these 10 3rd grade writing prompts are an excerpt from my book, 500 Writing Prompts for Kids: First Grade through Fifth Grade. If you like these free samples, the full version is available in both digitaland paperback form. 

3rd Grade Writing Prompts #5: Math

201. Imagine that you have sat down for a math test and after looking at the problems you realize you accidentally studied for the wrong chapter! The questions almost look like a foreign language! What do you do and how do you deal with this tough situation?

202. What is the part of math that you like the most? The part that you like the least? What are at least three ways you might be able to get the part you like the least to be more interesting, exciting and fun?

203. What do you do when you have a tough time understanding a certain concept in math? Do you ask your teacher for help? Do you talk with your parents? Do you figure it out yourself? Write a little story about you tacking a tough math problem or lesson.

204. What are some ways that you use math in the real world? Talk about at least five different ways you have used math just in the last month.

205. One of the most important ways we use math is by keeping track of our money. How do you personally keep track of your money? Do you use a piggy bank? Do you get an allowance? List five ways that you can save or earn money and discuss how your math skills help you to manage your money.

206. Are your parents more math people or writing people? Have you ever been able to stump your parents with a tough math problem? If not, write a little story in which you come up with a math riddle to confuse your parents.

207. Another way we use math is to keep up with scores in our favorite sports like football and baseball. How do we use math to help us understand what’s going on in those exciting games? What kind of math do the players and coaches have to use during the games?

208. Describe how each of the following real world professions might have to use math in their everyday jobs: scientist, firefighter, policeman, teacher and engineer.

209. Talk about how even these non-mathematics related jobs have to use math every so often: painter, poet, musician, dancer, newspaper reporter.

210. How is math used in the following areas that you might enjoy thoroughly: roller coasters, swimming pools, video games, television and candy bars. 

Done with 3rd Grade Writing Prompts? Go back to Creative Writing Prompts.