Does the topic sentence always come first?

Most of the time, but not always. On the topic sentence in the middle page, the main idea sits in the second or third sentence, like Rosa loves to care for birds. Children underline it, then rewrite the paragraph so it starts with the topic sentence.

How do linking words help a paragraph?

Linking words such as because, also, another and for example connect an opinion to its reasons and one detail to the next (W.3.1.C). The linking words page has six blanks where only one bank word fits each sentence, and one planner starts its three details with First, Also and Another.

Is there an answer key?

Yes, for the 7 practice pages: supporting details, best topic sentence, sentence order, closing sentences, matching details, linking words and the topic sentence in the middle. Open parts list what to look for. The 3 planners have no key, so check that every box is filled and fits the topic.

What is the writing process in 3rd grade?

It is the set of steps writers use: plan, draft, revise, edit and share. CCSS W.3.5 asks 3rd graders to strengthen their writing with guidance from adults and peers by planning, revising and editing. These sheets give each step its own page, so a child can practice one step at a time.

What is the difference between revising and editing?

Revising changes what the writing says: adding details, putting events in order or cutting a sentence that does not belong. Editing fixes the rules: capital letters, commas, end marks and spelling. Revise first, since there is no point fixing commas in a sentence that may be cut.

How do I use the planning sheets with my child?

Talk the topic through first, then have your child fill the organizer with words and short phrases, not full sentences. The plan becomes the draft on lined paper. Keep the planner beside the draft so your child can check that every part made it in.

Do the 3rd grade writing process worksheets have answer keys?

25 of the 38 sheets have an answer key, including every revising, editing and paragraph practice page. The 13 planners and open writing pages have no key, since each child writes about their own ideas. For those, check that every box is filled and the plan fits the topic.

3rd Grade Paragraph Organization Worksheets

Ages 8-9 · Free previews · Print-ready PDFs

Written by Adi Ackerman, Head Teacher

These paragraph organization worksheets for 3rd grade show how the parts of a paragraph fit together (CCSS W.3.2.A, W.3.2.B). Children circle the details that support topic sentences about a class garden, penguins and a thunderstorm, pick the topic sentence that covers every detail, find a topic sentence hiding in the middle of a paragraph, sort details about hummingbirds and a picnic under the right topic sentence and choose a closing sentence that wraps up a paragraph. Other pages put a bookmark how to and a sleepover story in order with time words and fill an opinion paragraph about a school garden with linking words like because, another and for example (W.3.1.C). Three planners walk through two paragraphs with one main idea each, a paragraph with First, Also and Another, and a report with an introduction, two body paragraphs and a conclusion. There are 10 original one-page sheets; the 7 practice pages have an answer key, and the 3 planners do not.