Three-sentence writing worksheets
Aligned with Common Core W.1.3
Printable writing prompts for first grade: first-next-last stories, opinion writing, all-about facts, and finishing a story. Each sheet has a drawing box and sentence starters.
The worksheets
- See it all
My Writing Checklist
Six things to check before writing is done, with examples.
First, Next, Last
A topic like "Making a snowman" with three drawing boxes and three sentence starters.
What I Think
An opinion question like "What is the best pet?" with sentence starters for the opinion, a reason and an ending. Matches W.1.1.
All About...
A topic like frogs or bees with three fact starters, like "Frogs are", "Frogs can" and "Frogs have". Matches W.1.2.
Finish the Story
A story starter to trace, then sentences for what happens next and how it ends.
Print the whole packet
One copy of every sheet above, in order. Tap + for more copies (up to 10).
For the parent or teacher
What it is
By the end of first grade, kids can write three or more sentences about one idea. That might be a short story in order (first, next, last), an opinion with a reason, or a few facts about a topic. Drawing first helps kids plan what they want to say, and sentence starters help them get going.
What comes next
In second grade, kids write longer pieces with an opening, details and an ending.
How to teach it
- Talk before writing. Have your child tell you all three sentences out loud first.
- Draw first, then write. The picture is the plan.
- Use the starters. First, next and last show order. Because gives a reason.
- Let spelling be "good enough" on these sheets. The goal is getting ideas down.
- Read the finished writing back together and celebrate it.
Common mistakes
- Writing one long sentence joined with "and then, and then".
- Jumping between topics instead of staying on one idea.
- Stopping after one sentence. Ask "What happened next?"
- Forgetting capitals and end marks when focused on ideas. A quick reread fixes most of it.