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  • 3rd Grade
  • Speech & Language
  • About 10 minutes

My Talk Planner

Plan a short talk about something you know well. Then give your talk and check the list.

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My Talk PlannerName:Date:Plan a short talk about something you know well. Then give your talk and check the list.My topicWhat is your talk about?StartTell your listener what you will talk about.Detail 1A fact, example or describing words.Detail 2Detail 3EndWrap it up. What do you want them to remember?Speaking checklistMeMy listenerI spoke clearly.I did not talk too fast.I looked at my listener.I stayed on my topic.I used details and describing words.k5printables.com · Sheet #96424601 · Aligned with Common Core SL.3.4

How to do it

  1. Plan your topic, a start, three details and an ending.
  2. Give your talk to a listener.
  3. Check the speaking list, and have your listener check it too.

Teaching tip

Practice the talk once out loud before giving it. Pick one checklist item to focus on. This sheet is aligned with Common Core SL.3.4.

My Talk Planner for 3rd grade (explaining how and why), free printable
Printable preview

About this worksheet

A planner for a short talk with a start, three details and an ending, plus a speaking checklist for the speaker and the listener.

What kids practice

Explaining is a big part of how kids show what they know. Explaining how means telling the steps in order, using words like first, next, then and last. Explaining why means giving a reason with words like because and so, then adding a fact or example. In 3rd grade, kids are expected to tell about a topic or an experience with facts and details that fit, and to speak clearly at a pace their listener can follow.

Watch for

  • Skipping steps. Something obvious to the speaker may be new to the listener.
  • Giving a fact that is true but doesn't explain why. Coats come in many colors, but that isn't why we wear them.
  • Talking too fast or too quietly. Pause between steps and check the listener's face.
  • Wandering off topic. Each detail should connect to the topic.
  • If your child has a hard time putting thoughts into words or being understood, ask a speech-language pathologist for a check.

It's free to print, as many copies as you need. See the full explaining how and why guide for 3rd grade.

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