Grade 3 · Writing · Narrative

3rd Grade Narrative Beginnings worksheets

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Narrative Beginnings

Grade 3 Writing Worksheet - Challenge Me

NameDate

Circle the answer, or write your answer on the lines.

1.
Which opening tells who, where, and the problem, all in one sentence?
- Hana sat on the lake dock in her new sun hat.
- At the lake dock, a strong wind pulled at the flags.
- Hana's favorite sun hat blew off and flew away.
- At the lake dock, Hana watched her sun hat blow into the water.
2.
Isla is the goalkeeper in the final game. Which opening shows the problem, not just a feeling?
- Isla tightened her gloves and stared at the ball.
- Isla's teammates lifted her up after the final whistle.
- The ball slid between Isla's gloves, and the other team cheered.
- Isla had never let in a goal all season.
3.
Each opening is about Zoe and her treehouse. Which one is the strongest hook?
- Zoe's treehouse was the best place on the whole street.
- Zoe climbed into the treehouse to read her book.
- Zoe and her brother built the treehouse last summer.
- Zoe climbed into the treehouse and found a note that was not hers.
4.
This story starts in the middle: "So Maya taped a sign to every pole on Oak Street." Which opening should come before it?
- Maya's cat, Pepper, slipped out the door and did not come back.
- Pepper was curled up on the porch the next morning.
- Maya hugged Pepper and promised to close the door.
- A neighbor called to say she had seen a gray cat.
Write the beginning of a story about a surprise package left on a doorstep. Use a hook, name the character and setting, and end with a problem the reader wants solved.
Hook
Character and setting
The problem

3rd Grade Narrative Beginnings worksheet 1 – printable PDF — Download PDF: 1 2 3 4 5 6

About this worksheet

A strong narrative beginning gives a young writer a place to start instead of asking them to invent an entire story at once. Third graders often begin with a flat sentence such as I had fun, or they start in the middle after the important setup has already happened. This worksheet narrows the skill to the first few lines of a story. Children compare openings that name a character, show where the story starts, hint at a problem, or create a small question for the reader.

The choices are short enough to read independently, but they still ask students to notice why one beginning works better than another. Watch for answers that sound exciting but do not introduce the story clearly.

What your child will learn

Choose an opening that introduces the character
Notice when a beginning shows the setting
Find the sentence that starts the story problem
Avoid openings that begin too late

Common Core standard: W.3.3

Worked example

If the story is about Sam losing a library card, 'Sam opened his empty backpack beside the library desk' is stronger than 'Sam fixed it later.'

Common mistake

Choosing a sentence that sounds dramatic but belongs in the middle or end of the story.

Helpful hint

A beginning should tell who is there, where they are, or what problem is starting.

Next skill: Sequence Narrative Events

Questions parents ask

What is the most common mistake with narrative beginnings?

Choosing a sentence that sounds dramatic but belongs in the middle or end of the story.

How can I help my child with narrative beginnings?

A beginning should tell who is there, where they are, or what problem is starting.

Are these 3rd grade writing worksheets free to print?

Yes. All 6 printable versions on this page are free to download and print, with no account needed.

More 3rd grade narrative

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