My personal opinion is that third grade is an interesting grade to teach Writing. They're old enough that you expect them to eventually start putting out some decent paragraphs, but they're young enough that they don't necessarily want to. I found out a few years ago (like with anything else), the more creative I could get with writing tasks, the more interested they became. Hoping to share one of those ways! SHAPE WRITING! It's a little unconventional and not something you can do all the time, or you'll have kids that don't ever learn how to use their notebook paper properly...AND the fourth grade teachers will say ugly things about you! (Say it with me..."Holes on the left and open space at the top.") 
BUT, these are great fun, totally motivating, and yes, a little "artsy." You can use these with everything from fictional narratives to poetry to expository text! Here's how it works: You create a "frame" (I have several patterns in the freebie packet), place it over plain white paper, lock in place, and students write around the outside edges of the frame. When they lift up their frame, VOILA'! They have some writing in a cool shape! They're favorite part is adding the details. These make for a quick, easy, and CUTE bulletin board too! :-) Look at some of the examples, download the FREEBIE (click on Shape Writing image for download link) and let me know how it goes this year! :-) I'll leave you hanging with something to look forward to next week! A bunch of bloggers and I will have a blog hop ready to go on June 30th, where we are 'Guest Posting' for each other. Should be fun...Rumor has it there will be lots of incredible topics, several freebies, and some great ideas for your classroom! Stay tuned!
Bananas for fun writing and things to look forward to (including my picnic lunch on the lake today!)
