3rd grade reading assignment

Chess (Gr. 1-4)
TV (Gr. 1-4)
Metal Detectors (Gr. 2-6)
Tetris (Gr. 2-6)
Seat Belts (Gr. 2-6)
The Coliseum (Gr. 2-6)
The Pony Express (Gr. 2-6)
Wintertime (Gr. 2-6)
Reading (Gr. 3-7)
Black Friday (Gr. 3-7)
Hummingbirds (Gr. 3-7)
Worst Game Ever? (Gr. 4-8)
Carnivorous Plants (Gr. 4-8)
Google (Gr. 4-8)
Honey Badgers (Gr. 4-8)
Hyperinflation (Gr. 4-8)
Koko (Gr. 4-8)
Mongooses (Gr. 5-9)
Trampolines (Gr. 5-9)
Garbage (Gr. 5-9)
Maginot Line (Gr. 5-9)
Asian Carp (Gr. 5-9)
Tale of Two Countries (Gr. 6-10)
Kevlar (Gr. 7-10)
Tigers (Gr. 7-11)
Statue of Liberty (Gr. 8-10)
Submarines (Gr. 8-12)
Castles (Gr. 9-13)
Gutenberg (Gr. 9-13)
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The school system seems to be demanding more and more of 3rd grade students. I guess we have to give them what they want. This page has some reading worksheets and activites to help prepare your 3rd graders. The worksheets on this page are written at the 3rd grade reading level. I used this fantastic tool to determine the readability scores of my worksheets, but you should read and approve each of them yourself for quality and appropriateness before giving them to a child. I encourage you to check out the worksheets written for the next two grade levels also. Reading scores vary greatly from one measure to the next. The readability scores on this page are a composite of those numbers. You'll get a better variety of appropriately leveled reading worksheets if you consider this idea of "reading bands." Click the button underneath this text to open up your band.

Reading Comprehension Worksheets

The Coliseum | Nonfiction Reading Test - The Coliseum is a well-recognized site and a popular destination. Learn more about its history in this reading passage. Then answer multiple-choice and long-response questions covering a variety of reading skills. View my readibility scores . The Coliseum | Nonfiction Reading Test | RTF The Coliseum | Nonfiction Reading Test | PDF The Coliseum | Nonfiction Reading Test | Preview The Coliseum | Nonfiction Reading Test | Answers The Coliseum | Nonfiction Reading Test | Ereading Worksheet

The Pony Express | Nonfiction Reading Test - Despite its short time in operation, the Pony Express managed to make a significant impact on American culture. Learn more about the Pony Express and bulk up your reading skills with multiple-choice and long-response questions. These Common Core aligned questions cover a variety of reading skills. View my readibility scores . The Pony Express | Nonfiction Reading Test | RTF The Pony Express | Nonfiction Reading Test | PDF The Pony Express | Nonfiction Reading Test | Preview The Pony Express | Nonfiction Reading Test | Answers The Pony Express | Nonfiction Reading Test | Ereading Worksheet

Wintertime | Nonfiction Reading Test - It can get awfully cold during the winter in some places. Learn more about how creatures have adapted to survive in the harsh climates. There are ten multiple-choice and three long-response questions following the passage. View my readibility scores . Wintertime | Nonfiction Reading Test | RTF Wintertime | Nonfiction Reading Test | PDF Wintertime | Nonfiction Reading Test | Preview Wintertime | Nonfiction Reading Test | Answers Wintertime | Nonfiction Reading Test | Ereading Worksheet

Infer the Setting Worksheet 3 - This worksheet has five more passages to give your students practice with inferences and setting. Students read each passage and determine when and where it is taking place based on textual clues. Then they support their answers with evidence from the text. This is great practice. View my readibility scores . Infer the Setting Worksheet 3 | RTF Infer the Setting Worksheet 3 | PDF Infer the Setting Worksheet 3 | Preview Infer the Setting Worksheet 3 | Answers

Those were the worksheets that I have written at or around the 3rd grade reading level. I know that the list is currently a little short. I am actively trying to create new content to better serve third grade students and teachers, and this page will be updated as I do so. I appreciate all of your comments and feedback, which can be left below. Thanks for visiting!

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Chess | Nonfiction Reading Test (Gr. 1-4) TV | Nonfiction Reading Test (Gr. 1-4) Metal Detectors | Nonfiction Reading Test (Gr. 2-6) Tetris | Nonfiction Reading Test (Gr. 2-6) Seat Belts | Nonfiction Reading Test (Gr. 2-6) The Coliseum | Nonfiction Reading Test (Gr. 2-6) The Pony Express | Nonfiction Reading Test (Gr. 2-6) Wintertime | Nonfiction Reading Test (Gr. 2-6) Reading | Nonfiction Reading Test (Gr. 3-7) Black Friday | Nonfiction Reading Test (Gr. 3-7) Hummingbirds | Nonfiction Reading Test (Gr. 3-7) Worst Game Ever? | Nonfiction Reading Test (Gr. 4-8) Carnivorous Plants | Nonfiction Reading Test (Gr. 4-8) Google | Nonfiction Reading Test (Gr. 4-8) Honey Badgers | Nonfiction Reading Test (Gr. 4-8) Hyperinflation | Nonfiction Reading Test (Gr. 4-8) Koko | Nonfiction Reading Test Ereading Worksheet (Gr. 4-8) Mongooses | Nonfiction Reading Test (Gr. 5-9) Trampolines | Nonfiction Reading Test (Gr. 5-9) Garbage | Nonfiction Reading Test (Gr. 5-9) Maginot Line | Nonfiction Reading Test Ereading Worksheet (Gr. 5-9) Asian Carp | Nonfiction Reading Test Ereading Worksheet (Gr. 5-9) A Tale of Two Countries | Nonfiction Reading Test (Gr. 6-10) Kevlar | Nonfiction Reading Test (Gr. 7-10) Tigers | Nonfiction Reading Test (Gr. 7-11) Statue of Liberty | Nonfiction Reading Test (Gr. 8-10) Submarines | Nonfiction Reading Test (Gr. 8-12) Castles | Nonfiction Reading Test (Gr. 9-13) Gutenberg | Nonfiction Reading Test (Gr. 9-13) Author's Purpose Practice 1 Author's Purpose Practice 2 Author's Purpose Practice 3 Author's Purpose Practice 4 Author's Purpose Practice 5 Author's Purpose Practice 6 Fact and Opinion Practice 1 Fact and Opinion Practice 2 Fact and Opinion Practice 3 Idioms Practice Test 1 With Long Responses Idioms Practice Test 2 With Long Responses Figurative Language Practice 1 Figurative Language Practice 1 With Long Responses Figurative Language Practice 2 Figurative Language Practice 2 With Long Responses Figurative Language Practice 3 Figurative Language Practice 3 With Long Responses Figurative Language Practice 4 With Long Responses Figurative Language Practice 5 With Long Responses Figurative Language Practice 6 With Long Responses Figurative Language Practice 7 With Long Responses Figurative Language Practice 8 With Long Responses Figurative Language Practice 9 With Long Responses Figurative Language Practice | Edgar Allan Poe Figurative Language Practice | Edgar Allan Poe With Long Responses Figurative Language Practice | O. Henry Figurative Language Practice | O. Henry With Long Responses Figurative Language Practice | Shakespeare Genre and Subgenre Practice 1 Genre and Subgenre Practice 2 Genre and Subgenre Practice 3 Genre and Subgenre Practice 4 View More Genre and Subgenre Practice Tests Irony Practice 1 Irony Practice 2 Irony Practice 3 Making Inferences Practice 2 Main Idea Practice 1 Main Idea Practice 2 Point of View Practice 1 | Multiple Choice Only Point of View Practice 1 | With Long Responses Point of View Practice 2 | Multiple Choice Only Point of View Practice 2 | With Long Responses Text Structure Practice 1 Text Structure Practice 2 Text Structure Practice 3 Text Structure Practice 4 Text Structure Practice 5 Story Structure Practice 1

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14 Comments

Lydia boutwell.

I love the ereading activities, since my school is virtually, and I would love to see more for 3rd grade. The only problem I have is when one is labeled grades 2-5 for example, then the reading is to difficult for a 2nd grader. I just wished it would be broken down more. Otherwise, what you are doing is great and I appreciate all the work people are doing.

A big thank you to everyone makes this website possible.

This is a fantastic platform to have for guiding students in grades 3-6 through specific skills. For the students the lessons are interesting, often captivating, and inspiring for those students who experience difficulties taking tests. Thank you! I appreciate your work. Be well.

I love this Site it always me and my kids to work one on one and it is very fast loading also

Thank you so much for this brilliant website!

Eric Harrison

I feel you are in need of more 3rd grade material.

I agree with you.

Thank you so much for your hard work. I really appreciate what you do for us teachers with this site. I have been a 3rd grade teacher for more than 10 years and its not like it use to be, there is a great demand for rigor in 3rd grade. I have used your work when I have had gifted classes and the students loved the texts. Your work helps me challenge my 3rd graders and prepare them for 4th & 5th. Thank you!

That’s awesome.

Be on the look out for a bunch of new content for grades 3-6. I’m currently developing these activities…

Thanks for visiting and taking the time to comment!

alishukoohy

I came across this invaluable site just today. I am certain that this will help me a lot as a teacher. I appreciate all your efforts dude. Thanks a zillion

Its a very nice site for children

Lovely site

We have been looking for FSA practice and are so happy to have come upon your site. Thank you so much for such great passages with Common Core Questioning!!

Onomataepia sounds like it is not a real word

I know, right? But look at this: https://www.google.com/search?q=define%3A%20onomatopoeia&rct=j

It is a real word.

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3rd Grade Reading Comprehension Worksheets

The 3rd grade reading comprehension activities below are coordinated with the 3rd grade spelling words curriculum on a week-to-week basis, so both can be used together as part of a comprehensive program, or each part can be used separately. The worksheets include third grade appropriate reading passages and related questions. Each worksheet (as well as the spelling words ) also includes a cross-curricular focus on earth science, physical science, history, social sciences, mathematics and life sciences. This allows students to build their reading comprehension skills and reinforce knowledge in other subject areas. There are 36 weeks of third grade worksheets, following most standard school year calendars.

Be sure to check out all of our reading comprehension worksheets .

Adapting to Survive

Week 10 Reading Comprehension (C-10). A passage about how living things have certain adaptations that allow them to survive. Cross-Curricular Focus: Life Science.

An Independent Nation

Week 35 Reading Comprehension (C-35). Reading segment about the time leading up to U.S. Independence. Cross-Curricular Focus: History / Social Sciences.

Classifying Triangles

Week 17 Reading Comprehension (C-17). Passage and questions about equilateral, isosceles, and scalene triangles. Cross-Curricular Focus: Mathematics.

Community Connections

Week 26 Reading Comprehension (C-26). A passage about our communities and the interactions we have with other people. Cross-Curricular Focus: History / Social Sciences.

Competing for Resources

Week 13 Reading Comprehension (C-13). A reading passage that describes how plant and animals compete for limited resources. Cross-Curricular Focus: Life Science.

Converting Energy to Motion

Week 2 Reading Comprehension (C-2). A passage and questions about how energy can be stored and converted. Cross-Curricular Focus: Physical Science.

Displaying Data

Week 23 Reading Comprehension (C-23). A reading segment describing the use of data to make graphs. Cross-Curricular Focus: Mathematics.

Elements and Atoms

Week 7 Reading Comprehension (C-7). Reading passage describing the relationship between elements and atoms. Cross-Curricular Focus: Physical Science.

Week 25 Reading Comprehension (C-25). A passage and comprehension questions about using estimation on math problems Cross-Curricular Focus: Mathematics.

Evaluating in Math

Week 3 Reading Comprehension (C-3). A reading passage and questions about the meaning of “Evaluate” when it is used in mathematics. Cross-Curricular Focus: Mathematics.

Forms of Matter

Week 1 Reading Comprehension (C-1). A reading passage and comprehension questions about the different forms of matter. Cross-Curricular Focus: Physical Science.

Galileo and His Telescope

Week 19 Reading Comprehension (C-19). A story about the origins of Galileo’s telescope Cross-Curricular Focus: Physical Science.

Geometric Shape Names

Week 15 Reading Comprehension (C-15). A reading passage and questions about how geometric shape names use number prefixes. Cross-Curricular Focus: Mathematics.

Habitat Destruction

Week 12 Reading Comprehension (C-12). A short passage about human impact on plants and animals. Cross-Curricular Focus: Life Science.

In danger of Extinction

Week 14 Reading Comprehension (C-14). A passage about the Koala and how it faces possible extinction. Cross-Curricular Focus: Life Science.

Kinds of Angles

Week 18 Reading Comprehension (C-18). A description and comprehension questions about the different types of angles. Cross-Curricular Focus: Mathematics.

Location, Location, Location

Week 29 Reading Comprehension (C-29). A brief passage about a location’s resources, climate and terrain affect livability. Cross-Curricular Focus: History / Social Sciences.

Making Predictions

Week 22 Reading Comprehension (C-22). A comprehension passage about using predictions before reading. Cross-Curricular Focus: Study Skills.

National Symbols

Week 27 Reading Comprehension (C-27). Reading passage about our national symbols like the flag and bald eagle. Cross-Curricular Focus: History / Social Sciences.

Phases of the Moon

Week 16 Reading Comprehension (C-16). Reading comprehension passage about the different phases of the moon. Cross-Curricular Focus: Earth Science.

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Free 3rd-Grade Reading Comprehension Worksheets

Download these FREE 3rd-grade reading comprehension worksheets and use them in class today! These PDF worksheets are designed for readers at a grade 3 level and include both fiction and non-fiction passages. Each passage is engaging without being overly complex and is followed by five reading comprehension questions designed to help students practice extracting and interpreting information from texts.

Worksheet 1: Main Idea (Non-Fiction)

Title: a journey through the rainforest.

This first worksheet contains a short passage about the rainforest followed by five reading comprehension questions. The questions aim to help students identify the main idea of the passage and the details supporting this main idea.

Worksheet 2: Sequence Of Events (Fiction)

Title: lucy’s first soccer game.

This next reading comprehension worksheet is a fictional passage about a girl named Lucy’s first soccer game. Students should read the passage and answer the questions on the next page. The questions aim to help students understand the sequence of events in the story.

Worksheet 3: Cause And Effect (Non-Fiction)

Title: from seed to sunflower.

This next worksheet asks students to read the passage and then answer questions about the cause-and-effect relationship in the life cycle of a sunflower.

Worksheet 4: Character Analysis (Fiction)

Title: charlie the brave little rabbit.

This fictional reading passage is a bout a brave rabbit named Charlie. Students are asked to read the passage and answer the reading comprehension questions on the next page. These questions aim to encourage students to analyze Charlie’s character based on his actions and decisions.

Worksheet 5: Comparing and Contrasting (Non-Fiction)

Title: polar bears and penguins.

This last worksheet is a non-fiction passage about the habits of polar bears and penguins. The reading comprehension questions about this passage guide students to compare and contrast the two animals based on the information in the passage.

19 Third Grade Reading Comprehension Activities Your Students Will Love

Build crucial literacy skills with these fun activities.

hand2mind believes children learn best by doing. Energize your classroom for the year with hands-on materials and resources !

Third grade is the year students switch from “learning to read” to “reading to learn,” meaning that when they are on grade level, they have the skills to read text on their own and learn from it. The 3rd grade reading block has less instruction in phonics and sight words and more time reading and learning from text. By now, students also have reading preferences and opinions about everything they read, which means they can engage in discussion and even analysis.

Use these reading comprehension activities to help students make the transition to “reading to learn,” and bring them to the next level.

1. Create anchor charts together

Help 3rd graders move toward independence by creating anchor charts that they can refer to as they read. Some anchor charts to create:

Questions to ask while reading
How to retell a paragraph or story
Reading fix-up strategies like Read, Cover, Remember, Retell
Types of nonfiction and key words for each type

Learn more: Reading Comprehension Anchor Charts

2. Teach graphic organizers

Third graders are starting to read more complex text. Teach them how to use graphic organizers, like these Venn diagrams, to get the most out of each text. First, they check out the text and decide which graphic organizer they need. If it’s a text that is comparing two topics, they’d use a Venn diagram. Then, they complete the graphic organizer while reading. They can refer to the graphic organizer after they read when they’re writing or discussing text.

Learn more: Venn Diagram Printables and Summary Graphic Organizer Printable

3. Build a Comprehension Cootie Catcher

Remember how to fold a cootie catcher? You can turn these into reading comprehension tools by writing questions on each section of a folded cootie catcher. Include questions about character, plot, setting, problem, solution, and their opinion of what they read. Then, after each chapter or silent reading time, students can quickly pair up and use the cootie catcher to ask each other questions.

4. Practice determining importance

Have you ever asked a student to summarize a story, only to hear them include every little detail? Or maybe they only retell a small part of the text, excluding important characters or events. These readers need to be able to discriminate between what is and what isn’t important in a story or text. To do this, have students write the details from a text on strips of paper. Then, they put each detail through a “funnel” to determine its importance. The detail only stays if it is one of the most important. This forces students to evaluate each detail against the main idea and ask the question: If this detail weren’t included, would the meaning of the text change?

5. Play a round of Roll and Retell

Set up a Roll and Retell. Create six questions, either open-ended questions that can be asked about any text (What was the main idea, etc.) or questions about a specific text. Assign each question a number from 1 to 6. Students either work with a partner or independently to roll a di and choose the question that matches the number they rolled.

6. Activate background knowledge

Third graders have a lot of knowledge they’ve gained from books they’ve read and experiences they’ve had. That background knowledge can help them understand what they read. So, teach them what background knowledge is and how to use it. A KWL (Know, Want To Know, Learned) chart is a classic way to engage kids’ background knowledge as they complete the Know column.

7. Build knowledge with current events

graphic organizer with space for what, where, when, how, why for third grade reading comprehension activity

Today’s 3rd graders are living in a world of information, so the question is how do we engage them with new information, like news articles, without overwhelming them? Help them build background knowledge one article at a time, and use graphic organizers to help them organize and analyze what they’re learning. A graphic organizer like the one above also helps them focus on the most important information in a text.

Learn more: Current Events Worksheets

8. Text feature scavenger hunt

third grade text feature scavenger hunt with questions

Third grade text expands the type of text features students will see. As they’re learning text features, use this text resource and connected scavenger hunt to introduce students to common text features.

Learn more: Text Feature Scavenger Hunt

9. Focus on predictions and inferences

Making predictions and inferring is a key skill for 3rd grade. Model how to make inferences, using information from the text combined with your own knowledge to infer what the author is trying to communicate. Start by using wordless picture books to describe what students notice, then add their own ideas to make a prediction or inference.

Learn more: Predictions and Inferences Printable

10. Make a connections paper chain

Good readers make connections as they read. First, have students write the connections they make (text-to-self, text-to-text, text-to-world) on a strip of paper. Next, students fold the strips to create a chain of connections. Links can be added as you read through a longer text or read new texts.

11. Use story maps

Story maps give students a framework to record their thinking before, during, and after reading. From the beginning-middle-end map to the roller coaster, help students organize what they read and learn story grammar with story maps.

Learn more: Free Printable Story Maps Graphic Organizer Bundle

12. Summarize with signal words

Teach students to be on the lookout for signal words like “first,” “next,” and words that answer the questions who, what, where, why, and how. Then have students mark where they see these words as they’re reading. After they read, they can return to their sticky notes and record the information they noted. They create a summary using their notes.

13. Play question ball

beach balls for third grade reading activity

Write different questions for students to answer about the book they are reading with a marker on a beach ball. Make sure questions hit on different elements such as character, problem and solution, setting, connections, and predictions. Then, throw the beach ball. Students answer the question they see when they catch it.

Buy it: Set of Beach Balls

14. Nonfiction relay race

When you have a fidgety class, kinesthetic activities are the way to go. Conduct a comprehension relay race. Break students into teams and head to the gym or outdoors. Set up a racecourse, for instance 100 yards marked off by flags or one lap around the track. The first student on each team will run the course, and once they return and before the next student in line can run, they must repeat one fact they learned from the reading or answer a question about what they’re reading. The first team to have all runners complete the course wins.

15. Book Character Day

Kids love Book Character Day! It gives them a chance to show how much they know about one of their favorite story characters. Students dress as a character and are ready to answer questions. Set aside time for each student to tell their classmates about the character they chose and why.

Learn more: Book Characters Every Child Should Know

16. Retell with rocks

plate filled with stones that students can paint for third grade reading comprehension activity

Retelling still applies in 3rd grade. Have students retell a story using pictures they’ve painted on stones to create a path from start to finish.

Buy it: Set of Paintable Rocks

17. Create a game show

Questions are a key reading skill for students to master. Create a Jeopardy-style game show of comprehension questions to help students practice answering questions. For more complex questions, have students talk about the answer before they respond. You can use Kahoot to set up the game, or use one of the many alternatives.

18. Track thinking with sticky notes

Teach 3rd graders the start of annotation by teaching common annotation marks:

LOL means this is a funny part.
An asterisk (*) means this is important.
! means this is surprising.
A heart indicates that the reader liked this part.
? means that they have a question or that this is confusing.

Have students place mini–sticky notes with each annotation mark on their text to show their thinking as they read.

Buy it: Small Sticky Notes at Amazon

19. Be a word detective

word detective worksheet for third grade reading comprehension activity

Before you read, choose up to five words that are unfamiliar to most of your students. Then, as they read, have students find these words and try to infer the meaning by reading around the word. If they can’t infer the meaning, or to check their definition, have them look up the word in a dictionary.

Learn more: Vocabulary Worksheets

Looking for more ways to work on 3rd grade reading comprehension? Check out our list of 60 3rd Grade Books To Add to Your Classroom Library .

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From character tag to short films and more, these third grade reading comprehension activities will boost your students' literacy skills.

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3rd Grade Reading Comprehension Worksheets From Scholastic Teachables

Scholastic Teachables (formerly Scholastic Printables) offers more than 1,300 third grade reading comprehension worksheets that that help kids master fundamental reading skills and put them on the path to success.

Engaging 3rd grade reading comprehension passages and 3rd grade reading worksheets feature reading response and close reading activities, texts and questions, graphic organizers, writing prompts, and more that build a variety of skills and strategies for understanding fiction and nonfiction texts. Topics include finding main ideas, sequencing, making inferences, comparing and contrasting, recognizing facts and opinions, using context clues, assessments, and many others!

Sign up today and get instant online access to third grade reading comprehension worksheets, lesson plans, practice pages, educational games, and activities to cover various skills. Plus, you’ll get access to more than 30,000 award-winning printables and leveled learning collections in reading and math to reach every learner at every level.

3rd Grade Reading Comprehension Worksheets Cover:

Author's Purpose
Cause and Effect
Compare and Contrast
Context Clues
Drawing Conclusions
Fact and Opinion
Main Idea and Details
Making Inferences
Plot, Character, Setting
Problem and Solution
Story Elements
Summarizing
Using Text Evidence
Visualizing

Sample 3rd Grade Reading Comprehension Worksheets

Scholastic Teachables has more than 1,300 3rd grade reading comprehension worksheets targeted for all your teaching needs. Here's a sample of third grade activities and worksheets for you to try in your class FREE with a 30-day trial or subscription.

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3rd Grade Reading Comprehension - Short Passages

This page contains a set of printable worksheets with short reading comprehension passages written at approximately a 3rd grade level. Each passage includes reading comprehension questions.

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Looking for longer passages? This page has full-length fiction stories, non-fiction articles, readers' theater scripts, and poems at a third grade level.

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Grade 3 Leveled Reading Worksheets

Reading worksheets - leveled stories.

These grade 3 reading comprehension worksheets are from our leveled reading workbook collection which ranges in difficulty from A to Z and is correlated to grade levels. The full workbooks are available for download from our bookstore for only $3.49 / book.


	N
	N
	O
	O
	P
	P

These children's stories are leveled based on a number of factors related to text complexity such as vocabulary, word size, sentence length, amount of repetitiveness and subject matter complexity.

Early reading levels use short, simple words and sentences in big fonts in a repetitive manner. Each successive level introduces greater reading challenge . The level N - P books are approximately at a grade 3 level.

Each workbook contains 10 fiction and non-fiction texts, followed by exercises aimed at reinforcing reading comprehension skills. Answer sheets are provided for all exercises.

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3rd Grade Worksheets & Activities

Welcome to our 3rd grade worksheets! Third grade represents the last segment of the first quarter of a child’s K-12 experience. They have come a long way! By this time, learners will know many words by sight and know even more words when they are spoken.

Fourth grade learners can read simple words and are best supported through high-interest stories and informational texts. These learners benefit from direct instruction that is broken into small pieces. They are learning a lot, but it’s best to take it part by part. As writers, these learners will require opportunities that mix support and independence. They will often share details verbally to expand upon the ideas they present in writing .

Types of Poetry Examples and Activities

There are many different types of poetry, such as: haiku, limerick, acrostic, cinquain, concrete, free verse, odes, and more. These varieties can be used for different occasions and modes of expression; each is unique. Below, you’ll find links to our printable resources for different types of poetry examples and activities.…

Metaphor Worksheets

Welcome to our library of printable metaphor worksheets for elementary and middle school students! Metaphors are powerful tools that enrich our understanding and communication by drawing imaginative comparisons between seemingly unrelated things. For young students, mastering metaphors can significantly enhance their reading comprehension, creative writing, and overall language skills. Our…

Space Exploration Worksheets

Get ready to learn about outer space with our library of printable space exploration worksheets and activities! Below, you’ll find a variety of resources focusing on space exploration, including: drawing activities, reading comprehension passages, main idea worksheets, word searches, and more.

Inference Worksheets

There’s no doubt that inferencing skills are some of the most challenging to teach (and learn) in any classroom. Students need close reading skills, as well as the confidence, to make a strong inference about what they’re reading. If you’re looking for resources on teaching this skill to your students,…

Book Report Outlines Printable PDFs Image

Book Report Templates

Book reports often ask students to summarize, reflect, and share their ideas. We’ve created a series of book report templates that you can use or adapt based on a variety of learning needs. While this task may reflect individual preferences and insights, it can be collaborative. Students can share in…

Context Clues Anchor Chart

It’s all about the clues! Utilizing context clues involves using patience and strategies in order to determine the meaning of an unknown word. For early literacy students, this is essential. Use our printable context clues anchor chart on paper or as a digital resource. Remember, anchor charts can be used…

Inference Anchor Chart

Inferencing skills depend on the learner’s use of text clues and information in combination with what they already know. For many students, building prior knowledge and close reading are important aspects of developing sound inferencing skills. Students have to build confidence in both skills in order to determine educated assertions…

Reduce Sentence Wordiness with the SEAL Writing Strategy

Welcome to ReadingVine’s page all about how to reduce sentence wordiness with SEAL Strategy Activities! The SEAL Strategy is a great classroom tool for teaching students about revising sentences to improve their writing skills by reducing overall sentence wordiness. The four steps of this learning strategy include: simplifying sentences, eliminating…

Author’s Viewpoint Task Cards

What’s the author’s viewpoint? Let’s find out with these helpful author’s viewpoint task cards! Empower your students to reflect on how language reflects an author’s viewpoint, which is how the author feels about a topic. With the quotes provided, students will have an opportunity to determine whether the author’s viewpoint…

Sports Trivia – Basketball

TEACHER DIRECTIONS: Welcome to the Reading Vine’s Trivia Trail: “Sports Trivia: Basketball!” In this three-part journey, you’ll guide students through an informational reading, trivia quiz game, and an exit ticket where they can reflect on what they’ve learned and design their own trivia questions. Print off the PDF lesson material…

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Third Grade Reading

Summer Fun: Put the Story Sequence in Order

Children's Reading Resource | Pre-K - 3rd Grade | Home Reading Helper | Read Charlotte

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Third Grade

Third Grade Reading Skills | Reading Comprehension

Connection to reading.

Comprehension is gaining meaning from what you read. This is a complex, higher-level thinking skill, but children from a very early age can begin thinking about what they have just read and tell you what a story is about. When children read, they must turn their “minds on” and actively think about what they are reading means.

The goal for 3rd graders is that they can understand the book they read and the books that are read to them. They can answer questions about the story and find evidence by flipping through the book’s pages to point out and prove their answer.

The show their understanding by retelling about the characters, setting and important events from the story. If the book is nonfiction, they can describe the important 5 W’s (Who/What/When/Where/Why) from the book.

EOG – End of Grade Reading Assessment

At the end of the 3rd grade, your child will take their first official standardized test ( standardized meaning every test taker answers the same questions and is scored in the same way across the state). The Reading Comprehension test consists of about 50 multiple choice questions to test if your child can read proficiently on grade level. If they fail, they can be held back and not promoted to 4th grade. The results will be shared with parents.

To see sample test questions, click here .

¿Qué es lectura activa? (The ABCs of Active Reading)

The abcs of active reading, understanding vocabulary: why it’s critical to your child’s reading, making connections when reading, the powerful strategy to help your child understand what they read, turning minds on while reading: why asking your child questions transforms comprehension, the magic of hearing a story read aloud: why older children benefit from this, how using a graphic organizer helps a child better understand a story.

HOME ACTIVITIES

Read at home everyday.

Reading at home independently or aloud for enjoyment is the single best daily routine to help strengthen your child’s understanding of stories. Asking simple questions about the characters and talking about best parts of a book gets your child thinking about the story and making connections to their own life.

Ask Open-ended Questions

Its easy to fall into the trap of always asking simple, straight forward questions that elicit one-word answers about your child’s reading. Of course you want to make sure they’re understanding what they read, so you ask questions such as “Who is the main character?”

Try asking a question that stretches your child’s thinking and allows them to explain their feelings. “Did you agree with what the character did? What would you have done?”

This taps right into higher level critical thinking skills, deepening their comprehension while giving you a window into their thoughts.

A K-W-L chart is a popular method for teachers to hook their students and get them thinking right away about a story they’re about to read.

This is best used for nonfiction reading, or books about facts. You don’t have to write this all down, these questions can be used when talking with your child as they read. It’s quick and easy, but will get your child diving into the topic they’re learning.

Keep it Light

Conversations about books should be fun. Quizzing a child for correct answers after reading their favorite book can suck the joy out of the reading experience. Instead, try to ask questions from a place of curiously and wanting to know what your child thinks. This makes them feel that their opinions and thoughts matter.

Use the Five Finger Strategy

After reading a story use your hand to help you remember the most important elements of the story. This technique can be used for people ages 4 to 94.

Characters – Who was in the story?
Setting – Where did the story take place?
Events – What happened in the story?
End – How did the story end?
Your Take – What was your favorite part?

CLICK HERE FOR THE FIVE FINGER RETELL PRINTABLE

Try the 5 W’s to Learn Summarizing

Second Graders learn the skill of “summarizing,” or retelling the main points of what they have read. Ask your child these questions to further help them remember what they have just read.

Who – Who are the characters or people?
What – What happened?
Where – Where did it take place?
When – When did it happen?
Why – Why did the story end the way it did?

When reading with your child, a great technique is to pause after a few pages and check in to see if your child is truly grasping what they are reading. Asking open-ended questions allows them to explain their thinking. If what they tell you does not m atch the story, you can help redirect them back on track:

You: “Helen Keller’s teacher wrote the word “W-A-T-E-R” into the palm of her hand as water was flowing onto her when she was 7 years old. Why did she do this?”

Your child: “I don’t know….maybe it was to tickle her.”

You: “Helen could not see or hear. What do you think Helen was learning when her teacher did this?”

3 Seconds of Wait Time

Allow your child enough undisturbed “think time” to process what is happening. If you ask them a question about the story, let them look at the pages and take a few moments to think, at least 3 seconds. We typically only wait one second before jumping in with the answer. Providing answers too quickly takes away a child’s “thinking time”, robbing them of the opportunity to fo rm conclusions on their own.

Show Evidence

As your young reader matures, they can demonstrate their understanding in more sophisticated ways. When asking them questions from the story, ask them prove their answers by showing you the pages and words that describe the event.

Use Sticky Notes to Show Your Thinking

A great way for your child to remember and internalize what they read is by using sticky notes. Have your child write these symbols on a sticky note and place them next to a line in a book to show their thinking.

LOL = funny part

? = confusing part

= favorite part

* = important part

= a part that helps me predict what will happen next

Tame the Testing Beast

Your child will be required to take their first standardized reading test at the end of the school year. The test will contain 50 multiple choice questions.

It is helpful for parents to look through these questions and get a sense for how your child will be tested. Try practicing test questions with your child, but keep it short. Once a week read a sample passage with your child and have fun answering 2-3 questions together. Make it into a game for them to win prizes, like picking a movie for weekend. The purpose of these sessions is to (1) boost your child’s confidence, (2) help parents give their child tips for answering questions, and (3) to diffuse the anxiety from testing through short practice sessions.

Different Ways to Read

Books are the best way to expose children to new vocabulary, stories and higher level thinking skills. But reading on their own is not the single way to access stories. Read alouds and audio books offer the same benefits and let children enjoy a great book. The NC Kids Digital Library offers hundreds of picture read alouds that let your child hear stories and build their reading skills.

Reading books online, interactively, feels just like playing a fun computer game and helps your child build their reading comprehension skills.

NC Kids Digital Library (Free, requires library card number)

NC Kids Digital Library offers e-books, audiobooks, streaming videos, and read alongs. This collection was specifically designed for youth ages pre-K through 4 th grade and includes picture books, youth fiction, youth nonfiction, and more.

Libby, by Overdrive App for iPhones and iPads, Google Play, or Windows Mobile

This app can be used on your phone or tablet to access the NC Kids Digital Library read along books for free.

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3rd Grade Reading Comprehension Series - 40 Activities!

This incredible unit is free with your subscription to MrN 365. It contains our entire current collection of 3rd grade (and higher) leveled reading comprehension passages and question sets (between five and ten multiple choice questions). These are available individually throughout the site. Here you get them in one huge 72-page packet. Included are American Revolution, Galileo, Pepperoni, and many more in science and social studies (mostly).

Related activities

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Chloe Campbell Education

Resources for your classroom

30 Must-Read Books for 3rd Graders: The Ultimate List

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Finding the right books to capture the attention of your third graders can be a game-changer in the classroom. At this grade level, children are curious, imaginative, and ready to dive into the world of chapter books that challenge their thinking, introduce new ideas, and take them on incredible adventures. Whether you’re working with advanced readers or reluctant readers, this book list offers a variety of options that will keep your 3rd grade readers engaged and excited about reading. Let’s explore these great books together!

Click here to see a list of books for 4th graders and here for 5th graders .

This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Your support helps keep this blog running—thank you!

1. Charlotte’s Web by E.B. White

“ Charlotte’s Web ” is a timeless classic that never fails to enchant young readers. The story of friendship between a pig named Wilbur and a spider named Charlotte is perfect for teaching third graders about loyalty, sacrifice, and the beauty of life’s cycles. This is one of those third grade books that provides a safe place for students to explore big themes like life and death, making it a great addition to your classroom reading list.

2. Magic Tree House Series by Mary Pope Osborne

The “ Magic Tree House ” series is a hit with 3rd grade readers for a reason—each book is an adventure that transports Jack and Annie, the main characters, to different times and places. These adventure stories are great books for sparking curiosity about history, geography, and different cultures. Plus, the easy-to-follow structure makes them perfect for both reluctant readers and advanced readers who are just stepping into the world of chapter books. The best part? The entire series is available at most local libraries, making it easy for your students to continue the journey.

3. The Boxcar Children by Gertrude Chandler Warner

“ The Boxcar Children ” follows four orphaned siblings who make a new home for themselves in an abandoned boxcar. This book is perfect for third graders who enjoy mystery books and stories about independence and resourcefulness. The first book in this classic series introduces themes of hope, family, and adventure. It’s also a great choice for 3rd grade teachers looking to provide students with good books that can lead to discussions about real life and the challenges we face.

4. Freckle Juice by Judy Blume

“ Freckle Juice ” is a fun, lighthearted story that teaches important lessons about self-acceptance and being careful what you wish for. The main character, Andrew, goes to hilarious lengths to try to get freckles, only to learn that being himself is the best thing he can be. This funny book is a good fit for third grade classrooms, offering plenty of opportunities for discussions about self-esteem and the importance of liking yourself just the way you are. It’s one of those 3rd grade books that resonates with children of all ages.

5. The BFG by Roald Dahl

“The BFG” is a magical tale of a Big Friendly Giant who befriends a little girl named Sophie. This book is great for 3rd grade readers who enjoy funny books with lots of adventure. It’s an excellent read for teaching themes like friendship, bravery, and standing up against injustice. The playful language and imaginative story make it a favorite among third graders and a great book to add to your reading list.

6. The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate

“The One and Only Ivan” is a powerful, fictional story told from the perspective of a gorilla living in captivity. This book is perfect for third graders who are ready to explore themes of friendship, freedom, and the ethical treatment of animals. It’s also a great book for discussing empathy and the importance of standing up for what’s right. “The One and Only Ivan” is an excellent read that can inspire meaningful discussions and is a great fit for any classroom book club.

7. Judy Moody Was in a Mood by Megan McDonald

Judy Moody is a spirited character whose adventures are full of humor and heart. “ Judy Moody Was in a Mood ” is great for third graders who enjoy stories about self-expression, friendship, and dealing with emotions. The book’s engaging narrative and relatable themes make it a perfect addition to your list of 3rd grade books. It’s also a fun book for students who are just beginning to explore longer chapter books and are looking for something with a lot of personality.

8. Dog Man by Dav Pilkey

“Dog Man” is a graphic novel series that has taken the world by storm, and it’s especially popular with 3rd graders. The series follows the adventures of a half-dog, half-human police officer who fights crime in hilarious and imaginative ways. This book is perfect for reluctant readers and those who love humor, action, and a good dose of silliness. It’s a great way to get kids excited about reading, and the series format encourages them to keep coming back for more.

9. The Bad Guys by Aaron Blabey

“ The Bad Guys ” is another popular graphic novel series that’s perfect for third graders. It’s about a group of misunderstood villains who decide to turn over a new leaf and become heroes—though things don’t always go as planned. This series is packed with humor, action, and quirky illustrations, making it a favorite among young readers. It’s especially great for kids who might be hesitant to pick up a traditional chapter book.

10. Dragons in a Bag by Zetta Elliott

This fantasy adventure follows a boy named Jaxon who discovers that his grandmother is a witch tasked with delivering baby dragons to a magical world. When the dragons accidentally escape into Brooklyn, Jaxon and his friends must find them before they cause too much trouble. This book is ideal for 3rd graders who enjoy fast-paced, imaginative stories with diverse characters.

11. The Lemonade War by Jacqueline Davies

“ The Lemonade War ” is a fantastic choice for 3rd grade readers who enjoy stories about competition and entrepreneurship. The book follows a brother and sister who turn a simple lemonade stand into a full-blown business war during their summer vacation. It’s a great book for discussing themes like sibling rivalry, honesty, and the value of hard work. The real-life scenarios in the story make it relatable for students, and it’s an excellent read for encouraging discussions about business, math, and problem-solving in the third grade classroom.

12. Amelia Bedelia by Peggy Parish

Amelia Bedelia is a lovable character known for taking things a bit too literally, leading to hilarious misunderstandings. This book is great for exploring the nuances of language and idioms while keeping things light and fun. “Amelia Bedelia” is a good fit for third grade readers who enjoy funny books with lots of wordplay. The humor in Amelia Bedelia’s adventures makes it a perfect addition to your classroom’s list of 3rd grade books, providing both entertainment and education.

13. Flat Stanley by Jeff Brown

“Flat Stanley” tells the story of a boy who gets flattened by a bulletin board and discovers he can have all sorts of adventures in his new flat form. This book is great for sparking creativity and discussing themes like adaptability, problem-solving, and making the best of unexpected situations. It’s a fun book for 3rd graders who enjoy imaginative stories and is a great choice for inspiring classroom activities. The book’s engaging narrative and relatable characters make it one of the best chapter books for young readers.

14. The Wild Robot by Peter Brown

“The Wild Robot” tells the story of Roz, a robot who wakes up on a remote island with no memory of how she got there. As she learns to survive in the wilderness, Roz forms unexpected friendships with the island’s animals. This book is a great fit for 3rd graders who enjoy adventure and stories about the intersection of technology and nature. It’s an engaging and thoughtful read that encourages discussions about what it means to be alive and connected to the world around us.

15. Narwhal and Jelly Series by Ben Clanton

This graphic novel series follows the adventures of Narwhal and his best friend Jelly, a jellyfish. The books are full of fun, friendship, and oceanic wonder, making them a hit with young readers. The series is perfect for reluctant readers or those who love a mix of humor and heart. It’s a great way to introduce graphic novels to 3rd graders who are just starting to explore different types of books.

16. The Chicken Squad by Doreen Cronin

“The Chicken Squad” is a hilarious series about four chicken siblings who solve mysteries on their farm. The books are filled with humor, adventure, and a bit of detective work, making them perfect for 3rd graders who love funny stories and a good mystery. The short chapters and engaging illustrations make these books accessible to young readers who are still building their confidence with chapter books.

17. Stink Series by Megan McDonald

Stink, Judy Moody’s younger brother, has his own series of books that are just as funny and engaging. In these books, Stink deals with all sorts of hilarious situations, from superpowers to gross science experiments. The series is great for 3rd graders who enjoy humor, relatable characters, and a bit of mischief. It’s also a good choice for reluctant readers who need a fun and fast-paced story to keep them engaged.

18. Captain Underpants by Dav Pilkey

“ Captain Underpants ” is a wildly popular series that’s perfect for 3rd graders who love humor, adventure, and a bit of toilet humor. The books follow the antics of two boys who create a superhero called Captain Underpants, who comes to life and fights evil in his underwear. This series is particularly popular among reluctant readers and those who enjoy fast-paced, funny stories with lots of illustrations. It’s a great way to encourage reading while providing plenty of laughs along the way.

19. Clementine by Sara Pennypacker

“ Clementine ” is a delightful series about a spunky third grader who always seems to find herself in trouble, even when she’s just trying to help. The stories are full of humor, heart, and relatable situations that third graders will love. Clementine’s unique perspective and quirky personality make these books a hit with young readers, especially those who enjoy character-driven stories with a lot of charm.

20. The Critter Club Series by Callie Barkley

This series is about four best friends who start a club to help animals in need. Each book in “ The Critter Club ” series focuses on a different member of the club, their love for animals, and the adventures they go on to save their furry friends. The series is perfect for 3rd graders who love animals, friendship stories, and light-hearted adventures.

21. EllRay Jakes Series by Sally Warner

“ EllRay Jakes ” is a series about an African-American boy navigating the ups and downs of elementary school life. The books deal with common issues like bullying, fitting in, and standing up for what’s right, all told from EllRay’s humorous and relatable point of view. These books are perfect for 3rd graders who enjoy realistic stories with a strong and likable main character.

22. Ivy + Bean Series by Annie Barrows

“Ivy + Bean ” is a popular series about two very different girls who become best friends despite their differences. The books are full of fun, mischief, and the kind of adventures that can only happen when two imaginative kids team up. This series is great for 3rd graders who enjoy stories about friendship, creativity, and the occasional bit of trouble.

23. The Year of Billy Miller by Kevin Henkes

This Newbery Honor-winning book follows the year in the life of Billy Miller, a second-grader dealing with school, family, and friendships. The story is full of gentle humor, warmth, and the everyday challenges of being a kid. It’s an excellent read for 3rd graders who enjoy realistic fiction that’s relatable and comforting.

24. The Notebook of Doom Series by Troy Cummings

This series follows Alexander , a boy who moves to a new town and discovers a notebook filled with drawings of monsters—and learns that the monsters are real! Each book in “The Notebook of Doom” series is filled with humor, mystery, and plenty of monster action, making it a great choice for 3rd graders who enjoy slightly spooky stories with a lot of laughs.

25. The Humphrey Series by Betty G. Birney

“ The World According to Humphrey ” and its sequels follow the adventures of Humphrey, the class hamster, as he observes and sometimes influences the lives of the students and teachers at Longfellow School. This series is perfect for 3rd graders who love animals and stories told from a unique perspective. The books are full of humor, heart, and plenty of hamster hijinks.

26. The Last Firehawk Series by Katrina Charman

This action-packed fantasy series follows a young owl named Tag and his friends as they embark on a quest to save their world from a dark force. “The Last Firehawk” series is perfect for 3rd graders who love fantasy, adventure, and stories about courage and friendship. The books are illustrated, making them accessible and engaging for young readers who are transitioning to chapter books.

27. My Father’s Dragon by Ruth Stiles Gannett

This classic fantasy adventure follows a young boy named Elmer Elevator who sets out on a quest to rescue a baby dragon. The book is filled with imaginative challenges and clever solutions, making it an engaging and fun read for 3rd graders. It’s a great introduction to longer chapter books, and the illustrations add to the charm of the story.

28. The Princess in Black Series by Shannon Hale and Dean Hale

“ The Princess in Black ” series is about a princess who leads a double life as a monster-fighting hero. The books are perfect for 3rd graders who enjoy stories that mix action, humor, and a bit of fairy tale magic. The series is especially popular with readers who love strong, adventurous characters and fun, fast-paced plots.

29. Gooseberry Park by Cynthia Rylant

“Gooseberry Park ” is a heartwarming story about friendship and teamwork among a group of animals who come together to help a friend in need. This book is great for discussing themes like cooperation, kindness, and the power of community. The lovable characters and charming story make it a great addition to your third grade reading list. It’s a good book for any classroom that values stories about helping others and the strength of friendship.

30. Zoey and Sassafras Series by Asia Citro

In this STEM-focused series, Zoey discovers that magical animals come to her family’s barn for help—and it’s up to her to use science to solve their problems. “Zoey and Sassafras” is perfect for 3rd graders who love animals, science, and a bit of magic. The series is engaging, educational, and a great way to introduce young readers to the wonders of scientific thinking.

Engaging Your 3rd Graders with These Must-Reads

These 30 books offer a fantastic mix of stories that will captivate your third graders and provide countless opportunities for learning and discussion. Whether you’re introducing them to the world of chapter books, building their reading skills, or just enjoying a great story together, these books are perfect for your classroom.

And after you’ve enjoyed these stories with your students, don’t forget to use these simple and easy Book Review Templates ! These templates are a fun and easy way for your students to reflect on what they’ve read, share their opinions, and give each book a star rating. It’s a great way to encourage critical thinking, improve writing skills, and keep your students engaged with the material. Happy reading!

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