What Do You Learn in 3rd Grade? Key Subjects & Skills

What do kids learn in 3rd grade? They explore essential skills across various subjects, including math, reading, social studies, and science. By the end of 3rd grade, they should be able to read fluently, solve basic multiplication and division problems, and understand key concepts in science. Third graders face more demanding standards that require them to apply previous knowledge, making this year a critical leap in academic complexity.

For a quick look back at the skills covered in the previous year, check out this helpful guide on what’s taught in 2nd grade. It highlights essential topics that set the foundation for 3rd-grade learning.  

What Is Taught to Kids in 3rd Grade?

Here are some of the subjects your child will be learning in 3rd grade. You can ask their teacher what the focus will be for each subject in the coming year. Using this guide, you can help your child get ahead or catch up in any of the following areas:

1. Math for 3rd Graders

What is taught in 3rd grade math? Kids continue to work on basic addition and subtraction skills but will begin learning about regrouping (also called carrying or borrowing). This is a crucial year of math learning since several new concepts are introduced—fractions, multiplication, division, area, perimeter, and more! Plus, kids learn to use four arithmetic operations to solve simple real-life word problems.

Here are important math skills kids learn in 3rd grade, along with fun activities parents can use to support their child’s learning at home:

I. Number Sense

• Round whole numbers to the nearest 10 or 100.

i) Rounding on a Number Line: Draw a number line and place a number on it, then ask the kids to round it to the nearest 10 or 100 based on the position of the number. Here are fun games to practice rounding on a number line:

ii) Rounding Roller Coaster: Draw a “roller coaster” line on paper with stops at multiples of 10 or 100. Give your child a number (e.g., 34) and ask them which “stop” is closest, rounding it up or down to the nearest 10 (e.g., 30 or 40). This visual approach helps them see which multiple is closer.

Related Reading: How to Teach Number Sense

II. Addition and Subtraction

• Fluently add and subtract within 1,000 using different strategies.

i) Break down large numbers into hundreds, tens, and ones to add or subtract. Example: 725 – 512 (Break into 700-500, 20-10, 5-2).

ii) Create bingo cards with different sums or differences within 1,000. Call out the answers, and students mark the corresponding equation on their cards.

iii) Help kids explore addition and subtraction strategies through visual and engaging games that use base-10 blocks, place value charts, and even word problems for better understanding. Here are some fun games to get started:

III. Multiplication within 100

a) Find products of whole numbers using equal groups or arrays. 

i) Use arrays of objects (like beans or buttons) to represent multiplication facts. Use these objects to create equal groups and find the total by multiplying.

ii) Use these interactive games for reinforcement. In these games, kids will understand multiplication as repeated addition by visualizing it using arrays and equal groups.

b) Multiply one-digit whole numbers by multiples of 10 in the range 10-90. 

i) Use small items like buttons or coins to create groups of 10, 20, 30, etc. For example, to practice 3×20, make three groups of 20 buttons. Have your child count each group by tens to find the total (e.g., 20, 40, 60), reinforcing the concept of multiplying by multiples of 10.

ii) Help kids practice multiplication by multiples of 10 using these fun games. Kids will solve a series of problems based on multiplying numbers

c) Know multiplication tables up to 10. Fluently multiply within 100.

i) Multiplication Hopscotch: Create a hopscotch board outside or on the floor using numbers in a specific multiplication table (e.g., 3, 6, 9 for the 3 times table). Have your child hop along the board while saying each product out loud, reinforcing their memory of the table.

ii) Play “Multiplication War” with cards: Each player draws a card and multiplies the numbers, and the player with the highest product wins.

iii) Recite and sing multiplication tables up to 10 to reinforce quick recall.

iv) Enjoy times tables games, where kids will master multiplication facts of numbers 2-10 using number charts, number lines, arrays, and fun activities.

d) Use properties of multiplication to multiply. 

i) Write multiplication pairs on index cards, such as “3 x 4” and “4 x 3.” Have your child match pairs that show the commutative property (e.g., 3 x 4 = 4 x 3) and explain that the order doesn’t affect the result. This visual matching reinforces the idea of the commutative property.

ii) Use building blocks to group numbers for the associative property. For instance, to calculate (2×3)×4, group two blocks of three, multiply to get six, then multiply six by four. Show that it’s the same as 2×(3×4) by regrouping, reinforcing that grouping order doesn’t change the result.

iii) Help kids use multiplication properties to solve problems. In these games, kids will learn to use the commutative, associative, zero, identity, and distributive properties of multiplication to complete multiplication sentences.

Related Reading: How to Teach Multiplication to Kids

IV. Division 

a) Interpret whole-number quotients using the context of equal shares. 

i) Use small objects (like candies or blocks) to divide them into equal shares, explaining how many each person gets.

ii) Help kids understand the concept of division as equal shares using a number line.

b) Determine unknowns in a division equation. Understand division as finding an unknown factor in a multiplication problem.

i) Create simple division equations (e.g., 15 ÷ ? = 3) and ask your child to determine the unknown number by looking at the times table.

ii) Fill-in-the-Blank Challenge: Present equations with blanks for the dividend or divisor (e.g., 24 ÷ _ = 6). Your child has to determine the missing number. This helps them practice finding unknowns while reinforcing their understanding of division. Get started with these fun games:

c) Fluently divide within 100. 

i) Create flashcards with division facts up to 100 (e.g., “48 ÷ 6”). Challenge your child to go through the cards quickly to build speed and fluency with division facts.

ii) Set a timer and ask your child to solve as many division problems within 100 as they can in one or two minutes. Make it fun by letting them try to beat their previous score each time, turning it into a game.

Related Reading: How to Teach Division to Kids

V. Fractions 

• Identify and represent unit fractions on a number line. Identify and represent non-unit fractions a/b on a number line.

i) Draw a large number line on the ground. Mark numbers and divisions. Call out a fraction and have students physically jump to its place on the line.

ii) Fold paper into different fractions and label them.

iii) Play interactive games on plotting and identifying fractions on a number line.

• Understand, identify, and generate equivalent fractions. 

i) Use fraction bars or strips to visually represent fractions and find equivalent fractions by comparing the sizes of pieces.

ii) Equivalent fractions games: Many kids need help understanding how different fractions can represent the same value. Equivalent fractions games provide a hands-on way to visually compare fractions, using number lines and fraction bars to clarify how parts of a whole relate to each other. Check out these games for a fun learning time:

• Compares two fractions with the same numerator or the same denominator.

i) Use visual fraction models (bars or circles) to compare fractions with the same numerator or denominator and discuss which is larger or smaller.

ii) Help kids master these tricky concepts with targeted games. In these games, kids will learn to compare fractions using real-world models, number lines, and fun activities:

Related Reading: How to Teach Fraction to Kids

VI. Measurement and Data:

• Estimate and measure length, mass, and capacity. Solve one-step problems involving a whole number of customary measurements.

i) Set up stations with objects for students to estimate and then measure using rulers, scales, and measuring cups.

ii) Measure household objects using different units of measurement (inches, centimeters, cups, liters).

iii) Measurement games: Try these measurement games that provide interactive, real-world scenarios to help kids understand length, weight, and volume through hands-on activities, making abstract measurement ideas easy to visualize and apply.

• Tell time to the nearest minute. Solve one-step word problems involving addition and subtraction of time intervals in minutes.

i) Analog Clock Puzzles: Create puzzles with cut-out hour and minute hands. Children can put the clock hands together to show specific time to the nearest minute.

ii) Elapsed Time Problems: Give students word problems about time intervals within the same hour (e.g., “The show starts at 3:00 and ends at 3.35. How long is the show?”) and have them solve using an analog clock or number line.

iii) Telling time games: Kids will practice setting an analog clock after a specific interval and calculating the elapsed time.

• Create and interpret scaled bar and picture graphs. 

i) Use toy cars or other small toys to create a picture graph where each toy represents 5 items. Ask your child to “count” the toys using the scale.

ii) Create a bar graph of completed chores. For example, use a scale where 1 block = 3 chores. Have your child track their progress using this scale.

iii) Moving to scaled graphs can be challenging for kids. Consider using fun games that help kids understand data representation and comparison in a fun, interactive way.

• Understand the concepts of area and perimeter. Measure the area using unit squares. 

i) Place a piece of string around the edges of a square or a rectangle to measure its perimeter. Cut the string and then measure it with a ruler to see the total length.

ii) Draw a small rectangle or square on paper and ask your child to draw a “fence” around it (the perimeter). Then, have them color the inside, explaining that they are “filling” the area.

iii) Area and perimeter games: In these games, kids learn everything from the basic idea of perimeter and area to the methods of using unit squares and side lengths to calculate the area and perimeter. 

2. Language Arts for 3rd Grade

In 3rd grade language arts, students build on their reading and writing skills, aiming to read fluently and comprehend a variety of texts. By the end of the year, they should be able to read fluently without pausing to sound out words and fully understand the content. 

Writing development focuses on different styles, including narrative, opinion, informative, and explanatory essays, helping students express their thoughts clearly and organize ideas effectively.

Here are reading and writing skills kids learn in 3rd grade, along with practical strategies parents can use to boost learning at home:

I. Phonics and Word Recognition: 

• Identify and know the meaning of the most common prefixes and suffixes. Identify, know the meanings of, and decode words with suffixes. 

i) Write down common prefixes (e.g., un-, re-) and suffixes (e.g., -ful, -less) on cards. Give your child root words and ask them to match the prefixes or suffixes to form new words, then discuss the meanings.

ii) Help kids create new words using the same root words, suffixes, and prefixes. Get started with these fun worksheets:

• Decode multi-syllabic words. 

i) Have your child clap out the syllables of longer words (e.g., “fan-ta-stic”) and then read the word by sounding out each syllable. Incorporate multi-syllabic words from everyday life, such as “sandwich,” “birthday,” or “playground.”

ii) Show your child how to divide multi-syllabic words into syllables by looking for vowel sounds. Often, a vowel sound at the beginning of a syllable is a good indicator of where to divide.

• Recognize and read grade-appropriate irregularly spelled words. 

i) Create flashcards with commonly confused and irregularly spelled words (e.g., said, could, should, there, their, they’re, one, two, were, where). Practice recognizing and reading them quickly to build familiarity and confidence.

ii) Encourage your child to use context clues to help them recognize irregularly spelled words. For example, if the word “their” is used in a sentence about a group of friends, it is likely referring to something that belongs to them.

Related Reading: How to Teach Phonics to Kids

II. Reading Comprehension and Fluency: 

• Fluency: Reads grade-level texts accurately and fluently, using context to self-correct and enhance comprehension.

i) Echo Reading: Read a passage aloud and have your child repeat it, mimicking your pace and expression to build fluency and accuracy.

ii) Timed Reading Practice: Let your child read a passage for one minute, then count the words read correctly. Repeat to track progress and improve speed and self-correction.

• Develop and answer questions to locate specific information. Identify themes or central ideas, supporting them with key details. 

i) Question Cards: Create cards focusing on who, what, where, when, and why. After reading a passage, have your child answer these questions to locate specific details.

ii) Gamify it: Consider using these games that use visuals, fun themes, and step-by-step guidance to help kids identify the main idea of a text, pick a suitable theme, or choose an appropriate title based on the details.

iii) Worksheets: Consider using these worksheets to encourage kids to ask and answer questions based on illustrations or a passage of a text.

• Describe characters, events, or concepts, using details to explain relationships and sequences.

i) Write down key events from a story on separate cards, mix them up, and ask your child to put them in the correct order. Then, have them describe each event, explaining how one leads to the next. This helps reinforce sequencing and relationships between events. Here are targeted worksheets for the same:

ii) After reading a story, encourage kids to talk about the different characters and traits. Try these engaging worksheets for fun practice:

• Identify cause and effect relationships.

i) Create pairs of cards, one with a cause and one with an effect (e.g., “It started raining” and “They used umbrellas”). Ask your child to match each cause with its correct effect, discussing how the two are related.

ii) Use practice worksheets with targeted exercises. Kids will learn to connect cause to effect using texts and pictures.

• Understand word meanings, including figurative and academic language. 

i) Word Detective: While reading, ask your child to underline or highlight figurative language or complex words, then discuss what they mean in the context of the story.

ii) Read a book or story that includes figurative language (like similes or metaphors). Have your child draw a picture of the literal meaning versus the figurative meaning (e.g., “It’s raining cats and dogs” as animals falling from the sky vs. heavy rain). This helps them visualize and understand figurative expressions. Here are figures-of-speech worksheets to get started:

• Identify story elements (chapters, scenes, stanzas) and use text features for comprehension. 

i) Story Structure Exploration: Choose a book and identify its structure (chapters, scenes, stanzas). Discuss how these elements help understand the story’s flow and content. 

ii) Try these worksheets to help kids explore different text structures:

iii) Story elements worksheets: Use these worksheets to teach kids about story elements such as events and settings.

• Recognize differing perspectives between reader and text (author, narrator, characters).

i) Point of View Discussion: After reading a story, ask your child to compare their perspective with the characters, narrator, or author, discussing how these differing viewpoints affect the story. 

ii) Get started with these easy-to-follow worksheets. Kids will observe illustrations, read conversations, and learn about diverse perspectives—first-person, second-person, and third-person.

• Explain how illustrations or text features enhance understanding. Identify and evaluate claims supported by evidence. Make connections across texts, genres, and cultural perspectives.

i) Picture Analysis: Choose a book with illustrations and ask your child to explain how the pictures help them understand the story better, focusing on specific details. Here are some fantastic worksheets to give your child a head start: