BlogSchool Resources for KidsWhat Do You Learn in 3rd Grade: Overview, Subjects & Skills

What Do You Learn in 3rd Grade: Overview, Subjects & Skills

You must know what to expect when your child is about to enter the 3rd grade. Students will be introduced to new and more challenging subjects at this grade level. The following article will outline these subjects and what students should know by the end of 3rd grade. Remember that every school district may have a slightly different curriculum, but this guide will give you a general idea of what is taught to kids in 3rd grade.

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What is Taught to Kids in 3rd Grade?

Teacher talking with her pupils 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. Maths and Arithmetic

Third graders will be expected to know their multiplication tables up to 10×10. They should also be able to solve two-digit by two-digit multiplication problems and understand division with remainders.

Kids will continue to work on basic addition and subtraction skills but will begin learning about regrouping (also called carrying or borrowing). In particular, they should be able to regroup when adding three-digit numbers and subtracting numbers with zeroes in the ones or tens column.

Lastly, third graders should understand what fractions are and be able to identify them in everyday life. They should also be comfortable naming fractions and completing basic operations with fractions, such as addition, subtraction, and multiplication.

2. Language Arts

In language arts, your child will continue to improve their reading skills. By the end of 3rd grade, they should be able to read fluently and with comprehension. This means reading quickly, without having to stop and sound out words, and understanding what they are reading.

Third graders will also be expected to understand and use different types of writing, such as narrative, opinion, informative, and explanatory. They should be able to write clear and well-organized essays on various topics. Additionally, students will learn how to research and cite their sources.

Educators use online learning tools to help third graders hone their language arts skills. These may include online reading games, writing tools, and grammar tools. Using these tools gives your child the practice they need to succeed in language arts.

3. Science

Third graders will learn about the different states of matter in science class: solid, liquid, and gas. The syllabus will also introduce them to the concept of mixtures and solutions. Additionally, kids will learn about living and non-living things and what it takes for something to be classified as alive.

Other science topics covered in 3rd grade include the human body, specifically the skeletal and muscular systems. Students will also learn about different types of rocks and soil, the water cycle, and simple machines.

4. Social Studies

In social studies, third graders will learn what it means to be a good citizen. This includes learning about rules, laws, and responsibilities at home, at school, and community. Kids will also learn about map skills and begin to understand different types of governments.

Not only will third graders learn about citizenship, but they will also begin to understand how people have interacted with each other and their environment throughout history. Students will learn about ancient civilizations, the impact of explorers, and the American Revolution.

5. Visual and Performing Arts

Third graders will continue to develop their drawing, painting, and sculpting skills in the arts. They will also learn about different types of music and how to create rhythms. Also, kids will be introduced to basic photography concepts.

Moreover, third graders will learn about different types of dance and what it takes to put on a play, including acting, stagecraft, and set design.

Now let’s talk about what students should know by the end of 3rd grade.

What Should Students Know in 3rd Grade?

Girls sitting beside a woman in black blazer What is taught to kids in 3rd grade

Teachers use a variety of assessments to determine what students have learned and what they need to work on. These can include tests, quizzes, projects, and papers. Some skills are more accessible to measure than others, but there are a few things that all students should be able to do in 3rd grade:

1. Read confidently and fluently. This includes being able to read quickly, smoothly, and with expression. Also, students should be able to retell stories with ease.

2. Understand and use basic math concepts. This includes being able to add, subtract, multiply, and divide. Students should also understand what fractions are and identify them in everyday life. 

3. Write clearly and with detail. Students should be able to write for different purposes, such as to inform, explain, or tell a story. Their writing should include proper grammar, spelling, and punctuation.

4. Research topics using various sources. This means using books, websites effectively, and other materials to find information.

5. Think critically about what they’re learning. Third graders should be able to ask questions, make predictions, and draw conclusions.

6. Kids will be able to communicate effectively and listen attentively. Students should also be able to work cooperatively with others.

Let’s Make Your Kid a Third Grader!

Students listening to their teacher What is taught to kids in 3rd grade

Becoming a third grader is an important milestone in any child’s education. It’s the time when they start to learn and grow, both academically and socially. In this article, we’ve outlined some of the most important things that your child should know by the end of third grade. There is a lot of material to cover in third grade, but your child will succeed with a little hard work and dedication! Make sure you talk to their teacher to get a better idea of what they should be focusing on.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the 3rd-grade curriculum like?

The 3rd-grade curriculum builds on the skills learned in earlier grades. Students will read more complex texts, write longer essays, learn about different types of governments, and explore fractions and other states of matter.

What to expect from teachers in 3rd grade?

Third-grade teachers will focus on helping students develop reading, writing, and math skills. Additionally, they will introduce kids to new social studies and science concepts. Teachers may also incorporate art and music into their lessons.

What does a third-grade homeschool curriculum look like?

Homeschooling parents can tailor their child’s curriculum to their individual needs and interests. However, most 3rd-grade homeschool curriculums include core subjects such as reading, writing, math, science, and social studies.

Is the third grade the same everywhere?

No, the third-grade curriculum can vary depending on the state or country. However, most third-grade curriculums will focus on reading comprehension, writing, and math. Additionally, some schools may also require students to take a science or history class.

How can I help my child succeed in third grade?

You can do a few things to help your child succeed in third grade. First, make sure they attend school regularly and do their homework. Additionally, you can help them study for tests and exams. Finally, encourage them to participate in extracurricular activities, such as sports or clubs.

AUTHOR
Jill Baker
Jill Baker has been teaching for 10 years and she loves sharing everything she has learned to help other teachers.