3rd Grade Milestones

Math

Third-graders work hard to develop computation skills in simple multiplication and division as they learn to become more advanced problem solvers. Children at this age will be challenged to find solutions to real-life problems and to use a variety of methods and hands-on materials. They should be encouraged to look at the processes they use to solve problems and to communicate their solutions both aloud and in writing. Here are some other things they will be learning and some great instructional products to consider:

Computation and Place Value  

• Add and subtract two- and three-digit numbers with regrouping (i.e. making ones into tens, tens into hundreds)
• Find the answers to simple multiplication problems using repeated addition or counting by multiples
• Understand place value up to four digits

Time and Measurement  

• Tell time accurately using an analog (non-digital) clock
• Estimate and measure objects using various units of measurement

Graphing  

• Collect, organize, display, and interpret numerical data in diagrams, graphs, charts, and tables

Fractions  

• Find fractions (e.g. one-third, one-fourth) of a group of objects

Problem Solving  

• Solve time problems (e.g. problems involving minutes or hours)
• Know when to add, subtract, or multiply to solve a problem
• Use a variety of different strategies (e.g. using manipulatives, calculators, drawings, or sketches) to solve a problem
• Demonstrate an understanding of mathematical problems using words, pictures, and symbols

Reading & Writing

Third-graders are becoming more proficient readers and have moved on to reading simple chapter books. Throughout the year they will read a variety of books and develop an appreciation for written language. Other areas of focus include phonics and grammar. A big challenge for children this age is learning to write in cursive. Here are other things third-graders will be learning to do, which you can encourage using these great instructional products:

Reading

• Read, understand, interpret, and evaluate age-appropriate fiction and non-fiction
• Demonstrate an understanding by answering questions aloud and in written form
• Recognize the topic of a story and the details that support the story's theme
• Relate new information to things he or she already knows
• Accurately read grade-appropriate material aloud

Writing 

• Organize thoughts and information for writing and revising written work
• Stay on topic and include appropriate facts and details
• Write for a variety of purposes and audiences
• Correctly use spelling, grammar, capitalization, and punctuation

Speaking and Listening

• Listen and speak effectively in formal and informal settings

Vocabulary, Phonics, and Study Skills

• Continue to develop vocabulary and fluency in reading
• Use phonics (sounding out) and context clues (understanding other words in a sentence) to determine the meaning of unfamiliar words
• Correctly use reference materials (e.g. dictionary, encyclopedia)

Social Studies

As children move into third grade, their focus on the world around them broadens. After gaining a sense of community and family in first and second grades, kids now focus on local areas such as their city or town, and the communities around them. Kids this age are also beginning to learn civic values and to make connections between the past and present. Here are some other things they will be learning to do, which you can encourage using these great instructional products:

Geography

• Demonstrate an understanding of local nature and landscape
• Define what a city is and why a city is located where it is

History

• Demonstrate an understanding of ideas and symbols, and the basic history of the United States
• Demonstrate an understanding of how people that came to your region made an impact on the land, government, community, and traditions

  Science

Specific topics studied in third grade science vary widely. The main focus is on the scientific process and, most importantly, the practice of close observation and formulation of hypotheses (i.e. asking questions). In addition, kids are learning to respect nature and Earth. Third-graders are also learning the following skills, which you can encourage using these great instructional products:

Science  

• Observe and report characteristics of things and events
• Classify objects according to similar or different traits
• Create a record by drawing or writing results of observations
• Draw conclusions based on observations
• Predict outcomes or results based on observations
• Develop an understanding of the needs of living things