3rd Grade Listening Skills Tests

Why Does My Child Need to Practice Listening Skills?

Listening is an important skill for children to perfect at a young age because it plays a large role in their success throughout school. Additionally, some standardized exams contain a section to test this skill. During the test, a teacher must read a short text aloud, and then students have a set amount of time to respond to several multiple-choice and short response questions.

In addition to helping her prepare for standardized tests, developing listening skills will help your child understand directions and interact socially. To help your child improve his listening skills and also prepare for a listening exam, try the exercises below.

Three Listening Exercises for 3rd Graders

Music Response

Playing music is a fun and effective way to help your child practice her listening skills. Start by selecting a CD with your child's favorite tunes or search for clips online, and then play one song from start to finish. When the song has finished playing, ask your child to explain what it was about to find out if she fully understood the lyrics.

Story Time Worksheets

Because standardized tests ask students to respond to a story that's read aloud, follow the same procedure for this exercise at home. Choose a text that your child will enjoy, and create a worksheet before your story time. After you've read the book or passage to your 3rd grader, have him complete the worksheet, which may include multiple-choice or short answer questions.

Guided Illustrations

Students need to learn how to follow directions in the classroom, at home and in emergency situations. Practice this listening skill by giving your child a brief description of a person, place, thing or idea. Describe it in detail, and once you're done, ask your child to draw what you've just described. For example, you might discuss the procedure for taking the dog for a walk. Your child should do her best to illustrate that story.

Alternatively, turn this practice into a game by giving your child a list of funny instructions. For instance, you might tell him to jump ten times and then do one lap around the yard. As your child does each activity, watch carefully to see if he is following the directions.