Third Grade Reading Passages and Comprehension Questions

In order to prevent reading apathy, it is important to provide third graders with reading material that is specific to their interests. Using pre-written comprehension questions or creating your own will benefit your child by encouraging a closer reading and analysis of selected texts. Read on for several grade-appropriate examples.

Find available tutors

Where to Find Reading Passages for Third Graders

Advancements in technology have made it very simple to locate short reading passages for third graders online. Typically, organizations that offer free reading and comprehension exercises will sort them by grade level, making it easier for you to find samples for your child. However, you may also opt to select paper stories if you do not have quick access to the Internet. If you need help determining what material is appropriate, consult your child's teacher, local bookstore employee or librarian for guidance. In addition to grade level, be sure to choose material that will be fun and engaging for your child to read. The following examples are available for free on the Internet.

Online Reading Passages and Comprehension Questions by Topic

Food

Many kids love snacks, especially cookies. If your child has an interest in cooking, you may want to try a story that discusses a particular recipe. As an added bonus, your child can make the recipe after eating.

One place to find reading passages online is through college and university teaching departments. North Carolina State University offers a list of reading passages by grade, along with comprehension questions (www. ncsu.edu). One example provides the history of sugar cookies and how to make them. Sample comprehension questions include, 'What does the word yield mean?' and 'If the cookies look lightly brown, what does this mean?' There are five multiple-choice questions for the passage. You can print out a worksheet with both the story and questions for your child to complete.

Animals

If your child is interested in animals, you may select a reading passage relevant to the type he or she is interested in. For example, several texts exist on pets, farm animals and zoo animals. One online resource for free reading comprehension passages and questions is Super Teacher Worksheets (www.superteacherworksheets.com).

One reading passage for third graders is about a giraffe's anatomy. Not only will your son or daughter gain practice in reading comprehension, he or she will also learn several fun facts about this unique animal. Sample questions include, 'How many bones are in a giraffe's neck?' and 'Why does a giraffe need a large, powerful heart?' In addition to the multiple-choice questions, this worksheet also includes fill in the blank and create your own drawing sections.

Planets

Some elementary schools and school districts also have reading passages for third grade online. If your child is interested in astronomy, the School District of Manatee County Florida offers an interactive reading comprehension activity on their website (http://www.manatee.k12.fl.us). Your son or daughter can start by selecting a planet of interest and the site will lead him or her to a short passage with a quiz. Upon completion, the quiz results will be displayed. Questions include, 'Which of the sentences below must be true about Mar's North pole?' and 'How is Olympus Mons different from all volcanoes on Earth?'

Music

Another sample text from North Carolina State University is geared toward children interested in music and playing an instrument (www. ncsu.edu). The third grade reading passage titled 'Piano Lessons' focuses on a young girl who hopes to learn to play the piano as well as her older sister. This text highlights responsibility and hard work as two of its main themes with questions like, 'The word responsible means…' and 'Why was Susie surprised after her first piano lesson?'

Did you find this useful? If so, please let others know!

Other Articles You May Be Interested In

  • More Blog Articles
    Elementary Concepts: Third Grade Reading

    It's important to understand the components of your child's reading skill requirements, so that you can monitor their progress and be aware of their strengths and weaknesses. Read on to learn more about the reading concepts that should be mastered by third graders.

  • More Blog Articles
    Making the Most of Reading to or with Your Children: Part 3--Grades K Through Three

    It's not always easy to introduce or maintain time for reading in a growing child's schedule, but it can be done, and it can be done with enjoyment and success. Tips for reading with children in kindergarten through the third grade are included in this installment of the Making the Most of Reading to or with Your Children article...

We Found 7 Tutors You Might Be Interested In

Huntington Learning

  • What Huntington Learning offers:
  • Online and in-center tutoring
  • One on one tutoring
  • Every Huntington tutor is certified and trained extensively on the most effective teaching methods
In-Center and Online

K12

  • What K12 offers:
  • Online tutoring
  • Has a strong and effective partnership with public and private schools
  • AdvancED-accredited corporation meeting the highest standards of educational management
Online Only

Kaplan Kids

  • What Kaplan Kids offers:
  • Online tutoring
  • Customized learning plans
  • Real-Time Progress Reports track your child's progress
Online Only

Kumon

  • What Kumon offers:
  • In-center tutoring
  • Individualized programs for your child
  • Helps your child develop the skills and study habits needed to improve their academic performance
In-Center and Online

Sylvan Learning

  • What Sylvan Learning offers:
  • Online and in-center tutoring
  • Sylvan tutors are certified teachers who provide personalized instruction
  • Regular assessment and progress reports
In-Home, In-Center and Online

Tutor Doctor

  • What Tutor Doctor offers:
  • In-Home tutoring
  • One on one attention by the tutor
  • Develops personlized programs by working with your child's existing homework
In-Home Only

TutorVista

  • What TutorVista offers:
  • Online tutoring
  • Student works one-on-one with a professional tutor
  • Using the virtual whiteboard workspace to share problems, solutions and explanations
Online Only

Our Commitment to You

  • Free Help from Teachers

  • Free Learning Materials

  • Helping Disadvantaged Youth