Homeschool 3rd grade math and reading: what to cover
The main math and reading topics for homeschool 3rd grade, with a sample weekly schedule and suggestions for keeping lessons focused.
Third grade is a big year for math, and a turning point in reading. Children move from learning to read towards reading to learn. Here is what to focus on.
Math priorities
- Multiplication and division: meaning, word problems and facts up to 10 × 10.
- Fractions as numbers: unit fractions, fractions on a number line and simple comparisons.
- Area and perimeter.
- Adding and subtracting within 1,000.
- Time to the nearest minute, measurement and bar graphs.
If time is short, put multiplication first. It supports division, fractions and area.
Reading priorities
- Reading longer chapter books with understanding.
- Answering questions using evidence from the text.
- Finding the main idea and supporting details in nonfiction.
- Describing characters and how they change.
- Learning word parts (prefixes, suffixes and root words).
Sample weekly schedule
| Day | Math (30 min) | Reading (30 min) |
|---|---|---|
| Monday | New lesson | Chapter book and discussion |
| Tuesday | Practice page and facts | Nonfiction passage and questions |
| Wednesday | Word problems | Independent reading and notes |
| Thursday | Practice page or project | Vocabulary and word parts |
| Friday | Review and facts game | Library book and short written response |
Building independence
By Grade 3, many children can do part of their work alone. Try giving a clear task, stepping away for ten minutes, then checking together with the answer key.