3rd Grade Reading Comprehension
The printable reading comprehension worksheets listed below were created specially for students at a 3rd grade reading level. Each file includes a fiction or nonfiction reading passage, followed by a page of comprehension questions. There are several free reading comps to choose from!
When Adam wakes up in the middle of the night to scary sounds coming from his closet, he'll need help to find out just what kind of creature is trapped inside in this free printable.
3rd Grade
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When Rosie visits the beach with her father, she can't see the nighttime stars she loves. But when she looks down in the sand, she discovers a new kind of star.
3rd Grade
After reading this story of friendship, students can test their reading comprehension skills by answering the accompanying questions.
3rd Grade
Matilda the goose loves tasting pies, so when she has to bake one for a contest, she goes all out. Reading comprehension questions include multiple choice, short answer, vocabulary, and a writing prompt.
3rd Grade
This fun story is about two pigs. One is selling pickles and the other is trying to buy them, but there's some confusion about the price. Students will read the story and then answer reading comprehension questions including a vocabulary activity and a writing prompt.
3rd Grade
Ben's sister Kate is trying to help him remove his wiggly tooth, but nothing is working. This is a high-interest fiction piece that will require your students to read carefully for details.
3rd Grade
Print out this cute story for your students to read and respond to. The worksheet includes comprehension questions, a vocab activity, and a writing prompt.
3rd Grade
Read this sweet story about a rainbow and answer the reading comprehension questions that follow. There is also a vocabulary activity and a writing prompt.
3rd Grade
This fictional passage tells the story of three siblings coming to an agreement about what kind of cookies to make with their mom.
3rd Grade
This engaging story will keep students on the edge of their seat until the very end. Then they will answer the comprehension questions that follow.
3rd Grade
Jared has a busy weekend of finishing his science fair project, but when his friends ask him to help with other things, he doesn't want to disappoint them. Will helping his friends mean he won't finish his project on time?
3rd Grade
Read this short story about a boy trying to make homemade chicken soup like his grandma's. Then answer the questions that follow. They include short answer, multiple choice, a vocabulary crossword, and a writing prompt.
3rd Grade
Mark and Will hear strange noises coming from a scary-looking tree near their bus stop. When Mark works up the courage to peek inside a hollowed out spot in the tree, he is surprised by what he finds.
3rd Grade
Michael needs to make some extra money to buy a new video game, and with his older brother's help, he'll make enough in no time. But will Michael get his new game or find a way to repay his brother?
3rd Grade
All Adrianna really wanted for Christmas was a new sled, but now that she has one it won't snow. Will the snow come before winter break is over or will Adrianna's favorite gift sit unused?
3rd Grade
Rachel doesn't want her friends to know she has glasses, but when she can't see the board in math class, her teacher gives her the choice of wearing her glasses or moving her seat away from her friends.
3rd Grade
Anna buries a time capsule in her garden with her favorite book, her yo-yo, and other treasured items. After a short while, she realizes that all of her favorite things are gone and she wants them back.
3rd Grade
This passage is about a boy writing a story for his homework and how the trouble he has doing so inspires a new story.
3rd Grade
Randy can't wait to see what Mrs. Anderson is baking for a special birthday treat. But when he discovers what the treat is, he's more than a little disappointed. Can his grumbling stomach change his mind and maybe even his taste buds?
3rd Grade
Trina is determined to find a shark tooth before she leaves Myrtle Beach. She finds something that could be a tooth, but she's not positive. Will the mystery item be enough to satisfy her search?
3rd Grade
Jezzabelle is pretty sure her new school will be as bad as her old school. What she learns, though, is that she has the power to change her attitude and make things better. Reading comprehension questions, a writing prompt, and vocabulary words are included.
3rd Grade
Jordan and his sister Dani have never touched a dolphin before! Join them on an outing to the aquarium to learn "how to pet a dolphin".
3rd Grade
Emma and Alex go on an adventurous walk to see what kinds of rainforest animals they can find. They meet their friends along the way and learn a thing or two about using their imagination. Includes comprehension questions, vocabulary words, and a writing prompt.
3rd Grade
Nobody in class remembered to wish Emma a happy birthday. They're all too busy planning a surprise party for the school custodian.
3rd Grade
Bella and Mia are excited about camping out in the back yard. But when things don't turn out how they planned, will their camping adventure be ruined? Includes reading comprehension questions, vocabulary words, and a writing prompt.
3rd Grade
Kendall is raking leaves in her yard and she can't imagine anything more boring. Eli, her next-door neighbor, shows her just how much fun raking leaves can be if you make a game of it.
3rd Grade
Alex is sure he's going to be in big trouble when he has to bring his math quiz home to be signed. But his failing grade may help him find an answer to his math problems.
3rd Grade
Reagan is tired of keeping all Jennifer's secrets, especially when it hurts her best friend Lena.
3rd Grade
When a baby deer shows up in the backyard, Sarah wants to treat it like a pet, but when her mom tells her the dangers of interacting with wild animals, Sarah will have to find another way to remember her backyard visitor.
3rd Grade
When Sophie comes down with a fever on the day of her best friend's birthday party, she couldn't be more disappointed. The party has a carnival theme with all Sophie's favorite games, and now she's stuck home in bed. She dreams of the fun she's missing at the party, until her family comes up with the perfect solution for her carnival fever.
3rd Grade
Mom told Emma to expect a special surprise at lunch. What could the surprise be? Emma and Emma's friend Alice work to find out.
3rd Grade
Maxine is worried about her math test, and when her best friend, Adam, tells her it's Friday the 13th, Max finds herself worrying even more. Will stepping on cracks and walking under a ladder be enough bad luck to make Max fail her test?
3rd Grade
Emmitt is having a great time at the baseball game, except he really wants to catch a foul ball. But when he gets the chance, the decision he makes will surprise more than just him.
3rd Grade
Jose dreams of being a superhero. When Sarah's cat gets stuck in a tree, he may finally have his chance.
3rd Grade
Tamara is excited to spend the weekend with her grandmother, but her best friend Darla doesn't want to hear about it. When Tamara finds out what's really bothering Darla, she just might have a way to cheer up her friend.
3rd Grade
When Sara's birthday party is canceled due to a hurricane, she can't think about anything else. But when her mother shows her how others are affected by the storm, Sara has a change of heart.
3rd Grade
Brooke's mom is taking her someplace special, but Brooke can't figure out where that could be. And the answer isn't anything she would've guessed.
3rd Grade
It's Maddie's first day in a new school, and at recess she can't wait to try out the giant play set. But according to the rules of the playground set by the fourth graders, Maddie's not allowed on it. Now she'll have to decide what's more important, playing by the rules or making new friends.
3rd Grade
All Toby wants for his birthday is a new Super Robotoman action figure, and he makes sure everyone knows it. But when he finally rips into his birthday gifts, he'll get big surprise.
3rd Grade
Princess Liz and Princess Beth fear that a dragon is coming down the hall.
3rd Grade
Rebecca loves helping her grandmother in her vegetable garden and dreams of having one of her own, but her yard isn't big enough. Can her grandmother help her figure out how to have a garden without a proper yard?
3rd Grade
Jayden doesn't know how his teacher expects him to find every color of the rainbow on their autumn nature hike. There's nothing blue or purple in the woods!
3rd Grade
Lauren is dying to go on a real vacation like her neighbors, the Sandersons. But her parents can't afford to take the time off work. Can she and her dad find a solution that works for everyone?
3rd Grade
When Trevor's dad has to work late and can't take Trevor to Game World, he thinks his night will be boring. But his older brother shows him that sometimes you have to make your own fun.
3rd Grade
Liam used to like going to school... but the the new school year means a new teacher, and Liam's been assigned to Mrs. Chompsky, the strictest teacher in the building.
3rd Grade
Damon loves his dog, Prince, but when a new puppy shows up next door, Prince is pushed aside. Can Damon learn that while puppies are cute, a grown dog can offer friendship?
3rd Grade
Ava doesn't want to disappoint her best friend Melanie by missing her pool party, but Ava doesn't want everyone to find out she can't swim either.
3rd Grade
Bobby doesn't like having to give up his Friday nights to watch his brother Nick play football, but when he finds out he's Nick's good luck charm, he just might change his mind.
3rd Grade
Olivia needs a great idea for her school's pumpkin decorating contest. Will a mysterious owl in her yard be the good luck she needs for her project?
3rd Grade
Someone keeps pulling Anna's diary out from under the bed - even when she puts her kitty in charge of guarding it. Help her solve the mystery to reveal the culprit.
3rd Grade
Paige wants to go outside and play basketball, but her brother Alec is determined to get to the next level on his video game. Paige decides to join Alec and play the game, but what happens when she causes him to lose the game?
3rd Grade
Anthony's mom was born in Canada. When he studies Canada in school, he excitedly races home to tell her all of the interesting facts about Canada he learned.
3rd Grade
When Patrick interviews his grandmother for a school project, he discovers that she walked to school as a child, her family didn't have a television set, and couldn't play video games. He wonders why grandma refers to her childhood as "the good old days."
3rd Grade
Alex's imagination has transformed his swing set into a time machine. But when his neighbor Becca comes to visit, Alex isn't sure if he should share his secret with her.
3rd Grade
Kayla is worried about her first sleepover. She isn't a night person and is afraid her friends will make fun of her if she falls asleep first.
3rd Grade
Ben is excited to go to his uncle's farm to pick pumpkins and apples, but when Uncle Darrell can't keep the crows away from his crops, Ben will have to figure out how to make the scariest scarecrow to fix the problem.
3rd Grade
Mindy has been practicing for soccer sign-ups, but when all her friends decide to join cheerleading, Mindy will have to decide if being with them is more important than playing soccer.
3rd Grade
Jimmy is excited to go outside and play on his swing set, but his plans have to change when he discovers that it's raining outside.
3rd Grade
Liam's been working hard getting ready to try out for the position of first baseman, but when his best friend Eric goes out for the same position, the question becomes 'Who's on First?'
3rd Grade
When Lena's two best friends plan a bowling trip without her, Lena is determined to find out why she's left feeling like the spare. But when she shows up at the bowling alley, she'll find out things aren't always what they seem.
3rd Grade
When Ripley is caught spying on his friend Laney, she gets annoyed and yells "Girls rule! Boys drool!" The magic that happens next teaches Laney an unexpected lesson in manners.
3rd Grade
Spencer wants to spend his weekend riding bikes with his best friend, Elton, but the rain ruins his plans. Or does it? With a little creative thinking, Spencer and Elton may be able to ride after all.
3rd Grade
Simone is happy for her best friend Sheri when she gets the lead in the school play, but Simone is tired of always coming in second place. Will she ever be the best at anything?
3rd Grade
Maura is anxious to meet her new neighbors. She hopes a girl her age will move in so she'll have someone to hang out with over summer break. But when the moving truck arrives, Maura finds out that she'll get even more than she wished for.
(Approx. grade levels 2-4)
(Approx. grade levels 2-4)
2nd through 4th Grades
Erin found a four-leaf clover in her grandparents' backyard, but how will she prove it's lucky?
3rd Grade
Dana doesn't know what to do now that her best friend Elianna moved across the country. Will the two be able to remain best friends with so many miles between them?
3rd Grade
Pam and Myles are crushed when their favorite TV show is canceled, especially since it reminded them so much of their cat. But their older brother has an idea to make the "Adventures of Crazy Cat" continue.
3rd Grade
Xander is attending the school fair, but he feels unlucky and believes he doesn't have a chance of winning any of the games.
3rd Grade
Jared can't wait to get out of the summer sun and into the cool ocean water, but between the traffic and beach crowd it seems like it's taking forever to finally swim. But he'll learn a lesson in patience that will work in his favor.
3rd Grade
When a leak in the water pipes means digging up Colin's old sandbox, he starts to get nostalgic for the days when he used to dig in the sand hoping to find dinosaur bones. But when the backhoe reveals a fossil hidden in the dirt, Colin's dreams of discovery may come true after all.
3rd Grade
When Robin, Sam, and Chris want a bear for a pet, they are surprised to find out that their parents think it's a wonderful idea.
3rd Grade
Princess Mimi's precious dog, Bibi, has been captured by a fierce dragon! Will Princess Mimi ever get her best friend back safely?
3rd Grade
It's a cosmic catastrophe! Aliens from Planet Zabooboo have invaded Woodland Elementary School! Can Fatima and Caleb come up with a plan that will save their school - and Earth - from an alien invasion? Find out in this entertaining readers' theater script.
3rd Grade
A fun Readers' Theater story about a hungry kickball team whose wish for popcorn is magically granted.
2nd through 4th Grades
Caleb has set out to solve the mystery of his missing socks. Will he be able to discover what keeps making his socks disappear?
3rd Grade
This relatable poem focuses on all of the things a modern day cell phone can do. A phone is no longer just a means of communication, it can do so much more!
When a child gets a pet dragon, she has difficulty finding out what it likes to eat.
3rd Grade
This entertaining poem about staying up all night is a great way to introduce students to poetry. The worksheet includes three questions for students to answer.
3rd Grade
This poem tells about the seasons. It's laid out to visually represent the cycle that moves from one season to the next. After reading the poem, students answer questions, and complete a vocabulary activity and a writing prompt relating to what they've reead.
3rd Grade
Students will read this poem about a dog going trick-or-treating and answer reading comprehension questions and a writing prompt.
3rd Grade
Raccoon Rex (Poem) FREE
Meet a sneaky, undercover thief who steals sandwiches and hot dog buns from campers during the night. Your third graders will love this free story worksheet.
3rd Grade
This short poem and worksheet is a great introduction to poetry for young readers.
3rd Grade
In this fun poem, a young girl gets creative when cooking in the kitchen. Her recipes are very similar to Andrew's recipe in the book, Freckle Juice.
3rd Grade
This poem about friendship uses clever wordplay. Students will read it and then use their understanding of it to answer questions and complete a writing prompt.
3rd Grade
A child borrows his mothers camera and takes hundreds of pictures of animals, family, and friends.
3rd Grade
A kid balls up his dirty socks, which frustrates his mother but leads to creative fun.
3rd Grade
Jake the dog walks down the street with his owner, meeting friendly neighbors along the way.
3rd Grade
A boy loses a running race against his shadow. Read the poem and answer the questions.
3rd Grade
A child tries to catch an earthworm, but what he catches isn't exactly what he expects.
3rd Grade
Grandma is able to grow her own spaghetti sauce in her garden.
3rd Grade
This poem is written from a soccer ball's point-of-view as it is kicked around a field during a game.
2nd through 4th Grades
A cheerful poem about the fun things you can do with autumn leaves.
2nd through 4th Grades
In this cute poem, kids will discover that a furry canine can be the best friend of all!
3rd Grade
A teacher scolds a student for flying in school, but then she has a change of heart. Students love this silly poem.
3rd Grade
A snowman, hot cocoa, and a little wintry magic make this seasonal poem really fun to read! This poem activity includes comprehension questions, a writing prompt, and vocabulary words.
3rd Grade
Your kids will enjoy this pretty nature poem about woodland creatures that live in the sky, on land, and in the water.
3rd Grade
While trying to sleep in Grandma's attic bedroom, the main character of this poem is haunted by giant, moving shadows.
3rd Grade
What do you hope to see happen in the world you live in? This poem will get you thinking how you can "help the world."
3rd Grade
Readers of this passage will learn the differences between two animals that look very similar--snakes and glass lizards. Then they'll answer comprehension questions, complete a crossword, and follow a writing prompt.
3rd Grade
This article about the pronghorn gives information about these fast animals. The article is accompanied by reading comprehension questions, a vocabulary activity, and a writing prompt.
3rd Grade
The aptly named Great Lakes started forming around 14,000 years ago and hold more than a fifth of Earth's fresh water. Read all about them in this informative article.
3rd Grade
How did the U.S. go from 13 colonies to 50 states? How does a place become a state? Learn about the path to statehood, then complete ordering and matching questions, a crossword, and more!
3rd Grade
The history of piggy banks and how today's popular design was actually a mistake.
3rd Grade
Want to learn all about coral reefs? This article describes the ocean's most unique living community. Home to thousands of species of fish and other sea animals, coral reefs play an important role in the well-being of the Earth. This reading comprehension article includes short answer, multiple choice, and vocabulary questions.
3rd Grade
Learn about the shy and squishy squid! Did you know that a giant squid can grow up to the size of a school bus?! Discover other interesting facts in this printable animal article. Vocabulary words, comprehension questions, and a writing prompt are included in this reading comprehension packet.
3rd Grade
Magician of the Sea FREE
Did you know an octopus can vanish in a cloud of smoke, just like a magician? It's just one of many ways octopuses defend themselves. This 3rd grade reading comprehension article is interesting and free to use!
3rd Grade
Have you ever heard of the pink fairy armadillo? Learn all about this miniature armadillo! This article includes short answer and multiple choice questions, vocabulary words, and a writing prompt.
3rd Grade
The bold colors of a Monarch butterfly serve as a warning symbol to predators. Learn about this fascinating insect and its life cycle.
3rd Grade
The animals in this article all have one thing in common: they lack teeth, yet they're able to eat just fine. Read about how other body parts help these animals eat their food. Then answer the questions on the worksheet.
3rd Grade
Professor Al Ligator teaches kids about the five groups of vertebrates. Kids will learn all about mammals, reptiles, birds, amphibians, and fish.
3rd Grade
Read about Arches National Park, including how it formed, travel tips for visiting, and some of the most popular sights to see while there. Then answer the reading comprehension questions that follow.
3rd Grade
Read all about the dairy capital of the United States: Wisconsin! Then answer a series of reading comprehension questions, a vocabulary activity, and a writing prompt.
3rd Grade
Learn about two different types of germs: bacteria and viruses. Find out how to prevent germs from making you sick. Discover a special type of bacteria that is actually important to your health.
3rd Grade
This article compares and contrasts river hippos and pygmy hippos. Students can read the article and then answer several reading comprehension questions, complete a vocabulary activity, and respond to a writing prompt.
3rd Grade
There are lots of fun facts about Polar Bears, Grizzly Bears, and Giant Pandas in this article.
3rd Grade
Learn dozens of fascinating facts about giraffes, then answer the comprehension questions.
3rd Grade
Why does a camel have humps? It's not to store water, but rather to store fat. Separate camel facts from fiction with this article.
3rd Grade
Learn all about service dogs and how they help people in this fascinating article! Reading comprehension questions, vocabulary, and a writing prompt are included.
3rd Grade
Discover the reasons animals migrate and read about the places they travel.
3rd Grade
Discover how Lego blocks got their name in this fun story.
3rd Grade
Learn about hibernating animals, why they hibernate, and what happens to their bodies during the winter months.
3rd Grade
Find out how pattern camouflage, color camouflage, and mimicry can benefit predators and prey.
3rd Grade
Did you know groundhogs can climb trees? They're great swimmers too! They can also whistle and bark. Learn many more fascinating facts about groundhogs in this article.
3rd Grade
Read about the many different habitats found within a mountain ecosystem.
3rd Grade
Find out the science behind roller coasters and how they operate. Learn about potential energy, kinetic energy, and momentum.
3rd Grade
The Navajo Native American people helped the American war effort in World War II in an incredible way! Their language served as a code used by the military to communicate important information that the enemy couldn't figure out. Learn all about the "Navajo Code Talkers" in this social studies text.
3rd and 4th Grades
A short article about Martin Luther King, followed by a set of reading comprehension questions.
3rd Grade
Discover what's unusual about a chipmunk's cheeks, along with other interesting chipmunk facts.
3rd Grade
This short passage about squirrels is written at a third-grade level and features questions to test students' understanding of the text.
3rd Grade
Learn the three segments of the world's most populous type of animal and other facts! Then answer questions, including identifying true or false statements and the author's purpose.
3rd Grade
Read about an amazing animal that freezes as a means of hibernation: the wood frog! Then answer three questions to test your comprehension of the article.
3rd Grade
Read all about the unique wading bird known as the spoonbill with this short reading comprehension passage. Then test your understanding with 4 questions.
3rd Grade
Brief, nonfiction passage explaining how pencil graphite was discovered, and what the numbers on pencils mean.
3rd Grade
This worksheet with a short article about apple trees makes for a great reading comprehension activity any time of year, but especially during the fall when it's apple-picking season.
3rd Grade
This short passage about El Yunque National Forest in Puerto Rico squeezes a lot of information into three short paragraphs.
3rd Grade
Quick-read paragraph with factual information about the White House.
2nd through 4th Grades
What is unique about the trees in this strange place? Students learn the secrets of the painted desert.
2nd through 4th Grades
A short passage that teaches students about Mount Rushmore.
2nd through 4th Grades
In Athens, Greece, sits a building dedicated to the war goddess Athena. The Parthenon is known around the world for its historical value. Read this short passage and answer questions to learn more about it.
3rd Grade
Read a short passage about the world's tallest waterfall and then answer several short answer and multiple choice questions about the text.
3rd Grade
Students can discover Egypt's Great Pyramid and the Sphinx in this quick reading comprehension worksheet.
2nd through 4th Grades
Read this short passage to learn more about the first Olympics.
3rd Grade
Read this short passage about clothes that were worn during ancient Roman times and answer several questions about the text.
3rd Grade
Read this short article about gladiators in Roman times and answer several comprehension questions.
3rd Grade
This Babylonian legal code is famous for its eye-for-an-eye, tooth-for-a-tooth approach - but did you know it also decreed how much renting a boat should cost? Learn more about its 282 laws with this article.
3rd Grade
This short nonfiction article teaches about the oldest known written piece of literature in history: The Epic of Gilgamesh. Learn what makes it unique, then answer the questions.
3rd Grade
One of the newest national parks in the United States is also home to some of the oldest landforms in the world. Comprehension questions include short answer and a vocabulary multiple choice.
3rd through 5th Grades
Read about this cool landmark in southeast Tennessee. Then answer the questions that follow.
3rd Grade
Practice reading prose aloud. Students focus on reading with speed, accuracy, and expression.
3rd Grade
Learn to read poetry aloud. Pupils will focus on reading with expression, speed, and accuracy.
3rd Grade
Reading comprehension passages specially written for students at a 1st grade level.
2nd Grade Reading Comprehension WorksheetsReading comprehension stories, poems, and articles written at a 2nd grade reading level.
4th Grade Reading Comprehension WorksheetsReading comprehension passages written at a 4th grade reading level.
5th Grade Reading Comprehension WorksheetsMore advanced stories, poems, and articles written at a 5th grade reading level.
Literature Circle and Book Club WorksheetsLiterature circle role sheets, book bingo printables, book report forms, and other reading worksheets.
Animal ArticlesThese nonfiction reading comprehension articles feature all types of animal species. Read level: 3rd through 5th.
