3rd Grade Phonics
- 3rd grade
- Common Core RF.3.3
- 4 lessons
3rd grade is the last year of formal phonics. The focus moves from short words to long ones: splitting multisyllable words into chunks, reading common Latin suffixes like -tion, -able and -ment, and knowing how prefixes and suffixes change a word's meaning.
What kids learn in 3rd grade phonics
By 3rd grade, most children can sound out one- and two-syllable words with ease. The new challenge is words like fantastic, invention and carefully. The method is the same every time: take off the prefix and suffix, split the rest by vowel sounds, read each chunk and blend.
Suffixes get special attention because they carry meaning: -able means "can be," -ous means "full of," -tion turns an action into a thing. Knowing them helps with vocabulary as much as with reading.
Tricky irregular words remain, and spelling them correctly becomes a bigger part of writing. After 3rd grade, word study shifts to roots and meanings in vocabulary.
3rd grade phonics lessons, in order
Most schools teach these in roughly this order. Each lesson takes about 10 minutes and has a quiz and a free worksheet.
- 1. Multisyllable WordsBreaking multisyllable words into syllables, prefixes and suffixes to read them. RF.3.3c, RF.4.3a
- 2. Latin Suffixes: -tion, -able, -mentReading words with common Latin suffixes and using suffixes to work out meaning. RF.3.3b, L.3.4b
- 3. Tricky Irregular WordsReading and spelling common words with irregular spellings. RF.1.3g, RF.2.3f, RF.3.3d
- 4. Silent LettersReading and spelling words with silent letters (kn, wr, gn, mb, igh). RF.2.3e, RF.3.3d
Review from earlier: two-syllable words, long or short vowel?, word endings: -s, -ed, -ing.
What the standards say
These are the Common Core 3rd grade reading foundational skills this page covers. Most US states use the same or very similar goals.
- RF.3.3b: Decode words with common Latin suffixes.
- RF.3.3c: Decode multisyllable words.
- RF.3.3d: Read grade-appropriate irregularly spelled words.
A simple weekly plan
Ten to fifteen minutes a day is plenty. This rhythm works for most families; swap days around to fit your week.
| Day | What to do |
|---|---|
| Monday | New lesson: read it together and try the quiz. |
| Tuesday | Worksheet page 1, then read a short book. |
| Wednesday | Worksheet page 2 and a game, like Word Ladder Climb. |
| Thursday | Hunt for this week's pattern in a book; reread a favorite. |
| Friday | Retake the quiz. If it's 8 or more out of 10, move on next week. |
Mixed quiz
Ten questions drawn from the 3rd grade lessons: multisyllable words, latin suffixes: -tion, -able, -ment, tricky irregular words, silent letters. Tap the speaker to hear a question read aloud. Any question your child misses points to the lesson to revisit.
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1.How do you split fantastic?
Show answer
fan-tas-tic.
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2.What does -tion sound like?
Show answer
shun.
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3.Which spelling is right?
Show answer
said.
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4.Which letter is silent in knee?
Show answer
k.
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5.What is the first step for a long word?
Show answer
Take off the prefix and suffix.
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6.What does washable mean?
Show answer
Can be washed.
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7.In was, what does the a sound like?
Show answer
Short u.
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8.Which letter is silent in write?
Show answer
w.
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9.How many syllables in remember?
Show answer
3: re-mem-ber.
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10.Tap the word with a Latin suffix.
.
Show answer
vacation.
Printables
Multisyllable WordsSplit long words into chunks, count syllables, find prefixes and suffixes and use long words in sentences.
Latin Suffixes: -tion, -able, -mentAdd suffixes to base words, write base words, sort words by suffix and circle the right word in sentences.
Tricky Irregular WordsFind the tricky part, pick the right spelling, fill in missing tricky words in sentences and write your own sentence.
Silent LettersCircle silent letters, sort words by pattern, fill in kn, wr or mb and pick the right word in homophone pairs.
Practicing at home
Box the parts
In a long word, box the prefix and suffix in pencil before reading. What's left is usually short.
Talk about meaning
When your child reads a word like washable, ask what it means. Suffixes are clues.
Read longer books
Chapter books are full of multisyllable words. A few pages a day, with help on tough words, is great practice.
Keep a word wall
Add a long word each day and split it together. Kids love collecting the longest ones.
More 3rd grade practice
See every reading and writing skill for the year on the 3rd grade page, and the matching 3rd grade sight words. Earlier: 2nd grade phonics. All lessons: phonics.
Last reviewed: November 11, 2026
Questions parents ask
What phonics is taught in 3rd grade?
Reading multisyllable words, common Latin suffixes like -tion and -able, the meaning of common prefixes and suffixes, and irregularly spelled words.
Is there still phonics in 3rd grade?
Yes, though less than before. The Common Core RF.3.3 standards cover decoding multisyllable words, Latin suffixes and irregular words.
My 3rd grader guesses long words. What helps?
Cover the word and reveal it one chunk at a time, so your child reads every part instead of guessing from the start.
What comes after phonics?
Vocabulary and word study: roots, prefixes, suffixes and using context to work out what words mean.