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Grade 3 · Grammar · Vocabulary

3rd Grade Vocabulary Strategies worksheets

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Vocabulary Strategies

Grade 3 Grammar Worksheet - Challenge Me

NameDate

Circle the best strategy for each new word.

  1. You see the word fireplace. It is made of two words you know. Which strategy is best?

    • look for smaller words
    • use a dictionary
    • use word parts
    • use context clues
  2. You find the word nimble. The sentence gives no clue, and it has no parts you know. Which strategy is best?

    • use context clues
    • look for smaller words
    • use word parts
    • use a dictionary
  3. You see the word snowman. It is made of two words you know. Which strategy is best?

    • use a dictionary
    • look for smaller words
    • use context clues
    • use word parts
  4. You see the word disagree. You know agree, and dis- is at the front. Which strategy is best?

    • use a dictionary
    • use context clues
    • look for smaller words
    • use word parts
  5. You see the word sandcastle. It is made of two words you know. Which strategy is best?

    • use word parts
    • use context clues
    • use a dictionary
    • look for smaller words
  6. You see the word prepay. You know pay, and pre- is at the front. Which strategy is best?

    • look for smaller words
    • use a dictionary
    • use context clues
    • use word parts
  7. You find the word zephyr. You cannot work it out from the sentence, and there are no word parts. Which strategy is best?

    • use a dictionary
    • use context clues
    • look for smaller words
    • use word parts
  8. You read: "The timid cub hid behind its mother because it was afraid." You do not know timid. Which strategy is best?

    • use context clues
    • look for smaller words
    • use a dictionary
    • use word parts
  9. You find the word gauge. The sentence does not help, and you do not know any parts of it. Which strategy is best?

    • use a dictionary
    • use context clues
    • look for smaller words
    • use word parts
  10. You read: "Ana was famished. She had not eaten all day, and her stomach growled." You do not know famished. Which strategy is best?

    • look for smaller words
    • use word parts
    • use a dictionary
    • use context clues
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3rd Grade Vocabulary Strategies worksheet 1 – printable PDF
Download PDF: 123456

About this worksheet

When a reader finds a word they do not know, there is more than one way to work out its meaning, and good readers pick the strategy that fits. If the sentence around the word explains it, use the context clues. If the word has a prefix or a suffix, use the word parts. If the word is made of two smaller words, look for the smaller words. If nothing helps, use a dictionary. On this worksheet your child reads ten short situations and circles the best of the same four strategies for each one.

Every situation has one best strategy: the sentence has a clue, or the word has a prefix, or it is a compound word, or nothing helps. Building Confidence uses the clearest situations; Challenge Me uses less obvious ones. Meanings of words have their own worksheets.

What your child will learn

  • Use the words around a new word to work out its meaning
  • Use a prefix, a suffix or a smaller word to work out a meaning
  • Know when to use a dictionary

Common Core standard: L.3.4

Worked example

'The glum boy sat alone, sad and quiet.' The words sad and quiet explain glum, so the best strategy is to use context clues.

Common mistake

Going to the dictionary first when the sentence already explains the word.

Helpful hint

Ask: is there a clue nearby, a prefix or suffix, a smaller word, or nothing at all?

Questions parents ask

What is the most common mistake with vocabulary strategies?

Going to the dictionary first when the sentence already explains the word.

How can I help my child with vocabulary strategies?

Ask: is there a clue nearby, a prefix or suffix, a smaller word, or nothing at all?

Are these 3rd grade grammar worksheets free to print?

Yes. All 6 printable versions on this page are free to download and print, with no account needed.

Similar: Literal and Nonliteral Language · Domain-Specific Vocabulary

More 3rd grade vocabulary

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