Starting to teach 3rd grade for the first time can be a thrilling yet daunting experience. Excited and eager? Feeling a bit overwhelmed? Maybe a mix of both? Whether you’re a brand new 3rd grade teacher or coming back after a break, you’ll find everything you need to feel prepared and confident here!
PLUS – You can grab FREE resources to use in your 3rd grade classroom this week!

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Welcome to 3rd grade teaching!
Change can be both exciting and a little scary. Embracing a new grade level means stepping out of your comfort zone, but it also opens up a world of opportunities for career growth.
As you embark on this journey of teaching 3rd grade, remember that each challenge you face is a chance to learn and grow, both as an educator and as an individual.
Whether you’re moving up from a lower grade or down from a high grade, transitioning from another subject, or diving into teaching for the first time, this new adventure is a fantastic opportunity to make a positive impact on your students and develop new skills.
Embrace the excitement and let’s get started on this amazing journey together!

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What You Need to Know as a New 3rd Grade Teacher
Here’s what you can expect to find throughout this blog post to help you in your Third Grade teaching journey:
- Classroom Management Tips
- Ideas for Lesson Planning & Activities
- Technology Teaching Tools
- FREE 3rd Grade Math Resource that you can use in your classroom!
Whether you’re eagerly stepping into your new role as a 3rd grade teacher or feeling a bit hesitant about the change, you’ll discover a wealth of practical tips and ideas in this post to help you thrive in your classroom!
Classroom Management Tips for 3rd Grade Teachers
Let’s start with one of the most crucial aspects of teaching: classroom management and behavior.
3rd graders are at a wonderful developmental stage. They are becoming more independent and capable of handling more responsibilities.
They are curious, eager to learn, and beginning to understand social dynamics more deeply. This is the perfect time to establish routines and habits that will help them succeed.
Effective Classroom Management Strategies That Work:
Foster Independence
Encourage students to take ownership of their learning and classroom responsibilities. Assign classroom jobs and rotate them regularly so each student has a chance to contribute.
Clear and Consistent Procedures
Directly teach and model procedures for everything! Don’t assume that your 3rd-grade students will “figure out” your expectations. Consistency is key; having clear procedures helps students feel secure and understand what is expected of them. Click on the image below to get a FREE classroom procedures checklist.

Positive Reinforcement
Build positive teacher-student relationships with simple and consistent activities. For instance, write individual notes to your students when you notice positive actions or achievements. Celebrate their successes to build a supportive classroom environment. Click on the image below to check out my student feedback sticky note templates!

Character Education
Weave character education into your weekly activities and routines. Use the Golden Rule as your main classroom rule to promote kindness and respect. Discuss and model positive behavior regularly.
Transition Strategies
Play music for transitions to make them smoother and more enjoyable. This not only helps manage behavior but also gives 3rd graders a chance to move and reset between activities.
Collaborative Learning
Allow many opportunities for partner work and small group activities. Since 3rd graders are very socially driven, they thrive when given chances to work collaboratively with others. This keeps them engaged and excited to learn.
Limit Individual Seatwork
An abundance of individual seatwork, especially when it’s nothing but worksheets, leads to disengaged 3rd graders who may misbehave out of boredom. Incorporate a variety of activities that allow movement, interaction, and hands-on learning.
3rd graders are at an exciting stage where they can handle more complex tasks and work more independently. By providing clear routines and a positive learning environment, you can help them transition smoothly into this new phase of their education.
Get Engaging FREE 3rd Grade Literacy Centers
Looking for more help with classroom management?

Ideas for Lesson Planning & Activities
Planning lessons and activities for 3rd grade can be both exciting and challenging. This section will provide you with strategies to structure your lessons effectively and engaging activities that are tailored specifically for 3rd graders.
Lesson Planning
Effective lesson planning is essential for a successful classroom. Here are some strategies to help you create a smooth and productive day:
Start with a Warm-Up: Begin each lesson with a quick 5-7 minute warm-up activity to get students engaged and ready to learn. This could be a brief review of the previous day’s lesson or an introduction to a new concept. Click here to check out my FREE lesson planning templates.
Break Down the Day: Divide your day into manageable blocks of time. For example, start with a morning meeting to set the tone, followed by core subjects like math and ELA, then transition into specials or recess, and end the day with science or social studies.

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Use a Variety of Teaching Methods: Incorporate different teaching methods such as direct instruction, guided practice, and independent work. This keeps students engaged and caters to different learning styles.
Incorporate Small Group Instruction: Small group instruction allows for differentiation and more personalized teaching. Use centers or rotation stations to manage small groups effectively.

Plan for Transitions: Plan smooth transitions between activities. Use music, countdowns, or specific signals to help students move efficiently from one task to another.
Include Brain Breaks: Integrate short brain breaks throughout the day to help students recharge and stay focused. Activities like GoNoodle or simple stretching exercises can be very effective. I have some fun “Would Your Rather” Brain Breaks that your 3rd grade students will love!

Activities
Engaging activities are key to keeping 3rd graders excited about learning. Here are some grade-specific activities that will captivate your students’ interest:
Literacy Centers: Use literacy centers to reinforce reading and writing skills. Centers can include activities like reading comprehension tasks, writing prompts, spelling games, and vocabulary building exercises.

Hands-On Science Experiments: 3rd graders love hands-on learning. Plan simple science experiments that allow them to explore and discover concepts on their own. For example, create a volcano eruption with baking soda and vinegar or build simple circuits with batteries and light bulbs.
Math Games: Incorporate fun math games to make learning math concepts enjoyable. Activities like Math Bingo, Hopscotch Multiplication, and SCOOT games for math review can help reinforce skills in a playful manner.

Social Studies Projects: Encourage students to work on projects that explore different cultures, historical events, or geographic locations. This can include creating dioramas, writing reports, or presenting findings to the class.
Interactive Read-Alouds: Make reading sessions interactive by using read-alouds with accompanying activities. Ask questions, encourage predictions, and have students act out parts of the story to deepen comprehension.

Art Integration: Integrate art into your lessons to make learning more engaging. Have students create visual representations of what they are learning, such as drawing scenes from a book, making math-related crafts, or designing posters for social studies topics.
By incorporating these lesson planning strategies and engaging activities, you can create a dynamic and effective learning environment for your 3rd grade students.
Still looking for lesson planning help? Check out my other 3rd grade blog posts below!
3rd Grade Technology Teaching Tools
Integrating technology into your classroom can be a game-changer, especially for 3rd graders who are naturally curious and eager to explore new tools. Here are some ways you can use iPads, tablets, Chromebooks, laptops, and other technologies to enhance learning and keep your students engaged.
iPads and Tablets

iPads and tablets are versatile tools that can be used in various ways to support learning:
- Interactive Learning Apps: Utilize educational apps that make learning fun and interactive. Apps like Khan Academy, Prodigy, and Starfall offer engaging ways for students to practice math, reading, and other subjects.
- Digital Storytelling: Encourage students to create their own digital stories using apps like Book Creator or Puppet Pals. This not only fosters creativity but also helps improve their writing and storytelling skills.
- Augmented Reality (AR) Experiences: Use AR apps like QuiverVision to bring lessons to life. Students can color printable pages and then see their creations come to life through the tablet’s camera, enhancing their understanding of various concepts.
For more ideas, check out this post on Technology in the Math Classroom.
Chromebooks and Laptops

Chromebooks and laptops provide access to a wide range of digital resources and tools:
- Google Classroom: Streamline your teaching with Google Classroom. It allows you to assign and collect student work digitally, provide feedback, and organize lessons and resources in one place.
- Research Projects: Teach students how to conduct online research for their projects. Websites like National Geographic Kids and PBS Kids are great starting points for safe and educational content.
- Typing Skills: Use programs like TypingClub to help students develop their typing skills, which are essential for future academic tasks and standardized tests.
Explore more efficient teaching methods with these Apps That Help Me Teach More Efficiently.
Other Technologies

Beyond tablets and laptops, there are other tech tools that can enhance your teaching:
- Interactive Whiteboards: Tools like SMART Boards allow for interactive lessons where students can participate directly on the board. This is great for visual learners and helps make abstract concepts more tangible.
- Document Cameras: Use document cameras to display student work, books, or manipulatives on a large screen. This makes it easier for the whole class to see and discuss together.
- Coding and Robotics: Introduce basic coding and robotics with tools like Ozobots or LEGO Education sets. These activities teach problem-solving skills and can be integrated into various subjects.
Discover more literacy-focused tech tools with these Free Literacy Apps.
By leveraging these technology teaching tools, you can create a dynamic and engaging classroom environment that caters to the diverse needs of your 3rd grade students. Embrace the possibilities that technology offers and watch your students thrive!
FREE Math Resource
As promised, here is a free print and digital place value reosurces that you can use during the first few weeks of school with your 3rd grade students.

Teaching 3rd grade is an incredible journey filled with opportunities for growth, both for you and your students. As you navigate this new adventure, remember that every challenge is a chance to learn and every success is a step towards becoming an even better educator.
From setting up effective classroom management strategies to planning engaging lessons and activities, you now have a toolkit to help you thrive. Embrace the excitement, stay curious, and always be open to new ideas and approaches. Your enthusiasm and dedication will inspire your students and create a positive, dynamic learning environment.
Free 3rd Grade Spiral Literacy Worksheets
Help your new 3rd grade class soar with these popular spiraled ELA worksheets.
Thank you for all that you do, 3rd grade teacher friend. Welcome to the wonderful world of 3rd grade teaching! If you ever need more tips, resources, or just a bit of encouragement, know that this community is here to support you every step of the way.

2 Responses
You are doing Amazing!
I’m sure to use your strategies this year.
I’d love to learn from you. How do you quiet down a noisy class or get students to listen or give you their attention.
Absolutely, I’d be happy to help! Here are three tips that have really worked for me:
Use a Calm Signal: I use a simple hand signal, like raising my hand or saying a specific phrase like “1, 2, 3, eyes on me.” When I do this, the kids know it’s time to stop talking and pay attention. I always wait until everyone is quiet before moving on.
Incorporate a Fun Activity: Sometimes, I use a quick, engaging activity to get their attention. For example, I might start a short, silly game or ask a question related to our lesson. This gets them excited and focused on what’s next.
Establish Clear Routines: I make sure to set clear expectations for when it’s time to listen. For instance, I might say, “When the lights go off, it’s quiet time,” and then I turn off the lights to signal it’s time to listen. Consistency is key, so the kids know what to expect.
I hope these ideas help make your classroom a bit quieter and more focused!