Grade 3 Spelling Words

Printable Word List

Spelling continues to be a cornerstone of language arts in third grade, as students build on their foundational skills to tackle more complex words, patterns, and vocabulary. At this stage, children are expected to apply their growing phonics knowledge, recognize advanced spelling rules, and broaden their subject-specific vocabulary. Regular spelling practice helps reinforce reading and writing fluency, preparing third graders for academic success across all subjects.

This page offers a downloadable list of Grade 3 spelling words designed to help your child or students master essential spelling patterns and vocabulary for this grade level.

Types of spelling lists

A well-rounded spelling curriculum exposes learners to a variety of word lists, supporting vocabulary development across subjects and contexts:

Academic vocabulary: words commonly used in classroom discussions and assignments.
Subject-specific lists: terms related to literature, math, science, and social studies (e.g., "chapter," "multiply," "habitat," "explore").
Curriculum-aligned lists: words aligned with specific educational resources or programs to reinforce core learning objectives.
Skill-based lists: focus on particular spelling or phonics patterns, such as contractions, compound words, or homophones.

These different list types ensure that third graders encounter words in meaningful contexts, promoting retention and real-world application.

Spelling list for third graders

This spelling list was created to help children strengthen their spelling skills while engaging with word families, academic vocabulary, and high-frequency words relevant to grade-level learning.

Our Grade 3 Spelling Word List is carefully curated to:

Build confidence through exposure to diverse word types.
Reinforce understanding of common spelling patterns and word meanings.
Encourage independent practice, supporting classroom and at-home learning.

Click below to download your Grade 3 Spelling Word List:

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Phonics integration in spelling

Integrating phonics into spelling lessons remains essential in third grade, as students continually learn about the relationship between sounds and written words. Phonics instruction helps children decode new words, apply spelling rules, and recognize irregular spellings.

For example, third graders often work with:

Multi-syllable words (e.g., "dinosaur," "remember")
Complex vowel patterns (e.g., "ea," "oi," "ou")
Common endings and prefixes/suffixes (e.g., "-tion," "pre-," "-ful")
Plurals and tense changes (e.g., "flies," "running")

By regularly practicing these patterns, students develop greater confidence and accuracy in both reading and writing.

How Night Zookeeper supports your third grader

Night Zookeeper is an award-winning online program designed to make reading, writing, and spelling practice engaging for third graders! Here’s how we help boost children's spelling skills:

Phonics-based games: interactive activities help children master complex spelling patterns and sound-letter relationships.
Personalized feedback: tutors provide targeted feedback on spelling in writing, supporting individual progress.
Creative writing integration: children use spelling words in stories, reports, and creative projects, making learning relevant and fun.
Curriculum-aligned challenges: spelling is woven into reading, grammar, and writing activities to reinforce new vocabulary.

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