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3rd Grade Dictation Sentences

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Categories Grade 3, Spelling Activities 3rd Grade

These 3rd grade dictation sentences are perfect for teachers, homeschooling parents, or anyone looking to give kids extra spelling and writing practice.

I’ve created a full set of dictation sentences to go along with all 36 weeks of my themed 3rd grade spelling word lists.

One of the unique things about these sentences is that they only use the current week’s spelling words, words from earlier 3rd grade lists, and previously learned words from 1st or 2nd grade.

This provides kids with plenty of review while they practice new words. They aren’t just learning words for one week; they’re constantly reinforcing what they’ve already mastered.

Benefits of Dictating Sentences

These dictation sentences give practice with more than just spelling. They help kids with:

  • tricky words like than vs. then
  • practicing when to use which homophone like their, there, or they’re
  • capitalization (names, movie titles, and sentence beginnings)
  • punctuation in real sentences

It’s a gentle way to work on grammar and writing alongside spelling.

Tips for Using Dictation Sentences

Dictation doesn’t have to feel like a chore! Here are a few ways to keep it fresh:

  • Handwriting practice: Have kids copy one or more sentences neatly into a double-lined notebook.
  • Typing practice: Let kids type sentences in a simple messaging app (with spell check turned off). My daughter loved this! She’d “send” me her sentence, and if something wasn’t right, she corrected it and resent it.
  • Break it up: Instead of tackling all the sentences at once, split them over two or more days. This keeps things from feeling overwhelming and gives kids more consistent practice.

Weekly Dictation Sentences

Ready to get started? Here are the grade 3 dictation sentences for each week. The words in bold are on the spelling list for that week.

Bookmark this page for quick access throughout the year.

Week 1 – Back to School

  1. I need a pencil case, tape, glue, paper, and pens.
  2. Did you study for your exam?
  3. I passed my spelling test.
  4. My third grade teacher taught our class a fun math lesson.
  5. I got a good mark on my quiz.

Week 2 – Silent Consonants

  1. Could you wrap this box up for me?
  2. Stay calm and listen to the teacher.
  3. Where should I sign my name?
  4. The knife is sharp.
  5. You might be right.
  6. She has been fighting a cold all week.
  7. I wish I knew the right answer.
  8. A lamb is a baby sheep.
  9. I have the wrong answer.
  10. Hold on tight.

Week 3 – Y as a Vowel

  1. We still see each other every now and then.
  2. The jury was ready to listen to the case.
  3. I feel a little funny.
  4. She has lots of energy.
  5. The test was easy.
  6. What type of book do you like to read?
  7. We saw a nest with a tiny baby bird.
  8. I can carry the heavy box myself.
  9. I am very happy for him.

Week 4 – Plural Nouns

  1. We need to make a copy of our house keys.
  2. There were only nine people at the party.
  3. There are many armies in the world.
  4. The king is a very busy person.
  5. I live in the country.
  6. Can you guess the answer?
  7. Dad lit a match.
  8. The six women went to two parties last month.
  9. The teacher had eight copies of the book.
  10. I have four boxes of sharp knives.
  11. That woman was in the army.
  12. Some countries have big cities.
  13. Do you have any matches?
  14. Give me three guesses.

Week 5 – Animals

  1. The vet takes care of the zoo animals.
  2. I fed the goose at the farm.
  3. Is that a frog or a toad?
  4. Her cat had four kittens.
  5. Geese have long necks.
  6. A tiny mouse hid behind some boxes.
  7. Give the deer an apple to eat.
  8. The kitty played with a ball.
  9. My sister has a pet rabbit.
  10. I want to ride a horse.

Week 6 – Human Body

  1. I have skin on my arms and legs.
  2. The spine is made of small bones.
  3. I sleep on my back.
  4. My feet are cold.
  5. She uses her fingers to count.
  6. My ribs are in my chest.
  7. He hurt his foot.
  8. Clap your hands.
  9. Thumbs up!

Week 7 – Dogs

  1. The puppy ran in and out of the doghouse.
  2. My dog wants to go for a walk.
  3. The hound howls at night.
  4. The dog keeps barking.
  5. She taught her dog a new trick.
  6. The dog growled at a little boy.
  7. The canine has a pink collar.
  8. The puppy wagged its tail.

Week 8 – Disney Movies

  1. The Great Mouse Detective
  2. Beauty and the Beast
  3. High School Musical
  4. Toy Story
  5. Brave
  6. Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs
  7. The Fox and the Hound
  8. Sleeping Beauty

Week 9 – Contractions: To Be

  1. She’s under the bed, but whose bed is it?
  2. There’s a small mouse by their feet.
  3. They’re eating with their class.
  4. You’re carrying a heavy box.
  5. Where’s your pencil?
  6. Who’s playing with your toys?
  7. It’s not mine, it’s theirs.
  8. He’s their baby brother.
  9. I’m with your sister.
  10. We’re at the circus.
  11. Its tail is short.
  12. What’s so funny?
  13. That’s my book.

Week 10 – Mixed Bag of Words

  1. Her sister is also bringing some games.
  2. I think that doll is yours.
  3. Being mean is not nice.
  4. The party was loud.
  5. Open the toy box.
  6. Does your brother have a toy plane?
  7. He got off the swing by himself.
  8. Put those blocks in the toy box.
  9. We ran around the park.

Week 11 – Numbers

  1. Thirteen cats have twelve toys, seventeen collars, and twenty toys.
  2. The kittens need eighteen cans of food and nineteen laps to sit on.
  3. The whole class fed fourteen cats and fifteen dogs.
  4. Both kittens played with eleven balls of string.
  5. Four lions have sixteen paws.

Week 12 – Shopping

  1. Can I trade you a glass of apple cider for a slice of bread?
  2. Sure, that’s fair.
  3. I found a game worth nine pennies. I will round up to a dime.
  4. We raised money for the class trip.
  5. I want to buy some butter, but I am a penny short.
  6. Eggs were on sale for two dollars and eighteen cents.
  7. My brother is shopping for a new hat.
  8. She bought a book for a good price.

Week 13 – Fairy Tales

  1. Once upon a time, there was a tiny elf and a green ogre. 
  2. The giant found a magic puppet.
  3. The fairy saw the witch in the forest. 
  4. The royal king had a big crown.

Week 14 – Music

  1. The piano has sharp and flat notes.
  2. She takes vocal lessons every week.
  3. The drum made a loud sound.
  4. I listen to music every day.
  5. Her voice has a nice tone.
  6. One singer in the trio was out of tune.
  7. I will be singing a solo in the musical.
  8. He plays a duet on the violin.
  9. I play drums in a band.

Week 15 – Time

  1. We took a boat ride in the evening and saw the stars.
  2. Tomorrow morning we will take a bus to the city.
  3. Yesterday afternoon we took a taxi to the zoo.
  4. We saw the sunset at the beach today.
  5. The sun rises early in some parts of the world.
  6. We will fly to a new country next week.
  7. Daytime is very hot in some places.
  8. The train came late at night.
  9. The sun came up at dawn.

Week 16 – Winter

  1. Put on a coat and boots so you do not freeze.
  2. I learned to ski down the small hill.
  3. We had a snowball fight.
  4. Hold my hand so you do not slip on the ice.
  5. The snowman has a hat, scarf, and gloves.
  6. Do you have ice skates?

Week 17 – Medical

  1. Wash your hands so you do not catch a cold.
  2. You need to rest at home.
  3. Mom caught my cough.
  4. Are you in any pain?
  5. The doctor put a cast on his leg.
  6. Stay home if you are sick.
  7. The nurse checks his fever.
  8. His cough is bad.

Week 18 – Contractions with Not

  1. The heroes wouldn’t rest till they found the lost puppy.
  2. The dog named Bolt doesn’t give up.
  3. The beast can’t stop the giant.
  4. The puppet isn’t a real boy.
  5. The doctors haven’t lost hope.
  6. The hero won’t give up the fight.
  7. Giants don’t sleep at night.
  8. The wet fairy couldn’t fly.
  9. The heroes weren’t ready.
  10. The beast wasn’t happy.
  11. The ogres aren’t fast.
  12. The elf didn’t help.

Week 19 – Contractions

  1. She’d help the detective with the case.
  2. I’ve seen some cops at the mall.
  3. You’ve met the new teacher.
  4. They’ll see the nurse soon.
  5. They’ve got the fire out.
  6. I’d tell the doctor.
  7. She’ll call the nurse if you get sick.
  8. We’d tell the detective the clue.
  9. I’ll go see the farmer today.
  10. We’ll go to the doctor.
  11. You’ll like the teacher.
  12. He’ll drive the bus.

Week 20 – Clocks

  1. Our story begins with a girl named Alice.
  2. A white rabbit ran by her and said, “It’s half past two!”
  3. The precise time was three o’clock.
  4. An alarm went off on the rabbit’s watch.
  5. The white rabbit looked at his watch and said, “I’m late!”
  6. Alice saw a clock and counted the hours and minutes.
  7. Alice fell down the rabbit’s hole and started to cry.
  8. In a second, Alice grew as tall as a house.

Week 21 – Clothes

  1. Mom packed a bag for me with shirts, pants, socks, and some jeans.
  2. Dad needs a suit and tie for work.
  3. I need to shop for a spring jacket, a belt, and running shoes.
  4. Should I bring a dress or a skirt?

Week 22 – Vacation

  1. Pack your bags, we’re going on vacation!
  2. I need a ticket and a passport to travel.
  3. We went to the airport to catch our flight.
  4. The airplane took off and I looked out the window.
  5. We will stay at a motel on our road trip.
  6. We love to travel by plane on our vacation.
  7. The hotel has a big pool by the beach.
  8. A holiday is a time to relax.

Week 23 – Family & Chores

  1. My parents are in the dining room at the end of the hallway.
  2. The children clean their room.
  3. I love my family.
  4. I’ll sweep the floor and you can clear the table.
  5. My aunt and uncle washed the dishes.
  6. The chart shows our jobs.

Week 24 – House

  1. Go up the steps, down the hall, and my room is the second door on the right.
  2. My bed is at the end of the hallway.
  3. The front yard has green grass.
  4. I sleep in my bedroom.
  5. You can take a bath in the big tub.
  6. This chair goes in the dining room.
  7. One day I’ll own my own home.
  8. My bedroom is up the stairs.
  9. We’ll move to a new house.

Week 25 – Manners & Greetings

  1. Excuse me, do you know where I can find Apple Road?
  2. It is polite to say please and thank you.
  3. Welcome to my home.
  4. I beg your pardon.
  5. Say hello to your parents for me.
  6. I’ll say good-bye to my teacher.
  7. Can I ask for your help?
  8. May I be excused?
  9. Don’t be rude.
  10. I’m sorry.

Week 26 – Baseball

  1. The pitcher is ready to start the game.
  2. The catcher stands behind the home plate.
  3. He ran fast to catch the ball in left field.
  4. The runner is safe at first base.
  5. The team plays baseball.
  6. The baseball player ran to third base.
  7. The ball went to center field.
  8. The score is ten to nine.
  9. He will steal second base.
  10. His mitt is on his left hand.
  11. The batter got a strike.

Week 27 – Space

  1. The discovery of new planets helps us learn about space.
  2. The Earth and other planets orbit the sun.
  3. I used a telescope to see the stars.
  4. The moon has eight lunar phases.
  5. The Earth moves around the sun in our solar system.
  6. A solar eclipse is when the moon blocks the sun.
  7. The space station is in outer space.

Week 28 – Shapes

  1. I see a yellow rectangle, a black cube, and a pink oval.
  2. I see a cone, a pyramid, and a cylinder.
  3. The green cylinder is on the table.
  4. A triangle has three sides.
  5. The circle is brown and the square is blue.
  6. The circle is a round shape.
  7. The card has a red heart.
  8. A cube looks like a box.
  9. A ball is a sphere.

Week 29 – Math

  1. We walked around the perimeter of the front yard.
  2. Divide the circle into three equal parts.
  3. One mile is longer than one inch.
  4. Measure the length of the rectangle.
  5. Group the cubes by color.
  6. The stick was too thick so I used a thin one.
  7. We measured the area of the square.
  8. The width of the desk is 20 inches.
  9. The cake was divided into 8 slices.

Week 30 – Trees & Nature

  1. The maple and oak trees grew tall in the forest.
  2. We sat on a stump by the fire.
  3. The willow tree had long, thin branches.
  4. I’d like to see the Grand Canyon.
  5. We saw a tall mountain on our hike.
  6. The pine cones fell on a big stone. (pinecones and pine cones are correct)
  7. There are palm trees near the lake.
  8. We saw cows in the valley.
  9. Don’t rock the boat.

Week 31 – Colors

  1. My favorite color is……..   (ask kids to write their favorite color)
  2. My shirt is bright orange and my pants are navy blue.
  3. I like the pastel colors of purple and pink.
  4. The car is dark violet with scarlet doors.
  5. The ring was made of gold and silver.
  6. The rainbow was very colorful.
  7. The sky looks gray.

Week 32 – Fruit

  1. We picked peaches, plums, and apples at the farm.
  2. Can I have a glass of grape juice please?
  3. The orange was next to the melon.
  4. Peel the banana before you eat it.
  5. I like fruit.
  6. May I have a slice of cherry pie please?
  7. I put strawberry jam on my toast.
  8. Mom bought me a pineapple.
  9. Mom cut the lemon in half.
  10. A pear fell from the tree.

Week 33 – Fruit Adjectives

  1. I ate a sweet grape and a juicy plum.
  2. Do you like your hard or soft peaches?
  3. The lemon was too sour.
  4. The strawberries are rotten.
  5. The red cherries have smooth, thin skin.
  6. The pears are fresh and crunchy.
  7. My brother loves dried apples.
  8. Are the bananas ripe?
  9. The grapes are firm.

Week 34 – Homophones

  1. She was weak, so she needed to rest.
  2. The green pear is hard and crunchy.
  3. Do not go in the sea.
  4. We will meet after school.
  5. The dried flower is red.
  6. Did you hear the bell?
  7. His feet are bare.
  8. She bought a new pair of shoes.
  9. Mom uses flour to bake bread.
  10. The school week is five days
  11. The rope has a knot in it. 
  12. I am here to play.
  13. He doesn’t like meat.
  14. I see a bear.

Week 35 – Gardening

  1. Roots soak up water and plant food from the soil.
  2. The roses need water or they will wilt.
  3. I will plant seeds in the garden.
  4. I have some nice bushes in my front yard.
  5. A cactus can grow in dry soil.
  6. Worms live in the dirt.
  7. I see a dead leaf.

Week 36 – Summer

  1. We had an ice cream cone at the cabin.
  2. He ran on the beach with the kite.
  3. We swim in the pool in summer.
  4. It’ll be sunny and warm tomorrow.
  5. The pail is full of sand.
  6. We like to blow bubbles in the summer.
  7. Her bikini is violet and navy blue.
  8. We saw a fountain at the park.
  9. I saw kids diving in the lake.
  10. I like swimming at the beach.