3rd Grade Make Connections Lesson Plans

On Education.com, teachers and parents can access a variety of worksheet, printable activity, and lesson plan resources that support third-grade students in making meaningful connections in reading. These materials introduce students to the three main types of connections: text-to-self, text-to-text, and text-to-world. By using a structured learning approach-including modeling, graphic organizers, and independent practice-students develop critical thinking and comprehension skills that deepen their engagement with reading material.

Making connections in reading involves relating the content to personal experiences, other texts, and real-world knowledge. Teaching students to identify and analyze these connections enhances comprehension, retention, and the ability to think critically about what they read. Structured lessons utilizing models, guided practice, and independent exploration help students practice this skill appropriately for their grade level while fostering confidence and a love of reading.

Educators and parents can use these resources to scaffold learning, tailor instruction to individual students’ needs, and create engaging learning experiences. With access to ready-to-use lessons focused on making connections, students gain essential strategies to interpret texts, expand their understanding, and connect reading to their own lives and the world around them.