Based on NCERT Santoor

CBSE Class 3 English: Syllabus, Units & Sample Practice

Explore all 4 units of the NCERT "Santoor" reader, see the poems and stories inside each, and work through a stepped demonstration question — reading and language grow together.

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4 UnitsSantoor

Syllabus reviewed: November 2026

Key Curriculum Facts

Santoor
NCERT Reader: The current NCERT Class 3 English book; 4
Units: Each with a poem and stories; School-based
Assessment: Preparatory Stage — internal, no board exam

What the Class 3 English Year Really Builds

CBSE Class 3 English follows the NCERT reader "Santoor", written for the Preparatory Stage under NEP 2020 and the new National Curriculum Framework. Its four themed units open with picture reading and bring together poems and stories so children read with growing independence.

Across the year the focus is on reading comprehension, early writing, grammar and vocabulary, and speaking and listening — developed through the poems and stories in the reader. There is no board examination at Class 3; progress is tracked through school-based assessment.

This page shows EduMagik's stepped reasoning approach with a worked demonstration question: a clue first, then a full explanation, so the thinking is understood rather than just the answer.

Complete Unit Directory (NCERT Santoor, Class 3)

All 4 units of the Class 3 English reader, with the pieces inside each, plus the language skills the year builds

The Four Units

Ch 1 Fun with Friends
Poem "Colours" and the stories "Badal and Moti" and "Best Friends".
Ch 2 Toys and Games
Poem "Out in the Garden" and the stories "Talking Toys" and "Paper Boats".
Ch 3 Good Food
Poem "The Big Laddoo" and the stories "Thank God" and "Madhu’s Wish".
Ch 4 The Sky
Poem "Night" and the stories "Chanda Mama Counts the Stars" and "Chandrayaan".

Language Skills This Year Builds

Ch 1 Reading & Comprehension
Picture reading, then reading poems and stories and answering simple questions.
Ch 2 Early Writing
Words and sentences, short answers and simple descriptions.
Ch 3 Grammar & Vocabulary
Naming words and action words, articles, opposites and new words.
Ch 4 Speaking & Listening
Recitation, conversation and listening tasks drawn from the reader.

Official source: NCERT Santoor — official Class 3 English textbook — The chapter directory on this page follows this official NCERT textbook.

Demonstration Question (Based on CBSE Class 3 English)

Choose the correct word to complete the sentence: "I saw ___ elephant at the zoo."

A. an ✓ Correct

B. a

C. the

D. of

Reasoning Clue & Solution

Use "an" before a word that begins with a vowel sound (a, e, i, o, u), and "a" before other sounds.

The EduMagik 3-Step Hint Ladder

Point to the Method

Names the idea to use (e.g. "Listen to the first sound of the next word") without giving the answer.

Guided Reasoning Prompt

Prompts the key step (e.g. "Does ‘elephant’ start with a vowel sound?").

Complete Worked Solution

Explains the rule and the finished sentence so the reasoning is clear.

How to Build Strong Class 3 English Habits

Simple, high-impact ways to grow reading and language

Read Aloud Every Day

Reading the Santoor poems and stories aloud builds fluency, expression and confidence.

Practise a Little, Often

Short, regular practice of new words and simple grammar keeps learning fresh.

Talk About the Pictures

The units open with picture reading — talking about what is happening builds vocabulary and comprehension.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many units are in the CBSE Class 3 English syllabus?

The NCERT Class 3 English reader "Santoor" has 4 units, each with a poem and stories (and an opening picture-reading page). Always confirm the current list with NCERT or your school.

What is the Class 3 English NCERT book called?

It is "Santoor", the Class 3 English reader written for the Preparatory Stage under the new National Curriculum Framework, replacing the older Marigold reader.

Is there a board exam in CBSE Class 3?

No. Class 3 is assessed through school-based internal assessment, not a board examination — board exams begin at Class 10.

What does Class 3 English cover?

Reading comprehension and picture reading, early writing, grammar and vocabulary (naming and action words, articles, opposites) and speaking and listening — all through the poems and stories in the Santoor reader.

Parent Curriculum: CBSE Class 3 Curriculum & Subjects

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