In third grade teachers emphasize comprehension as students move from "learning
to read" to "reading to learn." Teachers provide instruction in
small, skill-leveled groups, focusing increasingly on the appreciation of literature
through discussion and reflection. Third graders continue to learn and practice
more advanced vowel and consonant patterns and begin to study word origins (prefixes
and suffixes). The writing process (prewriting, drafting, revising, editing)
continues in third grade. Proofreading skills are taught explicitly and are also
practiced in the context of students editing their own writing.
Goals and Objectives
READING: By the end of third grade, students are expected
to…
Understand the basic features of reading
Recognize letter patterns and know how to translate them into spoken language
by using phonics, syllabication, and word parts, and apply this knowledge
to work towards fluent oral and silent reading
Read and understand grade-level-appropriate material
Draw upon a variety of comprehension strategies as needed (e.g., generating
and responding to essential questions, making predictions, comparing information
from several sources)
Read and respond to a wide variety of children’s literature
Distinguish between the structural features of the text and literary terms
or elements (e.g., theme, plot, setting, characters)
Read independently at home for thirty minutes per week throughout the year
WRITING: By the end of third grade, students are expected
to…
Write clear and coherent sentences and paragraphs that develop
a central idea
Consider the audience and purpose of their writing
Progress through the stages of the writing process (prewriting, drafting,
revising, editing)
Write compositions that describe and explain familiar objects, events,
and experiences
Demonstrate a command of Standard American English and mastery of the writing
strategies outlined below
WRITTEN LANGUAGE CONVENTIONS: By the end of third grade,
students are expected to…
Write and speak with a command of standard English conventions
appropriate to third grade as set forth in The Golden Guide
Demonstrate knowledge of lower and upper case cursive formations and connecting
strokes
LISTENING AND SPEAKING: By the end of third grade, students
are expected to…
Listen critically and respond appropriately to oral communication
Speak in a manner that guides the listener to understand important ideas
by using proper phrasing, pitch, and modulation
Deliver brief recitations and oral presentations about familiar experiences
or interests that are organized around a coherent thesis statement
Demonstrate a command of standard American English and the organizational
and delivery strategies outlined below
Assessment and Evaluation
Evaluation and assessment of students' progress is an ongoing process throughout
the year, involving teacher observation and evaluation of classwork and homework.
Goal setting, rubrics, and student reflections are among the strategies used
to help students and teachers assess students' growth in third grade.
Resources
Clues For Better Reading, Lapp and Flood, student workbook.
How to Teach Spelling, Educators Publishing Service, Inc.
