page contents
The Language Arts Block
This is a carefully constructed period of time where children are engaged in a variety of literacy activities. It will consist of, but is not limited to, guided reading, independent reading, shared literacy, word study  (FUNdations), grammar, cursive, and writing.  Each day, students will have several MUST DO assignments to complete with free choice activities to be completed afterward.
 
Reading

Reading takes many forms. We will be conducting guided reading groups during the Language Arts block. These differentiated groups allow for instruction based on selected texts and the needs of the students. Independent reading becomes increasingly important at this age. The children will have the opportunity to read self-selected texts during the Language Arts block. However, at-home reading and skills work is still an expectation. There will often be homework assignments which require students to directly reflect on their at-home reading. The children will also be reading from works out of their Anthology. Reading tests are generated based on comprehension of their Anthology selections. I will be reading aloud from quality literature during these periods. A non-fiction target will be reached via our integration of Achieve 3000.

 

Students should be reading each night for 20 minutes.

 

Writing

Writing in the classroom will occur at many points throughout our day, and is a task that takes places across the whole third grade curriculum.  Each week the students will be working on a piece of writing that will be edited, revised, and critiqued by their teachers and peers. Students will become familiar with writing rubrics to help them throughout the writing process.

 

 
Grammar

Grammar is an important component of the LA block. Students have a workbook that will be used during class, but the focus will be on applying grammar concepts to our writing. Our grammar units will provide the students with a resource for what is expected on writing assignments. The parts of speech are a major area of focus. Recognizing the parts of speech and applying them correctly will be a goal for all third graders.

 

Finding "Just Right Books" for your children

 

 

 

https://www.lexile.com/

 

Directions:

 

1.  Check to find your child's most up-to-date reading lexile score on Achieve3000 (logins were given to you at conferences).

 

2.  Put their lexile score and reading interests into the book list generator and voila - you will have a new book list for your child that is tailored to their reading level AND interests! 

 

Note: If your child's lexile score is above grade level, some of the books may be inappropriate for them.

This site allows you to put in an age range to generate an appropriate list.