Language Arts

Guided Reading/Independent Reading:

- Focus is on reading comprehension strategies
- Students will respond to the text
- Focus on open ended questions and higher level critical thinking  
- Students are expected to read independently when not meeting with their group
 

 

 Shared Reading: 

 

-  Students will be exposed to and engage in all genres of literature including picture books, chapter books,and content area books.
- Literature will be used to introduce book handling and comprehension skills that will be reinforced during small group instruction. 
- Literature will also be used to teach other language arts skills including: grammar, word study, and writing.
 -New vocabulary will be discussed.

 

Writing Workshop:

 

-We will be using the Being a Writer program.  We will be working together to build a community of writers.   We will be covering a variety of genres this year including personal narratives, expository, functional writing, opinion writing, and poetry. Students will learn to work through the writing process including: prewriting, drafting, revising, editing, and publishing.

 

Word Study/ Spelling/Vocabulary:

 

- A letter will be sent home explaining the  Spelling Connections Program and our expectations for at home practice.  The children will also be responsible for a 3rd grade sight word list.

- Students will also be learning new vocabulary words each week, they will be "harvesting" new words from both fiction and nonfiction Read Alouds and Shared Reading texts.  

 

Grammar:

 

- Grammar mini lessons will be taught during our literacy block.

- Students will complete follow-up activities. 

 

Handwriting:

 

- We will review and reinforce manuscript writing, and introduce the students to cursive handwriting this year.