Language Arts Literacy

 

Mission: Learning to read, write, speak, listen, and view critically, strategically and creatively enables students to discover personal and shared meaning throughout their lives.

Standard 3.1 Reading

All students will understand and apply the knowledge of sounds, letters, and words in written English to become independent and fluent readers and will read a variety of materials and texts with fluency and comprehension.

 

Big Idea: The ability to read a variety of texts requires independence, comprehension, and fluency.

3.1 A. Concepts About Print

Essential Questions

Enduring Understandings

- How does understanding a text’s structure help me better understand its meaning?

 - Understanding of a text’s features, structures, and characteristics facilitate the reader’s ability to make meaning of the text.  

Cumulative Progress Indicators

Comments and Examples

By the end of Grade 3:  
1.         Recognize that printed materials provide specific information.  
2.         Recognize purposes for print conventions such as end-sentence punctuation, paragraphing, and bold print.  
3.         Use a glossary or index to locate information in a text.  

3.1 B. Phonological Awareness
By the end of Grade 3:  
1.      Demonstrate a sophisticated sense of sound-symbol relationship, including all phonemes (e.g., blends, digraphs, dipthongs)  

3.1 C. Decoding and Word Recognition

Essential Questions

Enduring Understandings

 - How do I figure out a word I do not know?

- Readers use language structure and context clues to identify the intended meaning of words and phrases as they are used in text.  

Cumulative Progress Indicators

Comments and Examples

By the end of Grade 3:  
1.      Know sounds for a range of prefixes and suffixes (e.g., re-, ex-, -ment, -tion)  
2.      Use letter-sound knowledge and structural analysis to decode words.  
3.      Use context to accurately read words with more than one pronunciation. Instructional/Assessment Focus:
• Use information (known words) from text to identify unknown words

3.1 D. Fluency

Essential Questions Enduring Understandings

 - How does fluency affect comprehension?

- Fluent readers group words quickly to help them gain meaning from what they read
Cumulative Progress Indicators Comments and Examples
By the end of Grade 3:  
1.         Recognize grade-level words accurately and with ease so that a text sounds like spoken language when read aloud.  
2.         Read longer text and chapter books independently and silently.  
3.         Read aloud with proper phrasing, inflection, and intonation.  
3.1 E. Reading Strategies (before, during, and after reading)
Essential Questions Enduring Understandings
-What do readers do when they do not understand everything in a text? - Good readers employ strategies to help them understand text. Strategic readers can develop, select, and apply strategies to enhance their comprehension.
Cumulative Progress Indicators Comments and Examples
By the end of Grade 3:  
1.      Set purpose for reading and check to verify or change predictions during/after reading. Suggested Instructional/Assessment Strategies:
• Hook student interest by suggesting purpose for reading
• Picture walk—title, captions, illustrations—to encourage prediction and meaning
• Link personal experiences or knowledge to text
• Students picture walk using video clips
2.      Monitor comprehension and accuracy while reading in context and self-correct errors.  
3.       Use pictures and context clues to assist with decoding of new words. Suggested Instructional/Assessment Strategies:
• Use information (known words and illustrations) from text to identify unknown words
• Students learn how to clarify information across the content areas by asking questions: “What do you think the writer meant when he/she wrote....” “What do you think the word, meant in this paragraph/selection?” “How was the word, used in this paragraph?”

(*Source- Annenberg Media)
http://www.learner.org/jnorth/tm/InstrucStrat9.html
4.       Develop and use graphic organizers to build on experiences and extend learning.  

3.1 F. Vocabulary and Concept Development
Essential Questions Enduring Understandings
-What do readers do when they do not understand everything in a text? - Words powerfully affect meaning
Cumulative Progress Indicators Comments and Examples
By the end of Grade 3:  
1.         Spell previously studied words and spelling patterns accurately.  
2.         Point to or clearly identify specific words or wording that are causing comprehension difficulties.  
3.         Infer word meanings from taught roots, prefixes, and suffixes.  
4.         Use a grade-appropriate dictionary with assistance from teacher.  
5.         Use pictures and context clues to assist with meaning of new words. Suggested Instructional/Assessment Strategies:
• Picture walk—title, captions, illustrations—to encourage prediction and meaning
• Build background knowledge via teacher read alouds
• Students picture walk using video clips
• Introduce vocabulary by having students match new words with magazine pictures
(*Source- PBS Kids: Word Girl)
http://www-tc.pbskids.org/wordgirl/parentsandteachers/pdf/lessons/scavenger_hunt.pdf

3.1 G. Comprehension Skills and Response to Text
Essential Questions Enduring Understandings
- How do readers construct meaning from text? - Good readers compare, infer, synthesize, and make connections (text to text, text to world, text to self) to make text personally relevant and useful.
Cumulative Progress Indicators Comments and Examples
By the end of Grade 3:  
1.         Recognize purpose of the text. Suggested Instructional/Assessment Strategies:
• Teacher read alouds with attention to author’s purpose
• Guided reading to improve comprehension at student’s instructional level

Sample Assessment Item:
ASSESS using reading passage Don’t Throw Your Bones on the Floor by Lucille Recht Penner— Standards clarification links\bones on floor.pdf

What is the main idea in paragraphs 11 and 12?
A. Buffalo horns made the best spoons.
B. Spoons were first made from clamshells.
C. Pewter and silver spoons were very valuable.
*D. Spoons were made from many different materials.
2.         Distinguish cause/effect, fact/opinion, main idea/supporting details in interpreting texts. Suggested Instructional/Assessment Strategies:
• Use Fishbone Map to illustrate cause/effect (interaction between at least two ideas or events)
•In a Comprehensive Health unit, students discuss the physical effects of second-hand smoking. Then, working in small groups, they complete a graphic organizer focusing on cause and effect.

(*Source- ReadWriteThink.org)
http://www.readwritethink.org/lessons/lesson_view.asp?id=925

Students use concept software to provide visual structure—graphic organizers (i.e., cause and effect).

Sample Assessment Item:
ASSESS using reading passage Brave as a Mountain Lion by Ann Herbert Scott— http://www.nj.gov/education/assessment/es/sample/NJ-LAL_sample.pdf,

Page 28 Question 2
At the beginning of the story, why doesn’t Spider feel like eating dinner?
* A. He is too worried to eat.
B. He does not like deer meat.
C. He is waiting for his father.
D. He has to study for a spelling bee.
3.         Interpret information in graphs, charts, and diagrams. Suggested Instructional/Assessment Strategy
• In a Math unit, students read the poem “Hungry Mungry” by Shel Silverstein, and discuss how much food was consumed by the main character. Students tally and graph food categories and interpret findings.

(*Source- The Franklin Institute: Resources for Science Learning)
http://sln.fi.edu/qa97/me4/
4.         Ask how, why, and what-if questions in interpreting nonfiction texts. Instructional/Assessment Focus:
• Higher level questioning to interpret nonfiction texts
5.         Recognize how authors use humor, sarcasm, and imagery to extend meaning. Suggested Instructional/Assessment Strategy:
• In a Social Studies or World Languages unit, students analyze and discuss basic elements of laughter—surprise, clowning—across cultures.

(*Source- National Geographic Kids)
http://www.nationalgeographic.com/ngkids/9904/funny/index.htm
6.         Discuss underlying theme or message in interpreting fiction. ASSESS using reading passage Brave as a Mountain Lion by Ann Herbert Scott— http://www.nj.gov/education/assessment/es/sample/NJ-LAL_sample.pdf, Page 28 Question 1

What is a theme of “Brave as a Mountain Lion”?
A. Hard work can lead to good ideas.
B. Nature teachers us about ourselves.
* C. We can do hard things with help from others.
D. Everything we know we learn in school.
7.         Summarize major points from fiction and nonfiction texts. Sample Assessment Item:
ASSESS using a sample reading passage Jamaica Tag-Along by Juanita Havill, Page 3, Question 7
http://fcat.fldoe.org/pdf/sample/0708/reading/FL08_STM_R_STB_G3_WT_C001.pdf

What is Jamaica’s BIGGEST problem in the story?
A. She hurts Berto’s feelings.
B. Berto steps on her sandcastle.
C. She does not like younger children.
* D. Her brother will not let her play with him.
8.         Draw conclusions and inferences from texts. Sample Assessment Item:
ASSESS using a sample open-ended question about Moe McTooth: An Alley Cat’s Tale by Eileen Spinelli
http://www.doe.mass.edu/mcas/search/viewreadingselection.asp?ReadingSelectionid=279

Based on the story, describe how Moe's life on the street is different from Moe's life in the apartment. Support your answer with important details from the story.
9.         Recognize first-person "I" point of view.  
10.      Compare and contrast story plots, characters, settings, and themes.

Suggested Instructional/Assessment Strategies:
• Hook student interest using comics to compare and contrast story elements

• Story Mapping
• Through the use of an interactive comic creator, which reflects the basic elements of line, shape and space, students use a six-paneled comic strip to create story maps, comparing two books that they have read. The story strips that result provide a great way to evaluate student's understanding of important events and elements in a novel.

(*Source- ReadWriteThink.org)
http://www.readwritethink.org/lessons/lesson_view.asp?id=236
11.     Participate in creative responses to texts (e.g., dramatizations, oral presentations).  
12.     Read regularly in materials appropriate for their independent reading level.  
13.     Read and comprehend both fiction and nonfiction that is appropriately designed for grade level. Suggested Instructional/Assessment Strategies:
• K-W-L Chart
•In a Social Studies/Language Arts Literacy unit on mythology, students use a text set (paired fiction and nonfiction texts on a similar topic) to increase their interest in and understanding of content area material.

ASSESS using student’s writing, which blends narrative and expository elements.

(*Source- ReadWriteThink.org)
http://www.readwritethink.org/lessons/lesson_view.asp?id=262
14.    Use information and reasoning to examine bases of hypotheses and opinions. Sample Assessment Item:
ASSESS using reading passage Brave as a Mountain Lion by Ann Herbert Scott http://www.nj.gov/education/assessment/es/sample/NJ-LAL_sample.pdf, Page 31 Question 7

When Spider thinks about the spelling bee, he thinks about a mountain lion, a coyote, and a spider.

• Explain how each one helps Spider.
• Decide which one is most helpful and explain why.

Use information from the story to support your response.

H.  Inquiry and Research
Essential Questions Enduring Understandings
- Why conduct research? - Researchers gather and critique information from different sources for specific purposes.
Cumulative Progress Indicators Comments and Examples
By the end of Grade 3:  
1.      Use library classification systems, print or electronic, to locate information.  
2.      Draw conclusions from information and data gathered. Suggested Instructional/Assessment Strategy:
• In a Social Studies—Geography unit, students research and select landscape photographs on the Internet and describe in their journals what they see. Once they have completed their journal entries, they research the following questions: What physical processes shape the features and patterns of the place? How might this environment affect people?

(*Source- National Geographic Xpeditions)
http://www.nationalgeographic.com/xpeditions/lessons/02/g35/detective.html
3.      Read a variety of nonfiction and fiction books and produce evidence of understanding.  

Standard 3.2 Writing


All students will write in clear, concise, organized language that varies in content and form for different audiences and purposes.

Big Idea: Writing is the process of communicating in print for a variety of audiences and purposes.

3.2 A. Writing as a Process (prewriting, drafting, revising, editing, postwriting)

Essential Questions

Enduring Understandings

- How do good writers express themselves? How does process shape the writer’s product?

 - Good writers develop and refine their ideas for thinking, learning, communicating, and aesthetic expression.  

Cumulative Progress Indicators

Comments and Examples

By the end of Grade 3:  
1.      Generate possible ideas for writing through recalling experiences, listening to stories, reading, brainstorming, and discussion.  
2.      Examine real-world examples of writing in various genres to gain understanding of how authors communicate ideas through form, structure, and author’s voice. Suggested Instructional/Assessment Strategies:
• Study of editorials
• Study of persuasive writing in various media (e.g., television commercials, radios announcements, political slogans)

Sample Assessment Item:
ASSESS using a performance task—Your local newspaper’s Kid Section is sponsoring a contest for the best-ever class field trip. Write an article telling what you liked about your field trip and why others should visit this special place.
3.      Use graphic organizers to assist with planning writing.  
4.      Compose first drafts from prewriting work.  
5.      Revise a draft by rereading for meaning, narrowing the focus, sequencing, elaborating with detail, improving openings, closings, and word choice to show voice.  
6.      Participate with peers to comment on and react to each other’s writing.  
7.      Build awareness of ways authors use paragraphs to support meaning.  
8.      Begin to develop author’s voice in own writing.  
9.      Use reference materials to revise work, such as a dictionary or internet/software resource.  
10.   Edit work for basic spelling and mechanics.  
11.     Use computer word-processing applications during parts of the writing process.  
12.   Understand and use a checklist and/or rubric to improve writing. Instructional/Assessment Focus:
• Review writer’s checklist
• Review holistic scoring rubric
13.   Reflect on own writing, noting strengths and areas needing improvement.  

3.2 B. Writing as a Product (resulting in a formal product or publication)

Essential Questions

Enduring Understandings

- How do writers develop a well written product?

 - Good writers use a repertoire of strategies that enables them to vary form and style, in order to write for different purposes, audiences, and contexts.

Cumulative Progress Indicators

Comments and Examples

By the end of Grade 3:  
1.      Write a descriptive piece, such as a description of a person, place, or object. Instructional/Assessment Focus:
• Reference writer’s checklist

Sample Assessment Item:
ASSESS using writing prompt from the passage Brave as a Mountain Lion by Ann Herbert Scott— Pages 19 and 20
http://www.nj.gov/education/assessment/es/LAL-manual.pdf
2.      Write a narrative piece based on personal experiences. Instructional/Assessment Focus:
• Develop strong introductions that grab readers and conclusions that leave them feeling satisfied
• Use a graphic-based flow-charting tool as a writing guide
3.      Write a nonfiction piece and/or simple informational report across the curriculum. Suggested Instructional/Assessment Strategy:
• Using expository texts, students demonstrate comprehension of cause and effect by locating those relationships within the text, recording these findings on two graphic organizers, and then using the organizers to write a paragraph.

Sample Assessment Item:
ASSESS using paragraph from expository text

(*Source- ReadWriteThink.org)
http://www.readwritethink.org/lessons/lesson_view.asp?id=925
4.      Present and discuss writing with other students.  
5.      Apply elements of grade-appropriate rubrics to improve writing.  
6.      Develop a collection of writings (e.g., a literacy folder or portfolio).  
3.2 C. Mechanics, Spelling, and Handwriting

Essential Questions

Enduring Understandings

- How do rules of language affect communication?

 - Rules, conventions of language, help readers understand what is being communicated.

Cumulative Progress Indicators

Comments and Examples

By the end of Grade 3:  
1.      Use Standard English conventions that are developmentally appropriate to the grade level: sentences, punctuation, capitalization, and spelling. Instructional/Assessment Focus:
• Review exemplar essays
• Edit sample essays
2.     Use grade-appropriate knowledge of English grammar and usage to craft writing, such as singular and plural nouns, subject/verb agreement, and appropriate parts of speech.  
3.      Study examples of narrative and expository writing to develop understanding of paragraphs and indentation.  
4.      Develop knowledge of English spelling through the use of patterns, structural analysis, and high frequency words.  
5.      Write legibly in manuscript or cursive to meet district standards.  

3.2 D. Writing Forms, Audiences, and Purposes (exploring a variety of forms)

Essential Questions

Enduring Understandings

- Why does a writer choose a particular form of writing?

 - A writer selects a form based on audience and purpose.

Cumulative Progress Indicators

Comments and Examples

By the end of Grade 3:  
1.      Write for a variety of purposes (e.g., to inform, entertain, persuade) and audiences (e.g., self, peers, community). Suggested Instructional/Assessment Strategies:
• Problem solve by focusing on a question
• Use a graphic organizer/writer’s guide to help organize persuasive ideas
• Students write to their school librarian, requesting that a specific book be added to the school library collection. They produce a finished document using word processing software and persuasive writing strategies stating their position.

(*Source- ReadWriteThink.org)
http://www.readwritethink.org/lessons/lesson_view.asp?id=875
2.      Develop fluency by writing daily and for sustained amounts of time.  
3.      Generate ideas for writing in a variety of situations and across the curriculum.  
4.      Write to express thoughts and ideas, to share experiences, and to communicate socially.

Suggested Instructional/Assessment Strategies:
• Teacher think-alouds
• Use graphic organizers

• Create a welcome guide to share with students and families new to the community. After researching community resources, write, and illustrate a welcome guide to be include