English Curriculum Guide

Description

The Grade 3 English Language Arts curriculum addresses all areas of speaking and listening, writing, reading foundational skills, reading literature, reading informational texts, and language. The program follows Understanding by Design principles and consists of 10 student-centered units spanning 3-4 weeks each. Units integrate focus standards from reading and writing to anchor skills assessed within each unit. The curriculum provides mentor texts, required tasks, and assessments while giving teachers flexibility in how they meet these demands. Instruction occurs daily in an 80-minute literacy block, with differentiation for varied learners. Each unit designates reading, writing, and speaking/listening skills with language skills embedded throughout reading and writing activities.

Big Ideas

• Reading, writing, speaking, and listening are interconnected skills that support comprehension and communication
• Understanding text structure, literary elements, and author's purpose deepens reading comprehension
• Writers use specific techniques and details to convey meaning and engage readers
• Multiple text types serve different purposes and require different reading strategies
• Active engagement with texts builds vocabulary and critical thinking skills

Essential Questions

• What makes a character interesting?
• How do people use words to express themselves?
• How do historic places, documents, and symbols represent our nation?
• Why might stories be better told as plays?
• How can realistic fiction texts teach us important lessons?
• How can individuals and communities make a difference?