United States · Common Core State Standards
3rd Grade English Language Arts
This curriculum develops foundational literacy skills through deep engagement with diverse texts and creative expression. Students transition from learning to read to reading to learn while building a sophisticated toolkit for narrative and informational writing.
Storytellers and Truth Seekers
Students explore the structure of fictional narratives and learn to identify central messages and character motivations.
Analysis of how character traits and motivations drive the plot of a story.
Identifying the theme or lesson of fables and folktales from diverse cultures.
Exploring how the narrator's perspective shapes the reader's understanding of events.
Architects of Information
Focusing on informational texts to build research skills and understand how non-fiction is organized.
Using captions, headers, and sidebars to locate and synthesize information efficiently.
Distinguishing between the overarching concept of a text and the specific facts that support it.
Analyzing how two different authors approach the same subject matter.
The Art of the Argument
Students learn to form opinions, support them with reasons, and communicate persuasively.
Developing a clear point of view and linking it to logical reasons.
Adapting language and tone to suit the intended reader of a persuasive piece.
Learning to strengthen arguments through peer feedback and self-editing.
Word Wealth and Language Logic
Building a robust vocabulary and mastering the conventions of standard English.
Using surrounding text to determine the meaning of unknown words.
Exploring non-literal meanings and the shades of meaning between related words.
Applying the rules of grammar to produce clear and effective writing.
Collaborative Conversations
Developing formal and informal speaking and listening skills through group discussion and presentation.
Learning the protocols for respectful and productive group dialogue.
Organizing information logically for an oral presentation with visual support.
Evaluating information presented orally or through diverse media formats.