Reading
Reading is the foundation of most traditional learning forms. The Common Core requires literacy to be present in all subject areas ranging from reading to math to science. This means that being able to read and write your ideas are paramount. Students should be reading across all genres at their just right reading levels. The beginning of 3rd grade DRA reading level is a N30, mid year is O34, and end of year is P38. We do not currently test higher than P38 as comprehension becomes the bigger focus at this level.
Help your student find books at their level with the Scholastic Book Wizard
Remember a Just Right book should be...
1. At their level or just higher if supported through book talks or parental discussion.
2. Be a high interest topic.
3. Should include multiple genres. (Remember reading across multiple genres at home and at school is the only way to receive an Meeting grade for Independent Reading.)
Comprehension
Help your child with comprehension by asking questions about the fiction books they are reading at home.
Some examples that would prove that your child is comprehending a text are:
Who is the main character? What is the problem they need to overcome?
Who are the other characters? How are they helping or hindering the main character from overcoming this problem?
How would you describe the characters? Find three pieces of evidence from the book that support your opinion.
Help your child with comprehension by asking questions about the non-fiction books they are reading at home.
What is the topic of the book?
Does the author have a viewpoint from which they are presenting the topic?
What is the main idea of the chapter?
What are some details/information that supports this as the main idea?
What does the caption tell you about the photo or diagram?
Help your student find books at their level with the Scholastic Book Wizard
Remember a Just Right book should be...
1. At their level or just higher if supported through book talks or parental discussion.
2. Be a high interest topic.
3. Should include multiple genres. (Remember reading across multiple genres at home and at school is the only way to receive an Meeting grade for Independent Reading.)
Comprehension
Help your child with comprehension by asking questions about the fiction books they are reading at home.
Some examples that would prove that your child is comprehending a text are:
Who is the main character? What is the problem they need to overcome?
Who are the other characters? How are they helping or hindering the main character from overcoming this problem?
How would you describe the characters? Find three pieces of evidence from the book that support your opinion.
Help your child with comprehension by asking questions about the non-fiction books they are reading at home.
What is the topic of the book?
Does the author have a viewpoint from which they are presenting the topic?
What is the main idea of the chapter?
What are some details/information that supports this as the main idea?
What does the caption tell you about the photo or diagram?
Writing
The genres of writing we focus on in 3rd grade are personal narrative (small moments), informational, and opinion (the foundation for persuasive writing). The best way to help your child with writing is to encourage him or her to write. Also, reading helps considerably with writing. If your child is well read across multiple genres, they will have a wide variety of mentor texts to pull from and larger vocabulary. If your child is a struggling reader, it is not abnormal for their writing and spelling skills to also lag somewhat.
- Scribing
- Graphic organizers Ex: small outlines or timelines
- Have your child rehearse his or her writing by telling the story or thinking the essay out loud to you first.
- Encouraging your child to try different genres. Much like in reading some children gravitate towards certain genres. You can encourage this deeper interest at home knowing that we are introducing them to the breadth of genres.
- A few children simply fatigue. If it's muscle fatigue, try buying a pencil grip for your child. If it's brain fatigue, encourage your child to take a quick break with stretches that cross the midline of the body to reenergize both sides of the brain.