When A Child Enters 3rd Grade, He/She Should Know

• How to Decode Grade-Level Words Using Knowledge of Word Structure
• How to Identify Book Parts and Their Purposes Including Author, Illustrator, Title Page, Table of Contents, Index and Chapter Headings
• Sight-Read Grade Leve and High-Frequency Words
• How to Use Antonyms, Synonyms and Homonyms to Learn New Grade Level Vocabulary
• How to Use a Dictionary to Learn the Meanings of Words
• How to Compare and Contrast Similarities and Differences Among Characters and Events Across Stories
• How to Compare and Contrast Similarities and Differences in Information From More Than One Informational Text
• How to Summarize Main Ideas and Supporting Details, Both Orally and In Writing
• How to Read Independently and Silently
• How to Write Compositions Using the Writing Process (How to Write Sentences In Logical Order and Use Paragraphs to Organize Topics)
• How to Attend to a Listening Activity for a Specified Period of Time
• How to Use Grade Level Vocabulary to Share Ideas About Personal Experience, Books or Writing

Literacy Skills Taught in 3rd Grade:

• Decode Grade-Level Words Using Knowledge of Word Structure (Roots, Prefixes, Suffixes, Verb Endings, Plurals, Contractions and Compounds)
• Sight-Read Grade Level, High-Frequency Words and Content Words
• Vary Language According to Purpose (e.g. Conversation with Peers, Presentation to Adults)
• Use of Complete Sentences, Correct Verb Tense, Age-Appropriate Vocabulary
• How to Identify Book Parts and Their Purposes Including Author, Illustrator, Title Page, Table of Contents, Index and Chapter Headings
• Use a Dictionary to Learn the Meanings of Words and a Thesaurus to Identify Synonyms and Antonyms
• Use Knowledge of Story Structure (Character, Plot, and Events) To Comprehend Text
• Summarize Main Ideas and Details of Informational Text Orally and In Writing Process
• Explain the Difference Between Fact and Fiction (Reality/Fantasy)
• Read Independently and Silently, Including Longer Fiction and Non-Fiction Books
• Write Stories and Reports Using the Writing
• Take Notes to Record Data, Facts, and Ideas
• Write Literary Response Essays that Describe Plot, Setting and Characters, Personal Opinion, and Contrast/Comparison of Information from Various Literature
• Present a Short Oral Report Using at Least Two Sources of Information
• Use Logical Order In Presentation
• Attend to a Listening Activity for a Specified Period of Time

Please Contact
The Early Childhood Department for further information at:
504 City Hall
Buffalo, NY 14202
716-816-3908
or
716-816-3626

Betty Evans
Director