Reading Goals For Third Graders

At the third grade level, teachers are shifting theiropinion, and main ideas from supporting details.
emphasis from some of the mechanics ofWriting goals.
reading-related skills to the conceptual skills related1. Gathers information from a variety of sources
to reading. Children are being stretched to thinkand uses it in his writing.
about the meaning of the writing; to understand it;2. Reviews his written work for errors and edits
compare and contrast it; and rephrase it. Studentsand revises.
start to blossom as consumers of written3. Uses parts of speech (nouns, verbs, adjectives,
material. It is an exciting and stimulating time ofadverbs, conjunctions) correctly.
exploration, not only of the written word itself,4. Begins to use metaphors and other literary
but of all the ideas those words encapsulate andforms in his writing.
express.5. Discusses his writing with others and provides
Spelling goals.helpful feedback on their writing.
1. Uses phonics and word parts (prefixes, roots,You can help your child explore these new
suffixes) to sound out unfamiliar words.concepts by encouraging both independent reading
2. Spells correctly words which have been studied.and continuing a reading time together. The
Word Recognition goals.independent reading encourages further
exploration of topics found interesting. The shared
1. Identifies and discusses words or phrases notreading allows discussion of new words, concepts,
understood.and the thoughts and ideas of the author. By
2. Expands vocabulary through independentnow, you and your third grader can change off
reading.when reading aloud, a page each, for example.
3. Builds vocabulary through synonyms andYou both benefit from sharing the time this way.
antonyms. Reading goals.You get to gauge how the lessons are being
1. Reads and comprehends third grade level textsintegrated and then expressed. Your child gets
(stories, textbooks, magazines, computerthe benefit of low-key individual tutoring, wrapped
screens).in the pleasant experience of being snuggled up
2. Reads longer stories and chapter booksclose to you.
independently.Reading is a gateway to knowledge. Your efforts
3. Discusses themes or messages of stories.to reinforce the skills being learned at school will
4. Reads and understands charts, graphs, andhelp your child access the vast ocean of man's
diagrams.discoveries and become a contributor in his own
5. Distinguishes cause from effect, fact fromright.