Grade 3 English Language Curriculum Summary (U.S.)

Focus shifts to nonfiction texts with more structure and academic language.

Objectives:

• Identify main idea and supporting details

• Use text features (headings, glossaries, diagrams) to locate information

• Compare key points in two texts on the same topic

• Understand cause-and-effect and sequence structures

• Identify author’s point of view and purpose

Topics Include:

• Animals, ecosystems, famous people, simple history/geography topics, science experiments

Students build automaticity and expression in reading.

Objectives:

• Decode multisyllabic and irregularly spelled words

• Read grade-level text fluently with accuracy, pacing, and expression

• Use context to self-correct errors and confirm understanding

Phonics Patterns:

• Prefixes/suffixes (un-, re-, -ful, -less, -ment)

• Word roots and compound words

• Irregular spellings and homophones (e.g., knight/night)

Third graders produce organized and structured multi-paragraph texts.

Types of Writing:

1. Opinion Writing

   • Introduce a topic, state an opinion, support with reasons and examples, conclude

   • Example: “Why recess is important”

2. Informative/Explanatory Writing

   • Introduce a topic, use facts and definitions, provide clear organization

   • Example: “All About Volcanoes”

3. Narrative Writing

   • Write stories with characters, setting, events, dialogue, and clear sequence

   • Example: “My Adventure at the Zoo”

Key Writing Skills:

• Topic sentence + supporting details + closing sentence

• Use of linking words (e.g., also, because, for example)

• Paragraph indentation and transition words

• Planning, drafting, revising, and editing

Students build public speaking, active listening, and presentation skills.

Objectives:

• Engage in collaborative discussions (follow rules, take turns, stay on topic)

• Ask and answer questions to clarify ideas

• Report on a topic with appropriate facts and details

• Speak clearly at an appropriate pace

• Use visuals when presenting (charts, diagrams)

Common Activities:

• Book talks

• Story retelling

• Research presentations

• Group projects with oral reports

Third graders develop mastery of writing conventions and vocabulary strategies.

Grammar Skills:

• Use of regular/irregular verbs

• Subject-verb agreement

• Abstract nouns (e.g., freedom, courage)

• Possessives and contractions

• Pronouns (he/him, they/them), adjectives and adverbs

• Proper use of commas in lists and dialogue

Vocabulary Development:

• Synonyms, antonyms, homophones, and shades of meaning

• Prefixes/suffixes and word roots

• Use of dictionaries and glossaries

• Context clues to determine word meanings