3rd Grade Literacy

Third grade is a pivotal year in literacy development, marking the shift from learning to read to reading to learn. Students are encouraged to ask deeper, more purposeful questions, with curiosity fueling their critical thinking and exploration. Exposure to a wide range of genres—including fairy tales from other cultures and pourquoi (origin) stories—builds both literary appreciation and the tools for deeper comprehension.

Recognizing the close connection between reading and writing, students strengthen vocabulary and spelling through targeted word lists that support both areas. Writing instruction includes structured paragraphs, original pourquoi stories, poetry, and research-based pieces, helping students grow as thoughtful and expressive writers.

To support these developing skills, students learn cursive handwriting through Handwriting Without Tears and begin keyboarding with Typing Club. By year’s end, they’ve gained not only stronger reading and writing abilities but also the confidence to communicate their ideas with clarity and purpose—laying a solid foundation for continued academic success.