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The Grade 3 curriculum in English Language Arts reflects the
integrated nature of a balanced approach to literacy. The
program encompasses writing instruction, which includes the teaching
of the writing process, writer�s craft, and conventions of language,
including spelling and grammar and independent writing. Listening
and speaking are integrated into all components of a comprehensive
balanced approach to literacy instruction.
Writing
� Uses the writing process and the traits of writing
� Determines purpose and audience and maintains focus in writing
� Edits writing using grade level appropriate writing conventions,
(i.e. Capitalization of months, names of countries, standard
punctuation and simple and complex sentences)
� Writes independently for a variety of purposes- for personal
expression, to inform, to persuade, to entertain
� Spells frequently used words and words with specific spelling
patterns correctly
� Uses a variety of sentence structures and sentence lengths
� Develops multiple paragraph essays with topic sentence and detail
� Uses relevant descriptions to make a topic clear to the reader
Speaking and Listening
� Speaks and expresses thoughts clearly
� Demonstrates active listening strategies
� Plans and delivers effective oral presentations
� Builds on the ideas of others in conversation
Assessment: All third grade students are periodically assessed on
literacy skills by the classroom teacher. The district writing
benchmark and the Developmental Reading Assessment is administered
in January and June. Students take the NYS Grade 3 ELA Assessment in
January.
For more information about the New York State English Language Arts
Learning Standards and Core Curriculum, please see;:
http:/www.emsc.nysed.gov/ciai/ela.html or: www.wappingersela.com
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Writer's Workshop
The basic philosophy behind writing workshop is to allow students to
daily spend time writing for real purposes about things that
interest them. Students can experiment with a variety of genres.
English, spelling, handwriting and other mechanics can be taught
within writing workshop.
Students learn the craft of writing through practice, conferring,
and studying the craft of other authors. The ultimate goal of a
writing workshop is always to develop life-long writers.
Within the context of Writer�s Workshop, a variety of organizational
patterns for instruction are used: a whole class session, a small
group mini-lesson, a student-teacher conference, and a sharing of
written work. The Writer�s Workshop is devoted to supporting student
learning in writing. What students need to learn during a Writer�s
Workshop is based upon their present writing competencies and the
English language arts standards and benchmarks for each grade level.
For the majority of the time in Writer�s Workshop, students will be
engaged in actual writing.
Writer's Workshop gives children daily opportunities to develop
their unique writing processes and communicate meaning through words
and pictures.
Students also participate in shared and individual writing
activities each day. The four types of writing experiences are:
Writer's workshop - small groups or individual
Shared writing - whole class
Interactive writing - whole class
Independent writing - individual
Shared Writing
Shared Writing or Modeled Writing is an approach to writing where
the teacher and children work together to compose messages and
stories. Children provide the ideas and the teacher supports the
process as a scribe. The message is usually related to some
individual or group experience. The teacher provides full support,
modeling and demonstrating the process of putting children's ideas
into written language. The text becomes much richer than children
can write themselves and becomes good material for children to read
and should be displayed in the room. The children can illustrate the
finished text when possible. Children will love to see their work
displayed and will feel successful because they can read it.
Interactive Writing
During interactive writing the teacher and class, or small group,
work together to create written text. The group agrees on what to
write through discussion and negotiation. In order to produce the
written words, the students articulate the sounds with the teacher
and then write the letters and chunks of words that they hear. The
teacher may fill in parts of words or whole words, depending upon
the group's stage of writing development.
Interactive writing is used for creating stories, writing poems, the
retelling of favorite literature, recipes, directions and lists. The
pieces created by the students become a part of the classroom
environment and are used for reading and rereading.The class may use
the pieces for shared reading or may enjoy reading some
independently.
Independent Writing
During independent writing students are encouraged to write in
journals, make their own books, or write notes or stories. Students
have opportunities to become risk takers.
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The Six Traits of Writing
Throughout Writer's Workshop, we will be focusing on the Six Traits
of Writing.
The 6-trait writing model is a way to assess and teach writing. This
model focuses on 6 qualities seen in outstanding written works. The
six traits include:
Ideas: The content, or main theme. Can be looked at as the heart of
the message.
Organization: The internal structure of the writing.
Voice: The personal voice of author comes through. This gives a
sense of a real person speaking.
Word Choice: The use of precise, colorful and rich words to
communicate.
Sentence Fluency: The writing flows together often with a rhythm or
cadence.
Conventions: Mechanical correctness, including spelling and grammar.
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Measuring Up to NYS Standards: English Language Arts/ Blast-Off
We will be working throughout the year with Measuring Up and Blast
Off - E.L.A. preparation guides for the N.Y.S. English Language Arts
Test. Together we will attack writing mechanics, graphic organizers,
charts & graphs, note-taking, listening skills, and writing for a
specific purpose using different genres. These book will be used as
tools for extensive discussion, modeling, and practice in all areas.
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