1. Introduction
As students progress through their education, it becomes increasingly important for them to have a solid foundation in the core subjects. One of these subjects is English Language Arts, which encompasses reading, writing, and language skills. In grade 3, students are expected to reach specific milestones in their learning, and one popular curriculum that supports this is Journeys. In this article, we will explore the scope and sequence of Journeys for grade 3 students, delving into the topics, skills, and standards covered throughout the year.
2. Overview of Journeys
Journeys is a comprehensive English Language Arts program developed by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. It is designed to support students in developing their reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills. The program features a variety of literary and informational texts, as well as engaging activities and assessments to promote student learning. In grade 3, Journeys focuses on building foundational skills while also introducing more complex reading and writing tasks.
3. Reading Literature
One of the key components of Journeys is the reading of literature. Grade 3 students will encounter a wide range of genres, including fiction, poetry, and drama. Through these texts, students will explore different themes, analyze characters and their motivations, and make connections to their own lives. They will also learn to identify the main idea and supporting details, determine the author's purpose, and make inferences based on the text.
3.1 Identifying Story Elements
Students will learn to identify and analyze various story elements, such as plot, setting, and characters. They will study how these elements work together to create a cohesive narrative. By understanding story elements, students will be able to comprehend and interpret literature more effectively.
3.2 Analyzing Character Traits
Grade 3 students will develop the ability to analyze characters and their traits. They will learn to identify character traits based on evidence from the text and explain how these traits influence the character's actions and contribute to the overall story. This skill helps students understand the motivations and perspectives of the characters they encounter in literature.
3.3 Making Connections
Students will be encouraged to make connections between the text they read and their own lives, other texts, and the world around them. This helps them develop a deeper understanding of the text and its relevance to their own experiences. Making connections also fosters critical thinking and encourages students to engage with the text on a personal level.
4. Reading Informational Texts
In addition to reading literature, grade 3 students will also engage with a variety of informational texts. These texts cover a wide range of topics, including history, science, and social studies. Reading informational texts helps students build their knowledge and vocabulary while also developing their ability to comprehend and analyze non-fiction.
4.1 Identifying Main Idea and Supporting Details
Students will learn to identify the main idea of an informational text and locate supporting details that provide evidence for that main idea. This skill helps students comprehend the overall message of the text and extract important information.
4.2 Understanding Text Structures
Grade 3 students will learn to recognize different text structures commonly found in informational texts, such as cause and effect, compare and contrast, and chronological order. Understanding text structures helps students navigate and comprehend complex texts more effectively.
4.3 Analyzing Text Features
Students will develop the ability to analyze and interpret various text features commonly found in informational texts, such as headings, subheadings, captions, and diagrams. This skill helps students extract information and understand the organization and layout of informational texts.
5. Writing Skills
Journeys also focuses on developing students' writing skills. Grade 3 students will engage in various writing tasks, including narrative, opinion, and informational writing. Through these activities, students will learn to express their ideas clearly and cohesively while also applying grammar and language conventions.
5.1 Narrative Writing
Students will learn to write narratives that include a clear beginning, middle, and end. They will practice using descriptive language, dialogue, and sensory details to enhance their writing and engage the reader. Narrative writing helps students develop their creativity and storytelling abilities.
5.2 Opinion Writing
In opinion writing, grade 3 students will learn to express their personal opinions and support them with reasons and evidence. They will learn to structure their writing with an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. Opinion writing helps students develop critical thinking and persuasive skills.
5.3 Informational Writing
Students will engage in informational writing, where they will research and present information on a specific topic. They will learn to organize their writing with headings, subheadings, and relevant details. Informational writing helps students develop their research skills and ability to convey information clearly.
6. Speaking and Listening Skills
Journeys also emphasizes the development of speaking and listening skills. Grade 3 students will engage in various activities that promote effective communication and active listening.
6.1 Participating in Discussions
Students will learn to actively participate in classroom discussions by listening attentively, asking questions, and contributing their thoughts and ideas. This helps them develop their communication skills and learn from their peers.
6.2 Giving Presentations
Grade 3 students will have opportunities to give presentations on various topics. They will learn to organize their thoughts, use visual aids effectively, and speak clearly and confidently. Giving presentations helps students develop their presentation skills and overcome any stage fright.
6.3 Listening and Responding
Students will practice active listening skills by listening to others' ideas and responding thoughtfully and respectfully. This helps them develop empathy, critical thinking, and effective communication.
7. Language Skills
Throughout grade 3, students will also focus on developing their language skills, including grammar, vocabulary, and spelling.
7.1 Grammar and Conventions
Students will learn and apply grammar rules, such as subject-verb agreement, verb tenses, and punctuation. They will also develop their understanding of sentence structure and learn to edit their writing for grammar and conventions.
7.2 Vocabulary Development
Grade 3 students will expand their vocabulary by learning new words and understanding their meanings. They will learn strategies for determining the meaning of unfamiliar words and practice using context clues to infer the meaning of unknown words.
7.3 Spelling
Students will develop their spelling skills by learning spelling patterns, rules, and common exceptions. They will practice spelling words correctly in their writing and engage in activities that reinforce spelling skills.
8. Conclusion
The Journeys curriculum for grade 3 provides a comprehensive and engaging approach to English Language Arts. Through a variety of reading, writing, speaking, and listening activities, students develop essential skills and knowledge in these areas. By following the scope and sequence of Journeys, grade 3 students can build a strong foundation for future academic success.