The reading curriculum for grades 3-5 is called Literacy by Design and is published by Rigby. This curriculum is divided into 16 themes, and each theme is two weeks long. In addition, the themes rotate between a science focus and a social studies focus. For example, one science theme is space. All of the stories and vocabulary for that theme have something to do with space. One of the social studies themes is "Then and Now". All of the stories and vocabulary focus on differences between life in the past and life in the present.
Theme Tests
At the end of each two-week theme, students will be given a theme test. This is a 20 question, multiple-choice test over all of the skills that have been learned during the theme. For the first half of the year, 3rd grade teachers read these tests aloud to the students. For the second half of the year, they are expected to read the tests on their own. After each test, the students turn in their answer sheets and then we go over the answers together. Scores are entered into our Powerschool grade book.
Comprehension
Every theme practices a comprehension strategy that good readers use to help them better understand what they are reading. Since each theme is two weeks long, week 1 is spent learning a new comprehension strategy. Week 2 is spent reviewing the previous comprehension strategy that was learned. Following are the comprehension strategies that we practice throughout the year:
- Make Connections
- Ask Questions
- Create Images
- Determine Importance
- Monitor Understanding
- Infer
- Synthesize
- Fix-Up Strategies
Spelling/Word Study
Each week the students are given a spelling list with 18 words to learn. The list focuses on a word pattern (prefixes, suffixes, silent consonants) or a grammar skill (nouns, adjectives, adverbs). The list contains 10 regular words, 4 "No Excuse" words (easier words), and 4 challenge words.
Vocabulary
Students will learn 5 vocabulary words each week that go along with the current theme. Because each theme is two weeks long, there are a total of 10 vocabulary words per theme. We discuss each word and the students draw a picture to go along with the word in their vocabulary folders.
Grammar
There is one grammar lesson each week that focuses on a different grammar skill. We learn about subjects & predicates, nouns, verbs, pronouns, adjectives, adverbs, and much more!