In 3rd Grade English Language Arts, students explore what it means to accept ourselves and others, and learn about cultures and civilizations that may be different from their own. Students build their social-emotional skills in Defining Identity and Embracing Differences, learn about the history and contributions of Indigenous People in Rediscovering Thanksgiving and Honoring Indigenous Peoples, uncover the power of storytelling in Passing Down Wisdom, and explore how living things interact with their environment in Understanding the Animal Kingdom. In each unit, students engage in process-based writing projects connected to the core texts that develop their narrative, informational, and opinion writing skills.
Using authentic, engaging texts, teachers help students develop their language comprehension and address grade-level reading, writing, language, and speaking and listening standards. Over the course of 3rd Grade ELA, students deepen their understanding of the world around them through thematically-aligned, knowledge-building units, embedded daily writing instruction, and frequent opportunities for in-class discussion.
Lessons Total Instructional Days
Unit 1: Defining Identity 21 28
Unit 2: Rediscovering Thanksgiving 24 28
Unit 3: Passing Down Wisdom 24 32
Unit 4: Understanding the Animal Kingdom 23 30
Unit 5: Embracing Difference 29 35
Unit 6: Honoring Indigenous Peoples 18 24
Total 139 177
Unit 1: Defining Identity
CORE TEXTS
My Name Is María Isabel by Alma Flor Ada (Atheneum Books for Young Readers; Reprint edition, 1995) — 860L
Make Way for Dyamonde Daniel by Nikki Grimes (Puffin Books; Illustrated edition, 2010) — 590-630L
INDEPENDENT READING RESOURCES
Almost Zero: A Dyamonde Daniel Book by Nikki Grimes
Halfway to Perfect: A Dyamonde Daniel Book by Nikki Grimes
Rich: A Dyamonde Daniel Book by Nikki Grimes
Alvin Ho: Allergic to Girls, School, and Other Scary Things by Lenore Look
Dayshaun’s Gift by Zetta Elliott
EllRay Jakes Stands Tall by Sally Warner
Jasmine Toguchi, Mochi Queen by Debbi Michiko Florence
Love, Amalia by Alma Flor Ada
Meet Yasmin! by Saadia Faruqi
Nikki & Deja by Karen English
Ruby Lu, Brave and True by Lenore Look
Sadiq and the Desert Star by Siman Nuurali
The Stories Julian Tells by Ann Cameron
Names and Identity
Baba, What Does My Name Mean? A Journey to Palestine by Rifk Ebeid
Chrysanthemum by Kevin Henkes
My Name is Yoon by Helen Recorvits (480L)
Rene Has Two Last Names by Rene Colato Lainez
The Name Jar by Yangsook Choi (590L)
Your Name is a Song by Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow
ADDITIONAL MATERIALS
VOCABULARY
Vocabulary Glossary (Teacher Edition)
ASSESSMENTS
LESSON 1
LESSON 2
LESSON 3
LESSON 4
LESSON 5
LESSON 6
LESSON 7
LESSON 8
LESSON 9
LESSON 10
LESSON 11
LESSON 12
LESSON 13
LESSON 14
LESSON 15
LESSON 16
LESSON 17
LESSON 18
LESSON 19
LESSON 20
LESSON 21
Unit 2: Rediscovering Thanksgiving
CORE TEXTS
Pilgrims: A Nonfiction Companion to Magic Tree House #27 by Mary Pope Osborne (Random House Books for Young Readers, 2006) — 550L
The Wampanoag (A True Book: American Indians) by Kevin Cunningham and Peter Benoit (Children's Press, 2011) — 910L
Article: “The English Colonies”
Article: “Letters from a Pilgrim Child (Letter 1)” (Scholastic Inc.)
Article: “Letters from a Pilgrim Child (Letter 2)” (Scholastic)
Article: “Notes from a Wampanoag Child (Letter 1)” (Scholastic Inc)
Article: “Notes from a Wampanoag Child (Letter 2)” (Scholastic)
Squanto's Journey: The Story of the First Thanksgiving by Joseph Bruchac (HMH Books for Young Readers, 2007)
The Thanksgiving Story by Alice Dalgliesh (Aladdin, 1985)
1621: A New Look at Thanksgiving by Catherine O'Neill Grace and Margaret M. Bruchac (National Geographic Children's Books, 2004)
INDEPENDENT READING RESOURCES
Four Seasons of Corn: A Winnebago Tradition (We Are Still Here) by Sally M. Hunter (930L)
Giving Thanks: A Native American Good Morning Message by Chief Jake Swamp
The Birchbark House by Louise Erdich (970L) **
The People Shall Continue by Simon J. Ortiz (660L) *
We Are Grateful: Otsaliheliga by Traci Sorell (970L) **
Young Water Protectors by Aslan Tudor, Kelly Tudor, and Jason Eaglespeaker
Clambake: A Wampanoag Tradition (We Are Still Here: Native Americans Today) by Russell M. Peters (980L)
Mayflower 1620: A New Look at a Pilgrim Voyage by Plimoth Plantation
The Circle of Thanks by Joseph Bruchac
VOCABULARY
Vocabulary Glossary (Teacher Edition)
ASSESSMENTS
LESSON 1
LESSON 2
LESSON 3
LESSON 4
LESSON 5
LESSON 6
LESSON 7
LESSON 8
Lesson 8
LESSON 9
LESSON 10
LESSON 11
LESSON 12
LESSON 13
LESSON 14
LESSON 15
LESSON 16
LESSON 17
LESSON 18
LESSON 19
LESSON 20
LESSON 21
LESSON 22
LESSON 23
LESSON 24
Unit 3: Passing Down Wisdom
CORE TEXTS
Tales of Uncle Remus: The Adventures of Brer Rabbit by Julius Lester (Puffin Books, 2006) — 760L
Tales Our Abuelitas Told: A Hispanic Folktale Collection by F. Isabel Campoy and Alma Flora Ada (Atheneum Books for Young Readers)
Rubric: Grade 3 Narrative Writing Rubric
Rubric: Grade 3 Literary Analysis and Opinion Writing Rubric
Template: Opinion Brainstorm Graphic Organizer
INDEPENDENT READING RESOURCES
Folktales and Stories
A Treasury of Children’s Literature by Armand Eisen
A Year Full of Stories: 52 classic stories from all around the world by Angela McAllister
Folktales of Mexico: Horse Hooves and Chicken Feet: Traditional Mexican Stories by Neil Philip
How Many Spots Does a Leopard Have? And Other Tales by Julius Lester (670L)
The Adventures of Brer Rabbit and Friends by DK, Joel Chandler Harris
The Classic Tales of Brer Rabbit by Joel Chandler Harris (810L)
The Day it Snowed Tortillas by Joe Hayes (690L) **
The Wise Fool: Fables from the Islamic World by Shahrukh Husain, Micha Archer (780L)
Wisdom Tales from Around the World by Heather Forest (840L)
VOCABULARY
Vocabulary Glossary (Teacher Edition)
ASSESSMENTS
LESSON 1
LESSON 2
LESSON 3
LESSON 4
LESSON 5
LESSON 6
LESSON 7
LESSON 8
LESSON 9
LESSON 10
LESSON 11
LESSON 12
LESSON 13
LESSON 14
LESSON 15
LESSON 16
LESSON 17
LESSON 18
LESSON 19
LESSON 20
LESSON 21
LESSON 22
LESSON 23
LESSON 24
Unit 4: Understanding the Animal Kingdom
CORE TEXTS
What is a Life Cycle? (The Science of Living Things) by Bobbie Kalman and Jacqueline Langille (Crabtree Pub Co, 1998) — NC880L
What is the Animal Kingdom? (The Science of Living Things) by Bobbie Kalman (Crabtree Pub Co, 1997) — IG770L
How do Animals Adapt? (The Science of Living Things) by Bobbie Kalman and Niki Walker (Crabtree Pub Co, 2000) — NC940L
SUPPORTING MATERIAL
Invertebrates by Brooke Bessesen (Science A-Z)
Vertebrates by Kira Freed (Science A-Z)
Life Cycles by Ned Jensen (Science A-Z)
INDEPENDENT READING RESOURCES
Desert Animal Adaptations (Amazing Animal Adaptations series) by Julie Ann Murphy (600L)
How and Why do Animals Adapt? (All About Animals Close-Up series) by Bobbie Kalman (650L)
Let’s Classify Animals! by Kelli Hicks (550L)
Ocean Animal Adaptations (Amazing Animal Adaptations series) by Julie Ann Murphy (580L)
Polar Animal Adaptations (Amazing Animal Adaptations series) by Lisa J. Amstutz (600L)
Rain Forest Animal Adaptations (Amazing Animal Adaptations series) by Lisa J. Amstutz (680L)
What are Camouflage and Mimicry? by Bobbie Kalman (930L) **
Follow the Moon Home by Philippe Cousteau (520L)
VOCABULARY
Vocabulary Glossary (Teacher Edition)
ASSESSMENTS
LESSON 1
LESSON 2
LESSON 3
LESSON 4
LESSON 5
LESSON 6
LESSON 7
LESSON 8
LESSON 9
LESSON 10
LESSON 11
LESSON 12
LESSON 13
LESSON 14
LESSON 15
LESSON 16
LESSON 17
LESSON 18
LESSON 19
LESSON 20
LESSON 21
LESSON 22
LESSON 23
Unit 5: Embracing Difference
CORE TEXTS
The Hundred Dresses by Eleanor Estes (HMH Books for Young Readers, 2004) — 870L
Garvey's Choice by Nikki Grimes (WordSong, 2016) — 620L
Template: Narrative Writing Brainstorm
Rubric: Grade 3 Narrative Writing Rubric
Rubric: Grade 3 Literary Analysis and Opinion Writing Rubric
Template: Single Paragraph Outline
INDEPENDENT READING RESOURCES
Make Way for Dyamonde Daniel by Nikki Grimes (590-630L) *
The Curious Adventures of Jimmy McGee by Eleanor Estes (780L) **
The Moffats (series) by Eleanor Estes (700-800L) **
The Pyes (series) by Eleanor Estes (890-990L)
Words with Wings by Nikki Grimes (850L)
Speak Up and Get Along! by Scott Cooper (790L)
Stand Up for Yourself & Your Friends: Dealing with Bullies & Bossiness and Finding a Better Way by Patti Kelley Criswell, Angela Martini (670L)
Stand Up: Bullying Prevention (series) by Addy Ferguson
The No More Bullying Book for Kids: Become Strong, Happy, and Bully-Proof by Vanessa Green Allen
Accepting ourselves and others
Blubber by Judy Blume (610L)
Confessions of a Former Bully by Trudy Ludwig (810L)
Drita, My Homegirl by Jenny Lombard (630L)
EllRay Jakes the Dragon Slayer! by Sally Warner (760L) *
Jake Drake, Bully Buster by Andrew Clements (650L)
Justin Case: Rules, Tools, and Maybe a Bully by Rachel Vail (780L)
Knights of the Lunch Table (series) by Frank Cammuso (250L)
My Secret Bully by Trudy Ludwig (630L)
Pottymouth and Stoopid by Chris Grabenstein, James Patterson (690L) **
The Boy in the Dress by David Walliams (650L) **
Upstanders to the Rescue! (series) by Phyllis Kaufman Goodstein (780L)
Wonder by R.J. Palacio (790L)
VOCABULARY
Vocabulary Glossary (Teacher Edition)
ASSESSMENTS
LESSON 1
LESSON 2
LESSON 3
LESSON 4
LESSON 5
LESSON 6
LESSON 7
LESSON 8
LESSON 9
LESSON 10
LESSON 11
LESSON 12
LESSON 13
LESSON 14
LESSON 15
LESSON 16
LESSON 17
LESSON 18
LESSON 19
LESSON 20
LESSON 21
LESSON 22
LESSON 23
LESSON 24
LESSON 25
LESSON 26
LESSON 27
LESSON 28
LESSON 29
Unit 6: Honoring Indigenous Peoples
CORE TEXTS
The People Shall Continue by Simon J. Ortiz (Children's Book Press, 2017) — 660L
Chester Nez and the Unbreakable Code, A Navajo Code Talker's Story by Joseph Bruchac (Albert Whitman & Company, 2018) — 780L
Native Women of Courage by Kelly Fournel (7th Generation, 2007) — 1190L
Website: Native Words, Native Warriors by Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian (The National Museum of the American Indian, 2007)
Video: “2013 Honors: Chester Nez” by American Veterans Center (YouTube)
Video: “National Navajo Code Talkers Day” by US Department of the Interior (YouTube)
Video: “Mankiller” by PBS (Public Broadcasting Service (PBS))
Video: “Navajo Code Talkers' WWII Legacy To Be Immortalized In New Museum” by NBC News (YouTube)
INDEPENDENT READING RESOURCES
Fatty Legs by Christy Jordan-Fenton and Margaret Pokiak-Fenton (850L) **
Hiawatha and the Peacemaker by Robbie Robertson (740L)
I Can Make This Promise by Christine Day
I am Not a Number by Dr. Jenny Kay Dupuis and Kathy Kacer (640L)
Indian No More by Charlene Willing McManis and Traci Sorell (720L)
Saltypie: A Choctaw Journey from Darkness into Light by Tim Tingle
Stolen Words by Melanie Florence (530L) *
When I Was Eight by Christy Jordan-Fenton and Margaret Pokiak-Fenton (760L) **
When We Were Alone by David A. Robertson and Julie Flett (600L)
A Kid’s Guide to Native American History: More than 50 Activities by Yvonne Wakim Dennis
An Indigenous Peoples’ History of the United States for Young People by Roxanne Dunbar-Ortiz (1220L)
My Heroes, My People: African Americans and Native Americans in the West by Morgan Monceaux (1120L)
True Books: American Indians series by Kevin Cunningham
VOCABULARY
Vocabulary Glossary (Teacher Edition)
ASSESSMENTS
LESSON 1
LESSON 2
LESSON 3
LESSON 4
LESSON 5
LESSON 6
LESSON 7
LESSON 8
LESSON 9
LESSON 10
LESSON 11
LESSON 12
LESSON 13
LESSON 14
LESSON 15
LESSON 16
LESSON 17
LESSON 18
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