What my child is learning

In Grade 3, your child learns to understand and communicate about what he or she sees and hears in books, news articles, plays, art, videos, poems and other texts by:

• using different strategies to understand ideas and information
• describing and explaining what he or she understands and comparing ideas and information
• asking questions in order to learn more about topics and ideas
• making and following a plan to find and organize useful information from different sources, such as elders, magazines, stories, information books, and websites

Your child learns to:

• communicate ideas and information to different audiences (who), for different purposes (why), and in different ways (how)
• share his or her work with others to identify strengths and changes for improvement
• check for complete sentences, spelling, and word choice using a variety of strategies (such as reading out loud) and resources (such as dictionaries and classroom charts)

In Grade 3, children learn how to show respect for others and how to help others when working in groups.

To find out more about what your child is learning, talk to the teacher.

You may also refer to the Language Arts Practices: Orientation Guide for information regarding the program's guiding principles and recommended practices.

How your child is assessed

In addition to regular report cards, your child’s classroom teacher also completes a Grade 3 Provincial Assessment ( 1.77 MB) according to criteria set out by the Province of Manitoba. The Grade 3 Provincial Assessment measures reading in English, whereas the Grade 4 assessment evaluates French literacy skills. Teachers collect information about your child’s literacy skills during the first few months of school. Parents typically receive their child’s results along with their first report card of the school year.

This assessment gives you information on your child's ability to read and to understand what he or she has read, as well as to set goals to be a better reader. This information helps teachers plan reading lessons and helps your child build a solid foundation in reading. Please visit the Assessment and Evaluation web page to learn more about provincial assessments.

Your child’s teacher will report on their progress three times a year. Here are the English Language Arts reporting areas and some examples of skills the teacher will assess.

Comprehension strategies (Reading, Listening and Viewing)

• What does your child do to help him or her understand when he or she reads, listens or views?
  
• How does your child share ideas and ask questions about what he or she has read, viewed, or listened to?
  

Communication (Writing, Speaking and Representing)

• How does your child use words, images, and different ways of communicating thoughts, ideas, feelings, and experiences?
  
• How does your child organize ideas for communication (for example, drawing, creating lists, maps, or plans)?
  
• How does your child use resources to check and improve work?

Critical Thinking:

• How does your child explain his or her thoughts about information, ideas and what others are thinking?
• How does your child use personal experiences, predictions and expectations to think about and evaluate what he or she hears, looks at and reads?
• How does your child discuss similarities and differences, for example between new information and his or her previous knowledge and experiences?

Resources

• Winnipeg Public Library: Features information and programming devoted to Early Literacy as well as access to several databases of digital storybooks for a variety of grade levels.
• CBC has developed a number of educational apps for building children’s vocabulary and introducing them to the joys of reading. The PBSKids website includes a number of Reading Games.
• The International Children's Library is a free collection of digital children’s books from cultures all over the world.
• Oxford Owl for Home: With a free account, parents may access advice and support, educational activities and games, and an extensive eBook library.
• Online Resources for Manitoba Educators: Notified homeschooling families may access this online collection of eBooks, Audio books, eJournals and other resources.
• Please visit the My Learning at Home – English website for links to more English language resources.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do children learn to read and write? "Learning to read does not happen all at once. Nor does it happen at the same time for all children. It involves a series of stages that lead, over time, to independent reading and to fluency. Learning to read begins in the home as children are exposed to texts in a variety of formats, including books, signage and digital messages. Caregivers who read to their children are showing them how printed texts “work”: which way is up, and where the text begins and ends. Through this process, children begin to understand that symbols and words represent concepts and that a message, once written, does not change. Once children begin school, they learn that letters represent sounds and that different combinations of letters are used to represent all the words they hear. These words are then combined into sentences that are structured differently depending on the language. As students become more confident at decoding the words and sentences they read, they start focusing on understanding the messages authors are transmitting to their readers. Children discuss these messages and make connections to personal experiences, to other stories they have heard or read, and to videos or television programs they may have viewed. Ideally, students discover that reading can affect them and even change their view of the world. They then come to realize that the messages they write can influence others as well."

How can I help my child? What tips can I use to help my child learn to read? As a parent, you are your child’s first and most important teacher. When you help your child learn to read, you are opening the door to a world of books and learning. Reading aloud to children everyday is the best way to get them interested in reading. Before long they will grow to love the stories and books. Reading and writing can be family activities. Spending time with your child playing word games, writing grocery lists, birthday or everyday messages, reading stories, and watching appropriate television programs will provide him or her with many opportunities to practice reading and writing skills. As you discuss, ask lots of question, make predictions and encourage your child to tell you what he or she thinks and feels about what is going on in the story. Your child will gain insights, gather information, and learn about the world.

Where can I get support in helping my child to read and write? Don’t feel that you are alone. Family members and friends may be willing to support you in helping your child in his or her efforts to learn to read and write. Your child’s teacher and local librarians are knowledgeable and can offer help. You can also seek advice from community organizations such as child care centers and from your family doctor. Your child’s teacher can provide advice about helping your child. Here are some topics you could discuss with the teacher: your child’s reading strengths and what strategies could you encourage your child to practice the reading goal for your child and how you can support your child in working towards those goals books that your child could read easily and books that he or she would find more difficult books and authors your child might enjoy talk about your child’s interest and how to find ways to use these interests.

Why is critical thinking important at this age? Critical thinking helps students focus on developing their ability to reason, analyze, evaluate, and create in a way that expresses their thought, feelings and actions in a reasoned and clear manner. Therefore, it is necessary for students to understand that how we interact with new ideas, what we read, what we view, and experience is as important as what these texts and ideas are. We should hear children asking questions, discussing ideas, and opinions, and what the message of the author or artist is and why he or she is communicating it.