Illinois State Standards for Language Arts: Grade 3

IL.1. Reading: Read with understanding and fluency.

1.A. Apply word analysis and vocabulary skills to comprehend selections.

1.A.2a. Read and comprehend unfamiliar words using root words, synonyms, antonyms, word origins and derivations.

1.A.2b. Clarify word meaning using context clues and a variety of resources including glossaries, dictionaries and thesauruses.

1.B. Apply reading strategies to improve understanding and fluency.

1.B.2a. Establish purposes for reading; survey materials; ask questions; make predictions; connect, clarify and extend ideas.

1.B.2b. Identify structure (e.g., description, compare/contrast, cause and effect, sequence) of nonfiction texts to improve comprehension.

1.B.2c. Continuously check and clarify for understanding (e.g., in addition to previous skills, clarify terminology, seek additional information).

1.B.2d. Read age-appropriate material aloud with fluency and accuracy.

1.C. Comprehend a broad range of reading materials.

1.C.2a. Use information to form and refine questions and predictions.

1.C.2b. Make and support inferences and form interpretations about main themes and topics.

1.C.2c. Compare and contrast the content and organization of selections.

1.C.2d. Summarize and make generalizations from content and relate to purpose of material.

1.C.2e. Explain how authors and illustrators use text and art to express their ideas (e.g., points of view, design hues, metaphor).

1.C.2f. Connect information presented in tables, maps and charts to printed or electronic text.

IL.2. Literature: Read and understand literature representative of various societies, eras and ideas.

2.A. Understand how literary elements and techniques are used to convey meaning.

2.A.2a. Identify literary elements and literary techniques (e.g., characterization, use of narration, use of dialogue) in a variety of literary works.

2.A.2b. Describe how literary elements (e.g., theme, character, setting, plot, tone, conflict) are used in literature to create meaning.

2.A.2c. Identify definitive features of literary forms (e.g., realistic fiction, historical fiction, fantasy, narrative, nonfiction, biography, plays, electronic literary forms).

2.B. Read and interpret a variety of literary works.

2.B.2a. Respond to literary material by making inferences, drawing conclusions and comparing it to their own experience, prior knowledge and other texts.

2.B.2b. Identify and explain themes that have been explored in literature from different societies and eras.

2.B.2c. Relate literary works and their characters, settings and plots to current and historical events, people and perspectives.

IL.3. Writing: Write to communicate for a variety of purposes.

3.A. Use correct grammar, spelling, punctuation, capitalization and structure.

3.A.2. Write paragraphs that include a variety of sentence types; appropriate use of the eight parts of speech; and accurate spelling, capitalization and punctuation.

3.B. Compose well-organized and coherent writing for specific purposes and audiences.

3.B.2a. Generate and organize ideas using a variety of planning strategies (e.g., mapping, outlining, drafting).

3.B.2b. Establish central idea, organization, elaboration and unity in relation to purpose and audience.

3.B.2c. Expand ideas by using modifiers, subordination and standard paragraph organization.

3.B.2d. Edit documents for clarity, subjectivity, pronoun-antecedent agreement, adverb and adjective agreement and verb tense; proofread for spelling, capitalization and punctuation; and ensure that documents are formatted in final form for submission and/or publication.

3.C. Communicate ideas in writing to accomplish a variety of purposes.

3.C.2a. Write for a variety of purposes and for specified audiences in a variety of forms including narrative (e.g., fiction, autobiography), expository (e.g., reports, essays) and persuasive writings (e.g., editorials, advertisements).

3.C.2b. Produce and format compositions for specified audiences using available technology.

IL.4. Listening and Speaking: Listen and speak effectively in a variety of situations.

4.A. Listen effectively in formal and informal situations.

4.A.2a. Demonstrate understanding of the listening process (e.g., sender, receiver, message) by summarizing and paraphrasing spoken messages orally and in writing in formal and informal situations.

4.A.2b. Ask and respond to questions related to oral presentations and messages in small and large group settings.

4.A.2c. Restate and carry out a variety of oral instructions.

4.B. Speak effectively using language appropriate to the situation and audience.

4.B.2a. Present oral reports to an audience using correct language and nonverbal expressions for the intended purpose and message within a suggested organizational format.

4.B.2b. Use speaking skills and procedures to participate in group discussions.

4.B.2c. Identify methods to manage or overcome communication anxiety and apprehension (e.g., topic outlines, repetitive practice).

4.B.2d. Identify main verbal and nonverbal communication elements and strategies to maintain communications and to resolve conflict.

IL.5. Research: Use the language arts to acquire, assess and communicate information.

5.A. Locate, organize, and use information from various sources to answer questions, solve problems and communicate ideas.

5.A.2a. Formulate questions and construct a basic research plan.

5.A.2b. Organize and integrate information from a variety of sources (e.g., books, interviews, library reference materials, web- sites, CD/ROMs).

5.B. Analyze and evaluate information acquired from various sources.

5.B.2a. Determine the accuracy, currency and reliability of materials from various sources.

5.B.2b. Cite sources used.

5.C. Apply acquired information, concepts and ideas to communicate in a variety of formats.

5.C.2a. Create a variety of print and nonprint documents to communicate acquired information for specific audiences and purposes.

5.C.2b. Prepare and deliver oral presentations based on inquiry or research.