Mrs. Thompson's 3rd Grade

Literacy is top priority at Harris Elementary School.   

Meet the Literacy Team

Ms. Miller – 3^rd Grade Teacher

Mrs. Parker-Smith – 3^rd Grade Teacher

Mrs. Thompson – 3^rd Grade Teacher

Ms. Brase-Reading Specialist

Ms. Holmes-Special Education Teacher

Mrs. Stovall-Paraprofessional   

What happens during the Literacy Block?

The Third Grade Literacy Block is broken down into two main parts.  One part of the Literacy Block focuses on whole group instruction.  Students are introduced to and practice reading skills and strategies through cooperative groups, partner work, and direct teacher instruction.  Students read stories from their reading book or other supplemental materials and discuss the five core components of reading including vocabulary, comprehension, phonics, oral reading fluency, and phonemic awareness. 

The second part of the Literacy Block is composed of small group instruction/guided reading.  Students will be grouped with 4-5 students who are all functioning at the same reading level.  During group work students will work on the five core components through leveled text, engaging activities, and literary discussions. 

How will students be assessed?

Students will be assessed by the following methods.  The results of these assessments will drive instruction for the Literacy Team.

•     Weekly Reading tests will be on Fridays to assess comprehension, vocabulary, phonemic awareness, and phonics.
•     Accerated Reader, a computer based program, will administer a short quiz to a student after they have read an approved book to assess comprehension and vocabulary.
• Think Link®, a computer based program, will assess all of the core components of reading and report on student strengths and challenges to be evaluated by the reading teacher.
• Star Reader, a computer based program that students take in the beginning of the year and again at the end of the year.