3rd grade · Vocabulary
What a 3rd grade student learns in Vocabulary
Grade 3 vocabulary instruction focuses on expanding student word knowledge through context, word structure, and determining meaning of unknown words, with an emphasis on using vocabulary accurately in reading, speaking, and writing tasks across content areas.
The skills for the year
- 1Use context clues to determine the meaning of unknown or multiple-meaning words and phrases (CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.3.4.A)
- 2Distinguish literal and nonliteral meanings of words and phrases (e.g., "take steps")
- 3Identify and use common prefixes and suffixes to determine word meanings (e.g., un-, re-, pre-, -ful, -less, -ly, -er, -est)
- 4Recognize and use root words (e.g., recognize that 'agree' is in 'disagree', 'agreement', 'disagreement')
- 5Understand and use grade-appropriate academic vocabulary (e.g., compare, contrast, predict, describe)
- 6Understand and use domain-specific vocabulary from social studies, science, and math topics
- 7Use glossaries, beginning dictionaries, and digital reference materials to find word meanings, pronunciations, and parts of speech
- 8Determine the meaning of compound words using known word parts (e.g., 'sunflower,' 'snowman')
- 9Differentiate between shades of meaning among related words describing states of mind or degrees of certainty (e.g., knew, believed, suspected)
- 10Interpret and use frequently encountered idioms (e.g., "piece of cake"), adages, and simple proverbs
- 11Acquire and use words and phrases that signal spatial and temporal relationships (e.g., after, next to, before, because) in writing and speaking
- 12Identify real-life connections between words and their use (e.g., seasons – summer, winter)
- 13Use words learned through conversations, reading, and being read to, and responding to texts
- 14Explain relationships between words (e.g., synonyms, antonyms, homographs)
- 15Understand and use words that describe the sequence or process (e.g., first, then, finally)
- 16Use precise vocabulary to clarify ideas in oral and written communication
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