Sorting by NYSLS ELA & Grade Level 3
 

Title
Synopsis
  Little House in the Big Woods Students will gain information about an early American family as they read together using "Little House In the Big Woods" by Laura Ingalls Wilder.
  A Visit to Mexico City: An Introduction to World C In this third grade social studies unit students will begin a study of world communities by taking an imaginary trip to a city in North America, Mexico City. Students will learn about the social and economic aspects of the community. They investigate the people and culture, and geographical characteristics of this city.
  Wanted Poster The students will examine a fairy tale character of their choice in great detail. They will then create a wanted poster that includes the following: a picture of the character, a written description of his/her appearance, a reward amount, and reason(s) the character is wanted.
  An Author Study of Patricia Polacco In this unit, students will read and analyze books by Patricia Polacco to discover a common theme. They will view a video and read her autobiography to learn how she has used events from her own life in her stories. Also, they learn that using strong verbs in a story helps to bring it to life.
  Citizenship Students will learn importance of citizenship, the rights and responsibilities of a United States citizen, understand the difference between a citizen by birth and a naturalized citizen and research some symbols of the United States and learn what they mean. Culminating project: students will create a symbol of their choice and give an oral report to the class.
  Found In Space Students will direct an imaginary visitor from outer space into their galaxy, solar system planet, hemisphine, landmass, country, state, village and street of their school.
  Researching & Writing about a President 263. How to organize and find information for a report.
  Pond Life The students will use the internet to research animal and plant life that make up pond environments. They will present this information in the form of a brochure using a desktop publishing program.
  Investigating Biographies Learning experience is part of a unit, Investigating Biographies. Through this book and the library teacher, students will discuss what makes a person famous, and will find and become familiar with the biography section of the library. A culminating activity called "Bio Stew" will help students internalize the organization of different biographies. This lesson would be best done as a collaborative lesson with the classroom teacher to help support the "What Are Biographies About?" section of this unit.
  One-Room Schoolhouses This is a unit on one-room schoolhouses. Students will learn about one-room schoolhouses, and visit one for the day. The focus will be to learn first hand what it was like to attend a one-room schoolhouse, and to compare schools of yesterday with schools of today.
  A Wolf's Tale Students will be using charts to compare and contrast elements and characteristics of fairy tales. Students will be using technology to create and present autobiographies and third person perspectives.
  Money, Money, Money ... Money Students will learn about money by buying an Easter dinner for a needy family. Students will also learn about letter and paragraph writing, and creating a commercial.
  Grunts, Chirps and Growls Students will collect data, facts, and ideas; discover relationships, concepts, and generalizations; and use knowledge generated from oral, written, and electronically produced texts. As speakers and writers, they will use oral and written language to acquire, interpret, apply, and transmit information.
  Invariably Chocolate How can data be collected? How can we organize data into graphs? What conclusions can be made through reading and interpreting graphs?
  Once Upon A Fairytale This is a primary English/Language Arts unit on Fairytales. The unit will take about 4 weeks to complete. This unit will stress the elements of a fairytale. In this unit students will read for the understanding of the character, setting, and plot points of specific fairytales. The children will create their own fairytales through the writing process. With the use of technology, the children will produce a fairytale book complete with illustrations.
  Next Comes Pumpkin Pie Essential Questions: What part does prediction play in our everyday life? How do we use Math in our everyday life? What methods can we use to compare and contrast? Why is sequencing important? What literary sources can we utilize to find information? How do we present information for understanding?
  The 8 Wonder of the World Essential Questions: How do physical settings and geographical form affect living things; survival in their environment and habitats?
  Links in a Food Chain This learning experience was created to give students a better understanding of the world we live in while utilizing the many grade appropriate resources on the world wide web. They are given the opportunity to learn and better understand the relationships that exist between all life forms. The students will complete a webquest to broaden their understanding of the new concepts they are attaining in a motivational, cooperative environment.
  The World Wide Food Web This unit was created to give students a better understanding of the world we live in. They are given the opportunity to learn and better understand the relationships that exist between all life forms.
  Report Writing Students will be using graphic organizers and writing a report from the info in it on an assigned planet.
  Compare and Contrast Essay Will compare and contrast the planet Earth with another planet which students have already researched.
  Out of this World Writing! Creating a peice of writing from a graphic organizer researching the planets of the solar system.
  A Literary Analysis of Charlotte's Web How do the literary elements contribute to the appeal of a story? How does setting affect the telling of story?
  The Seasons of the Year Expressed in Art Describe the seasons of the year. From post cards of the art work "Voyage of Life" by Thomas Cole, select examples in the paintings that reflect seasons of the year.
  Famous American Famous Americans is a language arts unit for third graders. Famous Americans who have contributed to our nation’s history can provide children with important role models for leadership, courage and idealism. The students will read and understand biographies and autobiographies. The students will use computers and the library to research a famous American. They will write a report and produce a final product. This unit will take approximately 4 – 5 weeks.
  Owl Scavenger Hunt Students will get practice using internet technology for a specific purpose (scavenger hunt)
  The War With Grandpa This learning unit is based upon the book The War With Grandpa by Robert Kimmel Smith. It will be used in an after school program of third, fourth, and fifth grade students. The novel will be read orally to the students as a group with the unit to follow. This unit is designed to give the students practice in using a digital camera and computer technology for the specific purpose of sequencing. Other related activities will accompany the technology.
  Let's Write a Book! THe purpose of this experience is to write a book with third grade students to honor their retiring teacher. For presentation, the book will be made into a power point production.
  Butterfly/Moth Compare/Contrast Essay This compare/contrast learning unit is to increase the students ability to observe and record written and illustrated information at all stages of the butterfly's life cycle, care for their butterfly (feeding, cleaning, releasing...), comprehend factual material, access a web site, complete a graphic organizer using the scientific information gathered and write/edit/type a compare/contrast essay. This unit will be used with a third grade class in conjuction with the third grade BOCES Science Kit, Life Cycles.
  Clouds Meteorology and literature will be combined to explain cloud types and their effects on weather.
  How to DO Just About Anything This unit will incorporate technology and ELA in various subject areas on writing "How To's", and then presenting the finished product. The lesson will be first done with a small group of Consultant Students, who will then become group leaders to the full classroom.
  Land Ho This unit introduces the students to standard and non-standard measurement with a pirate theme. At the culmination of the unit students will understand the difference between standard and non-standard measurement. They will be able to estimate measurements and measure using standard and non-standard measurement tools.
  Food Pyramid The lesson was developed for the learning standards because of the need to integrate as many curricula areas as possible for both academic and motivational rigor. I learned a great deal in preparing this unit.
  Biome Web Quest A learning unit designed to involve students in the use of technology through involvement in a biome web quest, which compliments New York State's third grade social studies curriculum and incorporates language arts, social studies, science, technology, and art.
  What's in a Shape? Essential Questions: In what different ways can you use your shape to make a toy? How many different ways can you make a hexagon using the pattern blocks?
  Colorful Writing This Learning Experience will take about 3 weeks to complete. The students will be learning the different types of figurative language so that they can use them in their writing to make it more interesting and descriptive. The students will then be using what they have learned about figurative language to describe their family's characeristics in a slide show presentation.
  Way To GO With Graphic Organizers Way To "GO" With Graphic Organizers is a unit designed to introduce Grade 3 students to the use of graphic organizers as an aid to independent writing tasks. This unit for writing instruction utilizes basic skills of organization and note taking. Attention will focus on setting up graphic organizers and providing opportunities to practice reflective writing. Models will be set up for narrative and letter writing to meet the requirements of the NYS Standards and the Grade 4 ELA. Students will be exposed to making appropriate graphic organizer selections to meet the needs of the assigned purpose of the writing assignment. Adjustments to this unit can be made for other grade levels by altering the reading selections at the appropriate reading level of the students. As a wide variety of graphic organizers are available, you should implement them to meet the needs of the particular writing assignment and modify them based on the individual needs of the students.
  Under the Canopy This rainforest unit is an integrated summer reading program designed to reinforce language arts skills with an emphasis on reading and writing. The summer program is designed to help students at risk meet the N.Y. State standards. This unit is literature based and spans a period of four weeks incorporating reading, writing, and technology skills for students who have just completed grades one through five. It will also expose the students to the geographical and scientific significance of a rainforest habitat. This theme based approach to learning a broad topic allows students functioning at a wide variety of levels to work together cooperatively, learn from each other, and have fun together. At risk readers take on the role of the "mentor" or "teacher" when paired with younger students and they are then able to build their self-esteem . These students are rarely able to be the experts with their peer group so this becomes a very positive experience for all the children. In addition, the younger students love the attention from their older classmates. All aspects of the summer program center around the rainforest theme including reading, writing, listening, and speaking projects, art activities, guest readers, and even snacks are woven into the theme. "Under the Canopy" is sure to be a swinging good time for all!
  Surprise in a Suitcase The purpose of this learning experience is for students to develop a habitat for an animal from Australia. The student will select an animal, and then because many of these animals are unfamiliar to him/her, the student will have to research carefully to make the proper habitat for his/her new pet. The habitat may be in the form of a diorama or other alternative such as a poster, mobile or a pamphlet.
  Arctic Facts The topic of this learning unit is the physical and cultural attributes of the Arctic Region. The learning unit focuses on the physical characteristics of the region, the culture of the people indigenous to the region, (Inuits -- Eskimos) the animals of the region, and their adaptations. The unit covers a general discussion and work period of up to four weeks
  Science - Matter Unit on Matter. Students will become aware of matter all around them and how changes that take place in matter affect their daily lives.
  Research for Real Allows students to investigate a topic of interest and evaluate information sources to select best information to support their topic.
  My Father's Dragon Students will imcorporate technology and language arts to write a new ending to a story and share it with others.
  Sea Lions, Tigers and Bears, Oh My Research Can Be Research can be fun! Understanding the Library and how to use the resources available.
  It's (almost) ShowTime! Students discover, validate, and grow within each of the Arts/Theatre Standards while creating a live theatrical production.
  Animals of the Chinese Zodiac Students will be introduced to the Chinese zodiac as part of the general introduction to the various elements of the Chinese New Year before they have this learning experience. They will have access to Internet-based information on the Chinese zodiac during this introductory experience.
  The Write Byte The Write Byte is part of a writing workshop unit, which is an in-depth plan that teaches students the writing process. The purpose of the Write Byte is to get students excited about writing, learn about authors they have read, and become familiar with the writing process.
  Finding Books With OPAC In the Primary Grades The purpose and focus of this learning experience is to introduce or review the knowledge needed, and the process used to successfully and independently find specific books in their Elementary Library Media Center, using the electronic catalog known as OPAC (Online Public Access Catalog)
  Can You Stretch the Truth? Essential Questions: In what ways do Folk Tales influence our lives? Why are listening skills important through out life? How is it possible for one person to influence the world?
  Viewpoint of the Native American Interview a member of a Native American tribe or watch a video depicting the treatment of Native Americans from long ago today. (If conducting an interview it is a good idea to videotape it with permission from your guest for future use) If the students interview a guest make sure to help guide the students to devise questions that focus on the issue of how the Native American person is treated now as compared to how they were treated long ago
  100 Years and Counting This unit is primarily based on the book ...If You Lived: 100 Years Ago, by Ann McGovern. The book is a wonderful resource and full of information that is written in children's language. It covers all of the information that will be studied such as schooling, clothing, jobs, transportation and conveniences (or inventions) from the time period extending from the late 1800's to the early 1900's. The book explains what it was like primarily in New York City, which fits in nicely with the fourth grade curriculum, but also can tie in nicely with the third grade curriculum as it covers many different communities from around the world.
  Survival of Native American Culture Natives Americans survival story; compare and contrast.
  Opaque, Translucent, and Transparent Define key words. Write a paragraph defending perspective (prediction). Classify objects according to the ability of light to pass through them.
  Don't Be A Dodo! Throughout this learning unit and learning experiences, students will be able to learn how animals adapt to their environment. Students will see how animals need to change in some way so that their survival is possible. Student will also be able to find out what happens if animals fail to adapt. Students will also discover that humans can play an important role in animal adaptation. Finally, in a culminating activity, students will create a class magazine that can be shared with others throughout the school.
  What a Wonderful World Students journal and do research on a country for specific information. The skills emphasized are ones which students can apply to other areas. Public speaking is so important for our students and this will give the students an opportunity to present the information they have found from different sources in a variety of ways. The e-pals will also peak interest in students so that the focus is on daily life from a kids perspective instead of the typically information found in a textbook or encyclopedia.
  Blast Off Essential Questions: What would life be like on another planet? If another planet was discovered what would it be like? How would you prepare yourself for a trip to another planet? How does it feel to have no gravity at all?
  To Infinity and Beyond: A Unit on Space Essential Questions: What is the relationship between the universe, galaxies and solar systems? What might life be like on the other planets of our solar system? How might our lives change if the earth's rotation, revolution, or position in the solar system changed? Why do we study space?
  Island Investigation Mini research project for intermediate students to learn about one of the larger islands near the community of Clayton called Grindstone Island. Students learn how an island affects the life of people living there. They will also learn that lifestyles on Grindstone Island have changed over time (completed in two 3-4 multi-age classes at Guardino Elem. School-two month long unit designed to totally immerse children in reading, writing, speaking and listening, culminating in a final project. Lessons took about one and one-half hours per day. Daily scheduled reading and writing workshop times were used for this project. Activities related to NYS Standards in Language Arts, Social Studies, and Technology.
  Shiloh The unit is designed to both incorporate reading and writing. Students will learn how to form opinions and respond by writing essays and responding to journal questions.
  Fairy Tales This is a third grade unit based on fairy tales. This unit will be designed to expose the students to classical literature. This unit will provide students with a variety of opportunities to enhance decoding, comprehension, vocabulary and writing skills. This unit will take approximately 3-4 weeks to complete.
  Discover the Past Through research, students experience the beginning, make connections to the present, and imagine the future.
  Oceans This is a third grade unit on oceans. This unit will be designed to help the studetns understand what the ocean is made up of and what lives in the ocean. The students will also learn what the different layers of the ocean are. The students will also identify different ocean animals and plants and their characteristics. This unit will take approximately 2-3 weeks to complete.
  What's Inside Students will read simple informational texts with repetitive language and simple illustrations to begin to collect data, facts and ideas. Students will interpret information represented in pictures, illustrations, and simple charts and webs.
  Focusing on Famous People Begin by asking students if they have ever heard of George Washington (or other famous person). Read a story to the class on the famous person you have chosen. In small groups, students discuss and write answers to questions given on a worksheet.
  Solar System 298. Essential Questions: What would life be like on any of the nine planets? Why is space exploration necessary? Thinking about the communities we live in today, what would space communities be like? How will the studying of space lead to a better earth? How is earth the only planet with living species?
  Welcome to New York State Students will create a New York State travel brochure
  Rosa Parks The children will learn about th elife of Rosa Parks. Through this knowledge they will learn to acknowledge that one act of bravery can change the course of history. They will then compare Tosa Parks to another person who changed the course of history.
  International Festival We have activities that relate to math, arts and writing. The learning experience has different activities incorporated into one, therefore all learners should be able to find some aspect that appeals to them. The students will be engaged in activities that relate to the learning standards as stated above.
  Rain Forest Animal Habitat Museum A rainforest project that requires students to have a thorough understanding of one specific rain forest animal and its needs.
  The Study of the Rain Forest The Study of the Rain Forest is a four part unit that integrates the four ELA standards of Reading, Writing, Speaking, and Listening into a comprehensive study of this ecological area of our world. Students will have the opportunity to complete a research report, poem, travel brochure, and write a pen pal letter. They will culminate by writing a puppet show and performing it.
  Soaring through the Solar System The students will be engaged in their learning about our solar system through individual and group activities that focus on research, reading, writing and group work skills. Students will soar through this interdisciplinary unit.
  Once Upon a Castle This interdisciplinary unit introduces children to the history of castles and the elements of a fairy tale. Students read and write fairy tales. They read and work collaboratively on several group projects that are designed to extend knowledge. The highlight of the unit comes when students share their family castle projects.
  Cybernetiquette This learning experience will teach students the basics of safety on the Internet. This learning experience will be a perfect beginning to any Internet activity whether it is within a technology curriculum or other content area. This connects to all areas where instruction will lead to exploration of the Internet. This Learning Experience is tied to the unit called Keypals: Communicating Across the Information Superhighway





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