A comprehensive Christian language arts curriculum for third grade that develops writing, grammar, spelling, and communication skills through organized paragraphs, formal presentations, complex sentence structures, and research introduction. Students learn to express themselves clearly and effectively, using language as a gift from God to communicate truth, beauty, and love.
Write opinion, informative, and narrative pieces with clear organization, including introductions, supporting details, and conclusions
Demonstrate mastery of complex grammar structures including subject-verb agreement, abstract nouns, and compound/complex sentences
Speak clearly in formal presentations and participate effectively in prepared discussions on grade-level topics
Spell grade-appropriate words using complex patterns, syllabication rules, and common affixes
Conduct short research projects and develop topics with facts, definitions, and relevant details
Use cursive handwriting or refined manuscript fluently and begin developing keyboarding skills
Apply proper punctuation including commas in addresses and dialogue, and quotation marks correctly
Click any week to see daily lesson details.
Explore how God gave us language to communicate and connect with others. Discuss Genesis 2:19-20 and how Adam named the animals.
Oral language: collaborative discussiondiscussionSet up writer's notebooks and establish writing workshop routines. Learn about the writing process stages.
Writing process: understanding the stageshands-onAssess current handwriting skills and introduce cursive or refined manuscript expectations for the year.
Handwriting: letter formation reviewpracticeReview complete sentences and identify the four sentence types: declarative, interrogative, imperative, and exclamatory.
Grammar: sentence typesgameReview capitalization rules for proper nouns, sentence beginnings, and the pronoun 'I'. Practice with biblical names.
Mechanics: capitalization reviewworksheetReview common, proper, and possessive nouns. Identify nouns in Bible verses and create noun collections.
Grammar: nouns review and expansionhands-onReview verbs and explore action verbs, linking verbs, and helping verbs through active games.
Grammar: verb typesgameLearn that subjects and verbs must agree in number. Practice matching singular subjects with singular verbs and plural with plural.
Grammar: subject-verb agreementpracticeIntroduce the year's spelling approach using patterns and word study. Begin with short vowel review.
Spelling: patterns and strategiesexplorationPractice writing complete sentences with correct subject-verb agreement. Focus on clarity and completeness.
Writing: sentence constructionpracticeLearn active listening strategies and why listening well honors others. Practice with partner conversations about favorite Bible stories.
Oral language: active listeningdiscussionLearn and practice rules for collaborative discussions: taking turns, staying on topic, and building on others' ideas.
Oral language: discussion rulespracticePractice asking thoughtful questions to deepen understanding and clarify confusion during discussions.
Oral language: asking questionsgameLearn techniques for speaking clearly at an understandable pace. Practice with show-and-tell presentations.
Oral language: clear speechpresentationLearn how to come to discussions prepared by reading, thinking, and bringing ideas. Practice with a simple topic.
Oral language: preparation for discussiondiscussionLearn narrative structure: beginning (introduction), middle (events), and end (conclusion). Map familiar Bible stories.
Writing: narrative structurehands-onLearn and practice using temporal words (first, next, then, finally, after, before) to sequence narrative events clearly.
Writing: temporal transitionspracticeLearn to develop characters through actions, thoughts, and dialogue. Begin planning a personal narrative.
Writing: character developmentplanningPractice writing descriptive settings using sensory details. Describe places from personal experience.
Writing: setting descriptionpracticeDraft the beginning of a personal narrative, establishing characters, setting, and the situation.
Writing: narrative draftingdraftingLearn how to write dialogue with correct punctuation. Study examples from favorite books and Bible stories.
Writing: dialogue basicsexplorationPractice using quotation marks and commas in dialogue. Learn speaker tag placement.
Mechanics: quotation marks in dialoguepracticeLearn to use descriptive details and actions to show what's happening rather than just telling. Add details to narrative drafts.
Writing: descriptive detailsrevisionContinue drafting the middle of personal narratives, including dialogue and elaborated events.
Writing: narrative developmentdraftingLearn to write satisfying conclusions that provide closure. Complete narrative drafts.
Writing: narrative conclusionsdraftingLearn the difference between revising (improving ideas) and editing (fixing errors). Use a checklist to revise narratives.
Writing: revision processrevisionPractice giving and receiving helpful feedback on writing. Conduct peer conferences with partners.
Writing: peer conferencingcollaborationEdit narratives for capitalization, punctuation, and spelling. Use editing marks.
Writing: editing for conventionseditingCreate final published copies of narratives with neat handwriting or typing. Add illustrations if desired.
Writing: publishinghands-onShare published narratives with the class using Author's Chair. Practice speaking clearly and listening respectfully.
Oral language: presentationpresentationLearn the difference between concrete nouns (things we can touch) and abstract nouns (ideas, feelings, qualities).
Grammar: abstract nouns introductionexplorationIdentify abstract nouns in Bible verses: love, hope, faith, grace, courage, peace, joy. Discuss their meanings.
Grammar: abstract nouns in contextdiscussionFind and collect abstract nouns from reading materials. Create an abstract noun word bank.
Grammar: identifying abstract nounsgamePractice using abstract nouns in sentences to express complex ideas and emotions.
Writing: using abstract nounspracticeWrite short poems or sentences about abstract nouns like kindness, patience, or wisdom.
Writing: creative use of abstract nounscreative writingReview simple verb tenses: past, present, and future. Create a timeline showing verb tense changes.
Grammar: simple verb tensesexplorationLearn patterns for forming regular past tense verbs (add -ed). Practice with common verbs.
Grammar: regular past tensepracticeLearn common irregular verbs (go/went, eat/ate, see/saw). Create an irregular verb reference chart.
Grammar: irregular verbshands-onPractice forming future tense using 'will' and 'going to'. Write predictions about the future.
Grammar: future tensepracticeLearn to maintain consistent verb tense within a paragraph. Edit writing samples for tense errors.
Grammar: verb tense consistencyeditingLearn the purpose and structure of informative writing. Examine examples from nonfiction books and articles.
Writing: informative text structureexplorationChoose informative writing topics related to God's creation or biblical times. Narrow topics to manageable size.
Writing: topic selectionplanningLearn to gather facts, definitions, and details from books and approved websites. Take simple notes.
Research: gathering informationresearchUse graphic organizers to sort facts into categories. Plan the structure of informative paragraphs.
Writing: organizing informationplanningLearn to write engaging introductions that name the topic and grab the reader's attention.
Writing: informative introductionspracticeLearn to include clear definitions of key terms in informative writing. Practice writing student-friendly definitions.
Writing: definitions in textpracticeReview the difference between facts and opinions. Ensure informative writing includes only facts.
Writing: using facts appropriatelygameLearn linking words and phrases for informative writing (also, another, for example, because, in addition).
Writing: linking wordsexplorationDraft body paragraphs of informative texts, including facts, definitions, and relevant details.
Writing: informative developmentdraftingLearn to write conclusions that restate the main idea and provide closure. Complete informative drafts.
Writing: informative conclusionsdraftingRevise informative texts for clarity and organization. Ensure facts support the main topic.
Writing: revision for clarityrevisionIdentify places where more facts or details would strengthen the writing. Add information as needed.
Writing: elaborationrevisionEdit informative texts for capitalization, punctuation, spelling, and grammar.
Writing: editing conventionseditingCreate final published copies of informative texts. Consider adding diagrams or illustrations.
Writing: publishinghands-onPresent informative texts to classmates, teaching them about the topic. Practice formal presentation skills.
Oral language: formal presentationpresentationReview adjectives as words that describe nouns. Identify adjectives in sentences and texts.
Grammar: identifying adjectivesexplorationLearn to use adjectives that appeal to the five senses. Describe items from God's creation.
Writing: sensory adjectivespracticeLearn to form comparative (-er, more) and superlative (-est, most) adjectives. Practice with examples.
Grammar: comparative adjectivespracticeLearn conventional adjective order (opinion, size, age, shape, color, origin, material). Practice ordering adjectives correctly.
Grammar: adjective orderpracticeReplace overused adjectives (good, nice, bad) with more precise choices. Revise writing with stronger adjectives.
Writing: precise word choicerevisionLearn that adverbs describe verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs. Identify adverbs in sentences.
Grammar: identifying adverbsexplorationLearn that adverbs answer how, when, or where. Sort adverbs into categories.
Grammar: adverb typesgameLearn to choose correctly between adjectives and adverbs based on what word is being described.
Grammar: adjective vs. adverbpracticeForm and use comparative and superlative adverbs (more carefully, most carefully). Practice in sentences.
Grammar: comparative adverbspracticeAdd adverbs to writing to make actions more specific and interesting. Revise sentences with adverbs.
Writing: using adverbs effectivelypracticeLearn the structure of opinion writing: introduction with opinion, reasons, and conclusion. Examine examples.
Writing: opinion structureexplorationSelect appropriate opinion topics (favorite books, best ways to serve, important character traits). State clear opinions.
Writing: opinion topic selectionplanningLearn to support opinions with clear, logical reasons. Brainstorm multiple reasons for chosen opinions.
Writing: supporting reasonsplanningWrite strong introductions that clearly state the opinion and grab the reader's attention.
Writing: opinion introductionsdraftingLearn to organize reasons in a logical order (strongest first or last). Plan the body of opinion pieces.
Writing: organizing reasonsplanningDraft body paragraphs, with each paragraph focusing on one reason. Include examples and details.
Writing: developing reasonsdraftingLearn linking words for opinion writing (because, therefore, since, for example, in addition). Use them to connect ideas.
Writing: opinion linking wordspracticeStrengthen reasons with specific examples and evidence. Add supporting details to opinion drafts.
Writing: supporting with evidencerevisionWrite conclusions that restate the opinion and leave readers convinced. Complete opinion drafts.
Writing: opinion conclusionsdraftingRevise opinion pieces for clear reasoning and strong support. Ensure logical organization.
Writing: revision of opinionsrevisionConduct peer conferences on opinion pieces. Give and receive constructive feedback.
Writing: peer conferencingcollaborationEdit opinion pieces for spelling, capitalization, punctuation, and grammar.
Writing: editingeditingCreate final published versions of opinion pieces with neat handwriting or typing.
Writing: publishinghands-onPrepare to present opinion pieces orally. Practice speaking clearly with facts and relevant details.
Oral language: preparing presentationspracticePresent opinion pieces to the class. Practice formal speaking and active listening.
Oral language: formal presentationpresentationReview pronouns as words that take the place of nouns. Identify subject and object pronouns.
Grammar: pronoun typesexplorationLearn that pronouns must agree with their antecedents in number and gender. Practice matching pronouns correctly.
Grammar: pronoun agreementpracticeLearn possessive pronouns (my, mine, your, yours, his, her, hers, its, our, ours, their, theirs). Use them correctly.
Grammar: possessive pronounspracticeLearn reflexive pronouns (myself, yourself, himself, herself, itself, ourselves, yourselves, themselves). Use appropriately.
Grammar: reflexive pronounspracticeLearn to use pronouns clearly so readers know what noun they replace. Revise unclear pronoun references.
Writing: clear pronoun userevisionReview simple sentences and learn the difference between compound and complex sentences.
Grammar: sentence typesexplorationLearn FANBOYS conjunctions (for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so). Use them to create compound sentences.
Grammar: coordinating conjunctionspracticeLearn common subordinating conjunctions (because, although, since, when, if, while). Create complex sentences.
Grammar: subordinating conjunctionspracticePractice combining short, choppy sentences into compound and complex sentences for better flow.
Writing: sentence varietypracticeUse compound and complex sentences in writing to create variety and express complex ideas.
Writing: applying sentence varietydraftingReview comma use in dates, addresses, and series. Practice with examples.
Mechanics: comma reviewpracticeLearn to use commas before coordinating conjunctions in compound sentences. Practice placement.
Mechanics: commas in compound sentencespracticeLearn to use commas after introductory words, phrases, or clauses. Practice identifying introductory elements.
Mechanics: commas with introductionspracticeReview and practice using commas correctly in dialogue with quotation marks.
Mechanics: commas in dialoguepracticeEdit writing samples and own work for correct comma usage. Use editing marks.
Mechanics: editing for commaseditingLearn that every syllable has one vowel sound. Practice counting syllables in words.
Spelling: syllable awarenessexplorationLearn common syllable division patterns (VC/CV, V/CV, VC/V). Practice dividing words.
Spelling: syllable divisionpracticeLearn about closed syllables (short vowel) and open syllables (long vowel). Sort words by syllable type.
Spelling: syllable typesword studyReview and practice complex vowel patterns (vowel teams, diphthongs, r-controlled). Spell words with these patterns.
Spelling: vowel patternspracticeReview multiple spelling strategies: sound it out, look for patterns, divide into syllables, use word parts. Practice applying strategies.
Spelling: strategy applicationpracticeLearn common prefixes (re-, un-, pre-, dis-, mis-) and their meanings. Build words with prefixes.
Spelling: prefixesexplorationLearn common suffixes (-ful, -less, -ness, -ment, -ly) and their meanings. Build words with suffixes.
Spelling: suffixesexplorationLearn spelling rules for adding suffixes: drop e, double consonant, change y to i. Practice applying rules.
Spelling: suffix rulespracticePractice adding both prefixes and suffixes to root words. Understand how affixes change meaning.
Spelling: multiple affixesword studySpell words with prefixes and suffixes correctly. Use affixes to build vocabulary.
Spelling: affix applicationpracticeLearn that research helps us understand God's world better. Discuss the research process.
Research: understanding the processdiscussionLearn to choose focused research questions. Turn broad topics into specific questions.
Research: question formationplanningLearn to identify appropriate sources for research: books, encyclopedias, approved websites. Evaluate source reliability.
Research: source selectionexplorationLearn to take simple notes in own words. Practice recording key facts and details.
Research: note-takingpracticeSort notes into categories. Organize information to answer research questions.
Research: organizing informationplanningConduct research on chosen topics related to biblical times or God's creation. Take organized notes.
Research: information gatheringresearchUse notes to draft short research reports with introduction, facts, and conclusion.
Writing: research writingdraftingLearn simple ways to tell where information came from. List sources used in research.
Research: basic citationpracticePrepare to present research findings orally. Create simple visual aids if desired.
Oral language: research presentation prepplanningPresent research projects to the class with facts and relevant details. Practice clear speech.
Oral language: formal presentationpresentationAssess current handwriting legibility and fluency. Set personal handwriting goals.
Handwriting: self-assessmentassessmentPractice proper formation of cursive letters or refine manuscript letters. Focus on problem letters.
Handwriting: letter formationpracticeIf learning cursive, practice connecting letters smoothly. If manuscript, focus on consistent spacing.
Handwriting: fluencypracticePractice writing at an appropriate speed while maintaining legibility. Copy passages neatly.
Handwriting: speed developmentpracticeUse best handwriting to copy a favorite Bible verse or write a short paragraph.
Handwriting: applicationhands-onLearn the layout of the keyboard. Identify home row keys and proper finger placement.
Keyboarding: keyboard familiarityexplorationPractice typing home row keys (ASDF JKL;) with proper finger placement.
Keyboarding: home rowpracticeLearn to type top row and bottom row keys with correct fingers. Practice letter combinations.
Keyboarding: all letter keyspracticePractice typing simple sentences with proper capitalization and punctuation.
Keyboarding: sentence typingpracticeType a short paragraph about a chosen topic. Focus on accuracy over speed.
Keyboarding: paragraph typingpracticeRead and discuss various types of poetry. Notice how poets use language creatively to express ideas.
Reading: poetry analysisexplorationExplore rhyme schemes in poetry. Write rhyming couplets about God's creation.
Writing: rhyming poetrycreative writingLearn about haiku structure (5-7-5 syllables). Write haiku poems about nature.
Writing: haikucreative writingCreate acrostic poems using biblical words or character traits (FAITH, LOVE, HOPE).
Writing: acrostic poetrycreative writingPractice reading poetry aloud with expression. Present poems to the class.
Oral language: expressive readingpresentationLearn the difference between telling and showing in writing. Practice showing emotions and actions.
Writing: showing vs. tellingpracticePractice using all five senses in descriptions. Describe objects using sight, sound, smell, taste, and touch.
Writing: sensory languagepracticeLearn to use similes (like, as) and simple metaphors to create vivid comparisons.
Writing: figurative languageexplorationWrite detailed descriptions of favorite places. Use spatial organization and sensory details.
Writing: place descriptiondraftingDescribe people using physical details, actions, and personality traits. Create character sketches.
Writing: character descriptiondraftingLearn the five parts of a friendly letter: heading, greeting, body, closing, signature. Examine examples.
Writing: friendly letter formatexplorationReview comma use in letter greetings and closings. Practice proper punctuation.
Mechanics: commas in letterspracticeWrite friendly letters to classmates, family members, or pen pals. Share news and ask questions.
Writing: friendly letter compositiondraftingLearn the importance of gratitude. Write thank you notes expressing appreciation.
Writing: thank you notesdraftingLearn proper envelope format with addresses. Practice addressing envelopes neatly.
Writing: envelope addressinghands-onLearn that prepositions show relationships between nouns and other words. Identify common prepositions.
Grammar: identifying prepositionsexplorationLearn that prepositional phrases begin with prepositions and end with nouns or pronouns (objects).
Grammar: prepositional phrasespracticePractice using prepositions that show where (in, on, under, above, beside, between). Act out prepositional phrases.
Grammar: location prepositionsgameLearn prepositions that show when (before, after, during, until). Use them in sentences.
Grammar: time prepositionspracticeAdd prepositional phrases to writing to provide more detail and clarity.
Writing: using prepositional phrasespracticeLearn to form singular possessives by adding apostrophe + s ('s). Practice with examples.
Mechanics: singular possessivespracticeLearn to form plural possessives: add apostrophe after s for regular plurals (dogs'); add 's for irregular plurals (children's).
Mechanics: plural possessivespracticeLearn to distinguish between possessives (showing ownership) and plurals (showing more than one). Practice choosing correctly.
Mechanics: possessive vs. pluralpracticeReview possessive pronouns (my, your, his, her, its, our, their) that don't use apostrophes.
Grammar: possessive pronounsreviewPractice using possessive nouns and pronouns correctly in writing. Edit for possessive errors.
Writing: applying possessiveseditingLearn multiple revision strategies: adding details, deleting unnecessary information, rearranging for clarity, replacing weak words.
Writing: revision techniquesexplorationRevise writing for sentence variety. Combine short sentences; break up long, confusing ones.
Writing: sentence fluencyrevisionReplace overused, vague words with precise, interesting vocabulary. Use thesaurus appropriately.
Writing: word choicerevisionRevise for logical organization. Add transition words to improve flow between ideas.
Writing: organizationrevisionDevelop personal writing voice. Revise to make writing sound natural and engaging.
Writing: voice developmentrevisionReview all parts of speech learned: nouns, pronouns, verbs, adjectives, adverbs, prepositions, conjunctions. Identify in sentences.
Grammar: parts of speech reviewreviewReview simple, compound, and complex sentences. Practice creating each type.
Grammar: sentence structure reviewpracticeReview subject-verb agreement and verb tense consistency. Practice in sentences and paragraphs.
Grammar: agreement and tensepracticeApply all grammar skills while writing. Edit writing samples for grammar errors.
Grammar: application in writingeditingPlay review games covering all grammar concepts learned this year.
Grammar: comprehensive reviewgameReview all capitalization rules: sentences, proper nouns, titles, pronoun I. Practice identifying and correcting errors.
Mechanics: capitalization reviewpracticeReview end punctuation and all comma rules learned. Practice in sentences and paragraphs.
Mechanics: punctuation reviewpracticeReview quotation marks in dialogue and apostrophes in contractions and possessives. Practice correct usage.
Mechanics: quotation marks and apostrophespracticeEdit passages for all mechanics and conventions errors. Use editing marks correctly.
Mechanics: comprehensive editingeditingLearn proofreading strategies. Practice carefully checking own writing for errors.
Writing: proofreading skillspracticeReview complex vowel patterns and consonant patterns learned this year. Sort and spell words.
Spelling: pattern reviewword studyReview syllabication rules and common prefixes/suffixes. Practice dividing and spelling multi-syllable words.
Spelling: syllables and affixespracticeReview spelling rules for adding suffixes. Practice applying rules to spell words correctly.
Spelling: rules applicationpracticeReview high-frequency words and important content vocabulary. Practice spelling grade-level words.
Spelling: vocabulary masterypracticeReview all spelling strategies learned. Practice applying strategies to spell unfamiliar words.
Spelling: strategy reviewpracticeSelect a text type (narrative, informative, or opinion) for a final polished piece. Choose a meaningful topic.
Writing: project planningplanningUse graphic organizers to plan writing thoroughly. Gather information or details needed.
Writing: detailed planningplanningDraft the culminating piece, applying all writing skills learned this year. Focus on organization and development.
Writing: draftingdraftingRevise drafts for content, organization, word choice, and sentence fluency. Conduct peer conferences.
Writing: revisionrevisionCarefully edit for all grammar, mechanics, and spelling. Proofread multiple times.
Writing: editingeditingCreate final published versions of culminating pieces. Use best handwriting or typing.
Writing: publishinghands-onPrepare to present final pieces to an audience. Practice speaking clearly with confidence.
Oral language: presentation preparationpracticePresent final writing pieces to family or classmates. Celebrate growth as writers.
Oral language: formal presentationpresentationReview writing and language arts work from throughout the year. Reflect on growth and learning.
Metacognition: self-reflectionreflectionDiscuss how language is God's gift and how we can use it to honor Him. Set goals for continued growth.
Biblical integration: purpose of languagediscussionStart with Day 1 and work through at your own pace. Each lesson builds on the last!