Reading Curriculum – Year 3

Assessing Reading – Year 3 Expectations

Word Reading

• Apply knowledge of root words, prefixes and suffixes to read aloud and to understand the meaning of unfamiliar words
• Read further exception words, noting the unusual correspondences between spelling and sound, and where these occur in the word
• Attempt pronunciation of unfamiliar words drawing on prior knowledge of similar looking words

Reading Comprehension

• Experience and discuss a range of fiction, poetry, plays, non-fiction, reference books or textbooks
• Know that non-fiction books are structured in different ways and be able to use them effectively
• Begin to understand that narrative books are structured in different ways, for example, quest stories and stories with dilemmas
• Ask questions to improve understanding of a text
• Predict what might happen from details stated
• Draw inferences such as inferring characters’ feelings, thoughts and motives from their actions
• Use dictionaries to check the meaning of unfamiliar words
• Identify main idea of a text
• Identify how structure, and presentation contribute to the meaning of texts
• Retrieve and record information from non-fiction
• Discuss books, poems and other works that are read aloud and independently, taking turns and listening to others’ opinions
• Explain and discuss understanding of books, poems and other material, both those read aloud and those read independently
• Prepare poems to read aloud and to perform, showing understanding through intonation, tone, volume and action

Assessing Reading – Year 3 Mastery

Reading-Exceeding Statements

• Skim materials and note down different views and arguments
• Pause appropriately in response to punctuation and/or meaning
• Justify predictions by referring to the story
• Begin to find meaning beyond the literal, e.g. the way impressions of people are conveyed through choice of detail and language
• Read ahead to determine direction and meaning in a story
• Investigate what is known about the historical setting and events and their importance to the story
• Deduce from the evidence in the text what characters are like
• Explore figurative language and the way it conveys meaning succinctly
• Identify the way a writer sets out to persuade
• Explore the relationship between a poet and the subject of a poem

Writing-Exceeding Statements

• Use adjectives and adverbs with confidence, and attempt to think of different ones to use in different situations
• Give careful thought to the planning of writing and re-read it as a matter of course
• Ensure that descriptions have just enough detail to help the reader gain a better understanding about the way the story is unfolding
• Use words that have not been used before when describing events, characters, and feelings
• Use powerful verbs to show character or add impact
• Vary sentences, adding phrases to make the meaning more precise
• Include descriptions of events and characters in a variety of styles and can sometimes contain humour
• Describe characters and include feelings and emotions when needed
• Choose the most appropriate style of writing to suit the needs of the situations, e.g.: poems, lists, letters, reports
• Check punctuation and use speech marks and apostrophes accurately