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English · Grade 3

Theme, Message and Text Evidence

Children read a retelling of Aesop's fable The North Wind and the Sun and an original folktale, The Smallest Gift. They ask and answer questions by pointing to exact words in the text, recount each tale, work out its central message or moral, explain which key details convey it, and compare the two messages in a short written response with evidence.

  • 4 lessons
  • About 95 minutes
  • Message and evidence check: 8 questions
  • Ways to answer: choose an answer, highlight a text, match pairs, put in order, sort into groups and write a short answer
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What learners will discover

  • Ask and answer questions about a text, referring explicitly to the words of the text as evidence.
  • Recount a fable or folktale, including the key details in order.
  • Determine the central message, lesson or moral and explain how key details convey it.
  • Compare the messages of two tales and support the comparison with evidence from both.

Lessons

  1. Answer with the text 4 steps2 practiceabout 22 min
  2. Recount the tale 4 steps2 practiceabout 22 min
  3. Find the message 4 steps2 practiceabout 25 min
  4. Compare messages 3 steps2 practiceabout 26 min
  5. Message and evidence check 8 questions at the end

Keep exploring

Games to practice with

  • Memory LanternsFlip glowing lanterns to find pairs that belong together.
  • Word WorkshopBuild the word for each picture, one sound at a time.
  • Sentence TheatreYour words direct the show: change a word and the stage changes too.

More 3rd grade reading

Guides for grown-ups