Reading success by the third grade is crucial for students’ academic development. Third grade is when students should move from learning to read to reading to learn. It needs to be a simultaneous process for students. As students progress from decoding and sounding out word letters, they must transition to gathering information from what is read. Without this occurrence, students begin to fall behind academically. A study by Donald J. Hernandes, a sociology professor at Hunter College, states that “students who lack proficiency in reading are four times more likely to become high school dropouts.”
Keys to Third Grade Reading Success
Engage students before reading a book or story. Start with a book’s blurb. This gives the students some familiar content. While reading, have students make a connection to themselves. They should make predictions. Afterward, share discussions on the favorite parts and characters of the story. While students read, occasionally check that students understand the content.
Graphic organizers help students organize their thoughts and their understanding of concepts. Well-designed organizers help students grasp the key concepts. Reading skills empower students toward academic success.
