Welcome to the Unit When third graders study plants, they explore the traits and characteristics of plant life from seed to sprout. Across the unit, you’ll support students in understanding key terminology related to plants and plant life while reinforcing the power of suffixes that shape how words function in writing and speech. Through explicit vocabulary instruction, students will engage in repeated exposure to words using interactive activities like word sorts and games like “Which One?” This unit is designed to help students describe plant life in detail, culminating in a focus on precise verbs that capture how plants survive and thrive. To deepen understanding, students will brainstorm related words and participate in activities that highlight the versatility and power of language. A key emphasis will be on developing word clusters. Renowned literacy researcher Dr. Elfrieda Hiebert advocates for teaching words in clusters to enhance student comprehension and retention. This approach moves vocabulary instruction beyond rote memorization, encouraging students to recognize connections between words and expand their understanding. In the second bend of the unit, students will revisit the impact of common suffixes, using word matrices to explore transfor- mations in words like defense and pollinate . These explorations will empower students to play with language, using words in varied contexts and broadening their vocabulary in meaningful ways. Across all vocabulary instruction, prioritize practical usage. Provide frequent opportunities for students to use new words in both speech and writing across various contexts. Every time they actively engage with a word, they move one step closer to mastering it and expanding their oral lexicon. In addition to the Vocabulary Extensions, students will receive additional support with vocabulary across other parts of the curriculum. Read-aloud sessions will teach additional vocabulary and also provide opportunities to review the vocabulary words introduced in these sessions. The teeny-tiny texts you’ll use in small groups provide students with additional opportunities for students to see these words in context. Vocabulary and Morphemes Introduced Across Unit 2 Bend I vegetation
Focus Standards z Determine or clarify the meaning of unknown and multiple-meaning words and phrases based on grade 3 reading and content , choosing flexibly from a range of strategies. CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.3.4 z Determine the meaning of the new word when formed when a known affix is added to a known word (e.g. agreeable/ disagreeable, comfortable/uncomfortable, care/careless, heat/preheat) . CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.3.4.B z Acquire and use accurately grade-appropriate conversational, general academic, and domain-specific words and phrases, including those that signal spatial and temporal relationships (e.g. After dinner that night we went looking for them). CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.3.6 GETTING READY: z Find a space for a Vocabulary Word Wall where you’ll add all the vocabulary words you teach across the unit. Decide whether you’ll leave the vocabulary words from Unit 1 displayed, or whether you’ll take those words down and save them to revisit during Unit 3. z Print the vocabulary cards from the online resources. z Prepare to display photographs across the unit, as needed to illustrate key vocabulary terms and support vocabulary games. z Make copies of the Vocabulary Recognition Task, to use as a post-assessment in Bend III Session 7.
tend soil disperse scatter
seedling species roots
Bend II
Remind students about: adaptation, nutrient Teach students: disguise, compete, defense
Suffix reminders: -s, -ed, -ing, -ive, -ate, -tion Prefix: self-
Bend III
thrive rely suit
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GRADE 3 • Unit 2 • Vocabulary Extensions
WELCOME TO THE UNIT
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