For reading instruction, we use a combination of the state adopted textbook and chapter books. Most chapter books will last 3-4 weeks, with some requiring a shorter and some a longer period of time to cover the information. All 3rd grade Language Arts teachers teach the same skills during the same week although we may use different texts to cover those skills.

You may expect vocabulary to study as we cover a book or story. You can also expect for students to have a test over the story at the end of the unit.

For language instruction, Wylie ISD uses The Shurley Method. It is an oral classification system in which we label all parts of speech in a sentence, the type of sentence, the ending puctuation, the division between subject and predicate, and the pattern the sentence follows.

We also use a Grammar Resource Book to supplement and to encourage carry-over from Shurley to other formats.

Another system we use is the Daily Oral Language. It is a system of correcting sentences by having students apply common rules in capitalization, punctuation, and spelling.

For writing instruction, we use The Writing Academy and Write Traits. The Writing Academy teaches students the "basics" of writing a good paragraph without just listing information. Write Traits incorporates more in depth information such as story organization, ideas, and word choice.

We also use daily journaling to help students get their ideas down on paper.

For spelling instruction, we use the state adopted spelling book. You will receive a list of 12 basic words, two review words, and two challenge words on Monday. Students will be tested over all 16 words on Friday with spelling instruction during the week.
There will also be two spelling sentences that will be tested on Friday.

Please study the words with your child a few minutes each day. If you misplace your list, it will also be available in the weekly newsletter on Monday and on this website on the newsletter page.