Learning Fairness from Literature

Ask and answer questions to demonstrate understanding of a text, referring explicitly to the text as the basis for the answers.

Recount stories, including fables, folktales, and myths from diverse cultures; determine the central message, lesson, or moral and explain how it is conveyed through key details in the text.

Describe characters in a story (e.g., their traits, motivations, or feelings) and explain how their actions contribute to the sequence of events

By the end of the year, read and comprehend literature, including stories, dramas, and poetry, at the high end of the grades 2-3 text complexity band independently and proficiently.

Know and apply grade-level phonics and word analysis skills in decoding words.

Decode multisyllable words.

Read grade-appropriate irregularly spelled words.

Read with sufficient accuracy and fluency to support comprehension.

Read grade-level text with purpose and understanding.

Engage effectively in a range of collaborative discussions (one-on-one, in groups, and teacher-led) with diverse partners on grade 3 topics and texts, building on others' ideas and expressing their own clearly.

Follow agreed-upon rules for discussions (e.g., gaining the floor in respectful ways, listening to others with care, speaking one at a time about the topics and texts under discussion).

Ask questions to check understanding of information presented, stay on topic, and link their comments to the remarks of others.

Explain their own ideas and understanding in light of the discussion.

Ask and answer questions about information from a speaker, offering appropriate elaboration and detail.

Speak in complete sentences when appropriate to task and situation in order to provide requested detail or clarification.

Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English grammar and usage when writing or speaking.

Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English capitalization, punctuation, and spelling when writing.

Use knowledge of language and its conventions when writing, speaking, reading, or listening.

Understand and explain the expression “I have the courage to stand up for what is wrong or unfair”

Provide an example of a friend or role model who “stood up” for what he or she thought was wrong or unfair

Understand the idea of fairness and the consequences of not being fair, as it relates to breaking rules, playing favorites, or taking advantage of others

Explain why it is important for everyone to serve and contribute to their family, school, community, nation, globally

Describe how a role model exemplifies fairness

Describe how a role model volunteers and contributes to the common good

Describe how a person will likely feel when being bullied or left out of an activity or group

Recognize examples of stereotyping, discrimination and prejudice

Explain what empathy means (e.g., the ability to sympathetically understand and personally identify with the emotional states, needs and feelings of others)

Understand and recognize the characteristics of healthy relationships (e.g., honesty, compromising, sharing, encouragement)