3rd Grade Standards

 

Leon County Schools 

Sunshine State Standards 

Third Grade 

  

Below is listed a general description of the curriculum covered in your child’s classroom this school  

year. The terms domain, strand, standard and benchmark are defined as: 

 

 

Domain = Subject or content area, the six domains reported on the Pupil Progress Report are:  Language Arts, 

Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, Health and Physical Education, and the Arts 

Strand = Label for a category of knowledge, such as reading, writing, measurement, economics, nature of matter 

Standard = General statement of expected learner achievement within the strand 

Benchmark = Learner expectations (what a student should know and be able to do to achieve the standard) 

 

Language Arts - Grade Level Benchmarks 

Reading 

LA.A.1.2.1 Uses a table of contents, index, heading, captions, illustrations, & major words 

to anticipate or predict content & purpose of a reading selection 

LA.A.1.2.2 Uses reading strategies 

LA.A.1.2.3 Vocabulary 

LA.A.1.2.4 Clarifies understanding of a reading selection 

LA.A.2.2.1 Identifies main idea/supporting details 

LA.A.2.2.2 Identifies author’s purpose 

LA.A.2.2.3 Recognizes when text is primarily intended to persuade 

LA.A.2.2.4 Identifies personal preferences relative to fiction & nonfiction reading 

LA.A.2.2.5 Reads & organizes information for a variety of purposes 

LA.A.2.2.6 Distinguishes between fact & opinion 

LA.A.2.2.7 Explains the use of comparison & contrast in a text 

LA.A.2.2.8 Uses a variety of reference materials for research 

 

Writing 

LA.B.1.2.1 Applies prewriting skills 

LA.B.1.2.2 Drafts & revises writing 

LA.B.1.2.3 Edits & publishes writing 

LA.B.2.2.1 Writes notes, comments, & observations that reflect comprehension of content 

 & experiences from a variety of media 

LA.B.2.2.2 Organizes information using webs, clusters, & lists 

LA.B.2.2.3 Writes for a variety of occasions, audiences, & purposes 

LA.B.2.2.4 Uses computer skills for presenting information 

LA.B.2.2.5 Creates narrative writing 

LA.B.2.2.6 Creates expository writing 

 

Listening, Viewing, Speaking 

LA.C.1.2.1 Responds to a variety of oral presentations 

LA.C.1.2.2 Identifies personal listening preferences regarding various literary forms 

LA.C.1.2.3 Interacts with others in  various situations to develop & present ideas 

LA.C.1.2.4 Listens attentively to the speaker 

LA.C.1.2.5 Responds to speakers by asking questions & making remarks 

LA.C.2.2.1 Identifies main idea/supporting details in nonprint media message 

LA.C.2.2.2 Recognizes/responds to nonverbal cues used in various nonprint media 

LA.C.3.2.1 Speaks clearly at an understandable rate & uses appropriate volume 

LA.C.3.2.2 Asks questions to clarify understanding of content & processes 

LA.C.3.2.3 Speaks effectively for various occasions/audiences/purposes 

LA.C.3.2.4 Uses eye contact & gestures that engage the audience 

LA.C.3.2.5 Participates as contributor & occasionally as a leader in group discussion 

LA.C.3.2.6 Organizes a speech using a basic beginning, middle, & ending 

Language 

LA.D.1.2.1 Understands that there are patterns & rules in the English language 

LA.D.1.2.2 Understands that language formality varies according to situations & audiences 

LA.D.2.2.1 Understands that word choices can shape reactions, perceptions, & beliefs 

LA.D.2.2.2 Identifies & refers to literary techniques in oral & written texts 

LA.D.2.2.3 Recognizes techniques used in media messages to influence choices 

LA.D.2.2.4 Selects & uses a variety of technology to enhance communication 

LA.D.2.2.5 Understands that a variety of messages can be conveyed through mass media 

 

Literature 

LA.E.1.2.1 Distinguishes between forms of literature 

LA.E.1.2.2 Identifies story sequence, problem, resolution 

LA.E.1.2.3 Compares/contrasts characters, settings, events 

LA.E.1.2.4 Listens to & discusses stories that reflect different attitudes 

LA.E.1.2.5 Identifies/uses various literary techniques & terms appropriate to grade level 

LA.E.2.2.1 Recognizes/describes cause-&-effect relationships 

LA.E.2.2.2 Recognizes/discusses effects of language & story structure in children’s text 

LA.E.2.2.3 Tells how motives of characters & causes of events compare with those in own life 

LA.E.2.2.4 Identifies major theme in a text 

LA.E.2.2.5 Forms own ideas from reading & uses information from text to support these ideas 

 

Mathematics - Grade Level Benchmarks 

Number Sense, Concepts, & Operations 

MA.A.1.2.1 Names whole numbers combining three digit numeration and the use of a period 

MA.A.1.2.2 Determines the relative size of whole numbers less than 1000 using language experience, 

manipulatives, and number lines 

MA.A.1.2.3 Translates relevant problem situations involving common fractions into diagrams or models 

MA.A.1.2.4 Represents equivalent forms of common fractions and decimals to tenths using models, number 

lines, and diagrams 

MA.A.2.2.1 Uses the place-value concepts of grouping based upon power of tens within the decimal  number 

system 

MA.A.2.2.2 Introduces and compares the decimal number system to the structure of the Roman numeral 

system 

MA.A.3.2.1a Understands and explains the effects of addition, subtraction, and multiplication, including 

inverse relationship of addition and subtraction 

MA.A.3.2.1b Solves problems which are based on repeated addition and array model of multiplication and the 

interpretations of division by building models, drawing diagrams, and acting out problems 

MA.A.3.2.2 Writes number sentences associated with addition, subtraction, multiplication and division by 

building models  

MA.A.3.2.3 Adds/subtracts and multiplies whole numbers using a variety of techniques 

MA.A.4.2.1 Introduced to estimating to determine reasonableness of an answer  

MA.A.5.2.1 Understands and applies basic number theory concepts, including factors and multiples 

 

Measurement 

MA.B.1.2.1 Measures and records time using appropriate calendar and clock to include minute intervals 

MA.B.1.2.2 Use whole numbers and common fractional parts of standard units to measure, length, weight , 

capacity/volume, and temperature  

MA.B.2.2.1 Uses direct measures to compare measurable characteristics 

MA.B.2.2.2 Selects and uses standards and non-standard units and instruments to measure real objects 

MA.B.3.2.1a Estimates length, weight capacity/volume, and temperature in whole standard units and uses 

appropriate instruments to verify the estimate 

MA.B.3.2.1b Solves real-world consumer problems involving estimates of change of bills and coins needed 

using drawings and play money 

MA.B.4.2.1 Determines which units of measurement to use to answer real-world problems 

MA.B.4.2.2 Selects and uses appropriate tools to measure length, weight, capacity/volume and temperature 

 

Geometry & Spatial Sense 

MA.C.1.2.1a Recognizes and names two- and three-dimensional figures in various orientations  

MA.C.1.2.1b Draws common two-dimensional figures 

MA.C.1.2.1c Builds models of three-dimensional figures 

MA.C.2.2.1 Draws two-dimensional figures that are symmetrical , congruent, and similar 

MA.C.2.2.2 Predicts the results of geometrical transformations and verifies 

MA.C.3.2.1 Classifies real-world objects as squares, rectangles, triangles, circles, cubes, rectangular solids, 

spheres, cylinders, and pyramids to help solve mathematical real–world problems 

MA.C.3.2.2 Uses objects and acting out to graph ordered pairs of whole numbers on a rectangular grid 

 

Mathematics – Grade Level Benchmarks (continued) 

Algebraic Thinking 

MA.D.1.2.1 Describes number/geometric patterns through models such as manipulative, tables and graphs 

MA.D.2.2.1 Writes an equation using variables that correspond to a given real-world problem 

MA.D.2.2.2 Uses physical objects and numerical situations to show the meaning of equality and inequality 

and uses the appropriate symbolism 

 

Data Analysis & Probability 

MA.E.1.2.1a Collects and classifies data from real-world problems 

MA.E.1.2.1b Constructs tables, graphs, and plots using both discrete and continuos measurements and 

interprets orally and in writing 

MA.E.1.2.2 Determines the range, mean, median, and mode from sets of data gathered from student activities 

MA.E.1.2.3 Describes conclusions drawn from data, graphs, or plots 

MA.E.2.2.1 Uses models to display possible outcomes & to predict events 

MA.E.2.2.2 Explores certain and impossible events 

MA.E.3.2.1 Poses simple questions or hypotheses, collects appropriate data, and communicates results using 

a graph or plot 

MA.E.3.2.2 Uses statistical information to make valid generalizations 

 

Science – 3-5 Standards 

The Nature of Matter 

1. Understands that all matter has observable, measurable properties 

2. Understands the basic principles of atomic theory 

Energy 

1. Recognizes that energy may be changed in form with varying efficiency 

2. Understands the interaction of matter and energy 

Force & Motion 

1. Understands that types of motion may be described, measured, and predicted 

2. Understands that the types of force that act on an object and the effect of that force can be described, 

measured, and predicted 

Processes that Shape the Earth 

1. Recognizes that processes in the lithosphere, atmosphere, hydrosphere, and biosphere interact to shape  

 the Earth 

2. Understands the need for protection of the natural systems on Earth 

Earth & Space 

1. Understands the interaction and organization in the Solar System and the universe and how  

 this affects life on Earth 

2. Recognizes the vastness of the universe and the Earth’s place in it 

Processes of Life 

1. Describes patterns of structure and function in living things 

2. Understands the process and importance of genetic diversity 

How Living Things Interact with Their Environment 

1. Understands the competitive, interdependent, cyclic nature of living things in the environment 

2. Understands the consequences of using limited natural resources 

The Nature of Science 

1. Uses the scientific processes and habits of mind to solve problems 

2. Understands that most natural events occur in comprehensible, consistent patterns 

3. Understands that science, technology, and society are interwoven and interdependent 

 

 

Social Studies – 3-5 Standards 

Time, Continuity, & Change (History) 

1. Understands historical chronology & the historical perspective 

2. Understands the world from its beginning to the time of the Renaissance 

3. Understands Western & Eastern civilization since the Renaissance 

4. Understands U. S. history to 1880 

5. Understands U. S. history from 1880 to the present day 

6. Understands the history of Florida and its people 

 


People, Places, & Environment 

1. Understands the world in spatial terms 

2. Understands the interaction of people & the physical environment 

Government & the Citizen (Civics & Government) 

1. Understands structure, functions, & purposes of government & how principles & values of American 

 democracy are reflected in American constitutional government 

2. Understands the role of the citizen in American democracy  

Production, Distribution, & Consumption (Economics) 

1. Understands how scarcity requires individuals/institutions to choose how to use available resources 

2. Understands characteristics of different economic systems & institutions 

 

Health – 3-5 Standards 

Health Literacy 

1. Comprehends concepts related to health promotion & disease prevention 

2. Knows how to access valid health information & health-promoting products & services 

Responsible Health  Behavior 

1. Knows health-enhancing behaviors & how to reduce health risks 

2. Analyzes the influence of culture, media, technology, & other factors on health 

3. Knows how to use effective interpersonal communication skills that enhance health 

Advocate & Promote Healthy Living 

1. Knows how to use goal-setting & decision-making skills that enhance health 

2. Knows how to advocate for personal, family, & community health 

 

Physical Education – 3-5 Standards 

Physical Education Literacy 

1. Demonstrates competency in many movement forms & proficiency in a few forms of physical activity 

2. Applies concepts/principles of human movement to development of motor skills & learning of new skills 

3. Analyzes the benefits of regular participation in physical activity 

Responsible Physical Activity Behaviors 

1. Achieves & maintains a health-enhancing level of physical fitness 

2. Demonstrates responsible personal & social behavior in physical activity 

Advocate & Promote Physically Active Lifestyles 

1. Understands how participating in physical activity promotes inclusion & an understanding of the abilities 

 & cultural diversity of people 

2. Understands that physical activity provides the opportunity for enjoyment, challenge, self-expression, 

 & communication 

 

The Arts – 3-5 Strands 

Dance:  Skills & Techniques   Theatre:  Skills & Techniques 

Dance:  Creation & Communication  Theatre:  Creation & Communication 

Dance:  Cultural & Historical Connections Theatre:  Cultural & Historical Connections 

Dance:  Aesthetic & Critical Analysis  Theatre:  Aesthetic & Critical Analysis 

Dance:  Applications to Life   Theatre:  Applications to Life 

 

Music:  Skills & Techniques   Visual Arts:  Skills & Techniques 

Music:  Creation & Communication  Visual Arts:  Creation & Communication 

Music:  Cultural & Historical Connection  Visual Arts:  Cultural & Historical Connections 

Music:  Aesthetic & Critical Analysis  Visual Arts:  Aesthetic & Critical Analysis 

Music:  Applications to Life   Visual Arts:  Applications to Life 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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