CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.3.1a

ELA3rd GradeConventions of Standard English

The Standard

Explain the function of nouns, pronouns, verbs, adjectives, and adverbs in general and their functions in particular sentences.

Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts

What This Standard Means

Students need to name the main parts of speech and explain what each one does. They should know that nouns name people, places, things, or ideas. Pronouns take the place of nouns. Verbs show actions or states of being. Adjectives describe nouns. Adverbs describe verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs.

Mastery means students can point to a word in a real sentence and say its job, not just recite a definition. Common trouble spots are adverbs, linking verbs like is and was, and words that change jobs depending on the sentence, like light or run.

Ways to Teach It

Hands-on: Give pairs sentence strips and color sticky notes to label each noun, pronoun, verb, adjective, and adverb.
Writing prompt: Write one sentence about recess, then explain the job of five words you used.
Quick assessment: Display one sentence and ask students to circle a verb, underline an adjective, and explain one word’s function.
Real-world connection: Use a lunch menu and have students identify nouns, adjectives, and verbs in item names and descriptions.