CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.3.1c

ELA3rd GradeComprehension and Collaboration

The Standard

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

Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts

What This Standard Means

Students need to listen closely during a partner, group, or class talk. They should ask questions when something is unclear, keep their comments connected to the topic, and respond to what another person just said instead of starting a new thread.

Mastery sounds like, “Can you explain what you mean by...?” or “I agree with Maya because...” Students can build a shared conversation, not just take turns talking. Common trouble spots are repeating an idea without adding anything, changing the subject, asking random questions, or answering before they have really listened.

Ways to Teach It

Give groups picture cards and have students discuss the best sequence, using sentence stems like “I want to ask...” and “I agree because...”
After a read-aloud, ask students to write one question for a classmate and one comment that connects to a classmate’s idea.
Use a checklist during partner talk: asked a question, stayed on topic, connected to partner’s comment.
Connect to playground problem-solving by role-playing how students can ask clarifying questions before responding to a friend’s complaint.