Virginia SOL 3.RL.3.A
The Standard
Set a purpose for reading by looking at the illustrations and activating prior (experience) and background (content) knowledge.
Virginia Standards of Learning for English · Integration of Concepts
Teacher's field guide
What This Standard Means
What Students Need to Do
- Students study illustrations before reading and connect visual clues to what they already know. They state a clear reason for reading, such as checking a prediction or answering a question.
What Mastery Looks Like
- A student names details from illustrations and explains a relevant connection. The student uses both to set a specific reading purpose, then checks whether the text met that purpose.
Common Misconceptions
- Students may only describe the picture without connecting it to what they know. They may share an unrelated personal memory or set a vague purpose such as "read the story."
How to Assess It
- Show one illustration from an unfamiliar book. Ask students to write one visual clue, one relevant connection, and one question they will read to answer.
Lesson moves
Ways to Teach It
Give pairs a wordless picture-book spread and sticky notes; students label three clues, one connection, and a purpose for reading.
Partners answer, "What does this illustration remind you of, and what question should we read to answer?"
Play Purpose Match: teams pair illustration cards with purpose cards, then defend each match using one visible clue and one known fact.
Compare previewing a story illustration with studying a movie poster; students explain how both shape expectations and goals.
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Printable 3.RL.3.A Worksheet
A ready-to-print activity worksheet aligned to 3.RL.3.A, with an answer key for the teacher on its own page. No account needed.
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Related Standards
- 2.RL.3.A
Set a purpose for reading by providing guiding questions, activating prior (experience) and background (content) knowledge.
- 1.RL.3.A
Set a purpose for reading by providing a guiding question, activating prior (experience) and background (content) knowledge.
- 5.RL.3.A
Set a purpose for reading by activating prior (experience) and background (content) knowledge.
- 4.RL.3.A
Set a purpose for reading by activating prior (experience) and background (content) knowledge.
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