Language Arts: Learning to read and write is the basis for all learning. At Third grade the aim is to develop the child’s ability to express him/herself in fluent, confident and accurate English within an integrated program of speaking and listening, reading and writing. Teachers will encourage children to develop an enjoyment of language and literature, thus acquiring the proper skills to become lifelong readers and writers, such as self-selection of books, and self-monitoring to correct errors when reading and writing. Third graders are expected to listen to and write about a variety of literary forms, such as stories and poems, and a variety of fiction and nonfiction genres. Children are expected to discuss various literary and nonliterary elements, such as characters, setting, theme, main idea and supporting details, summarizing, paraphrasing, inference, and cause-effect relationship, relate experiences, and retell stories.