Reading Stories on Your Own
Aligned to RL.3.10 — Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts.

What this lesson teaches
Reading grade-level stories, poems, and plays by yourself builds your skills. When a part is tricky, slow down and reread it.
Worked examples
Example 1
If a poem uses the word 'gleaming' and you are unsure, reread the lines around it — 'the gleaming, shiny star' shows it means bright.
Example 2
If a story uses 'reluctantly' and you are unsure, read on — 'reluctantly, he handed over the ball he had wanted all day' shows it means unwillingly.
Example 3
A book slightly too hard for you is where reading gets better. A book you understand with no effort is practice, not growth.
Practice questions
- Read a short story on your own and retell it.
- Reread one tricky part and explain what it means.
- Pick a poem and read it smoothly a second time.
Watch the lesson
Every lesson comes with a video taught in English and Spanish — the same video the QR code in the printed workbook opens.
▶ Watch this lessonEn español
Leer Cuentos por Tu Cuenta
Leer cuentos, poemas y obras de tu grado por tu cuenta mejora tus habilidades. Cuando una parte sea difícil, ve más despacio y vuelve a leerla.
Ejemplo 1: Si un poema usa la palabra 'reluciente' y no estás seguro, vuelve a leer las líneas alrededor — 'la reluciente y brillante estrella' muestra que da mucha luz.
Ejemplo 2: Si un cuento usa 'a regañadientes' y no estás seguro, sigue leyendo — 'a regañadientes entregó la pelota que había querido todo el día' muestra que significa sin ganas.
Ejemplo 3: Un libro un poco difícil para ti es donde la lectura mejora. Un libro que entiendes sin esfuerzo es práctica, no crecimiento.
More Reading: Literature lessons
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