The University of Iowa

Phonics and Word Recognition - Grade 3 Students

Decode and encode words by using advanced phonics patterns (RF.3.3; L.3.2)

  • Read and spell words with multiple sound-spelling patterns (e.g., eigh, ough)
  • Read and spell words with 3-4 syllables

Apply morphological knowledge (RF.3.3)

  • Read and spell words with the inflectional endings (-“ing,” “-er,” “-est”) that require changing the “y” to “i”"
  • Read and spell words with derivational suffixes that produce phonological shifts (e.g., “magic” → “magician,” “prefer” → “preference”)
  • Use word meaning and order in the sentence to confirm decoding efforts

Develop sight word knowledge (RF.3.3; L.3.2)

  • Read and spell grade-appropriate, high frequency irregular words (e.g., “thought,” “enough,” “sometimes”)