Opal Workbook
Inside the Curriculum
The relevant sample is below the explanation.
Go back to the main page for 3rd Grade (Opal) or to the Curriculum Overview.
The six workbook pages corresponding to each selection assist the third grader in developing important skills in vocabulary, comprehension, writing, and abstract reasoning. Opal has vocabulary exercises in the form of word games and puzzles. In addition to two vocabulary activities for each prose selection, the workbook includes language arts skills activities, writing activities, and graphic organizers.
Vocabulary Exercise One
Vocabulary Exercise One allows students to apply their new words immediately. The sentences in the exercise may tell a prose story, create a poem, or teach a lesson about language—and the student tells the story by filling in the correct word. This is the Mosdos Press method of learning with a smile.
Vocabulary Exercise Two
Vocabulary Exercise Two asks for synonyms and antonyms; gives practice with identifying parts of speech; and helps students grasp the fine points of new vocabulary with choose-the-sentence exercises, as well as exercises asking them to group and categorize words. Exercise Two also offers several lessons in word comparisons—the most significant and popular test of vocabulary and analytic ability on standardized tests.
More About the Story
The More About the Story workbook page offers young writers a creative writing experience. A story-starter paragraph provides the student with a thoughtful prompt thematically linked to the selection.
Language Arts Activity
The Language Arts Activity page offers practice with the language arts skill focused on in the selection. Activities are created to help students recognize the narrative elements, explore point of view, understand figurative language, and make predictions that will reinforce the skills taught in the textbook. These language arts skills and many others will give the student the opportunity to gain proficiency with the third grade learning components that are an integral part of the Common Core State Standards.
Graphic Organizers
Graphic Organizers help develop critical thinking skills and strategies. Opal’s workbook includes a two-page Graphic Organizer for each prose selection. Tied thematically to the selection, this activity often emphasizes the main idea, reinforces an important language arts skill, and gives the student the opportunity to think about their reading visually. These visual representations help the student organize, interpret, and understand material.