Third Grade Reading Skills Checklist with Orton Gillingham Support

Here is a checklist tailored for third grade reading with an Orton Gillingham and structured literacy focus:

Reading Skills Checklist for Third Grade Level

Area 1: Developing (Skills beginning to emerge)

• [ ] Recognizes and decodes one-syllable words using common phonics patterns (e.g., CVC, CVCE)
• [ ] Applies multisensory strategies to blend sounds into words
• [ ] Identifies short and long vowel sounds in unfamiliar words
• [ ] Recognizes common consonant digraphs (ch, sh, th, wh)
• [ ] Begins to decode two-syllable words with basic syllable types (closed, open syllables)
• [ ] Demonstrates phonemic awareness in segmenting and blending sounds
• [ ] Uses context clues to support word recognition

Area 2: Emerging (Skills becoming consistent with some independence)

• [ ] Accurately decodes multi-syllabic words using syllable division rules (closed, open, vowel-consonant-e, vowel teams)
• [ ] Reads grade-level high-frequency words and irregular sight words fluently
• [ ] Identifies and reads common prefixes and suffixes (un-, re-, -ing, -ed)
• [ ] Uses morphology knowledge (roots and affixes) to determine word meaning
• [ ] Begins applying prosody and expression when reading aloud
• [ ] Reads aloud with improved fluency and decreased hesitations
• [ ] Monitors comprehension and self-corrects misread words

Area 3: Mastered (Skills demonstrating proficiency)

• [ ] Reads grade-level texts fluently with appropriate speed, accuracy, and expression
• [ ] Applies decoding strategies automatically and independently for unfamiliar words
• [ ] Uses structural analysis (prefixes, suffixes, roots) to read and understand complex words
• [ ] Demonstrates strong phonemic awareness through manipulatives or oral exercises as needed
• [ ] Recognizes and understands homophones, homographs, and multiple-meaning words
• [ ] Comprehends grade-level texts, asking and answering questions about key details and vocabulary
• [ ] Reads silently with good comprehension and retention

This checklist can be used by the Orton Gillingham instructor to track Rebecca's progress, providing clear goals that align with third grade reading expectations, while also accommodating the multisensory and phonics-based emphasis of her instruction. Would you like a version that includes sample activities or materials for each skill area?