Supporting the Transition to Third Grade: Addressing Foundational Gaps
The jump to third grade is notoriously tough—any elementary educator can attest to that. As a former third-grade teacher and literacy specialist for Heggety, I’ve heard the same challenge echoed nationwide: students either lack mastery of foundational skills or struggle to apply them to more complex texts. Yet, few third-grade teachers receive training on how to bridge these gaps effectively.
While the shift to structured literacy has rightly focused on K–2, intermediate teachers must also be equipped to support students who arrive with unfinished learning. Professional development often prioritizes comprehension strategies, fostering a love of reading, or test prep—overlooking the critical need for foundational skill reinforcement. In today’s reality, many third graders need intentional, skill-specific support to read multisyllabic words, write with clarity, and access grade-level content.
Key Focus Areas for Professional Development
To empower third-grade teachers, PD should include:
Foundational Skills Refresher – A clear overview of phonics, fluency, and phonological awareness.
Assessment Tools – How to identify specific skill gaps efficiently.
Targeted Language – Frameworks for discussing gaps with students, families, and colleagues.
Small-Group Instruction – Models for differentiated, skills-based lessons.
Orthographic Knowledge – Strategies for teaching decoding and encoding of multisyllabic words, recognizing and leveraging morphemes, and word analysis.
Oral Language & Vocabulary – Linking speaking, decoding, and comprehension.
Third grade shouldn’t be a sink-or-swim year. By equipping teachers with structured literacy strategies for all learners—not just emerging readers—we can ensure students build confidence alongside competence. With the right professional learning plan, teachers can confidently address foundational gaps while keeping students engaged in grade-level content. If you’re looking to design PD that bridges structured literacy and intermediate-grade needs, I’d love to partner with you. Together, we can create tailored training, coaching, and resources to empower your team—and ensure every third grader thrives.
