English Language Arts Test

What is ELA?

The English Language Arts Test was developed as a result of the New York State Board of Regents setting higher standards at all grade levels for all students. The ELA will test basic skills but the student will also have to apply the knowledge and skills they have learned.

The Third Grade ELA test has two sections.

• Reading Comprehension- will test both literary (fiction) pieces and informational (non-fiction) pieces. Grade 4 will have more literary pieces.
• Listening/ Writing Skills- Students will have to demonstrate his/her ability to listen to a passage, take notes, and answer questions. There will be one short response and one extended response.

How can I help prepare my child for the ELA Test?

1. Encourage your children to read! Read to them and read with them. Read more non-fiction especially animal stories and children's magazines.
2. Start a serious journal and encourage daily entries- in complete sentences. Correct spelling, grammar, capitals, and punctuation are needed.
3. Plan a trip/party/activity in writing. List items needed, write invitations, how long event will last, what is needed, etc.
4. Allow your child to make a shopping list and join you at the supermarket.
5. Write sequential directions for making brownies, cookies, crafts, etc. and help them understand the importance of following directions.
6. Keep a journal while on vacation, integrate writing and math. How far did we travel? How long did it take? How much money did we spend on gas(Ouch)? Hotels? Food?
7. Share a news item and have your child write a news report about it.
8. Read together and stop at a cliffhanger. Make a prediction and ask for supporting information.
9. Analyze a television ad. Write down the facts and opinions.
10. Help your child read a map, road sign, and or license plate(vanity).
11. Compare and contrast stories, television shows, commercials, different versions of the same book or the television version of a book.
12. Watch a television show together. Discuss it. Have your child write a different ending to the show. Act it out.
13. Read folktales, tall tales, and fairytales. Discuss the moral or meaning of the message learned.
14. Encourage your child to read the newspaper. Have them do math problems or write about what they read. (Sport's scores, television times, article about current events.)