Unit Plan 20 (Grade 3 Library): Using Print, Audio, and Digital Sources

Focus: Help students explore how print, audio, and digital sources support learning in different ways. Students use more than one format on the same topic, notice the different features each one offers, and reflect on how format choice can affect understanding. The unit also emphasizes safe, responsible use of tools and materials and respectful participation during discussion and sharing.

Grade Level: 3

Subject Area: Library (Formats/Media • Inquiry • Responsible Use)

Total Unit Duration: 1–3 weeks, 50–60 minutes per session

I. Introduction

This unit helps Grade 3 students explore an important idea in a modern library: information and stories can come through more than one format. A student might read a print book, listen to an audio version, or use a simple digital source to learn about the same topic in different ways. The librarian models how each format has useful features and how readers can think carefully about what each one helps them do best. Students also practice safe, respectful use of books, devices, headphones, and shared spaces while discussing how format choice affects learning. This is realistic for Grade 3 because students are increasingly ready to compare learning tools and think about how different formats support reading, listening, and inquiry.

Essential Questions

• How do print, audio, and digital sources help readers and learners in different ways?
• What features does each format offer that can support understanding?
• Why is it important to use books, tools, technology, and shared spaces responsibly?
• How can respectful discussion help us compare which format works best for different purposes?

II. Objectives and Standards

Learning Objectives — Students will be able to:

1. Try new genres, formats, tools, and media with curiosity and a willingness to grow as a reader and learner.
2. Use books, technology, materials, and shared spaces safely, responsibly, and respectfully.
3. Participate respectfully in reading, listening, discussing, viewing, creating, and sharing in the library.
4. Compare how print, audio, and digital sources support learning in different ways.
5. Explain which features of each format were most helpful for a specific task or topic.
6. (Optional Sessions) Strengthen format comparison skills through repeated use of print, audio, and digital sources and more detailed reflection on how each one supports learning.

Standards Alignment — 3rd Grade (AASL-based Custom)

• L:S5.3b — Try new genres, formats, tools, and media with curiosity and a willingness to grow as a reader and learner.
  • Example: A student reads poetry or uses a digital encyclopedia even though it is not their usual choice.
• L:S6.3b — Use books, technology, materials, and shared spaces safely, responsibly, and respectfully.
  • Example: A student handles devices and headphones carefully, uses search tools appropriately, and leaves workspaces ready for the next group.
• L:S6.3c — Participate respectfully in reading, listening, discussing, viewing, creating, and sharing in the library.
  • Example: A student listens to others during discussion, contributes appropriately, and shares work in a respectful way.

Success Criteria — Student Language

• I can use print, audio, and digital sources to learn about a topic.
• I can explain how each format helps me in a different way.
• I can use books, devices, headphones, and shared spaces responsibly.
• I can listen and respond respectfully when others share their ideas about different formats.
• I can reflect on which format worked best for a certain purpose and why.