English Language Arts
Grade 3
15 min
Order alphabetically based on the first three letters
Order alphabetically based on the first three letters
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1
Introduction & Learning Objectives
Learning Objectives
Identify when it is necessary to look past the first letter to alphabetize words.
Compare the second letters of words when the first letters are the same.
Compare the third letters of words when the first two letters are the same.
Arrange a list of 3-5 words in correct alphabetical order by examining the first three letters.
Explain the step-by-step process for alphabetizing words that start with the same two letters.
Apply their knowledge to correctly place a new word into an already alphabetized list.
Have you ever tried to find a book in the library or a friend's name on a list and noticed many words start the same way? 🤔 Let's become detectives and learn the secret to sorting them!
Today, we will learn how to put words in alphabetical orde...
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Key Concepts & Vocabulary
TermDefinitionExample
Alphabetical OrderArranging words in the order of the alphabet, from A to Z.The words 'ant', 'bee', 'cat' are in alphabetical order.
First LetterThe very first letter at the beginning of a word.In the word 'happy', the first letter is 'h'.
Second LetterThe letter that comes right after the first letter in a word.In the word 'happy', the second letter is 'a'.
Third LetterThe letter that comes after the second letter in a word. This letter is our special focus today!In the word 'happy', the third letter is 'p'.
CompareTo look at two or more letters to see which one comes first in the alphabet.When we compare 'b' and 'd', we know 'b' comes first in the...
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Key Rules & Conventions
The Tie-Breaker Rule
If the first letters are the same, look at the second letters. If the second letters are also the same, look at the third letters.
Use this rule when you have a list of words that start with the same letter or letters. This rule helps you decide which word comes next.
The One-Letter-at-a-Time Rule
Check letters in order from left to right. Never skip a letter.
Always start with the first letter. Only move to the second letter if you have a tie. Only move to the third letter if you have another tie.
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Challenging
Which statement best explains the 'Tie-Breaker Rule'?
A.The longest word always wins the tie.
B.If letters are the same, you keep looking at the next letter to the right until you find one that's different.
C.If the first three letters are the same, the words are tied and cannot be sorted.
D.You pick your favorite word to break the tie.
Challenging
You have a sorted list: 'grind', 'grip', 'grit'. Which of these new words would be placed in the middle of the list?
A.grind
B.grisly
C.groan
D.grin
Challenging
Which word would come FIRST if you had to sort these three: 'clam', 'clamp', 'clank'?
A.clam
B.clamp
C.clank
D.They are all tied.
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