Back to Language Arts Page STATE GOAL #1 READ WITH UNDERSTANDING AND FLUENCY
This goal is important because reading is essential. By reading we gain information and ideas from books, magazines, manuals, letters, contracts, advertisements and other materials. Using strategies for understanding meaning before, during and after reading will help students connect what they read now with what they have learned in the past.
A. Apply word analysis and vocabulary skills to comprehend selections.
I can use phonics and word patterns to recognize new words. I can use the other words in the sentence to help me understand words that I don’t know and I can also figure out words using synonyms and antonyms. I can check to see if I am right by using dictionaries and glossaries.
B. Apply reading strategies to improve understanding and fluency.
I know the purpose for reading. I can make predictions, ask questions, connect the reading material to past experiences and extend the meaning of the reading selection. I can identify the structure of text (compare/contrast, description, cause/effect and sequence) to help me understand the meaning of what I am reading. I know whether a reading selection is fiction, nonfiction or poetry. I can continuously check for understanding by re-reading, reading ahead, checking for visual clues, retelling and asking questions. I can read appropriate material aloud with good fluency.
C. Comprehend a broad range of reading materials.
I can use information to form questions and predictions about what I am reading. I can identify important themes and topics and also make predictions about them. I can make comparisons about the content of what I am reading. I can summarize and make generalizations about the content of what I am reading. I can explain how the illustrators and authors use art and words to express their ideas and points of view. I can use tables, maps and charts to obtain information.
STATE GOAL #2 READ AND UNDERSTAND LITERATURE REPRESENTATIVE OF VARIOUS SOCIETIES, ERAS, AND IDEAS
Literature transmits ideas, reflects societies and eras and expresses the human imagination. Appreciating literature and recognizing its many forms enables students to learn and to respond to ideas, issues, perspectives and actions of others. By exploring the techniques that authors use to convey messages, students connect literature to their own lives and experiences.
I can identify the theme, setting, plot and characters within my a literary selection. I can tell you if a literary work is fiction, nonfiction, historical fiction, narrative, fantasy or biography. I can describe the difference between prose and poetry.
A. Understand how literary elements and techniques are used to convey meaning.
B. Read and interpret a variety of literary works.
I can make inferences, draw conclusions, and compare literary material to my own experiences. I can identify common themes in literature from a variety of eras. I can relate character, setting and plots of literary works to current and historical events and people.
STATE GOAL #3 WRITE TO COMMUNICATE FOR A VARIETY OF PURPOSES
The ability to write clearly is essential to any person's effective communications. Clear writing is essential to employment and production in today's world. Individuals must be capable of writing for a variety of audiences in differing styles. Students should be able to use word processors and computers to enhance their writing and improve their career opportunities.
A. Use correct grammar, spelling, punctuation, capitalization and structure.
B. Compose well-organized and coherent writing for specific purposes and audiences.
C. Communicate ideas in writing to accomplish a variety of purposes.
STATE GOAL #4 LISTEN AND SPEAK EFFECTIVELY IN A VARIETY OF SITUATIONS
Of all of the Language Arts, listening and speaking of used most often in our daily lives. Good speaking and listening skills are essential in sending, receiving and understanding messages. Grammar, tone, sentence structure, expression and emphasis must be included while speaking in order to communicate effectively. To understand messages spoken, students must be able to listen carefully.
A. Listen effectively in formal and informal situations.
B. Speak effectively using language appropriate to the situation and audience.
STATE GOAL #5 USE THE LANGUAGE ARTS TO ACQUIRE, ASSESS AND COMMUNICATE INFORMATION
To be successful in school and the world of work, students must be able to access and use a variety of informational resources. They must be able to ask important questions, identify and organize information and facts, and communicate it effectively in a variety of ways. These skills are not only critical to school success, but also key to successful career and life-long learning experiences.
A. Locate, organize and use information from various sources to answer questions, solve problems and communicate ideas.
B. Analyze and evaluate information acquired from various sources.
I can write for a variety of purposes including description, information, explanation, persuasion, and narration. Using available technology, I can create compositions that are fun and informative.