Launch
 
 

Literature Circle Lessons
 
 

Closure
 
 

Bibliography/References
 
 

Instructional Ideas & Extensions
 
 

Alignment to the North Carolina Standard Course of Study 

Comtetency Goal 1: The learner will apply enabling strategies and skills to read and write. 

                                     1.03 Integrate prior experiences and all      sources of
                                     nformation in the text (graphophonic, syntactic, and
                                     semantic) when reading orally and silently.

                                     1.04 Increase sight vocabulary, reading vocabulary, and
                                     writing vocabulary through:
                                          wide reading. 
                                          word study. 
                                          listening. 
                                          discussion. 
                                          book talks. 
                                          book clubs. 
                                          seminars. 
                                          viewing. 
                                          role play. 
                                          studying author’s craft. 

                                      1.05 Use word reference materials (e.g., dictionary,
                                     glossary) to confirm decoding skills, verify spelling, and
                                     extend meanings of words.

                                      1.06 Read independently daily from self-selected
                                     materials (consistent with the student’s independent
                                     reading level) to:

                                          increase fluency. 
                                          build background knowledge. 
                                          extend vocabulary. 

Competency Goal 2: The learner will apply strategies and skills to comprehend text that is read, heard, and viewed.
                                      2.01 Use metacognitive strategies to comprehend text
                                     (e.g., reread, read ahead, ask for help, adjust reading
                                     speed, question, paraphrase, retell).

                                     2.02 Interact with the text before, during, and after
                                     reading, listening, or viewing by:

                                          setting a purpose. 
                                          previewing the text. 
                                          making predictions. 
                                          asking questions. 
                                          locating information for specific purposes. 
                                          making connections. 
                                          using story structure and text organization to
                                          comprehend. 

                                     2.03 Read a variety of texts, including: 

                                          fiction (short stories, novels, fantasies, fairy tales,
                                          fables). 
                                          nonfiction (biographies, letters, articles,
                                          procedures and instructions, charts, maps). 
                                          poetry (proverbs, riddles, limericks, simple
                                          poems). 
                                          drama (skits, plays). 

                                     2.04 Identify and interpret elements of fiction and
                                     nonfiction and support by referencing the text to
                                     determine the: 

                                          author’s purpose. 
                                          plot. 
                                          conflict. 
                                          sequence. 
                                          resolution. 
                                          lesson and/or message. 
                                          main idea and supporting details. 
                                          cause and effect. 
                                          fact and opinion. 
                                          point of view (author and character). 
                                          author’s use of figurative language (e.g., simile,
                                          metaphor, imagery). 

                                     2.05 Draw conclusions, make generalizations, and
                                     gather support by referencing the text.

                                     2.06 Summarize main idea(s) from written or spoken
                                     texts using succinct language.

                                     2.07 Explain choice of reading materials congruent        with
                                     purposes (e.g., solving problems, making decisions).

                                     2.08 Listen actively by:

                                          facing the speaker. 
                                          making eye contact. 
                                          asking questions to clarify the message. 
                                          asking questions to gain additional information
                                          and ideas. 

Competency Goal 3:The learner will make connections through the use of oral language, written language, and media and technology. 
                                   3.01 Respond to fiction, nonfiction, poetry, and drama
                                     using interpretive, critical, and evaluative processes by:

                                          considering the differences among genres. 
                                          relating plot, setting, and characters to own
                                          experiences and ideas. 
                                          considering main character’s point of view. 
                                          participating in creative interpretations. 
                                          making inferences and drawing conclusions about
                                          characters and events. 
                                          reflecting on learning, gaining new insights, and
                                          identifying areas for further study. 

                                     3.02 Identify and discuss similarities and differences in
                                     events and characters within and across selections and
                                     support them by referencing the text.

                                     3.03 Use text and own experiences to verify facts,
                                     concepts, and ideas.

Competency Goal 4:The learner will apply strategies and skills to create oral, written, and visual texts.
                                    4.01 Read aloud grade-appropriate text with fluency,
                                     comprehension, and expression.

                                     4.02 Use oral and written language to:

                                          present information in a sequenced, logical
                                          manner. 
                                          discuss. 
                                          sustain conversation on a topic. 
                                          share information and ideas. 
                                          recount or narrate. 
                                          answer open-ended questions. 
                                          report information on a topic. 
                                          explain own learning. 

                                     4.03 Share written and oral products in a variety of
                                     ways (e.g., author’s chair, book making, publications,
                                     discussions, presentations).

                                     4.04 Use planning strategies (with assistance) to
                                     generate topics and to organize ideas (e.g., drawing,
                                     mapping, discussing, listing).

                                     4.05 Identify (with assistance) the purpose, the
                                     audience, and the appropriate form for the oral or
                                     written task.

                                     4.06 Compose a draft that conveys major ideas and
                                     maintains focus on the topic by using preliminary plans.

                                     4.07 Compose a variety of fiction, nonfiction, poetry,
                                     and drama selections using self-selected topics and
                                     forms (e.g., poems, simple narratives, short reports,
                                     learning logs, letters, notes, directions, instructions).

                                     4.08 Focus reflection and revision (with assistance) on
                                     target elements by:

                                          clarifying ideas. 
                                          adding descriptive words and phrases. 
                                          sequencing events and ideas. 
                                          combining short, related sentences. 
                                          strengthening word choice. 

                                     4.09 Produce work that follows the conventions of
                                     particular genres (e.g., personal narrative, short report,
                                     friendly letter, directions and instructions).

                                     4.10 Explore technology as a tool to create a written
                                     product.

Competency Goal 5: The learner will apply grammar and language conventions to communicate effectively.
                                    5.01 Use correct capitalization (e.g., geographical place
                                     names, holidays, special events, titles) and punctuation
                                     (e.g., commas in greetings, dates, city and state;
                                     underlining book titles; periods after initials and
                                     abbreviated titles; apostrophes in contractions).

                                     5.02 Use correct subject/verb agreement. 

                                     5.03 Demonstrate understanding by using a variety of
                                     complete sentences (declarative, imperative,
                                     interrogative, and exclamatory) in writing and speaking.

                                     5.04 Compose two or more paragraphs with:

                                          topic sentences. 
                                          supporting details. 
                                          appropriate, logical sequence. 
                                          sufficient elaboration. 

                                     5.05 Use a number of strategies for spelling (e.g., sound
                                     patterns, visual patterns, silent letters, less common letter
                                     groupings). 

                                     5.06 Proofread own writing for spelling and correct
                                     most misspellings independently with reference to
                                     resources (e.g., dictionaries, glossaries, word walls).

                                     5.07 Edit (with assistance) to use conventions of written
                                     language and format.

                                     5.08 Create readable documents with legible
                                     handwriting.
Fourth Grade: North Carolina Standard Course of Study

Competency Goal 1: The learner will apply enabling strategies and skills to read and write. 
                                    1.01 Use word identification strategies appropriately
                                     and automatically when encountering unknown words
                                     (graphophonic, syntactic, semantic).

                                     1.02 Infer word meanings from taught roots, prefixes,
                                     and suffixes to decode words in text to assist
                                     comprehension.

                                     1.03 Identify key words and discover their meanings
                                     and relationships through a variety of strategies.

                                     1.04 Increase reading and writing vocabulary through:

                                          wide reading. 
                                          word study. 
                                          knowledge of homophones, synonyms, antonyms,
                                          homonyms. 
                                          knowledge of multiple meanings of words. 
                                          writing process elements. 
                                          writing as a tool for learning. 
                                          seminars. 
                                          book clubs. 
                                          discussions. 
                                          examining the author’s craft. 

                                     1.05 Use word reference materials (e.g., glossary,
                                     dictionary, thesaurus) to identify and comprehend
                                     unknown words.

                                     1.06 Read independently daily from self-selected
                                     materials (consistent with the student’s independent
                                     reading level) to:

                                          increase fluency. 
                                          build background knowledge. 
                                          expand vocabulary. 

Competency Goal 2: The learner will apply strategies and skills to comprehend text that is read, heard, and viewed. 
                                  2.01 Use metacognitive strategies to comprehend text
                                     and to clarify meaning of vocabulary (e.g., reread the
                                     text, consult other sources, ask for help, paraphrase,
                                     question).

                                     2.02 Interact with the text before, during, and after
                                     reading, listening, and viewing by:

                                          setting a purpose using prior knowledge and text
                                          information. 
                                          making predictions. 
                                          formulating questions. 
                                          locating relevant information. 
                                          making connections with previous experiences,
                                          information, and ideas. 

                                     2.03 Read a variety of texts, including: 

                                          fiction (legends, novels, folklore, science fiction). 
                                          nonfiction (autobiographies, informational books,
                                          diaries, journals). 
                                          poetry (concrete, haiku). 
                                          drama (skits, plays). 

                                     2.04 Identify and interpret elements of fiction and
                                     nonfiction and support by referencing the text to
                                     determine the:

                                          plot. 
                                          theme. 
                                          main idea and supporting details. 
                                          author’s choice of words. 

                                     2.05 Make inferences, draw conclusions, make
                                     generalizations, and support by referencing the text.

                                     2.06 Summarize major points from fiction and nonfiction
                                     text(s) to clarify and retain information and ideas.

Competency Goal 3: The learner will make connections with text through the use of oral language, written language, and media and technology.
                                    3.01 Respond to fiction, nonfiction, poetry, and drama
                                     using interpretive, critical, and evaluative processes by:

                                          analyzing the impact of authors’ word choice and
                                          context. 
                                          examining the reasons for characters’ actions. 
                                          identifying and examining characters’ motives. 
                                          considering a situation or problem from different
                                          characters’ points of view. 

                                     3.02 Analyze characters, events, and plots from
                                     different selections and cite supporting evidence.

                                     3.03 Consider the ways language and visuals bring
                                     characters to life, enhance plot development, and
                                     produce a response.

Competency Goal 4: The learner will apply strategies and skills to create oral, written, and visual texts. 
                                    4.01 Read aloud grade-appropriate text with fluency,
                                     comprehension, and expression demonstrating an
                                     awareness of volume and pace.

                                     4.02 Use oral and written language to:

                                          present information and ideas in a clear, concise
                                          manner. 
                                          discuss. 
                                          interview. 
                                          solve problems. 
                                          make decisions. 

                                     4.03 Make oral and written presentations using visual
                                     aids with an awareness of purpose and audience.

                                     4.04 Share self-selected texts from a variety of genres
                                     (e.g., poetry, letters, narratives, essays, presentations).

                                     4.05 Use planning strategies to generate topics and
                                     organize ideas (e.g., brainstorming, mapping, webbing,
                                     reading, discussion).

                                     4.06 Compose a draft that conveys major ideas and
                                     maintains focus on the topic with specific, relevant,
                                     supporting details by using preliminary plans.

                                     4.07 Compose fiction, nonfiction, poetry, and drama
                                     using self-selected and assigned topics and forms (e.g.,
                                     personal and imaginative narratives, research reports,
                                     diaries, journals, logs, rules, instructions).

                                     4.08 Focus revision on a specific element such as: 

                                          word choice. 
                                          sequence of events and ideas. 
                                          transitional words. 
                                          sentence patterns. 

                                     4.09 Produce work that follows the conventions of
                                     particular genres (e.g., personal and imaginative
                                     narrative, research reports, learning logs, letters of
                                     request, letters of complaint).

                                     4.10 Use technology as a tool to gather, organize, and
                                     present information. 

Competency Goal 5: The learner will apply grammar and language conventions to communicate effectively.
                                                                         5.01 Use correct capitalization (e.g., names of
                                     languages, nationalities, musical compositions) and
                                     punctuation (e.g., commas in a series, commas in direct
                                     address, commas and quotation marks in dialogue,
                                     apostrophes in possessives).

                                     5.02 Demonstrate understanding in speaking and writing
                                     by appropriate usage of: 

                                          pronouns. 
                                          subject/verb agreement. 
                                          verb tense consistency. 
                                          subject consistency. 

                                     5.03 Elaborate information and ideas in writing and
                                     speaking by using:

                                          simple and compound sentences. 
                                          regular and irregular verbs. 
                                          adverbs. 
                                          prepositions. 
                                          coordinating conjunctions. 

                                     5.04 Compose multiple paragraphs with:

                                          topic sentences. 
                                          specific, relevant details. 
                                          logical progression and movement of ideas. 
                                          coherence. 
                                          elaboration. 
                                          concluding statement related to the topic. 

                                     5.05 Use visual (orthography) and meaning-based
                                     strategies as primary sources for correct spelling. 

                                     5.06 Proofread and correct most misspellings
                                     independently with reference to resources (e.g.,
                                     dictionaries, thesauri, glossaries, computer spell-checks,
                                     and other classroom sources).

                                     5.07 Use established criteria to edit for language
                                     conventions and format.

                                     5.08 Demonstrate evidence of language cohesion by:

                                          logical sequence of fiction and nonfiction retells. 
                                          time order sequence of events. 
                                          sustaining conversations on a topic. 

                                     5.09 Create readable documents through legible
                                     handwriting and/or word processing.

Third Grade: Informational Skills
Compenteny Goal 1: The learner will EXPLORE sources and formats for reading, listening, and viewing purposes.
                                     1.01 Participate in read-aloud, storytelling, booktalking,
                                silent and voluntary reading experiences.

                                1.02 Demonstrate competence and self motivation as a
                                reader.

                                1.03 Demonstrate appropriate care of resources.

                                1.04. Acknowledge ownership of ideas.

                                1.05 Identify elements of composition.

                                1.06 Identify characteristics of various genres.

                                1.07 Follow acceptable use policy (AUP/IUP) for
                                electronic resources. 

                                1.08 Select and use independently, both within and
                                outside the school, a variety of resources (print,
                                non-print, electronic) and formats (print, graphical,
                                audio, video, multimedia).

                                1.09 Recognize that ideas are produced in a variety of
                                formats (print, graphical, audio, video, multimedia,
                                web-based). 

                                1.10 Identify characteristics and advantages of various
                                media formats (print, graphical, audio, video,
                                multimedia, web-based) for a specific task.

                                1.11 Explore primary and secondary sources.

Competency Goal 2: The learner will IDENTIFY and USE criteria for excellence to evaluate information and formats.
                                2.01 Identify published criteria of excellence for
                                resources.

                                2.02 Apply identified criteria to select resources.

                                2.03 Recognize the diversity of ideas and thoughts by
                                exploring a variety of resources (print, non-print,
                                electronic) and formats (print, graphical, audio, video,
                                multimedia, web-based).

                                2.04 Develop and express personal criteria for selecting
                                resources for information needs and enjoyment.

Competency Goal 3: The learner will RELATE ideas and information to life experiences.
                               3.01 Describe personal cultural heritage and
                                environment.

                                3.02 Collect and compare information about diverse
                                cultures, environments, and peoples.

                                3.03 Identify bias and stereotypes.

                                3.04 Relate cultural similarities and differences to
                                personal heritage and environments.

                                3.05 Describe how information and ideas are influenced
                                by prior knowledge, personal experience, and social,
                                cultural, political, economic, and historical events.

Competency Goal 4: The learner will EXPLORE and USE research processes to meet information needs.
                               4.01 Identify information needs and formulate questions
                                about those needs.
                               4.10 Evaluate the product.

Competency Goal 5: The learner will COMMUNICATE reading, listening, and viewing experiences.
                               5.01 Respond to reading, listening, viewing experiences
                                orally, artistically, dramatically, through various formats
                                (e.g., print, multimedia).

Fourth Grade: Informational Skills
Competency Goal 1: The learner will EXPLORE sources and formatsn for reading, listening, and viewing purposes.
                               1.01 Participate in read-aloud, storytelling, booktalking,
                                silent and voluntary reading experiences.

                                1.02 Demonstrate competence and self motivation as a
                                reader.

                                1.03 Demonstrate appropriate care of resources.

                                1.04 Acknowledge ownership of ideas.

                                1.05 Identify elements of composition.

                                1.06 Identify characteristics of various genres.

                                1.07 Follow acceptable use policy (AUP/IUP) for
                                electronic resources. 

                                1.08 Select and use independently, both within and
                                outside the school, a variety of resources (print,
                                non-print, electronic) and formats (print, graphical,
                                audio, video, multimedia) to extend content of resources
                                used.

                                1.09 Recognize that ideas are produced in a variety of
                                formats (print, graphical, audio, video, multimedia,
                                web-based). 

                                1.10 Identify characteristics and advantages of various
                                media formats (print, graphical, audio, video,
                                multimedia, web-based) for a specific task.

                                1.11 Explore primary and secondary sources.

Competency Goal 3: The learner will RELATE ideas and information to life experiences.
                                3.01 Describe personal cultural heritage and
                                environment.

                                3.02 Collect and compare information about diverse
                                cultures, environments, and peoples.

                                3.03 Identify bias and stereotypes.

                                3.04 Relate cultural similarities and differences to
                                personal heritage and environments.

Competency Goal 4: The learner will EXPLORE and USE research processes to meet information needs.
                                4.01 Identify information needs and formulate questions
                                about those needs.

                                4.02 Describe several research models.

                                4.03 Develop a search strategy which includes the
                                continuous evaluation of the research process and the
                                information gathered.

                                4.04 Follow acceptable use guidelines (AUP/IUP) in
                                accessing information.

                                4.05 Gather information.

                                4.06 Comply with the Copyright Law (P. L. 94-553).

                                4.07 Organize and use information.

                                4.08 Credit sources of information.

                                4.09 Present information in a variety of formats (print,
                                graphical, audio, video, multimedia).

                                4.10 Evaluate the product.