This unit meets many of the English/Language Arts Competencies:
Competency Goal
1: The learner will apply enabling strategies and
skills to read and write.
1.02 Select key vocabulary critical to the text and
apply appropriate meanings as necessary for
comprehension.
1.03 Increase reading and writing vocabulary
through:
wide reading.
word study.
word reference materials.
content area study.
writing process elements.
writing as a tool.
debate.
discussions.
seminars.
examining the authorís craft.
1.04 Use word reference materials (e.g., glossary,
dictionary, thesaurus, on-line reference tools) to
identify and comprehend unknown words.
1.05 Read independently daily from self-selected
materials (consistent with the studentís independent
reading level) to:
increase fluency.
build background knowledge.
expand and refine 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 independently and
flexibly to monitor comprehension and extend
vocabulary (e.g., skim, scan, reread the text, consult
other sources, ask for help, summarize, paraphrase,
question).
2.02 Interact with the text before, during, and after
reading, listening, and viewing by:
making predictions.
formulating questions.
supporting answers from textual information,
previous experience, and/or other sources.
drawing on personal, literary, and cultural
understandings.
seeking additional information.
2.03 Read a variety of texts, such as:
fiction (tall tales, myths).
nonfiction (books of true experience,
newspaper and magazine articles, schedules).
poetry (narrative, lyric, and cinquains).
drama (plays and skits).
2.04
Identify elements of fiction and nonfiction and
support
by referencing the text to determine the:
plot development.
authorís choice of words.
effectiveness of figurative language (e.g.,
personification, flashback).
2.05
Evaluate inferences, conclusions, and
generalizations
and provide evidence by referencing
the
text(s).
2.06
Analyze choice of reading materials congruent
with
purposes (e.g., reading for information, reading
to
extend content area learning, reading for pleasure,
entertainment).
2.07
Evaluate the usefulness and quality of
information
and ideas based on purpose, experiences,
text(s),
and graphics.
2.09 Listen actively and critically by:
asking questions.
delving deeper into the topic.
elaborating on the information and ideas
presented.
evaluating information and ideas.
making inferences and drawing conclusions.
making judgments.
2.10
Identify strategies used by a speaker or writer to
inform,
entertain, or influence an audience.
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:
analyzing word choice and content.
examining reasons for a characterís actions,
taking into account the situation and basic
motivation of the character.
creating and presenting a product that
effectively demonstrates a personal response to
a selection or experience.
examining alternative perspectives.
3.02 Make connections between texts by recognizing
similarities and differences based on a common
lesson, theme, or message.
3.03 Justify evaluation of characters and events from
different selections by citing supporting evidence in
the text(s).
3.04 Make informed judgments about television,
radio, video/film productions, and other electronic
mediums and/or formats.
3.05 Integrate main idea and supporting details from
multiple sources to expand understanding of texts.
3.06 Conduct research (with assistance) from a
variety of sources for assigned or self-selected
projects (e.g., print and non-print texts, artifacts,
people, libraries, databases, computer networks).
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, expression, and personal style
demonstrating an awareness of volume, pace,
audience, and purpose.
4.02 Use oral and written language to:
formulate hypotheses.
evaluate information and ideas.
present and support arguments.
influence the thinking of others.
4.03 Make oral and written presentations to inform or
persuade selecting vocabulary for impact.
4.04 Select a self-evaluated composition for
publication and justify rationale for selection.
4.05 Use a variety of preliminary strategies to plan
and organize the writing and speaking task
considering purpose, audience, and timeline.
4.06 Compose a draft that elaborates on major ideas
and adheres to the topic by using an appropriate
organizational pattern that accomplishes the purpose
of the writing task and effectively communicates its
content.
4.07 Compose a variety of fiction, nonfiction, poetry,
and drama using self-selected topic and format (e.g.,
poetry, research reports, news articles, letters to the
editor, business letters).
4.08 Focus revision on target elements by:
improving word choice.
rearranging text for clarity.
creating simple and/or complex sentences for
clarity or impact.
developing a lead, characters, or mood.
4.09 Produce work that follows the conventions of
particular genres (e.g., clarification, essay, feature
story, business letter).
4.10 Use technology as a tool to enhance and/or
publish a product.