Kindergarten

·        Understand basic concepts of print

·        Left to right progression

·        Letter vs. word

·        Word by word matching

·        Meaning of basic punctuation

·        Parts of a book
(cover, back cover & title page)

·        Read familiar texts from memory

·        Retell simple picture stories

·        Identify the components of a story (characters, setting, and main idea)

·        Analyze reading selections to draw conclusions, make inferences and
develop predictions

·        Discriminate between fact and fantasy

·        Develop an awareness of at least three different types of genre

·        Identify all upper and lower case letters

·        Identify all consonant sounds

·        Recognize rhyming words and patterns of rhyming words

·        Recognize some words by sight

·        Demonstrate the ability to use oral and written communication

·        Use temporary spelling to convey
written ideas

·        Write first and last name

·        Write all upper and lower case letters from a teacher copy

·        Listen attentively

·        Follow oral directions

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First Grade

·        Read grade appropriate texts with fluency and expression

·        Comprehend using a variety of strategies

·        Use multiple strategies for word recognition

·        Sequence and retell events from stories that are read/heard

·        Understand the elements of a story
(characters, setting, and main idea)

·        Compare personal experiences to elements of a selection

·        Analyze reading selections to draw conclusions, make inferences and develop predictions

·        Contrast selections as fiction or non-fiction

·        Synthesize knowledge of a genre

·        Recognize sight words in and out of context

·        Identify all consonant and vowel sounds

·        Manipulate letters/sounds to change words (i.e. cow to how)

·        Demonstrate the ability to use and follow oral and written communication

·        Begin to mimic an author’s voice

·        Use temporary spelling and grade appropriate common spelling to convey written ideas

·        Use complete sentences to convey ideas

·        Share an original piece of writing with an audience

·        Begin to use punctuation and capitalization

·        Begin to use a simple checklist to improve writing

·        Revise and edit a simple sentence

·        Write all upper and lower case letters from memory

·        Listen attentively

·        Follow oral directions

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Second Grade

·        Evaluate critical attributes of diverse literature

·        Analyze story elements (characters, setting and main idea)

·        Use titles, table of contents and chapter headings to locate information

·        Analyze reading selection to draw conclusions

·        Sequence and retell events/facts from texts that are read

·        Recognize cause and effect in text

·        Draw conclusions/make inferences/develop predictions and support them with textual information

·        Read fluently and with appropriate inflection

·        Use a variety of strategies to identify unknown words (context, phonics, syntax)

·        Question whether what has been read makes sense

·        Read silently without finger or lip movement

·        Begin to use a grade appropriate dictionary

·        Follow written and oral communications

·        Begin to develop an awareness of simple story structures and author’s voice

·        Use sentences to convey ideas

·        Produce a narrative with beginning, middle and end

·        Write non-fiction pieces, such as letters, procedures and reports

·        Use graphic organizers to assist with planning writing

·        Revise (i.e. elaboration) and edit original writing

·        Use correct end point punctuation

·        Apply basic rules for capitalization

·        Use a simple checklist to improve elements of writing

·        Share an original piece of writing with an audience

·        Participate with peers to comment on and react to each other’s writing

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Third Grade

·         Recognize and appreciate various forms of literature

·         Read for enjoyment and information

·         Read longer text and chapter books independently and silently

·         Read aloud with proper phrasing, inflection and intonation

·         Utilize the following reading skills – draw conclusions, make inferences, identify theme/main idea/message and supporting details, cause and effect, sequencing, word analysis cues and word structure

·         Compare and contrast story elements’

·         Respond to literature and make personal connections

·         Use a variety of strategies to identify and determine meaning of unknown words (context, phonics, syntax)

·         Question whether what has been read makes sense

·         Use a glossary or index to locate information

·         Maintain and expand personal vocabulary

·         Engage in the writing process:  – brainstorming, drafting, revising, editing, responding and publishing

·         Incorporate reading and writing for different purposes (i.e. – paragraph writing, summarizing, creative and expository writing)

·         Use graphic organizers to assist with planning writing

·         Identify and apply parts of speech and meaningful sentence structure in written expression

·         Write for a variety of purposes

·         Write the following kinds of pieces:  descriptive, narrative, non-fiction (i.e. friendly letter and report)

·         Reflect on own writing, noting strengths and areas needing improvement

·         Respond to literature through writing

·         Understand and use a checklist and rubric to improve writing

·         Listen effectively for various purposes – enjoyment, information and following directions

·         Demonstrate acceptable and effective speaking behaviors

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Fourth Grade

·         Recognize different forms of literature

·         Identify structures in poetry and drama

·         Identify author’s point of view

·         Recognize literary elements

·         Understand and recognize themes, whether implied or stated

·         Demonstrate understanding of various print conventions such as bold print to confirm meaning

·         Use various forms of print (magazines, booklets, etc.) to locate information

·         Demonstrate fluency and expression during oral reading

·         Recognize and decode unfamiliar words using knowledge of abbreviations, affixes, word families, and compound words

·         Use variety of reading strategies to clarify word meaning

·         Read at different speeds using scanning, skimming or careful reading

·         Read and draw conclusions from information read for the purposes of researching a topic

·         Investigate a favorite author

·         Maintain and expand vocabulary using context, antonym/synonym, affixes, homophones, homographs

·         Use a grade appropriate dictionary

·         Distinguish between cause and effect/fact and opinion

·         Use the writing process: prewrite, draft, revise, respond, edit, and publish to create various forms of writing

·         Generate writing ideas through speaking, reading, experiences and brainstorming

·         Use graphic organizers to generate/organize ideas for writing

·         Critique own/peer writing samples with the goal of revising the sample

·         Reflect on writing, noting areas of strengths and needing improvement

·         Write narratives, persuasive and creative essays

·         Use checklists and rubrics to evaluate writing

·         Revise work using a variety of reference materials

·         Correctly use quotation marks when writing dialogue

·         Write complete, fluent, focused pieces using proper mechanics and organization

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Fifth Grade

·         Recognize different forms of literature

·         Identify author’s purpose, views and beliefs

·         Recognize persuasive and propaganda techniques

·         Understand and recognize themes, whether implied or stated

·         Recognize figurative language

·         Demonstrate fluency and expression during oral reading

·         Recognize and decode unfamiliar words using knowledge of abbreviations, affixes, word families, compound words and context clues

·         Vary reading strategies according to their purpose

·         Read silently for the purpose of increasing speed, accuracy and reading fluency

·         Read and draw conclusions from information read for the purposes of researching a topic

·         Develop and revise questions for investigation

·         Summarize and organize information

·         Identify story elements

·         Make inferences

·         Distinguish between major and minor details

·         Interpret idiomatic expressions

·         Maintain and expand vocabulary

·         Use a grade appropriate dictionary and thesaurus

·         Use the writing process: prewrite, draft, revise, respond, edit, and publish to create various forms of writing

·         Generate writing ideas through speaking, reading, experiences and brainstorming

·         Use graphic organizers to generate/organize ideas for writing

·         Critique own/peer writing samples with the goal of revising the sample

·         Reflect on writing, noting areas of strength and needing improvement

·         Demonstrate the development of a writer’s voice

·         Write stories with multiple paragraphs that develop a situation, plot, describe the setting and include an ending

·         Write informational, persuasive, personal, descriptive, issue based compositions

·         Prepare a works consulted page for reports

·         Use checklists and rubrics to evaluate writing

·         Revise work using a variety of reference materials

·         Correctly use capitalization and punctuation, including quotation marks when writing dialogue

·         Organize paragraphs around topic sentences, while using transition words between and within paragraphs

·         Write pieces that are engaging from beginning to end with an interesting opening, logical sequence and satisfying conclusion

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Grade 6

• Survey and explain text features that contribute to comprehension
   

• Use a dictionary, context clues, knowledge of phonics, syllabication, prefixes and suffixes to decide new words
   

• Vary reading strategies according to their purpose for reading and nature of text
   

• Apply graphic organizers to illustrate key concepts and relationships in a text
   

• Use grade appropriate dictionary and thesaurus
   

• Respond critically to an author’s views, ideas and beliefs
   

• Select texts for a particular purpose
   

• Recognize propaganda techniques used to influence readers
   

• Recognize historical and cultural biases and different points of view
   

• Identify and analyze text type, literary forms, elements, and devices in nonfiction
   

• Identify story elements
   

• Summarize and organize information
   

• Interpret and use graphic sources of information
   

• Use the writing process to create various forms of writing
   

• Understand and apply the elements of a scoring rubric to improve and evaluate writing
   

• Write a range of grade appropriate essays across the curriculum for a variety of purposes and audiences, including persuasive, informational, narrative and descriptive
   

• Reflect on own writing, noting strengths and setting goals for improvement
   

• Revise work using a variety of reference materials
   

• Prepare a works cited page for reports or research papers
   

• Correctly use capitalization and punctuation
   

• Use a variety of sentence types and syntax
   

• Use knowledge of English grammar and usage to express ideas effectively
   

• Gather, select, and organize information appropriate to topic, task and audience
   

• Develop and deliver a formal presentation based on theme, including sequence, introduction, details, concluding remarks to an audience
   

• Recognize and analyze persuasive techniques while listening
   

• Stay focused on a topic and ask relevant questions
   

• Ask pertinent questions, take notes, and draw conclusions based on information presented
   

• Understand the uses of technology (e.g., the Internet for research)

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Seventh Grade

LANGUAGE ARTS 

A student will be able to: 

Communicate clearly for a variety of real purposes (to   persuade, influence, inform, problem solve, convey an     opinion) and to entertain audiences in varied contexts.

  Write collaboratively and independently for a variety of purposes and audiences: persuasive, cause and effect, problem  solution, narrative, and descriptive writing: 

·         Write multi-paragraph (minimum of 5 paragraphs) on both teacher selected and self selected topics using a variety of written formats and genres.

·         Utilize all rules of formal writing and figurative language in writing.

·         Use and apply conventional grammar and spelling skills in formal and informal writing.

·         Demonstrate the ability to research and gain information from a variety of media, to interpret, take notes, and summarize the data and then to articulate through a research report that information.

·         Demonstrate the ability to research and gain information from a variety of media, to interpret, take notes, and summarize the data and then to articulate through an oral   presentation with own visual representations.

 READING 

A student will be able to: 

Read for a variety of purposes and respond to a diversity of genres, materials, and texts:

 ·         Read and use inflection and phrasing to increase fluency and expression and adjust reading rate.

·         Expand reading comprehension through recognition of vocabulary using varied strategies.

·         Read literally, inferentially, and critically to evaluate story elements, genres, and themes.

·         Read and recognize propaganda and bias in written work.

·         Use self-monitoring techniques/strategies and perspective of the author.

·         Analyze the text for the purpose, voice, and perspective of the author(s).

·         Analyze and interpret literary devices.

·         Read across the curriculum from other disciplines and apply appropriate skills and strategies.

          Read to understand people, cultures, and history (Commonalities and diversities.

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Eighth Grade

LANGUAGE ARTS 

A student will be able to: 

Communicate clearly for a variety of real purposes (to   persuade, influence, inform, problem solve, convey an     opinion) and to entertain audiences in varied contexts. 

 Write collaboratively and independently for a variety of purposes and audiences: persuasive, cause and effect, problem  solution, narrative, and descriptive writing:

 ·         Write multi-paragraph (minimum of 5 paragraphs) on both teacher selected and self selected topics using a variety of written formats and genres.

·         Utilize all rules of formal writing and figurative language in writing.

·         Use and apply conventional grammar and spelling skills in formal and informal writing.

·         Demonstrate the ability to research and gain information from a variety of media, to interpret, take notes, and summarize the data and then to articulate through a research report that information.

·         Demonstrate the ability to research and gain information from a variety of media, to interpret, take notes, and summarize the data and then to articulate through an oral   presentation with own visual representations.

 READING

 A student will be able to:

 Read for a variety of purposes and respond to a diversity of genres, materials, and texts:

 ·         Read and use inflection and phrasing to increase fluency and expression and adjust reading rate.

·         Expand reading comprehension through recognition of vocabulary using varied strategies.

·         Read literally, inferentially, and critically to evaluate story elements, genres, and themes.

·         Read and recognize propaganda and bias in written work.

·         Use self-monitoring techniques/strategies and perspective of the author.

·         Analyze the text for the purpose, voice, and perspective of the author(s).

·         Analyze and interpret literary devices.

·         Read across the curriculum from other disciplines and apply appropriate skills and strategies.

          Read to understand people, cultures, and history (Commonalities and diversities).

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