Acquisition of Vocabulary
_____ I can use context clues to figure out the meaning of new words.
_____ I can find analogies and other word relationships to figure out what a word means.
_____ I can tell what a word means by using prefixes, suffixes, and root words.
Literary Text
_____ I can analyze how an author helps us to understand a character.
_____ I can explain first, third, and omniscient point of view.
_____ I can state themes, patterns, and symbols found in literature
_____ I can explain characteristics of different genres, including: poetry; drama; myths; biography; autobiography; fiction; nonfiction.
_____ I can explain how an author develops mood and meaning by using
figurative language, word choice, and syntax.
Reading Applications
_____ I can use text features to locate information.
_____ I can analyze information found in maps, charts, tables, graphs, diagrams, and cutaways.
_____ I can compare and contrast information from different sources.
_____ I can summarize information from text to reflect main ideas and details.
Reading Process
_____ I can make a prediction and support it with evidence from the text.
_____ I can make text to text connections.
_____ I can answer questions about what I’ve read.
_____ I can form and answer my own questions before, during, and after reading.
Writing Conventions
_____ I can spell words correctly.
_____ I can use correct capitalization and punctuation.
_____ I can use various parts of speech correctly (noun; verb; adjective; adverb; pronoun; conjunction; preposition; interjection).
_____ I can identify and correct sentence fragments and run-ons.
Writing Applications
_____ I can write a story using the follow strategies: clear focus, point of view, sensory details, dialogue.
_____ I can write a summary that states the main idea; includes only important details; and excludes unnecessary information.
_____ I can write a business letter in correct format.
_____ I can write a response to text, with examples from the text, to support my point of view.
_____ I can write a response to literature that shows point of view; includes a topic sentence and at least 3 supporting detail sentences that use details from the text to support my response.
_____ I can write an informational essay or report that includes a topic/thesis statement details and explanations that include cause/effect; comparison/contrast; asking/answering questions.
_____ I can write a persuasive essay stating my position clearly, and supporting it with at least 3 relevant details/arguments.
_____ I can write in the following formats: journal; poem; reflection; reading log; letter
Writing Process
_____ I can organize my writing to include an introduction, body, and conclusion.
_____ I can organize my writing into well developed paragraphs.
_____ I can reread and edit my writing for clarity and conventions.
_____ I can use resources and reference materials to use more effective vocabulary words when writing.
_____ I can use a rubric or checklist to guide or judge writing.
Research
____ I can generate research questions and develop a plan for gathering information.
_____ I can identify appropriate resources and gather information from multiple sources (online databases; electronic sources; Internet-based resources).
_____ I can tell the difference between primary and secondary sources.
_____ I can decide if sources are valid based on publication date, point of view, and material covered within the source.
_____ I can identify important information and create notes; outlines; tables; charts; and graphic organizers.
_____ I can select appropriate sources to support ideas, concepts and themes.
_____ I can balance researched information with my own ideas.
_____ I can use quotations to support ideas.
_____ I can use oral, written, visual and multimedia communication to present information with a clear position and organized, relevant evidence to support a research topic.
_____ I can explain the meaning and consequences of plagiarism.
Communication
_____ I can demonstrate active listening strategies (show SLANT) and ask focused questions.
_____ I can summarize the main idea and draw conclusions from visual media.
_____ I can identify persuasive techniques.
_____ I can use a rubric to give feedback to speakers.
_____ I can apply the correct use of English and select words that are appropriate to the purpose and the audience.
_____ I can speak clearly and vary the tone and volume according to the setting.
_____ I can participate in group meetings or discussions and—
a. display appropriate turn-taking behavior;
b. actively solicit another person’s opinion or comments;
c. offer my own opinion confidently without dominating;
d. respond appropriately to comments and questions from others;
e. give reasons to support my opinions;
f. use group decision making techniques, including brainstorming and problem solving;
g. use techniques to retain information, such as taking notes.