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.
• 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.

2.04 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.

2.07 Determine usefulness of information and ideas consistent with purpose.

2.08 Verify the meaning or accuracy of the author’s statement(s) by referencing the text or other resources.

2.09 Listen actively by:
• asking questions.
• paraphrasing what was said.
• interpreting speaker’s verbal and non-verbal messages.
• interpreting speaker’s purposes and/or intent.
 
 

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.

3.05 Integrate information from two or more sources to expand understanding of text.

3.06 Conduct research for assigned projects or self-selected projects (with assistance) from a variety of sources through the use of technological and informal tools (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, 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).
 
 

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.