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Language Arts Knowledge & Skills - 5th Grade
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Listening | Reading | Writing | Viewing
Links verified 4/10/07
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Listening/Speaking

(1) Purposes - The student listens actively and purposefully in a variety of settings.

(A)  determine the purposes for listening such as to gain information, to solve problems, or to enjoy and appreciate

 
(B)  eliminate barriers to effective listening
 
(C)  understand the major ideas and supporting evidence in spoken messages
 

(2) Critical Listening - The student listens critically to analyze and evaluate a speaker's message(s).

(A)  interpret speakers' messages (both verbal and nonverbal), purposes, and perspectives

 
(B)  identify and analyze a speaker's persuasive techniques such as promises, dares, and flattery
 
(C)  distinguish between the speaker's opinion and verifiable fact
 
(D)  monitor his/her own understanding of the spoken message and seek clarification as needed
 

(3) Appreciation - The student listens, enjoys, and appreciates spoken language.

(A)  listen to proficient, fluent models of oral reading, including selections from classic and contemporary works

  1. Alice's Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll - A twelve-chapter performance in RealAudio by the Wired for Books Players
  2. Cinderella 26 min (MP3 format) - read the story yourself
  3. The Emperor's New Clothes 12 min (MP# format) - read the story yourself
  4. How the Leopard Got His Spots 12 min (MP3 format) - read the story yourself
  5. The Light Princess 92 min (MP3 format) - read the story yourself
  6. The Little Mermaid 51 min (MP3 format) - read the story yourself
  7. Reading Lounge -"Three children's books are animated online, with readings and/or introductions by a variety of players and Spike Lee. Students love to see their favorite Knicks players read aloud to them, and they can also read along with the narrator in the captioned version"
  8. The Story of Snow White 20 min (MP3 format) - read the story yourself
  9. Other Audio Stories
  10. Other stories for children - look for stories with the audio icon
(B)  describe how the language of literature affects the listener
 
(C)  assess how language choice and delivery affect the tone of the message
 

(4) Culture - The student listens and speaks both to gain and share knowledge of his/her own culture, the culture of others, and the common elements of cultures.

(A)  connect his/her own experiences, information, insights, and ideas with those of others through speaking and listening

 
(B)  compare oral traditions across regions and cultures
  1. American Life Histories - Manuscripts from the Federal Writers' Project, 1936 - 1940
  2. Circle of Stories - Learn about the storytellers and their tribes, or read and listen to their stories. on 5/27/07
  3. Iroquois Oral Traditions
  4. Ojibwe Oral Traditions
(C)  identify how language use such as labels and sayings reflects regions and cultures
 

(5) Audiences - The student speaks clearly and appropriately to different audiences for different purposes and occasions.

(A)  adapt spoken language such as word choice, diction, and usage to the audience, purpose, and occasion

 
(B)  demonstrate effective communications skills that reflect such demands as interviewing, reporting, requesting, and providing information
 
(C)  present dramatic interpretations of experiences, stories, poems, or plays to communicate
 
(D)  use effective rate, volume, pitch, and tone for the audience and setting
 
(E)  give precise directions and instructions such as in games and tasks
 
(F)  clarify and support spoken ideas with evidence, elaborations, and examples
 
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Reading

(6)   Word Identification - The student uses a variety of word recognition strategies.

(A)  apply knowledge of letter-sound correspondences, language structure, and context to recognize words

  1. Context Clues - Click on Number 13. Video Lesson and Interactive Quiz.
  2. Context Clues - teacher lesson and blackline masters to print This is an Adobe Acrobat document
  3. Direct Definition Context Clues - A lesson in remembering which clue words help interpret the text. Seven key words are introduced and examples are shown of each to clarify what to look for when dealing with context clues. A very good review lesson for 3rd and up.
  4. Direct Context Clues Teaching Material - [click on a red dot] Here you will find a review lesson and worksheets to go along with the lesson as well as flash cards to review clue words that will help in interpreting text.
  5. Inferential Context Clues - Some students get upset when the teacher states, "The answer is right there!" This site reviews how clues appear where the meaning is hidden in the rest of the words in the sentence. An brief interactive quiz helps assure understanding.
  6. Context Clues - [this link opens in a new window] Quia quiz
(B)  use structural analysis to identify root words with prefixes such as dis-, non-, in- suffixes such as -ness, -tion, -able
  1. Fish Tanks - [this link opens in a new window] Fill a tank with tropical fish using prefixes, roots, and suffixes.
  2. Prefix Mix - working with "pre" and "post," prefixes with opposite meanings
  3. Prefixes Make New Words - drag and drop prefixes to complete words correctly
  4. Prefixes Say Plenty - choose the word that best completes the sentence
  5. Putting Down Roots - drag and drop roots into blanks to complete words
  6. Putting Down Roots (2) - drag and drop roots into blanks to complete words
  7. Putting Your Roots into Action - start looking for roots in unfamiliar words
  8. Putting Your Roots into Action (2) - continue looking for roots in unfamiliar words
  9. This is a PowerPoint showRoot Words - Underline the root words in the slides. Circle the prefix or suffix. [author - Connie Campbell]
  10. Rooting Out Words - [this link opens in a new window] Help Remainder the Dog gather enough mushrooms to sell at the market by uncovering the roots of words. (three categories, several difficulty levels - from FunBrain)
  11. Rootonym - Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 - studying the roots/cells: cess/ced, cept/cip and cur
  12. Rooty's Weekly Root - Three Rootonym® puzzles per week with 4 words per puzzle
  13. Space Station - [this link opens in a new window] Build a space station by using word study skills - Divide the word in blue into syllables and enter it into the box with a '-' between the syllables. Example: fi-nal
  14. Suffixes Say a Lot - pick the best definition of the capitalized word
  15. Success with Suffixes - fill in the blanks with words ending in "er"
  16. Suffixes Make New Words - drag and drop the suffix to the correct root word to make a new word
  17. Synonym & Antonym Word Encounters - Level 1 words | Level 2 words | Level 3 words
  18. What's a Root? - work with five roots
  19. What's a Root? (2) - work with five more roots
(C)  locate the meanings, pronunciations, and derivations of unfamiliar words using dictionaries, glossaries, and other sources
  1. Ask Dr. Dictionary - Look up a word, or look at the Doctor's links to other dictionary sites on the web.
  2. FreeDictionary - word of the day, quote of the day, article of the day, word game of the day and more
  3. Roget's Thesaurus - search form
  4. Rhyming Dictionary - use the dictionary to help write poetry, song lyrics, greeting cards, witticisms, and more
  5. Say it Another Way - fill in the blank with a synonym for the missing word
  6. Specialized On-Line Dictionaries - many areas, from advertising to travel
  7. Synonym.com - type a word in the box and find a synonym, or antonym, of the word
  8. Synonym & Antonym Word Encounters - Level 1 words | Level 2 words | Level 3 words
  9. Synonymical: The Synonym Game - [this link opens on a new page] click to select the letters (one at a time) that spell the proper synonym. (Author - David Fisco)
  10. The Thesaurus - a reference book that lists words and their synonyms - Drag and drop the words to the right thesaurus entry.
  11. Word Central (Merriam Webster) - a customizable dictionary and a daily buzz word
  12. WWWebster's Online Dictionary - look up a word or a phrase
  13. YourDictionary.com - This site says that it is the web's most authoritative and comprehensive language portal

(7)  Fluency - The student reads with fluency and understanding in texts at appropriate difficulty levels.

(A)  read regularly in independent-level materials (texts in which no more than approximately 1 in 20 words is difficult for the reader)

 
(B)  read regularly in instructional-level materials that are challenging but manageable (texts in which no more than approximately 1 in 10 words is difficult for the reader; a "typical" fourth grader reads approximately 90 wpm)
 
(C)  demonstrate characteristics of fluent and effective reading
 
(D)  adjust reading rate based on purposes for reading
 
(E)  read aloud in selected texts in ways that both reflect understanding of the text and engage the listeners
 
(F)  read silently with increasing ease for longer periods
 

(8)  Variety of Texts - The student reads widely for different purposes in varied sources.

(A)  read classic and contemporary works

  1. Audio Books - Classics - download some of the classics (MP3 or iPod)
  2. Audio Books - Librivox - LibriVox provides free audio books from the public domain.
  3. Shakespeare - The Complete Works of William Shakespeare
  4. Twain - Mark Twain in his times - This site provides the capability of searching for reviews or electronic texts.
(B)  select varied sources such as nonfiction, novels, textbooks, newspapers, and magazines when reading for information or pleasure
  1. News Stories with Comprehension Quizzes [from the BBC] - (1) White loafers and passport control, (2) Hungry ferrett causes rail scare, (3) Dyslexic boy's site wins top award, (4) Otters head for towns and cities, (5) Demolition fears after city blaze.
    1. News Quiz Archive - over 50 news stories from the BBC - Choose carefully, not all of these would be appropriate for 5th grade students. Also, take a look at a section of stories which include math in the news and the quiz
(C)  read for varied purposes such as to be informed, to be entertained, to appreciate the writer's craft, and to discover models for his/her own writing
 

(9)  Vocabulary Development - The student acquires an extensive vocabulary through reading and systematic word study.

(A)  develop vocabulary by listening to selections read aloud

  1. Alice's Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll - A twelve-chapter performance in RealAudio by the Wired for Books Players
  2. Cinderella 26 min (MP3 format) - read the story yourself
  3. The Emperor's New Clothes 12 min (MP# format) - read the story yourself
  4. How the Leopard Got His Spots 12 min (MP3 format) - read the story yourself
  5. The Light Princess 92 min (MP3 format) - read the story yourself
  6. The Little Mermaid 51 min (MP3 format) - read the story yourself
  7. Reading Lounge -"Three children's books are animated online, with readings and/or introductions by a variety of players and Spike Lee. Students love to see their favorite Knicks players read aloud to them, and they can also read along with the narrator in the captioned version"
  8. The Story of Snow White 20 min (MP3 format) - read the story yourself
  9. Other Audio Stories
  10. Other stories for children - look for stories with the audio icon
(B)  draw on experiences to bring meanings to words in context such as interpreting figurative language and multiple-meaning words
  1. Context is the Key - students use context clues to determine the meaning of a word
  2. Say it Another Way - Fill in the blank with a synonym for the missing word.
  3. Using Multiple Meanings - students decide which sentences use a word correctly
  4. Vocabulary University - acquire and retain vocabulary.
  5. Words with multiple meanings - students fill in the blanks from a word list
(C)  use multiple reference aids, including a thesaurus, a synonym finder, a dictionary, and software, to clarify meanings and usage
  1. Ask Dr. Dictionary - Look up a word, or look at the Doctor's links to other dictionary sites on the web.
  2. FreeDictionary - word of the day, quote of the day, article of the day, word game of the day and more
  3. Roget's Thesaurus - search form
  4. Rhyming Dictionary - use the dictionary to help write poetry, song lyrics, greeting cards, witticisms, and more
  5. Say it Another Way - fill in the blank with a synonym for the missing word
  6. Specialized On-Line Dictionaries - many areas, from advertising to travel
  7. Synonym.com - type a word in the box and find a synonym, or antonym, of the word
  8. Synonym & Antonym Word Encounters - Level 1 words | Level 2 words | Level 3 words
  9. Synonymical: The Synonym Game - [this link opens on a new page] click to select the letters (one at a time) that spell the proper synonym. (Author - David Fisco)
  10. The Thesaurus - a reference book that lists words and their synonyms - Drag and drop the words to the right thesaurus entry.
  11. Word Central (Merriam Webster) - a customizable dictionary and a daily buzz word
  12. WWWebster's Online Dictionary - look up a word or a phrase
  13. YourDictionary.com - This site says that it is the web's most authoritative and comprehensive language portal
(D)  determine meanings of derivatives by applying knowledge of the meanings of root words such as like, pay, or happy and affixes such as dis-, pre-, un-
  1. Fish Tanks - [this link opens in a new window] Fill a tank with tropical fish using prefixes, roots, and suffixes.
  2. Prefix Mix - working with "pre" and "post," prefixes with opposite meanings
  3. Prefixes Make New Words - drag and drop prefixes to complete words correctly
  4. Prefixes Say Plenty - choose the word that best completes the sentence
  5. Putting Down Roots - drag and drop roots into blanks to complete words
  6. Putting Down Roots (2) - drag and drop roots into blanks to complete words
  7. Putting Your Roots into Action - start looking for roots in unfamiliar words
  8. Putting Your Roots into Action (2) - continue looking for roots in unfamiliar words
  9. This is a PowerPoint showRoot Words - Underline the root words in the slides. Circle the prefix or suffix. [author - Connie Campbell]
  10. Rooting Out Words - [this link opens in a new window] Help Remainder the Dog gather enough mushrooms to sell at the market by uncovering the roots of words. (three categories, several difficulty levels - from FunBrain)
  11. Rootonym - Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 - studying the roots/cells: cess/ced, cept/cip and cur
  12. Rooty's Weekly Root - Three Rootonym® puzzles per week with 4 words per puzzle
  13. Space Station - [this link opens in a new window] Build a space station by using word study skills - Divide the word in blue into syllables and enter it into the box with a '-' between the syllables. Example: fi-nal
  14. Suffixes Say a Lot - pick the best definition of the capitalized word
  15. Success with Suffixes - fill in the blanks with words ending in "er"
  16. Suffixes Make New Words - drag and drop the suffix to the correct root word to make a new word
  17. Synonym & Antonym Word Encounters - Level 1 words | Level 2 words | Level 3 words
  18. What's a Root? - work with five roots
  19. What's a Root? (2) - work with five more roots
(E)  study word meanings systematically such as across curricular content areas and through current events
 

(10)  Comprehension - The student comprehends selections using a variety of strategies.

(A)  use his/her own knowledge and experience to comprehend

 
(B)  establish and adjust purposes for reading such as reading to find out, to understand, to interpret, to enjoy, and to solve problems
 
(C)  monitor his/her own comprehension and make modifications when understanding breaks down such as by rereading a portion aloud, using reference aids, searching for clues, and asking questions
 
(D)  describe mental images that text descriptions evoke
 
(E)  use the text's structure or progression of ideas such as cause and effect or chronology to locate and recall information
  1. Cause-and-Effect Writing Challenges Students - The cause-and-effect relationship is both a way of thinking and a format for writing. Teachers who emphasize cause-and-effect writing say that they are helping students learn to think critically as well as write cogently. Read what three experienced teachers have to say about this teaching approach, which can be used with students of all ages. This is an article from Education World magazine.
(F)  determine a text's main (or major) ideas and how those ideas are supported with details
  1. Locating Main Ideas - four suggestions to pass along to your students
  2. Main Idea - The main idea of a passage or reading is the central thought or message.
  3. Main Idea - Building Blocks of Comprehension
  4. Main Idea - The main idea of a paragraph is what all the sentences are about. Read the paragraph and ask, “What’s your point?”
  5. Main Idea Map - Main-Idea Maps - teach students to generate a graphic organizer containing the main ideas of an expository passage This is an Adobe Acrobat document
  6. Massachusetts Tests for Educator Licensure - Challenge your students by letting them practice using a reading comprehension test designed for prospective teachers. (This site recommends that you use a printed copy of the page)
  7. Reading Comprehension - free reading comprehension worksheets for teachers and parents - includes original stories, poems, essays, and articles
  8. Reading Headlines - students read eight headlines and try to determine what the article is about
  9. Summarize as You Read - eliminate unnecessary details, focus on the whole passage
  10. What's the Big Idea - solve a riddle by answering questions about the main idea
  11. What's the Big Idea? Exercise 1 - Write the common subject for each group of words, or "write a good title for each list." - a worksheet to print, not interactive
  12. What's the Big Idea? Exercise 2 - Write the common subject for each group of words, or "write a good title for each list." - a worksheet to print, not interactive
  13. What's the Big Idea? Exercise 3 - a bit harder than 1 & 2 - Write the common subject for each group of words, or "write a good title for each list." Then add another example that could be included in that group. Be as specific as you can. - a worksheet to print, not interactive
(G)  paraphrase and summarize text to recall, inform, and organize ideas
  1. Summarize as You Read - eliminate unnecessary details, focus on the whole passage
(H)  draw inferences such as conclusions or generalizations and support them with text evidence and experience
  1. Drawing Conclusions - Read the story and choose the correct word to complete the sentence. [site unavailable 4/9/07]
  2. Drawing Inferences - practice in using evidence-based guesses
  3. Drawing Inferences in Text - some key Ideas
  4. Drawing Inferences - how to be a critical reader
  5. How are They Selling It? - students read three advertisements and evaluate the type of persuasive writing being employed
  6. Looking for the Fine Print - students read advertisements to practice reading critically
  7. Making Inferences and Drawing Conclusions - descriptions of the various ways to aid you in reaching a conclusion
  8. Teaching Students to Make Inferences
(I)  find similarities and differences across texts such as in treatment, scope, or organization
 
(J)  distinguish fact and opinion in various texts
  1. A mix of factual information and the opinions of the author - Often the opinions are disguised as fact, to make the author's argument seem more believable.
  2. Distinguishing Between Fact and Opinion
  3. Fact or Opinion Quiz - Decide which of these statements are fact or opinion from the drop-down list, then click on the "Finished" button to obtain your score out of ten.
  4. Fact or Opinion? (quiz 1) - a Quia quiz
  5. Fact or Opinion? [this link opens in a new window] (quiz 2) - a Quia quiz
  6. Fact or Opinion? - [this link opens on a new page] a series of questions to be used to practice this skill
  7. Fact, Habit, Opinion or Schedule? - an English-Zone quiz
  8. Fact or Opinion? - if a sentence is a fact, click the circle next to the sentence
  9. Fact and Opinion Self-Test
  10. Martin Luther King Jr.: Fact or Opinion? - (a worksheet to print)
(K)  answer different types and levels of questions such as open-ended, literal, and interpretative as well as test-like questions such as multiple choice, true-false, and short answer
  1. Brainchild Test - [this link opens in a new window] 12 questions [Don't give your full name] - Students should use the summary page after finishing this test to practice their areas of weakness.
  2. CRCT Language Arts Grade 5 - 2002 - 37 questions, one screen at a time [this link opens a new page]
  3. CRCT Language Arts and Reading Keywords - Grades 4 - 8 - multiple choice vocabulary quiz
  4. The FCAT Sample Test Books are designed to help students become familiar with FCAT (Florida) by providing helpful hints and offering practice answering questions in different formats. Half of this document is math and half is reading. This is an Adobe Acrobat document
  5. News Stories with Comprehension Quizzes [from the BBC] - (1) White loafers and passport control, (2) Hungry ferrett causes rail scare, (3) Dyslexic boy's site wins top award, (4) Otters head for towns and cities, (5) Demolition fears after city blaze.
    1. News Quiz Archive - over 50 news stories from the BBC - Choose carefully, not all of these would be appropriate for 5th grade students. Also, take a look at a section of stories which include math in the news and the quiz
  6. Online Practice Reading Tests - [Grades 1-8] Questions are designed to have students process the information in the passage, analyze it, and organize it for the answer. In this way, these practice questions test students’ analytical abilities, not just comprehension. Bubbling format very similar to Standardized testing format.
  7. Reading Comprehension stories - Interactive quizzes online for 5 stories - Each text is followed by a grammar exercise and summary writing exercise.
  8. Read a Contract - and answer questions
  9. Reading Comprehension Quiz - Online quiz
  10. Reading Comprehension stories - Interactive quizzes online for 5 stories - Each text is followed by a grammar exercise and summary writing exercise.
  11. Reading Exercises - Comprehension, Fill in and Sequencing
  12. Released TAKS Tests
  13. Texas end-of-year reading test from 2003
(L)  represent text information in different ways such as in outline, timeline, or graphic organizer
  1. Concept Maps Explained - Concept maps and story webs are visual ways to structure ideas. (sample included
  2. Five main types of organizers - links showing examples of many types

(11)  Literary Response - The student expresses and supports responses to various types of texts.

(A)  offer observations, make connections, react, speculate, interpret, and raise questions in response to texts

  1. Guess What Comes Next - students read a passage and predict what would happen next
  2. The World's Greatest Contralto by Babette Albin - As you read the story, write your questions and ideas about it on another sheet of paper. Then complete the next page.
  3. Write your own Branching Story for others to speculate about (using MS Excel) - download a sample
(B)  interpret text ideas through such varied means as journal writing, discussion, enactment, media
  1. Aesop's Fables - an index to 35 fables
  2. Compare and Contrast on Venn Diagram - Click on number 42 - v ideo Interactive lesson and practice
  3. Compare/Contrast - [click on a red dot] An online tutorial plus activity pages to complete to practice the skill.
  4. Compare and Contrast - three-page tutorial showing examples using a T Chart or a Venn Diagram
  5. Compare and Contrast - practice quizzes
(C)  support responses by referring to relevant aspects of text and his/her own experiences
 
(D)  connect, compare, and contrast ideas, themes, and issues across text
  1. Aesop's Fables - an index to 35 fables
  2. Compare and Contrast on Venn Diagram - Click on number 42 - v ideo Interactive lesson and practice
  3. Compare/Contrast - [click on a red dot] An online tutorial plus activity pages to complete to practice the skill.
  4. Compare and Contrast - three-page tutorial showing examples using a T Chart or a Venn Diagram
  5. Compare and Contrast - practice quizzes

(12)  Text Structures/Literary Concepts - The student analyzes the characteristics of various types of texts (genres).

(A)  judge the internal consistency or logic of stories and texts such as "Would this character do this?"; "Does this make sense here?"

 
(B)  recognize that authors organize information in specific ways
 
(C)  identify the purposes of different types of texts such as to inform, influence, express, or entertain
  1. Affluenza: A PBS Program - Lessons such as "Be an Adbuster!" and "What are Advertisers Selling?" are based on Affluenza, a one-hour television special that explores the high social and environmental costs of materialism and over consumption. The lessons can be used without the video.
  2. Analyzing Political Ads - Students will view current political ads and learn how they make use of various commercial ad appeals. Students will also develop familiarity with basic videography terms.
  3. Different Types of Text - Do you understand the purpose of different text types and the main differences between them? Online quizzes
  4. Finding the purpose of each paragraph - from a site on preparing for the GRE
  5. Reading for a Purpose - Nine activities to check understanding about the purposes of different sorts of text
  6. Sample assignment - Invent an X-ray satellite, name it, draw a picture of it. Write a one- to two-page persuasion letter addressed to your Congressperson or essay for your local newspaper in order to obtain funding for your X-ray astronomy mission.
  7. Text Types - Online game helping learn about the different text types such as persuasion, informative, descriptive, or instructive.
  8. The writer's purpose and voice - from a site on preparing for the GRE
  9. Writing to Persuade - Persuasion means making someone with a different point of view from your own change their mind to your way of thinking.
(D)  recognize the distinguishing features of genres, including biography, historical fiction, informational texts, and poetry
 
(E)  compare communication in different forms such as contrasting a dramatic performance with a print version of the same story or comparing story variants
 
(F)  understand and identify literary terms such as title, author, illustrator, playwright, theater, stage, act, dialogue, and scene across a variety of literary forms (texts)
 
(G)  understand literary forms by recognizing and distinguishing among such types of text as stories, poems, myths, fables, tall tales, limericks, plays, biographies, and autobiographies
  1. Aesop's Fables - an index to 35 fables
  2. This is a PowerPoint showAn Overview of Poetry - a comprehensive show on the topic of rhythm and rhyme
  3. Crown & Thistle Inn - the home for traditional folk tales from around the world.
  4. Folk and Fairy Tales from Around the World - an index of folk tales from many countries
(H)  analyze characters, including their traits, motivations, conflicts, points of view, relationships, and changes they undergo
  1. Point of View: Two Heads Aren't Always Better Than One - suggestions regarding choosing a point of view for your writing
(I)  recognize and analyze story plot, setting, and problem resolution
  1. Short Story Elements - online quiz
(J)  describe how the author's perspective or point of view affects the text
  1. Point of View: Two Heads Aren't Always Better Than One - suggestions regarding choosing a point of view for your writing

(13)  Inquiry/Research - The student inquires and conducts research using a variety of sources.

(A)  form and revise questions for investigations, including questions arising from interests and units of study

 
(B)  use text organizers, including headings, graphic features, and tables of contents, to locate and organize information
  1. Captions Help Tell the Story - students look at three pictures and try to determine which caption fits best
  2. News Stories with Comprehension Quizzes [from the BBC] - (1) White loafers and passport control, (2) Hungry ferrett causes rail scare, (3) Dyslexic boy's site wins top award, (4) Otters head for towns and cities, (5) Demolition fears after city blaze.
    1. News Quiz Archive - over 50 news stories from the BBC - Choose carefully, not all of these would be appropriate for 6th grade students. Also, take a look at a section of stories which include math in the news and the quiz
  3. Read All About It! - Newspapers are divided into standard sections. Students use sections to predict where types of stories would be found
  4. Reading Headlines - students read eight headlines and try to determine what the article is about
  5. Take Notes - students evaluate what items should be included in the opening paragraph of a news story
(C)  use multiple sources, including electronic texts, experts, and print resources, to locate information relevant to research questions
 
(D)  interpret and use graphic sources of information such as maps, graphs, timelines, tables, and diagrams to address research questions
  1. Charts and Graphs
    1. Interpreting a Data Chart - answer questions about what can be found in a grid chart
    2. Interpreting Column Graphs - answer ten questions about the graph
    3. Interpreting Circle (Pie) Graphs - answer eight questions about the graph
  2. Looking for the Fine Print - students read advertisements to practice reading critically
  3. What’s On a Map? - eight questions about using various parts of a map
(E)  summarize and organize information from multiple sources by taking notes, outlining ideas, or making charts
  1. Take Notes - students evaluate what items should be included in the opening paragraph of a news story
(F)  produce research projects and reports in effective formats using visuals to support meaning, as appropriate
 
(G)  draw conclusions from information gathered from multiple sources
  1. Drawing Conclusions - choose the correct word to complete the sentence
  2. Drawing Inferences - how to be a critical reader
  3. How are They Selling It? - students read three advertisements and evaluate the type of persuasive writing being employed
  4. Making Inferences and Drawing Conclusions - descriptions of the various ways to aid you in reaching a conclusion
  5. Teaching Students to Make Inferences
  6. What are They Selling - students critically evaluate six advertisements
(H)  use compiled information and knowledge to raise additional, unanswered questions
 

(14)  Culture - The student reads to increase knowledge of his/her own culture, the culture of others, and the common elements of cultures.

(A)  compare text events with his/her own and other readers' experiences

 
(B)  determine distinctive and common characteristics of cultures through wide reading
 
(C)  articulate and discuss themes and connections that cross cultures
  1. Proverbs Around the World- Analyze information and assess meaning from prior knowledge - Print this sheet and have group discussions on meanings. This is an Adobe Acrobat document
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Writing

(15)   Purposes - The student writes for a variety of audiences and purposes, and in a variety of forms.

(A)  write to express, discover, record, develop, reflect on ideas, and to problem solve

  1. Expository Writing - Eight different examples of expository organizational patterns
  2. Expository Writing Prompts - [click on a red dot] 11 writing prompts
  3. A Lesson in Expository Writing -The Personal Touch - examples of such communication as a springboard for practice in expository writing
  4. Expository Writing Prompts - [Grade 8 in TN] from the State of TN web site.
  5. The Expository Essay - examples of expository essays
  6. Writing a Process Essay - What to consider when writing a process essay.
  7. Expository Essays - Some things to consider when writing expository essays.
  8. Expository Writing Tips! - The information was taken from "Blowing Away the State Writing Assessment Test" by Jane Bell Kiester available through Maupin House Publishing.
  9. Expository Writing Plan - Use this information to help create your essays.
  10. Expository Writing Rubric -
  11. Food for Thought - an expository writing lesson plan for eighth grade
(B)  write to influence such as to persuade, argue, and request
  1. Battle Bars: The Edible Argument - a lesson plan designed to teach persuasive writing using Snickers and Kit-Kat bars
  2. Finding the purpose of each paragraph - from a site on preparing for the GRE
  3. Have Web, Will Travel - In this lesson, students demonstrate their Web research and persuasive writing skills to create colorful, informative Web travel guides to popular vacation destinations.
  4. How are They Selling It? - students read three advertisements and evaluate the type of persuasive writing being employed
  5. Persuasive Writing Prompts - [Grade 11 in TN] from past Writing Assessments in Tennessee
  6. The Power of Persuasion - a WebQuest that challenges your students to investigate persuasive writing and develop critical reading skills
  7. Reading for a Purpose - Nine activities to check understanding about the purposes of different sorts of text
  8. Sample assignment - Invent an X-ray satellite, name it, draw a picture of it. Write a one- to two-page persuasion letter addressed to your Congressperson or essay for your local newspaper in order to obtain funding for your X-ray astronomy mission.
  9. Scholastic's Writing Workshop - You already spend a lot of time trying to persuade your parents or teachers to allow you to watch more TV or do less homework. Now you can use those same skills to write a persuasive essay!
  10. Study Guides and Strategies - persuasive writing
  11. The writer's purpose and voice - from a site on preparing for the GRE
  12. Writing to Persuade - Persuasion means making someone with a different point of view from your own change their mind to your way of thinking.
  13. Writing to Persuade Rubric - Perhaps your students can understand writing to persuade better by seeing this rubric.

(C)  write to inform such as to explain, describe, report, and narrate

and

(D)  write to entertain such as to compose humorous poems or short stories
  1. Principles of Writing Narrative Essays - article describing principles
  2. Multiple Paragraph Essay - pointers on writing an essay
  3. Narrative Essay - article on how to write a narrative essay
  4. Narrative Essay - article and help on writing narrative essay
  5. Step by step guide - guide on writing an essay
  6. Narrative essay prompts - ten prompts
  7. Ten Narrative Writing Prompts - targeted mainly at high school teachers, but the questions can be modified
  8. Ten Prewriting Exercises for Personal Narratives
  9. Narrative Writing Prompts - [click on a red dot] elementary school
  10. Student Writing Tools Handbook - transitions, rubrics, grammar, citations, and more This is an Adobe Acrobat document
  11. Template for writing a narrative - scaffolding guide for students This is an Adobe Acrobat document
(E)  exhibit an identifiable voice in personal narratives and in stories
  1. Nursery Rhyme Expansion - Nursery Rhymes can be wonderful springboards for all kinds of Language Arts activities. Here is an activity designed to give middle school students practice with the aspects of purpose, voice, and audience in their writing.
(F)  choose the appropriate form for his/her own purpose for writing, including journals, letters, reviews, poems, narratives, and instructions
  1. Which Writing? (6-8) [this link opens on a new page] Students choose an appropriate format for writing. (Author - Carol Rine)

(16)  Penmanship/Capitalization/Punctuation - The student composes original texts, applying the conventions of written language such as capitalization, punctuation, and penmanship to communicate clearly.

(A)  write legibly by selecting cursive or manuscript as appropriate

 
(B)  capitalize and punctuate correctly to clarify and enhance meaning such as capitalizing titles, using possessives, commas in a series, commas in direct address, and sentence punctuation
  1. PowerProofreading - edit sentences with grammatical mistakes

(17)  Spelling - The student spells proficiently.

(A)  write with accurate spelling of syllable constructions, including closed, open, consonant before -le, and syllable boundary patterns

 
(B)  write with accurate spelling of roots such as drink, speak, read, or happy, inflections such as those that change tense or number, suffixes such as -able or -less, and prefixes such as re- or un-
  1. Crystal Castle - build a castle and make it light up
  2. Fish Tanks - [this link opens in a new window] fill a tank with tropical fish using prefixes, roots, and suffixes
  3. Flamingo - form a flock of flamingos with suffixes -y and -ly
  4. This is a PowerPoint showPowerPoint Jeopardy using the following as categories: Antonyms, Parts of Speech, Analogy, Synonyms, and Root Words
  5. This is a PowerPoint showRoot Words - Underline the root words in the slides. Circle the prefix or suffix. [Author - Connie Campbell]
  6. Rooting Out Words - [this link opens in a new window] Help Remainder the Dog gather enough mushrooms to sell at the market by uncovering the roots of words. (three categories, several difficulty levels - from FunBrain)
  7. Suffix Prefix Machine - create your own words using suffixes and prefixes
  8. Suffix-ly - [this link opens on a new page] use simple strategies to determine meaning and increase vocabulary for reading, including the use of suffixes. (Author - Lois Davis)
  9. Using Prefixes - interactive lesson and quiz [frequent technical difficulties]
  10. Using Suffixes - interactive lesson and quiz
  11. Suffix Matching Game - interactive quiz
  12. Word Meaning - select correct meaning of the word from context clues

(C)  use resources to find correct spellings

and

(D)  spell accurately in final drafts
  1. Ask Dr. Dictionary - Look up a word, or look at the Doctor's links to other dictionary sites on the web.
  2. FreeDictionary - Has word of the day, quote of the day, article of the day, word game of the day and more.
  3. Roget's Thesaurus Search Form
  4. Rhyming Dictionary - use this dictionary to help write poetry, song lyrics, greeting cards, witticisms, and more
  5. Specialized On-Line Dictionaries - many areas, from advertising to travel
  6. Word Central (from Merriam Webster) - a customizable dictionary and a daily buzz word
  7. WWWebster's Online Dictionary - look up a word or a phrase
  8. YourDictionary.com - This site says that it is the web's most authoritative and comprehensive language portal

(18)  Grammar/Usage - The student applies standard grammar and usage to communicate clearly and effectively in writing.

(A)  use regular and irregular plurals correctly

 
(B)  write in complete sentences, varying the types such as compound and complex to match meanings and purposes
  
(C)  employ standard English usage in writing for audiences, including subject-verb agreement, pronoun referents, and parts of speech
  1. Controlling Shifts in Verb Tense - General guideline: Do not shift from one tense to another if the time frame for each action or state is the same.
  2. Power Proofreading - Choose 5th grade then select; Hilary's Hilarious Comedy Hour, or any one of the mixed practice exercises.
  3. Parts of Speech - noun, verb, preposition, etc.
  4. Subject/verb agreement - Basic Principle: Singular subjects need singular verbs; plural subjects need plural verbs. Other SV agreement quizzes Quiz 2 | Quiz 3
  5. Subject and Verb Agreement from LEO: Literacy Education Online
  6. Subject Verb Agreement Quiz
  7. There is  or  there are?
  8. Tag Questions 1 - Present Tense/To Be Verb/Affirmative
  9. The CopyCat Game 1 from English-Zone
  10. Making Subjects and Verbs Agree - Brought to you by the Purdue University Online Writing Lab
  11. Subject-Verb Agreement - from The Writer's Handbook
  12. Subject Verb Agreement from Big Dog's Grammar
    1. Subject Verb Agreement (self-test) - to see if you really understood
  13. The grammar outlaw - Disagreeing Subject and Verb, AKA The Disagreeable Sentence
  14. Practicing past, present & future tenses - Tense Activity 1 | Tense Activity 2 | Tense Activity 3
  15. Practicing adverbs, adjectives, nouns, pronouns, verbs - Word Skills 1 | Word Skills 2 | Word Skills 3
(D)  use adjectives (comparative and superlative forms) and adverbs appropriately to make writing vivid or precise
  1. Adjective or Adverb Exercise 1
  2. Adjective or Adverb Exercise 2
  3. Power Proofreading - (for adjective pracrtice) - Choose 5th grade then select; Snail Race Sportscast, Ad for G. O. Travel, Olympic Relay, or any one of the mixed practice exercises.
  4. Power Proofreading - (for adverb practice) - Choose 5th grade then select; The Late-Late Show, Olympic Relay, or any one of the mixed practice exercises.
  5. Comparative & Superlative Quiz - Click the answer buttons to see the answers.
  6. Practicing adverbs, adjectives, nouns, pronouns, verbs - Word Skills 1 | Word Skills 2 | Word Skills 3
(E)  use prepositional phrases to elaborate written ideas
  1. Recognizing Prepositions - The following paragraph is taken from Ernest Hemingway's short story "The Short Happy Life of Francis Macomber." Click on the prepositions in the order in which they appear and they will appear in the text-area below the paragraph.
  2. Quiz on Prepositions - For each question, choose the single best answer.
  3. Prepositions at the Crossword I - Type the correct letter in each box. Use the tab key to move from box to box or use your mouse-button to place the letter in each box.
  4. Prepositions at the Crossword II - Type the correct letter in each box. Use the tab key to move from box to box or use your mouse-button to place the letter in each box.
  5. Prepositions at the Crossword III - Type the correct letter in each box. Use the tab key to move from box to box or use your mouse-button to place the letter in each box.
  6. Recognizing the Function of Phrases - When you click on "Start this test," you will be presented with a sentence.
  7. Verb and Preposition Combinations I - a quiz from the English-Zone
  8. Verb and Preposition Combinations II - a quiz from the English-Zone
  9. Verb and Preposition Combinations III - a quiz from the English-Zone
(F)  use conjunctions to connect ideas meaningfully
  1. Avoiding Comma Splices, Fused Sentences, and Run-On's from LEO: Literacy Education Online
  2. Combining Sentences for Variety and Clarity - several methods and examples are given, however this page only combines two sentences.
  3. Conjunctions - Click on the buttons to find the correct answer
  4. Conjunctions Quiz I - Click the answer buttons to see the answers.
  5. Conjunctions Quiz II - Combine the sentences using the conjunction given in parentheses.
  6. Conjunction-itis Popup - [this link opens in a new window] Find the correct conjunction form to combine two short sentences together into one!
  7. Conjunctions - Conjunctions are words used as joiners. Different kinds of conjunctions join different kinds of grammatical structures.
  8. The Need to Combine Sentences - Sentences have to be combined to avoid the monotony that would surely result if all sentences were brief and of equal length. This lesson is followed by three quizzes.
  9. Repairing Run-On Sentences
(G)  write with increasing accuracy when using apostrophes in contractions such as it's and possessives such as Jan's
  1. Apostrophes with Possessive Nouns - a grammar quiz [ignore the part about email address]
  2. Catastrophes of Apostrophic Proportions - a quiz on apostrophes
  3. Exercises in Plurals and Possessives - place a C by correct items and an I by incorrect items
  4. Grammar Blast - [this link opens in a new window] various graded grammar skills activities [choose 5th]
  5. Interactive Grammar Quizzes - many topics covered
  6. Online Grammar Quizzes - links to many categories from which you may select
  7. Parts of Speech - noun, verb, preposition, etc.
  8. Parts of Speech Quiz - select correct part of speech
  9. Plural and Possessive Nouns - By clicking on a bubble, identify whether the highlighted word is a plural or possessive noun and then click on the "Submit Answer" button. [quiz at bottom of page]
  10. Possessives and Irregular Plurals - 25 items in the quiz
  11. Possessive Noun Practice - a six question quiz
  12. Possessive Noun Quiz - a five question quiz [when asked to enter your name, enter X] [unavailable on 4/10/07]
  13. Possessive Pronouns and Contractions - a ten question quiz [when asked to enter your name, enter X] [unavailable on 4/10/07]
  14. Possessive Pronouns Used as Adjectives - a ten question quiz [when asked to enter your name, enter X] [unavailable on 4/10/07]
(H)  write with increasing accuracy when using objective case pronouns such as "Dan cooked for you and me."
  1. Power Proofreading - Choose 5th grade then select; The Morning News, Movie Hits and Misses, or any one of the mixed practice exercises.
  2. Pronoun-Antecedent Agreement - LEO: Literacy Education Online
  3. Agreement: pronoun antecedent - from Big Dog's Grammar. After reviewing this material take an interactive quiz.
  4. Pronoun-Antecedent Agreement - This tutorial will help you accomplish the following learning objectives: define and understand pronoun agreement, choose pronouns that agree with their antecedents in number, person, and gender and check and apply your skills.
  5. Pronoun Case - The case of some pronouns depends on their function in sentences or clauses. This lesson is followed by an interactive quiz.
  6. Pronoun Case - Brought to you by the Purdue University Online Writing Lab (OWL)
  7. Practicing adverbs, adjectives, nouns, pronouns, verbs - Word Skills 1 | Word Skills 2 | Word Skills 3

(19)  Writing Processes - The student selects and uses writing processes for self-initiated and assigned writing.

(A)  generate ideas and plans for writing by using such prewriting strategies as brainstorming, graphic organizers, notes, and logs

  1. Creating an Argument - an exercise to print which will guide your students through the prewriting, organizing and writing stages of producing a philosophy
  2. Focused prewriting - steps to take while prewriting
  3. Prewriting - methods and tips
  4. Prewriting Practices - an article by Alice L. Trupe
  5. Prewriting Process - tools for students and teaching suggestions
  6. Prewriting Strategies - prewriting techniques
  7. Prewriting Strategies - ideas for prewriting
  8. Prewriting Strategies - from Gallaudet University
  9. Prewriting Techniques - suggestions from Simpson College, also includes thesis statement and outline suggestions
  10. Prewriting Techniques - a