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Web Resources Supporting the Maryland Voluntary State Curriculum


Reading/English Language Arts - Grade 4

Reading | Informational | Literary | Writing | Language | Listening | Speaking

READING

Standard 1.0 General Reading Processes

Topic
B. Phonics

Indicator
1.Use a variety of phonetic skills to read unfamiliar words

Objective

a. Apply phonics skills Sample Assessments Assessment Limits

  • Initial and final consonant blends (3 letters)
  • Vowel patterns
  • Long and short vowels
  • Irregular/silent consonant sounds
  • R-controlled vowels
  • Digraphs
  • Diphthongs

Vowel Boot Camp

Children learn the sounds of long and short vowels while listening and watching the Vowel Boot Camp song.(auditory, visual, reflective, global understanding)

The "a-r" Song

Children can listen to and view some words that have "ar" and hear the pronounciation. (audio, visual, reflective, global understanding)

Double o, "oo"

A song that gives children a chance to hear the "oo" sound.(audio, visual, reflective, global understanding,)

Sometimes Y

A whimsical song about the confusing "y" sound. (audio, visual, reflective, global understanding)

Topic
C. Fluency

Indicator
1. Read orally at an appropriate rate

Objective

a. Read familiar text at a rate that is conversational and consistent

Indicator
2. Read grade-level text with both high accuracy and appropriate pacing, intonation, and expression

Objectives

a. Apply knowledge of word structures and patterns to read with automaticity

b. Demonstrate appropriate use of phrasing:

  • Attend to sentence patterns and structures that signal meaning in text
  • Use punctuation cues to guide meaning and expression
  • Use pacing and intonation (emphasis on certain words) to convey meaning and expression
  • Adjust intonation and pitch (rise and fall of spoken voice) appropriately

c. Increase sight words read fluently

Reading Worksheets

Teachers are able to view a list of worksheets that they can use in the classroom to increase the reading comprehension level of their students. (visual, reflective, global understating, sequential)

Reading List for Elementary Children

This is a link to the Strive for 25 web page that is provided by the Office of Library Sciences. Teachers are able to view literary works, the topics they cover and the suggested reading level. (visual)

Topic
D. Vocabulary

Indicator
1. Develop and apply vocabulary through exposure to a variety of texts

Objectives

a. Acquire new vocabulary through listening to, independently reading, and discussing a variety of literary and informational texts

b. Discuss words and word meanings daily as they are encountered in text, instruction, and conversation

c. Collect 12-20 new words for deeper study each week

Indicator
2 . Develop a conceptual understanding of new words

Objectives

a. Classify and categorize increasingly complex words into sets and groups

b. Identify and explain word relationships, to determine the meanings of words Sample Assessments Assessment limit: Antonyms, synonyms, homophones, and homographs

c. Identify and use correctly new words acquired through study of their relationships to other words

Indicator
3. Understand, acquire, and use new vocabulary

Objectives

a. Use context to determine the meanings of words Sample Assessments Assessment limits:

  • Above grade-level words used in context
  • Words with multiple meanings
  • Connotations versus denotations
  • Grade-appropriate idioms and figurative expressions

b. Use word structure to determine the meaning of words Sample Assessments Assessment limits:

  • Prefixes and suffixes
  • Grade-appropriate roots and base words
  • Grade-appropriate compound words
  • Grade-appropriate inflectional endings

c. Use resources to determine the meanings of words Assessment Limit

  • Dictionaries
  • Glossaries
  • Thesauruses
  • Other grade-appropriate resources

d. Use new vocabulary in speaking and writing to gain and extend content knowledge and clarify expression

 

The Homophone Song

Children listen to the homophone song, as well as view a few of the words that are used. (auditory, visual, reflective, global understanding, active)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Homophone Song

Children listen to the homophone song, as well as view a few of the words that are used. (auditory, visual, reflective, global understanding, sequential)

Wow! Grammar

By selecting Short Circuit, students can test their knowledge of prefixes and suffixes. (auditory, visual, reflective, global understanding, tactile, active)

 

Language Arts

Children have a chance to enhance their knowledge of various components of grammar, such as compound words, contractions, etc. (visual, active, tactile, sequential, global understanding)

 

Topic
E. General Reading Comprehension

Indicator
1. Develop comprehension skills through exposure to a variety of texts

Objectives

a. Listen to critically, read, and discuss texts representing diversity in content, culture, authorship, and perspective, including areas, such as race, gender, disability, religion, and socio-economic background

b. Read a minimum of 25 self-selected and/or assigned books or book equivalents representing various genres

c. Discuss reactions to and ideas/information gained from reading experiences with adults and peers in both formal and informal situations

Indicator
2. Use strategies to prepare for reading (before reading)

Objectives

a. Survey and preview the text by examining features, such as the title, illustrations, photographs, charts, and graphs

b. Set a purpose for reading the text

c. Make predictions and ask questions about the text

d. Make connections to the text from prior knowledge and experiences

Indicator
3. Use strategies to make meaning from text (during reading)

Objectives

a Reread the difficult parts slowly and carefully

b. Use own words to restate the difficult part

c. Read on and revisit the difficult part

d. Skim the text to search for connections between and among ideas

e. Make, confirm, or adjust predictions

f. Periodically summarize while reading

g. Periodically paraphrase important ideas or information

h. Visualize what was read for deeper understanding

i. Use a graphic organizer or another note-taking technique to record important ideas or information

j. Explain personal connections to the ideas or information in the text

Indicator
4. Use strategies to demonstrate understanding of the text (after reading)

Objectives

a. Identify and explain the main idea Sample Assessments Assessment limit: In the text or a portion of the text

b. Identify and explain what is directly stated in the text Sample Assessments Assessment limit: Main ideas, supporting details and other information stated in the text or a portion of the text

c. Identify and explain what is not directly stated in the text by drawing inferences Sample Assessments Assessment limit: Implied information from the text or a portion of the text

d. Draw conclusions or make generalizations about the text Sample Assessments Assessment limit: Stated or implied information from the text

e. Confirm, refute, or make predictions and form new ideas Assessment limit: Stated and/or implied information from the text

f. Paraphrase the main idea Assessment limit: Complete text or a portion of the text

g. Summarize Assessment limit: The text or a portion of the text

h. Connect the text to prior knowledge or personal experience Assessment limit: Prior knowledge or experience that clarifies, extends, or challenges the ideas and/or information in the text

Book Adventure

With the help of an adult, children can begin selecting their own books. (visual, reflective, global understanding)

The Author Page

Before, during or after reading a work, children can read about about the characters and meanings in some of their favorite books. (visual, reflective, global understanding, sequential)

Reading List for Elementary Children

This is a link to the Strive for 25 web page that is provided by the Office of Library Sciences. Teachers are able to view literary works, the topics they cover and the suggested reading level. (visual)

Attitudes Towards Elders

This is an after reading activity for Cousins, by Virginia Hamilton. Children are asked to research the how attitudes towards the elderly are different in a variety of American cultures. This link is provided by BCPS. This assignment is recommended for GT students. (visual, active, reflective, global understanding, tactile)

Island of the Blue Dolphins

This is an after reading activity for The Island of the Blue Dolphins by Scott O'Dell. Children are asked to determine how one person can have an effect on the Chesapeake Bay. This link is provided by BCPS. (visual, active, reflective, global understanding, tactile)

 

Graphic Organizers

Graphic organizers that cen be used in the classroom. (visual, active, reflective, global understanding)

INFORMATIONAL

Standard 2.0 Comprehension of Informational Text

Students will read, comprehend, interpret, analyze, and evaluate informational text.

Topic
A. Comprehension of Informational Text

Indicator
1.Develop comprehension skills by reading a variety of self-selected and assigned print and electronic informational texts

Objectives

a. Read, use, and identify the characteristics of nonfiction materials to gain information and content knowledge Assessment limits:

  • Textbooks
  • Appropriate reference materials
  • Personal narratives
  • Diaries and journals
  • Biographies
  • Newspapers
  • Letters
  • Articles
  • Web sites and other online materials
  • Other appropriate content-specific texts

b. Read, use, and identify the characteristics of functional documents Assessment Limits:

  • Sets of directions
  • Sets of directions
  • Science investigations
  • Atlases
  • Posters
  • Flyers
  • Forms
  • Instructional manuals
  • Menus
  • Pamphlets
  • Rules
  • Invitations
  • Recipes
  • Advertisements
  • Other functional documents

c. Select and read to gain information from personal interest materials, such as brochures, books, magazines, cookbooks, catalogs, and web sites

Indicator
2. Identify and use text features to facilitate understanding of informational texts Clarification

Objectives

a. Use print features Seeds | Public Release Assessment Limits:

  • Large bold print
  • Font size/type
  • Italics
  • Colored print
  • Quotation marks
  • Underlining
  • Other print features encountered in informational texts

b .Use graphic aids Seeds Assessment Limits:

  • Illustrations
  • Photographs
  • Drawings
  • Sketches
  • Cartoons
  • Maps (key, scale, legend)
  • Graphs
  • Charts/tables
  • Diagrams
  • Other graphic aids encountered in informational texts

c. Use informational aids Seeds Assessment Limits:

  • Introductions and overviews
  • Materials lists
  • Timelines
  • Captions
  • Glossed words
  • Labels
  • Numbered steps
  • Bulleted lists
  • Footnoted words
  • Pronunciation key
  • Transition words
  • Boxed text

d. Use organizational aids Seeds Assessment Limits:

  • Titles, chapter titles, and subtitles
  • Headings, subheadings
  • Tables of content
  • Numbered steps
  • Glossaries
  • Indices
  • Transition words

e. Use online features Seeds Assessment Limits:

  • URLs
  • Hypertext links
  • Sidebars
  • Drop down menus
  • Home pages
  • Site maps

f. Identify and explain the contributions of text features to meaning Seeds Assessment limit: Connections between text features and the main idea and/or the reader's understanding

Indicator
3. Develop knowledge of organizational structure of informational text to understand what is read Clarification

Objectives

a. Identify and analyze the organizational patterns of texts Seeds | Public Release Assessment Limits:

  • Sequential and chronological order
  • Cause/effect
  • Problem/solution
  • Similarities/differences
  • Description
  • Main idea and supporting details

b. Identify and use words and phrases associated with common organizational patterns Seeds Assessment Limits:

  • Words that show chronology (first, second, third)
  • Words that show description (above, beneath, next to, beside)
  • Words that show cause and effect (because, as a result)
  • Words that show sequence (next, then, finally)

Indicator
4. Determine important ideas and messages in informational texts Clarification

Objectives

a. Identify and explain the author's/text's purpose and intended audience Seeds | Public Release Assessment Limits:

  • Purpose of the author or the text or a portion of the text
  • Connections between the text and the intended audience

b. Identify and explain the author's opinion Seeds Assessment limit: Texts or portions of texts in which the author's opinion is evident

c. State and support main ideas and messages Seeds | Sample Assessments | Public Release Assessment limit: The whole text or a portion of the text

d. Summarize or paraphrase Seeds Assessment limit: The text or a portion of the text

e. Identify and explain information not related to the main idea Seeds Assessment limit: Information in the text that is peripheral to the main idea

f. Identify and explain relationships between and among ideas Seeds Assessment Limits:

  • Comparison/contrast
  • Cause/effect
  • Sequence/chronology
  • Relationships between and among ideas in one or more texts
  • Relationships between and among ideas and prior knowledge in one or more texts

g. Draw conclusions and inferences and make generalizations and predictions from text Seeds Assessment Limits:

  • From one text or across multiple texts
  • Connections between and among ideas that lead a new understanding

h. Distinguish between a fact and an opinion Seeds Assessment limit: In one or more texts

i. Identify and explain how someone might use the text Seeds Assessment limit: Application of the text for personal use or content-specific use

j. Connect the text to prior knowledge or experience Seeds | Public Release Assessment limit: Prior knowledge that clarifies, extends, or challenges the ideas or information in the text or a portion of the text

Indicator
5. Identify and explain the author's use of language Clarification

Objectives

a. Identify and explain specific words or phrases that contribute to the meaning of a text Public Release Assessment Limits:

  • Significant words and phrases with a specific effect on meaning
  • Similes, metaphors, personification
  • Connotations of grade-appropriate words
  • Content vocabulary
  • Denotations of above-grade-level words in context

b. Identify and explain specific words and punctuation that create tone Assessment Limits:

  • Grade-appropriate words that create tone
  • Tone in the text or a portion of the text
  • Specific punctuation that contributes to the tone of a text or a portion of the text

c. Identify and explain the effect of repetition of words and phrases Assessment limit: Repetition for emphasis of ideas or information

Indicator
6. Read critically to evaluate informational text

Objectives

a. Explain whether the text fulfills the reading purpose Assessment limit: Connections between the content of the text and the purpose for reading

b. Identify and explain additions or changes to format or features that would make the text easier to understand Public Release Assessment limit: Connections between effectiveness of format and text features in clarifying the main idea of the text

c. Identify and explain what makes the text a reliable source of information Assessment limit: Fiction versus nonfiction text

d. Explain whether or not the author's opinion is presented fairly Assessment limit: Evidence that the author has presented all sides of the issue or topic

e. Identify and explain information not included in the text Assessment Limits:

  • Information that would enhance or clarify the reader's understanding of the main idea of the text or a portion of the text
  • Connections between the main idea and information not included in the text

f. Identify and explain words and other techniques that affect the reader's feelings Assessment limit: Significant words that have an emotional appeal

Big News

Children can complete this self-directed activity in order to learn about the basic features of a news story. (visual, reflective, global understanding, sequential)

Reading Strategies- Skimming and Scanning

Children are able to learn how to effectively read text. (visual, reflective, active, sequential, tactile)

Valiant Chris James

A read aloud story from the Reading is Fundamental web site. A young knight is bold and brave enough to help a sick dragon. See how the dragon repays Chris' kindness. Teachers can even pause the story so that children can make predictions and answer questions. (auditory, visual, global understanding, reflective, sequential)

Storybook Web

Children can view and listen to a story or they can select to play a spelling game. (auditory, visual, reflective, global understanding, active, sequential)

Super Sorter

With a few clicks of a mouse, children can have the Super Sorter select books that will peak their interest. (visual, reflective, active, sequential)

Reading List for Elementary Children

This is a link to the Strive for 25 web page that is provided by the Office of Library Sciences. Teachers are able to view literary works, the topics they cover and the suggested reading level. (visual)

Surfing the Web

A sing-a-long about surfing the Web.

Author Luncheon

This research assignment gives students a chance to determine what they must do in order to entice families to come to an author luncheon. This link is provided by BCPS. (visual, active, reflective, global understanding, tactile)

The Swan's Call

This activity gives children a chance to read a biography of their choice and explain how the person's life experiences affected their lives. This link is provided by BCPS. (visual, active, reflective, global understanding, tactile)

Reading a Newspaper

Tim and Moby explain how to read a newspaper. This site is provided by BrainPop. (auditory, visual, reflective, global understanding, reflective)

Surfing the Web

A sing-a-long about surfing the Web. (auditory, visual)

Poetry Splatter

Children have a chance to create their own poems by choosing words to splatter inside the incomplete poem. Teachers can use this as a resource to discuss the effect certain words can have on a piece of text. (auditory, visual, reflective, global understanding, tactile, active)

Story Maker
Children have the chance to create their own stories by using the Story Maker Machine. (auditory, visual, reflective, global understanding, tactile, active)

Book Zone (Writing a Review)

Children have a chance to write their own reviews for the books they like and dislike. Teachers can even specify the topic they would like the children to focus on, such as looking at the author's language, determining how the book could be used by others, etc. (visual, active, reflective, global understanding)

LITERARY

Standard 3.0 Comprehension of Literary Text

Students will read, comprehend, interpret, analyze, and evaluate literary texts.

Topic
A. Comprehension of Literary Text

Indicator
1. Develop comprehension skills by reading a variety of self-selected and assigned literary texts

Objectives

a. Listen to critically, read, and discuss a variety of literary texts representing diverse cultures, perspectives, ethnicities, and time periods

b. Listen to critically, read, and discuss a variety of literary forms and genres

Indicator
2. Use text features to facilitate understanding of literary texts Clarification

Objectives

a. Identify and explain how organizational aids contribute to meaning Assessment limit: Title of the book, story, poem, or play

b. Identify and explain how graphic aids contribute to meaning Assessment Limits:

  • Illustrations
  • Punctuation
  • Print features

c. identify and explain how informational aids contribute to meaning Assessment Limits:

  • Footnoted words and phrases
  • Captions

Indicator
3. Use elements of narrative texts to facilitate understanding Clarification

Objectives

a. Identify and distinguish among types of narrative texts Assessment Limits:

  • Stories
  • Folk tales
  • Realistic fiction
  • Historical fiction
  • Fables
  • Fairy tales
  • Fantasy
  • Biographies

b. Identify and explain the elements of a story Assessment limit: Narrative text with a main problem, sequence of chronology of events, and solution to the problem

c. Identify and describe the setting and the mood Public Release Assessment limit: Stories that have settings with a distinct time and place

d. Identify and analyze the characters Public Release Assessment Limits:

  • What characters say
  • What characters do
  • Conclusions about the characters' traits based on what the character says and does
  • Conclusions about the characters' motivations based on the characters' actions and interactions with other characters

e. Identify and explain relationships between and among characters, setting, and events Assessment Limits:

  • Connections between and among characters
  • Connections between and among situations
  • Cause/effect relationships between characters' actions and the results of those actions
  • Cause/effect relationships between and among situations and events

f. Identify and explain how the actions of the character(s) affect the plot Public Release Assessment Limits: Connections between the actions of the characters and the outcome of the story

g. Identify and describe the narrator Assessment Limits:

  • Narrator of the story; speaker of the poem
  • First versus third person point of vie

Indicator
4. Use elements of poetry to facilitate understanding

Objectives

a. Use structural features to identify poetry as a literary form and distinguish among types of poems Assessment Limits:

  • Structure, including lines and stanzas
  • Shape
  • Form, including lines and stanzas
  • Refrain, chorus
  • Types of poems, such as haiku, diamonte, etc.
  • Rhyme scheme

b. Identify and explain the meaning of words, lines, and stanzas Assessment limit: Specific meaning of words, lines and/or stanzas

c. Identify and explain sound elements of poetry Assessment Limits:

  • Rhyme, rhyme scheme
  • Rhythm
  • Alliteration and other repetition

d. Identify and explain other poetic elements, such as setting, mood, tone, etc. that contribute to meaning

Indicator
5. Use elements of drama to facilitate understanding

Objectives

a. Use structural features to identify a play as a literary form Assessment Limits:

  • List of characters (cast), including narrator
  • Introductory information about the setting
  • Stage directions
  • Dialogue
  • Props, scenery, sound effects, staging, lighting
  • Acts and scenes

b. Identify and explain the action of a scene Assessment limit: Specific actions and events that occur in a scene

c. Identify and explain stage directions that help to create character and movement Assessment limit: Connections between the stage directions and the physical movement of the characters

d. Identify and explain stage directions and dialogue that help to create character Assessment limit: Connections among the stage directions, the character's lines, and how the character delivers those lines

Indicator
6. Determine important ideas and messages in literary texts Clarification

Objectives

a. Identify and explain main ideas and universal themes Public Release Assessment Limits:

  • In the text or a portion of the text
  • Literal versus interpretive meanings of a text or a portion of text
  • Message, moral, or lesson learned from the text

b. Identify and explain a similar theme in more than one text Assessment Limits:

  • Main ideas across texts
  • Messages, morals, or lessons learned across texts
  • Different versions of the same story across eras or cultures

c. Paraphrase the text Assessment limit: Restatement of the text or a portion of the text in student's own words

d. Summarize Assessment limit: The text or a portion of the text

e. Identify and explain personal connections to the text Public Release Assessment limit: Connections between personal experiences and the theme or main ideas

Indicator
7. Identify and describe the author's use of language Clarification

Objectives

a. Identify and explain how the use of dialogue contributes to a story Assessment limit: Character and plot development advanced through dialogue

b. Identify and explain specific words and phrases that contribute to meaning Public Release Assessment Limits:

  • Significant words and phrases with a specific effect on meaning
  • Denotations of above-grade-level words used in context
  • Connotations of grade-appropriate words and phrases in context
  • Multiple meaning words

c. Identify and explain words and punctuation that create tone Assessment Limits:

  • Grade-appropriate words that describe the tone of a text or a portion of text
  • Tone in the text or portion of the text
  • Specific punctuation that contributes to the tone of a text or a portion of the text

d. Identify and explain figurative language Assessment Limits:

  • Similes
  • Metaphors
  • Personification
  • Onomatopoeia

e. Identify and explain language that appeals to the senses and feelings Assessment limit: Specific words and phrases that appeal to the senses

f. Identify and explain repetition and exaggeration Assessment Limits:

  • Specific examples of repetition that affect meaning
  • Specific examples of exaggeration
  • Alliteration

Indicator
8. Read critically to evaluate literary texts

Objectives

a. Identify and explain the believability of the characters' actions and the story's events Assessment Limits:

  • Realism versus fantasy
  • Characters and events that parallel everyday life

b. Identify and explain questions left unanswered by the text Assessment limit: Questions and predictions about events, situations, and conflicts that might occur if the text were continued

c. Identify and explain the relationship between a literary text and its historical context Assessment limit: Connections between the text and its historical setting

 

StoryTyme's Aesop's Fables

Children can listen to fables.(auditory, visual, reflective)

The Book Hive : Listen to a Story (Anansi and the Two Feasts)

Children can listen to fables and myths. (auditory, visual, reflective)

Folktales

Children can read, listen and watch a variety of folk tales come to life. (auditory, visual, reflective, global understanding)

Aesop's Fables

Children are able to read Aesop's fables. Some of the fables are read aloud. (auditory, visual, global understanding)

Introduction to Little Plays

A short introduction about plays. The children can then go to watch a series of mini plays while they learn new words. (auditory, visual, reflective, global understanding, kinesthetic, sequential)

WRITING

Standard 4.0 Writing

Students will compose in a variety of modes by developing content, employing specific forms, and selecting language appropriate for a particular audience and purpose.

Topic
A. Writing
Indicator
1. Compose texts using the prewriting and drafting strategies of effective writers and speakers

Objectives

a. Generate and select topics using techniques, such as graphic organizers, journal writing, free writing, listing, webbing, and discussion of prior experiences

b. Plan and organize ideas for writing by using an appropriate organizational structure, such as chronological or sequential order, comparison and contrast, cause and effect

  • Complete an idea by providing topic, support and concluding sentences

Indicator
2. Compose oral, written, and visual presentations that express personal ideas, inform, and persuade

Objectives

a. Compose to express personal ideas to develop fluency using a variety of forms suited to topic, audience, and purpose

b. Describe in prose and poetry by using purposeful imagery and sensory details with active verbs and colorful adjectives

c.
Compose to inform using a structure with a clear beginning, middle, and end and a selection of major points, examples, and facts to support a main idea

d. Compose to persuade using significant reasons and relevant support

  • Agree or disagree with an idea and generate convincing reasons with relevant support
  • Consider effective forms and word choice

e. Use writing-to-learn strategies, such as diagrams, flow charts, freewriting, learning logs, and "think-aloud's on paper" to connect ideas and thinking about lesson content

f. Manage time and process when writing for a given purpose

Indicator
3. Compose texts using the revising and editing strategies of effective writers and speakers

Objectives

a. Revise texts for clarity, completeness, and effectiveness

  • Eliminate words and ideas that do not support the main idea
  • Clarify meaning by adding modifiers and sensory words within a sentence
  • Clarify meaning by rearranging sentences within a text for a clear beginning, middle, and end
  • Provide sentence variety and length by combining sentences and correcting rambling sentences

b. Use suitable traditional and electronic resources to edit final copies of text for correctness in language usage and conventions, such as capitalization, punctuation, and spelling

  • Self edit
  • Peer edit
  • Dictionary
  • Thesaurus
  • Spell checker
  • Language handbook

c. Prepare the final product for presentation to an audience

Indicator
4. Identify how language choices in writing and speaking affect thoughts and feelings

Objectives

a. Select words appropriate for audience, situation or purpose

b. Describe how listeners might respond differently to similar words, such as nightmare/dream, loud/deafening, cute/gorgeous

c. Consider the effect of word choices on the audience

Indicator
5. Assess the effectiveness of choice of details, organizational pattern, word choice, and use of figurative language in the student's own composing

Objectives

a. Assess the effectiveness of word choice in student's own composing

  • Language suitable for a given purpose
  • Words/phrases that extend meaning

b. Explain how specific words/phrases used by the writer affects reader response

c. Examine and use spatial transitions, such as "near," "far," "on the left," and "in the distance"

Indicator
6. Explain how textual changes in a work clarify meaning, address a particular audience, or fulfill a purpose

Objectives

a. Revise own text for word choice

b. Explain how revisions in word choice affect meaning

Indicator
7. Locate, retrieve, and use information from various sources to accomplish a purpose

Objectives

a. Identify and use sources of information on a topic

b. Use various information retrieval sources (traditional and/or electronic) to obtain information on a topic

c. Use note taking, organizational strategies, and simple documentation of information to record and organize information

  • Participate in teacher-directed note-taking and organization of information

d. Use information to fulfill a given purpose

e. Credit sources when paraphrasing and quoting to avoid plagiarism

Graphic Organizers

Teachers can use these printable graphic organizers and use them in the classroom. (visual, reflective, global understanding)

Types of Writing

Tim and Moby explain the different types of writing. This link is provided by BrainPop. (auditory, visual, global understanding, reflective)

Prewriting a Topic

Tim and Moby explain a few prewriting techniques. This link is provided by BrainPop. (auditory, visual, reflective, global understanding, sequential)

Writing Process

Tim and Moby explain the writing process. This link is provided by BrainPop. (auditory, visual, reflective, global understanding, tactile)

Organize your Thoughts

Tim and Moby explain how to organize your thoughts before you begin writing. This link is provided by BrainPop. (auditory, visual, reflective, global understanding, tactile)

Graphic Organizers

A variety of graphic organizers to enhance the writing of the students. (visual, reflective)

Some Spelling Rules

PowerPoint that provides basic spelling rules. (auditory, visual, reflective, global understanding, sequential, active)

The English House of Commas

PowerPoint presentation about commas. (auditory, visual, reflective, global understanding, sequential, active)

Evaluation Station

Children can go here and discover how to self edit their work.(visual, reflective)

Writer's Showcase

Children can view samples in order to learn the effective techniques used in writing.(visual, reflective)

Power Proofreader

An interactive site where children can edit text in the screen. (visual, reflective, global understanding, active)

Wacky Web Tales

Children can apply their knowledge of grammar to create their own tales. There is also an option where children can receive Parts of Speech Help. (visual, reflective, global understanding, kinesthetic, tactile, sequential)

Show not Tell

Tim and Moby explain how students can enhance their writing by including sensory images. This link is provided by BrainPop. (auditory, visual, global understanding, tactile, reflective)

Using the Web

Students are able to complete a simple tutorial about using the web. (visual, reflective, global understanding, sequential)

LANGUAGE

Standard 5.0 Controlling Language

Students will control language by applying the conventions of Standard English in speaking and writing.

Topic
A. Grammar

Indicator
1. Recognize elements of grammar in personal and academic reading

Indicator
2. Recognize, recall, and use basic elements of grammar to express ideas clearly

Objectives

a. Identify and use parts of speech, such as prepositions, conjunctions, and interjections

b. Combine short, related sentences using a series, compound words, and key words

c. Compose simple and compound sentences using coordinating conjunctions

d. Identify and use verb forms, such as singular/plural, regular/irregular

e. Identify and use verb tenses, such as present, past, and future

Grammar Gorillas

Identify nouns and verbs and other parts of speech. (visual, reflective, global understanding, kinesthetic, tactile, sequential)

Grammar Rock

Teachers can print the words to the popular Schoolhouse Rock songs, so the children can follow along. (visual, active, global understanding)

Irregular Verbs

Students can complete these interactive activities to enhance their understanding of irregular verbs. The teacher can also print the activities for classroom use. (auditory, visual, reflective, global understanding, tactile)

Wow! Grammar

A quick review of grammar. There are also links to various activities. (auditory, visual, tactile, global understanding, reflective)

The Preposition

Simple instructions about prepositions. (visual, global understanding, reflective)

Grammar PowerPoint

Teachers are able to instruct students about key concepts in grammar, such as concrete nouns, subordinate clauses, homophones, etc. This could be used in a variety of grace levels. (visual, tactile, reflective,global understanding, sequential)

Topic
B. Usage

Indicator
1.Recognize examples of conventional usage in personal and academic reading

Indicator
2. Comprehend and apply standard English usage in oral and written language

Objectives

a. Use singular subjects with singular verbs and plural subjects with plural verbs

b. Apply consistent and appropriate use of verb tenses, such as past, present, and future; pronouns, such as personal, possessive, and pronoun/antecedent agreement; and modifiers

c. Recognize and correct common usage errors, such as homophones, contractions, and commonly confused words

d. Use available resources to correct or confirm editorial choices

e. Explain editorial choices

Contractions

Tim and Moby explain contractions. This link is provided by BrainPop. (auditory, visual, reflective, global understanding, tactile)

Subject Verb Agreement

Tim and Moby explain the concept of subject verb agreement. This link is provided by BrainPop. (auditory, visual, reflective, global understanding)

Subject - Verb Agreement

PowerPoint presentation about subject-verb agreement. (auditory, visual, reflective, global understanding)

Wow! Grammar

By selecting Fish 'Em Up! , students can test their knowledge of verb tense. (auditory, visual, tactile, global understanding, reflective

The Mighty Apostrophe

PowerPoint about apostrophes.(auditory, visual, reflective, global understanding)

They're, Their and There

Tim and Moby discuss common usage problems, such as they're, their and there. This link is provided by BrainPop. (auditory, visual, reflective, global understanding)

Wow! Grammar

By selecting Super Match Game, students can test their knowledge of homophones. (auditory, visual, tactile, global understanding, reflective

Pronoun Agreement

Students can complete this interactive activity, or teachers can print the information to use in the classroom. (auditory, visual, global understanding, reflective, tactile)

Topic
C. Mechanics

Indicator
1. Explain the purpose of mechanics to make and clarify meaning in academic and personal reading and writing

Indicator
2. Apply standard English punctuation and capitalization in written language

Objectives

a. Use correct and varied end punctuation

b. Use commas correctly in appositives, items in a series, and before a coordinating conjunction in a compound sentence

c. Use underlining, quotation marks, or italics to identify titles of documents

d. Use apostrophes in contractions and possessives

e. Use quotation marks and commas in simple dialogue and for direct quotations

f. Use capital letters correctly in titles and the first word in a direct quotation

g. Indent for paragraphs

Indicator
3. Explain editorial choices involving mechanics involving mechanics

Sentence Fragments

Tim and Moby discuss sentence fragments. This link is provided by BrainPop. (auditory, visual, reflective, global understanding, tactile)

Commas

Students can complete this interactive activity, or teachers can print the information for classroom use. (auditory, visual, reflective, global understanding, tactile, active)

Topic
D. Spelling

Indicator
1. Recognize conventional spelling in and through personal and academic reading

Indicator
2. Apply conventional spelling in written language

Objectives

a. Spell grade-appropriate high frequency and content words

b. Modify spellings when adding inflectional endings and suffixes

c. Spell one-syllable and multi-syllabic words with complex spelling patterns, such as -tion, -ous, ph-, kn-, etc.

d. Access resources as a spelling aid, such as word wall, technology, dictionary

e. Use mnemonic devices to recall frequently misspelled words

Indicator
3. Maintain a personal list of words to use in editing original writing

Word Find

This web site allows children a chance to enhance their spelling by locating words in an interactive word searh program.(auditory, visual, reflective, global understanding, kinesthetic, tactile, sequential)

Topic
E. Handwriting

Indicator
1. Produce writing that is legible to the audience

Objectives

a. Maintain accuracy and automaticity in manuscript and cursive writing

b. Use word processing technology when appropriate

 

LISTENING

Standard 6.0 Listening

Students will demonstrate effective listening to learn, process, and analyze information.

Topic
A. Listening
Indicator
1.Demonstrate active listening strategies

Objectives

a. Attend to the speaker

b. Ask appropriate questions

c. Contribute relevant comments

d. Relate prior knowledge

Indicator
2. Comprehend and analyze what is heard

Objectives

a. Determine speaker's purpose

b. Identify how the language of the presentation contributes to effect and meaning

c. Demonstrate an understanding of what is heard by retelling, asking questions, relating prior knowledge, and summarizing

d. Follow a set of multi-step directions

e. Listen carefully to expand and enrich vocabulary

f. Make judgments based on information from the speaker

 

SPEAKING

Standard 7.0 Speaking

Student will communicate effectively in a variety of situations with different audiences, purposes, and formats.

Topic
A. Speaking
Indicator
1. Use organization and delivery strategies at an appropriate level

Objectives

a. Demonstrate appropriate volume, articulation, enunciation, intonation, pacing, timing, and stress

b. Demonstrate appropriate timing

  • Fluency
  • Pacing
  • Rate

c. Use appropriate non-verbal techniques to enhance communications

  • Posture
  • Eye contact
  • Facial expressions
  • Gesture

Indicator
2. Make oral presentations

Objectives

a. Speak in a variety of situations to inform and/or relate experiences, including retelling stories

b. State a position and support it with reasons

c. Participate in dramatic presentations

d. Plan and deliver effective oral presentations

e. Use props when appropriate

Public Speaking

Tim and Moby give advice about the proper techniques to use when speaking publicly. Students can also complete quizzes and other activities on this site. This site is provided by BrainPop. (auditory, visual, kinesthetic, reflective, global understanding, sequential)

 

Maryland State Voluntary Curriculum
Library Media Voluntary State Curriculum
BCPS Curriculum
Active Science Classroom
 
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