English Language Arts 3

Character

I can identify the character in a story and describe what they are like.

Plot

I can identify the plot of a story from beginning to end.

Setting

I can identify the setting of a story using clues from the text.

Conflict

I can identify the conflict — the problem — that a story is about.

Theme

I can identify the theme — the big message — a story is trying to share.

Functions of text

I can identify the function a text is doing.

Genres of text

I can name a text's genre from what it looks and sounds like.

Using text features

I can use text features to find and understand information quickly.

Descriptive language

I can notice descriptive language in a story.

Poetic language

I can notice poetic language and how it sounds different from everyday talk.

Figurative language

I can recognize figurative language and say what it means.

Images

I can notice the images an author uses to help me see a scene.

Imagery

I can notice imagery — descriptive words working together — in a passage.

Rhythm

I can notice the rhythm — the beat — in a poem or rhyme.

Rhyme

I can notice rhyme — matching end sounds — in a poem.

Simile

I can recognize a simile in a sentence.

Alliteration

I can recognize alliteration in a sentence or poem.

Predicting from illustrations and prior knowledge

I can use pictures and what I already know to predict what a story will be about.

Rereading

I can reread a tricky part to understand it better.

Retelling in your own words

I can retell a story using my own words.

Locating the main idea and details

I can find the main idea of a text and the details that support it.

Using language patterns and phonics to decode words

I can use letter sounds and word patterns to sound out a new word.

Identifying sight words

I can recognize familiar and sight words right away.

Monitoring

I can keep checking while I read that what I am reading makes sense.

Self-correcting errors

I can notice when I have read something wrong and fix it myself.

Focusing on the speaker

I can give my full attention to whoever is speaking.

Asking questions to clarify

I can ask a question when something a speaker said is unclear.

Listening for specifics

I can listen for a specific detail I need.

Expressing opinions

I can share my opinion clearly.

Speaking with expression

I can use my voice to show feeling when I speak.

Staying on topic

I can keep what I say connected to what the group is talking about.

Taking turns

I can wait for my turn to speak and let others finish.

Connecting with audience

I can speak in a way that reaches the people listening to me.

Reflecting

I can look back on my own learning and notice what I did.

Questioning your own thinking

I can ask myself questions to check my own understanding.

Goal setting

I can set a clear goal for my own learning.

Self-evaluating

I can honestly judge my own work.

Revising

I can revise a piece of writing to make it better.

Editing

I can edit a piece of writing to fix spelling, punctuation, and grammar mistakes.

Considering audience

I can think about who will read my writing and choose words that fit.

Tone

I can notice how the tone of a speaker's voice changes what their words mean.

Volume

I can notice how loud or soft a speaker is and pick the right volume myself.

Inflection

I can notice how a speaker's voice going up or down changes meaning.

Pace

I can notice how fast or slow a speaker talks and change my own pace on purpose.

Gestures

I can notice the gestures a speaker uses to add meaning.

Word patterns

I can notice a spelling pattern that repeats across words.

Word families

I can group words that share the same ending sound and spelling.

Legible handwriting

I can write my letters neatly and evenly so others can read my writing easily.

Structure of compound sentences

I can join two related short sentences into one compound sentence.

Punctuation

I can use punctuation correctly so my writing is clear.

Apostrophe use in contractions

I can use an apostrophe correctly to join two words into a contraction.