English Language Arts 4

Forms of text

I can identify the form a text takes.

Functions of text

I can identify the function a text is built to do.

Genres of text

I can recognize a text's genre from its features and patterns.

Using text features

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

Theme

I can identify the theme of a story.

Character

I can describe a character using clues from the text.

Setting

I can identify a story's setting and explain how it affects the story.

Plot

I can identify a story's plot and retell it in order.

Conflict

I can identify the conflict in a story.

Purpose

I can explain the purpose behind a story's events.

Sensory detail

I can notice sensory details and explain how they make writing more vivid.

Figurative language

I can recognize figurative language and explain the effect it creates.

Using evidence

I can back up an idea about a text with evidence from the text.

Using contextual clues

I can use the words around an unfamiliar word to figure out what it means.

Using phonics and word structure

I can break an unfamiliar word into sounds and parts to read and understand it.

Visualizing

I can build a picture in my mind of what's happening in a text.

Questioning (reading)

I can ask questions before, during, and after reading to guide my thinking.

Predicting

I can use clues to make a reasonable prediction about what happens next.

Previewing text

I can preview a text before reading closely to get a sense of what it will be about.

Summarizing

I can shrink a text down to its main idea and most important points.

Making inferences

I can combine text clues with what I already know to figure out what isn't said directly.

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 particular details or information I need.

Expressing opinions

I can share my opinion clearly along with a reason.

Speaking with expression

I can use my voice to bring my spoken words to life.

Staying on topic

I can keep my contributions connected to what's being discussed.

Taking turns

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

Reflecting

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

Questioning your own thinking

I can ask myself questions to monitor my own understanding.

Goal setting

I can set a clear, specific goal for my own learning or writing.

Self-evaluating

I can judge my own work honestly against a goal or standard.

Revising

I can revise a draft to improve its ideas, details, and flow.

Editing

I can edit a draft to fix its spelling, grammar, and punctuation.

Considering audience

I can adjust my writing to fit who will read it.

Tone

I can notice how tone of voice changes how words should be understood.

Volume

I can notice how volume affects a spoken message.

Inflection

I can notice how inflection (pitch rising and falling) changes meaning.

Pace

I can notice how pace affects a spoken message.

Gestures

I can notice how gestures support and add meaning to spoken words.

Topic sentence

I can write a topic sentence that states a paragraph's one main idea.

Supporting details

I can add details to a paragraph that all support its topic sentence.

Sentence structure

I can build complete sentences and combine choppy ones into smoother ones.

Parts of speech

I can identify the job a word is doing in a sentence.

Past, present, and future tenses

I can use verb tense correctly and keep it consistent.

Subject-verb agreement

I can match a verb correctly to its subject.

Punctuation

I can use punctuation correctly so my writing is clear.