This unit focuses on reading and responding to a variety of texts, including
fiction and nonfiction. This unit is taught through read-alouds and through
shared, guided, and independent reading. It examines literary elements (setting,
plot, character, theme, and conflict), identifies literary devices, and compares/contrasts
texts. This unit also focuses on identifying the characteristics of a number
of genres (e.g.,poetry, fables, fairy tales, biography, autobiography, myths,
legends, and folktales).
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The focus of this unit is on critical-thinking skills, including cause and
effect relationships, predictions, and comparing and contrasting. Identifying
the author’s purpose in a text, distinguishing fact from opinion, and
explaining selected solutions to problems in texts, highlight opportunities
and develop critical thinking. Skimming and scanning skills are used to find
specific information. Simple research provides opportunity to distinguish between
important and unimportant information to produce written reports with oral presentations
following the writing process.
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Writing to respond is emphasized throughout all of the units, but this unit
focuses on the writing process, writing applications, and punctuation. Modeling
of the writing process and opportunities to practice are presented.
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Locating, gathering, and interpreting information from a variety of sources is the focus of this unit. The unit is taught using the organizational features of electronic information and printed texts and by publishing works using available technology. The unit also focuses on reading, organizing, and interpreting data from timelines, charts, diagrams, graphs, tables, schedules, and maps.
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Poetry is shared throughout the school year; however this unit focuses on the
study of poetry-it’s use of sounds and words to create images, convey
meaning, and evoke emotions. The unit examines poet’s use of simile, metaphor,
idioms, and personifications, as well as rhythm and cadence.
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The unit focus is on reading and writing informational texts. Purposes are
set for reading to seek information, to make connections, and to understand
the world and new concepts better. Text structures are examined for reading
and writing, including description, a collection of descriptions, comparing/contrasting,
problem-solution, and cause and effect text. Informational texts are read to
examine the intent of the writers, such as to inform, explain, describe, or
persuade.
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Reading and writing biography and autobiography are the major focuses of this
unit. Interesting people with whom students can identify and from whom they
can learn are read about and studied. Perspectives and influences of biographies
written long ago are examined and compared to more recent works. Point of view
and the way a biography portrays a subject are examined.
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This unit is designed for student-selected author studies. Many opportunities
will be given throughout the school year to select an author of their choice.
Students gain valuable insight by reading a variety of authors and their works
and by conducting an in-depth investigation.
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