Frameworks

From the Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks for English Language Arts
6.1 Identify formal and informal language in stories, poems, and plays. 6.7 Analyze the language styles of different characters in literary works. 7.1 Demonstrate understand of the forms and functions of written English: 7.9 Read grade-appropriate imaginative/literary and informational/ expository text with comprehension. Read aloud grade-appropriate imaginative/literary and informational/ expository text fluently, accurately, and with comprehension, using appropriate timing, change in voice, and expression. 8.1 Make predictions using prior knowledge, pictures, and text. 8.4 Make predictions about the content of the text using prior knowledge and text features (//title, captions, illustrations).// 8.5 Retell important facts from a text heard or read. 8.23 Use knowledge of genre characteristics to analyze a text. 9.1 Identify similarities in plot, setting and character among the works of an author or illustrator. 9.2 Identify different interpretations of plot, setting, and character in the same work by different illustrators.. 10.1 Identify differences among the common forms of literature: poetry, prose, fiction, nonfiction…and dramatic literature. 10.2 Distinguish among forms of literature such as poetry, prose, fiction, nonfiction, and drama and apply this knowledge as a strategy for reading and writing. 10.3 Identify and analyze the character-istics of various genres…as forms with distinct characteristics and purposes. 10.4 Identify and analyze the characteristics of various genres… as forms chosen by an author to accomplish a purpose. 12.1 Identify the elements of plot, character and setting in a favorite story. 12.2 Identify and analyze the elements of plot, character and setting the stories they read and write. 13.2 Identify and use knowledge of common textual features (title, headings, captions, key words, table of contents). 13.2 Identify and use knowledge of common graphic features (illustrations, type size). 13.2 Identify and use knowledge of common graphic features (illustrations, type size). 13.11 Distinguish fact from opinion or fiction. 19.11 Write brief summaries of information gathered through research. 19.16 Write brief research reports with clear focus and supporting detail. 19.27 Write well-organized research papers that prove a thesis statement using logical organization, effective supporting evidence, and variety in sentence structure .23.7 Group related ideas and place them in logical order when writing summaries or reports. 23.10 Organize information into a coherent essay or report with a thesis statement in the introduction, transition sentences to link paragraphs, and a conclusion. 23.11 Organize ideas for writing comparison-and-contrast essays. 24.1 Generate questions and gather information from several sources in a classroom, school or public library. 24.3 Apply steps for obtaining information from a variety of sources, organizing information, documenting sources, and presenting research in individual and group projects : 24.4 Apply steps for obtaining information from a variety of sources, organizing information, documenting sources, and presenting research in individual projects: 24.5 Formulate open-ended research questions and apply steps for obtaining and evaluating information from a variety of sources, organizing information, documenting sources in a consistent and standard format, and presenting research. 24.6 Formulate original, open-ended questions to explore a topic of interest, design and carry out research, and evaluate the quality of the research paper in terms of the adequacy of its questions, materials, approach, and documentation of sources. 27.2 Create presentations using computer technology. 27.7 Develop and apply criteria for assessing the effectiveness of the presentation, style, and content of films and other forms of electronic communications. 27.8 Create coherent media productions that synthesize information from several sources.
 * Know how to handle a book and turn the pages;
 * Identify the covers and title page of a book
 * use an expanded range of print and non-print sources (//atlases, data bases, electronic, on-line resources);//
 * follow established criteria for evaluating information;
 * locate specific information within resources by using indexes, tables of contents, electronic search key words;
 * organize and present research using the grades 5-6 Learning Standards in the Composition Strand…provide appropriate documentation in a consistent format
 * differentiate between primary and secondary sources materials;
 * differentiate between paraphrasing and using direct quotes in a report;
 * organize and present research using the grade 7-8 Learning Standards in the composition Strand as a guide for writing;
 * document information and quotations and use a consistent format for footnotes or endnotes; and use standard bibliographic format to document sources.