updated 6 May, 2007

Reading

• Apply word analysis skills (phonics, word patterns) to recognize new words
• Apply word study skills (structural analysis) to recognize and understand new words
• Read age-appropriate material aloud with adequate speed, accuracy, and expression
• Demonstrate an understanding of vocabulary
• Apply reading strategies and skills to improve fluency and understanding

  Reading Related Web Sites

• Open Court -Resources to support the Open Court Reading Program for students and teachers
• Children's Literature Web Guide
• CyberGuides: Teacher Guides and Student Activities - Standards-based, web-delivered units on childrens' literature for grades 4-5. (Also available for other grades)
• MidLink Magazine for Kids
• TheCase.com for Kids Calling all amateur detectives and mystery lovers. Each month TheCase.com for Kids ("Mysteries to solve, scary stories, magic tricks, and contests") features a quick solve (the answer is just a click away), a mystery writing contest, and a mini mystery Solve-It contest. Monthly winners are rewarded with a mystery book. Nancy Drew enthusiasts have their own site (you'll find the link on the main page).

Literature

• Identify and understand literary elements (characterization, dialogue, plot, point of view, setting)
• Recognize the differences among types of literature (adventure tale, autobiography, biography, fable/fantasy, folktales, historical fiction, informational texts, myth/legend, narrative poetry, play, realistic fiction, science fiction, tall tale)

Writing

• Recognize and apply appropriate parts of speech
• Use correct grammar in written work
• Recognize and apply appropriate capitalization and punctuation
• Use correct spelling
• Identify and construct various types of sentences
• Use the writing process effectively (prewrite, draft, revise, edit)
• Demonstrate organization, focus, elaboration, and integration in written compositions
• Write using various forms (expository, narrative, persuasive, etc.)
• Write in cursive form

  Writing Related Web Sites

• Cafe Hawthorne - a district 97 showcase of student writings.
• Bat Magnet Poem Board - This is just like the "real" magnetic poetry board.  You can also change the available words to create poetry about things other than bats!
• The Grammar Lady Online - Use this site if you need help using proper grammar in your speaking or writing.
• The Maple Woods Writing Center Handouts - everything from how to create a thesis statement to comma usage, to using dashes and apostrophes, plus much more.
• Writing Basics and Research Basics - Districts 97, 90, 200 standardize requirements.

Listening/Speaking
Research

• Understand and use the research process as outlined in Research Basic, Jr