C. Use a wide range of strategies and skills, including using text features to gain meaning, summarizing passages, and drawing conclusions, to comprehend fifth-grade functional and textual/informational reading materials (AL COS 4)

1. Apply a variety of strategies and skill, daily, in reading to, with, and by

1. use extended vocabulary (AL COS)
2. use sentence structure and contest (AL COS)
3. preview and predict (AL COS) (SAT 10)
4. use reference materials (AL COS)
5. self-monitor text understanding (AL COS) examples: reread, use context clues, adjust speed, access prior knowledge and experiences
6. determine sequence of events (AL COS) (SAT 10)
7. determine cause and effect (AL COS) (SAT 10)
8. distinguish fact from opinion (AL COS)
9. recognize persuasive techniques (AL COS)
10. make inferences
11. compare and contrast, classify and categorize (SAT 10)
12. paraphrase
13. make generalizations and evaluate judgments
14. synthesize
15. analyze problem/solution
16. determine implicit/explicit details

2. Employ study strategies to gain information

1. preview and predict (AL COS) (SAT 10)
2. determine sequence of events (AL COS)
3. skim/scan/locate (AL COS)
4. question
5. follow directions
6. take notes/outline/highlight
7. use graphic organizers

3. Acquire and interpret information and provide rational for using informational text

1. read and interpret graphs, maps, globes, charts, diagrams, and pictures
2. use dictionary, thesaurus, atlas, directory, newspaper, catalog, encyclopedia, brochure, periodical, and almanac
3. use technical resources and electronics media such as websites, software programs, and television programs
4. use parts of a book-title, heading, graphic aids, boldface print, index, glossary, table of contents, and publication information

4. Apply strategies of a skillful listener to gain meaning

Using Picture Mapping to Improve Student Comprehension of Informational Text
Students will draw pictorial representations based upon a reading selection to assist in recall of content.

Finding Main Ideas
Students read newspaper articles to determine the main idea of a story

Using the Prediction Strategy to Set Purposes for Reading
After modeling and guided practice, students will use the strategy and document results in a journal.

Peace Poems and Picasso Doves:  Literature, Art, Technology, and Poetry
This lesson uses graphic organizers to aid in completing a series of tasks on the theme of peace.

Biographies: Creating Timelines of a Life
Studying biographies is of interest and value to young learners. This lesson supports students' exploration of sources to create a timeline about the life of a person.

The Dictionary Game
Students learn new vocabulary and improve their dictionary skills with this game.

Newspaper Scavenger Hunt
Students use the newspaper to find specific information.
 

Graphic Organizers:  Ideas for how to use graphic organizers and places to find them on the Internet

KWHL Chart:  Accessing prior information on a topic or theme, identifying primary and secondary resources to access, developing a plan for accessing resources, identifying attributes and characteristics to research.

Circular Sequencing Graphic Organizer:  This site offers a worksheet to organize six story plot events in sequence.

Templates for graphic organizers:  This PDF file offers 8 graphic organizers.

Graphic Organizer Generator:  The generators will allow you to make graphic organizers by filling out a simple form. The materials are made instantly and can be printed directly from your computer.

Using a Concept Definition Map:  Students will learn how to use a concept definition map to help them learn a new concept.  

Resources for concept definition maps:  This site offers a blank concept map and examples of completed concept maps.

Newspapers in Education Online:  This website lists many activities using the newspaper. This site is updated weekly. Please note that this site does not correspond to the Mobile Press Register.

Study Strategies:  Each link on this page leads you to specific strategies to help you study effectively.

Helpful Study Skill Links:
Comprehensive collection of academic study guides from the University of St. Thomas.

Serious Fun with Research:  A cross-curricular theme unit with activities, reproducibles, and tips:  This site offers a broad range of research activities for the middle grades (4-8).

Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary:  This site offers a free online dictionary and thesaurus.

Reference Resources Online:  A list of sites that include online dictionaries, encyclopedias, atlases, almanacs, telephone directories, and Internet searches to locate information. Also learn about primary sources and where to find them.

Suggestions for English Language Learners (ELLs):
(E/B=Entering/Beginning, D=Developing, E=Expanding) 

E/B: Create a pictorial main idea diagram as you verbalize the parts. Draw the diagram both ways, with the details "adding up" to the main idea and vice versa. Have students point to the main idea in both diagrams; D, E: Have small groups review a topic they've learned in class (i.e. animal adaptations). Model creating a main idea diagram for one of the animals in its habitat. Then have students make a main idea diagram about another animal and its habitat. Invite groups to share their diagrams with the class.
E/B: Identify basic features of text, including title, table of contents, and chapter headings, by pointing, gesturing, or using simple spoken or written sentences; D: Identify features of text such as title, table of contents, chapter headings, supporting illustrations, glossaries, and indexes; E: Locate features of text, including format, diagrams, charts, and illustrations, and indexes, and identify their purpose.
E/B: Using nonverbal methods (i.e. pictures, charts, graphic organizers) or key words or phrases, identify the main idea of a story read aloud.
E/B: Relate text to one's own prior knowledge and experiences and express nonverbally (i.e. pictures, charts, graphic organizers), with key words or phrases (spoken or written); D: Relate text to one's own prior knowledge and experiences and express with simple spoken and written sentences.
E/B: Identify basic sequence of events in stories read aloud nonverbally (i.e. pictures, charts, graphic organizers) or using key words or phrases; D: Identify the sequence of events using spoken or written sentences.
E/B: Identify examples of fact and opinion in familiar texts and express with simple spoken or written sentences; D: Read brief literature and content-area texts to identify examples of facts and opinions; E: Identify facts, supported inferences, and opinions in text.
D: Recognize main ideas and supporting details asserted in a given text; E: Identify the main idea, make predictions, and support with details using simple spoken and written sentences.
E: Use the main ideas and illustrations of texts to draw inferences and conclusions.
 

© 2005 Mobile County Public Schools
 MCPSS is not responsible for the content of links beyond the initial levels
  in this site and does not officially endorse any software or other products mentioned 
on the linked sites.