english language arts curriculum overview...english language arts curriculum overview kindergarten -...

English Language Arts Curriculum Overview

KINDERGARTEN - 5TH GRADE

Overview: In its kindergarten through 5th grade classrooms, North Shore School District 112 utilizes Pearson’s ReadyGEN. This resource emphasizes an integrated approach to the instruction of reading and writing and provides a comprehensive balance of literary and informational text. The course content is aligned to the Illinois Learning Standards in Reading Literature, Reading Informational Text, Reading Foundational Skills, Writing, Speaking and Listening, and Language. Handwriting instruction is delivered in kindergarten and 1st grade utilizing the Learning Without Tears Handwriting Without Tears program. Cursive instruction is delivered in 3rd grade utilizing the Learning Without Tears Handwriting Without Tears program.

Instruction: Instruction is delivered in a workshop model, which ensures that all students experience whole group learning and small group instruction. In kindergarten classrooms, English Language Arts is instructed for 100 minutes per day. In 1st through 5th grade classrooms, English Language Arts is instructed for 120 minutes per day.

Assessment: A variety of assessment methods are used to ensure that all learners are making progress toward grade-level learning standards. Each unit of ReadyGEN instruction includes performance-based assessments which provide learners with the opportunity to write in a specific mode (narrative, opinion, or inform/explain). End of Unit Assessments and Foundational Skills Progress Checks measure student progress toward learning standards.

KindergartenTRIMESTER UNIT & MODULE UNIT THEME ENDURING UNDERSTANDINGS MODULE GOALS

1 Unit 1A Living Together: This is Home

Readers understand that there is a relationship between illustrations and words.

Writers understand that pictures and words about events help tell a story.

Learners understand that home is an important concept to all living things.

Readers will use both words and illustrations to retell stories.

Writers will write a short narrative that includes a drawing and one event.

Learners will recognize the importance of home to all living things.

1 Unit 1B Living Together: This is Home

Readers understand that answering questions help them understand information in texts.

Writers understand that informational texts provide answers to questions about topics.

Learners understand that the environment affects living things.

Readers will answer questions about key details in informational texts.

Writers will write a sentence that explains information.

Learners will identify different environments and their effects on living things.

1 Unit 2A Understanding Then and Now

Readers understand that stories have characters, settings, and major events.

Writers understand the importance of sequenced events in a story.

Learners understand the concept of “then” and “now.”

Readers will retell stories, including characters, settings, and major events.

Writers will write a simple narrative with two major events.

Learners will understand the difference between “then” and “now.”

Understanding Then and Now

Readers understand that asking questions helps them understand a text.

Writers understand that they can state and opinion through words and illustrations.

Learners understand that people’s lives “then” were similar to and different from our lives today.

Readers will ask questions to better understand informational texts.

Writers will state an opinion and draw a picture to show a reason for their opinion.

Learners will identify similarities and differences between people’s lives “then” and our lives today.

2 Unit 2B

TRIMESTER UNIT & MODULE UNIT THEME ENDURING UNDERSTANDINGS MODULE GOALS

2 Unit 3A Predicting Change

Readers understand that characters have similar experiences in different stories.

Writers understand that using time-order words puts events in sequence.

Learners understand that different cultures share similar experiences.

Readers will retell stories focusing on characters experiences and reactions.

Writers will create a simple narrative and include a character’s reactions to an event.

Learners will use observations to predict changes.

2 Unit 4ALearning About Each Other and

the World

Readers understand that characters have similar experiences in different stories.

Writers understand that using time-order words puts events in sequence.

Learners understand that different cultures share similar experiences.

Readers will compare and contrast characters and their experiences in stories.

Writers will write a narrative using the sequence words first, then , and last.

Learners will understand that different cultures blend together in both families and communities.

2 Unit 4B

Readers understand that informational texts may have a variety of text features.

Writers understand that informational texts provide facts and details that give readers an understanding of a topic.

Learners understand that learning about different traditions helps us better understand others.

Readers will use text features to demonstrate understanding of informational texts.

Writers will compose an informative text that names the topic and includes facts about it.

Learners will understand what makes different cultures unique and what makes them similar.

Knowing About Patterns and

Structures

Readers understand that texts contain a main idea and details that support it.

Writers understand that informational texts are about topics that have been developed through research and observation.

Learners understand that there are different kinds of patterns in nature.

Readers will determine the main topic and supporting details in informational texts.

Writers will write an explanatory text that names a topic and includes facts and a conclusion.

Learners will demonstrate an understanding of patterns in nature.

Unit 5B3

Learning About Each Other and

the World


3 Unit 6AExploring

Communities

Readers understand that literacy and informational texts can explore similar topics.

Writers understand that it is important to support an opinion they express.

Learners understand that people participate in their communities in a variety of ways

Readers will use both literary and informational texts to better understand a topic.

Writers will write a book review in which they state and support their opinion.

Learners will explore the various ways in which people participate in their communities.

3 Unit 6BExploring

Communities

Readers understand that asking questions before, during, and after reading helps them grasp the meaning of a text.

Writers understand that they can convey their own preferences through writing.

Learners understand that cities are made up of neighborhoods where people live, work, and have fun together.

Readers will ask and answer questions before, during, and after reading about details in the text.

Writers will state and support an opinion ad include a conclusion.

Learners will understand why people and places in an urban community are important.

1st GradeTRIMESTER UNIT & MODULE UNIT THEME ENDURING UNDERSTANDINGS MODULE GOALS

1 Unit 1A Connecting to Our World

Readers understand that they improve their comprehension by identifying story elements.

Writers understand that details play a role in explaining the events in a story.

Learners understand that living things depend on one another.

Readers will retell stories, including key details.

Writers will write a narrative story in which they recount one or more sequenced events.

Learners will recognize that there are relationships among living things.

1 Unit 2ABecoming aClassroom

Citizen

Readers understand that key details help them determine the central message in a text.

Writers understand that opinions are supported by reasons.

Learners understand that citizenship begins with becoming a contributing member of a classroom community.

Readers will retell stories and demonstrate an understanding of the central message

Writers will write an opinion and supply reasons for it.

Learners will identify ways in which children contribute to a classroom community.

1 Unit 2BBecoming aClassroom

Citizen

Readers understand that illustrations and details in a text help them identify the main idea or central message.

Writers understand that experiences can becompared and contrasted.

Learners understand that we are all connected to people beyond our own communities.

Readers will use key details and illustrations in texts to demonstrate knowledge of main ideas and central messages.

Writers will create an explanatory text that compares and contrasts experiences.

Learners will understand that children contribute to a global classroom community.


2 Unit 3A Making Choices

Readers understand that they can learn lessons through the characters and events in stories.

Writers understand that stories need appropriately sequenced events.

Learners understand that people choose to use their resources to get what they want and need.

Readers will retell stories in appropriate sequence and demonstrate understanding of their stories’ lesson.

Writers will write a narrative of events using words to signal their sequence.

Learners will understand that people make choices about spending money.

2 Unit 3B Making Choices

Readers understand that details in a text support the author’s main points.

Writers understand that an opinion has to be supported with one or more reasons.

Learners understand that people make decisions about how to spend what they earn.

Readers will state and explain the reasons an author gives to support points in a text.

Writers will state and support an opinion and provide a conclusion.

Learners will understand that people make people make decisions by considering choices.

2 Unit 4B Planting for the Future

Readers understand the connection between multiple pieces of information in a text.

Writers understand that facts and details help explain information to others.

Learners understand that living things grow over time and that each part of an organism contributes to this process.

Readers will describe the connection between two facts in an informational text.

Writers will use facts and details to compose an explanatory text.

Learners will identify what is necessary for the growth of living things.


2 Unit 5AObserving the

Messages of the Natural World

Readers understand that sensory details in literary texts can provide descriptions and facts. Informational texts can convey information, facts, and details.

Writers understand that narrative texts include sequenced events and a conclusion.

Learners understand that observations of the natural world can help us learn about humans.

Readers will identify the describing words and phrases and key details in various texts.

Writers will use time order to sequence events in a narrative.

Learners will understand how to compare messages about the natural world from both literary and informational texts.

3 Unit 5BObserving the

Messages of the Natural World

Readers understand that facts, details, and features in informational texts enable them to find answers to questions.

Writers understand that they can convey questions and answers to readers.

Learners understand that observations and prediction help us to discover information about the world.

Readers will use facts and details found ininformational texts to find answers to questions.

Writers will use research to write questions-and-answer informational texts.

Learners will understand how to use observations and new learning to make predictions about our solar system.

3 Unit 6A CelebratingDiversity

Readers understand that both literary andinformational texts can convey lessons about life.

Writers understand opinions are supported by one or more reasons.

Learners understand that the United States is a special country because of the diversity of its people

Readers will examine literary and informational texts to determine life lessons.

Writers will formulate an opinion and support it with both reasons and text evidence.Learners will understand the rich diversity in the United States.


Readers understand that illustrations and details in texts help them better comprehend what they read.

Writers understand that valid opinions are supported by reasons.

Learners appreciate how its diverse culture of the United States.

Readers will identify and retell key details using the text and illustrations.

Writers will formulate an opinion and support it with one or more reasons and text evidence.

Learners will understand the rich diversity of the United States and celebrate how it fosters understanding between cultures.

3 Unit 6B CelebratingDiversity

2nd GradeTRIMESTER UNIT & MODULE UNIT THEME ENDURING UNDERSTANDINGS MODULE GOALS

1 Unit 1A Understanding Communities

Readers understand that characters in stories have unique points of view.

Writers understand that signal words tell thesequence of events in a story.

Learners understand that relationships within a community are important.

Readers will use dialogue and actions to identify the points of view of characters in stories.

Writers will create a narrative using a clear sequence of events.

Learners will identify community relationships.

1 Unit 1B Understanding Communities

Readers understand that informational texts have main topics thats are supported by key details.

Writers understand the importance of clearly introducing a topic and developing it with facts.

Learners understand that people in communities have different experiences based on where they live.

Readers will identify main topics and key details in informational texts.

Writers will write a compare-and-contrast paragraph that introduces a topic and includes facts to develop it.

Learners will demonstrate an understanding of the differences between communities.

1 Unit 2A Making Decisions

Readers understand that knowing the structure of a story helps them comprehend the text.

Writers understand that describing a character’s actions, thoughts, and feelings enhances a story.

Learners understand that people make decisions based on their needs and wants.

Readers will describe the structure of a story by identifying its beginning, middle, or end.

Writers will compose a narrative with details that describe characters’ actions, thoughts, and feelings.

Learners will identify ways in which people make decisions based on their needs and wants.


2 Unit 2B Making Decisions

Readers understand that asking and answering questions helps clarify their comprehend of a text.

Writers understand that authors use reasons to support their opinions.

Learners understand the effects that available resources have on people’s choices.

Readers will ask and answer questions about details and information in a text.

Writers will compose an opinion paragraph that uses reasons to support their opinion.

Learners will explain how people make choices based on needs, wants, and available resources.

2 Unit 3A Building Ideas

Readers understand that illustrations in literary texts and specific features in informational texts can help them understand what they read.

Writers understand that using multiple sources makes research-based writing stronger.

Learners understand that a person’s life story can reveal big ideas about historical events.

Readers will explain how illustrations and text features help them make better sense of what they read.

Writers will create a biographical sketch using multiple sources.

Learners will explain how a person’s life story can reveal big ideas about historical events.

2 Unit 4AFacing

Challenges and Changes

Readers understand that characters face challenges in stories.

Writers understand that a characters’ actions, thoughts, and feelings are revealed through details.

Learners understand that facing challenges leads to change in people.

Readers will recount and describe characters’ challenges in stories.

Writers will create narrative texts that include challenges and characters’ responses to those challenges.Learners will explain how facing challenges leads people and communities to change.


2 Unit 4BFacing

Challenges and Changes

Readers understand that identifying main topics in a text aids their comprehension.

Writers understand that informational writing is strengthened by facts, definitions, and a solid conclusion.

Learners understand that change can happen quickly and create challenges.

Readers will identify multiple main topics in an informational text.

Writers will compose an informative/explanatory text with facts, definitions, and a strong conclusion.

Learners will explain various changes that can occur on Earth’s surface..

3 Unit 5APioneering New Ideas and New

Worlds

Readers understand that texts on the same topic have similarities and differences.

Writers understand that opinions need strong reasons to support them.

Learners understand that personal journeys can affect historical events.

Readers will compare and contrast main ideas from two texts on the same topic.

Writers will state an opinion and support it with reasons.

Learners will explain how personal journeys can affect the history of communities.

3 Unit 5BPioneering

New Ideas and New Worlds

Readers understand that different types of texts can be used to learn about similar topics.

Writers understand the importance of well-sequenced events, details, and conclusions in stories.

Learners understand that people’s journeys to settle in new places helped our country grow.

Readers understand that different types of texts can be used to learn about similar topics.

Writers will create sequenced narratives that include details and a conclusion.

Learners will explain how people’s journeys have helped our country grow.


3 Unit 6A Changing the World

Readers understand specific strategies they can use to improve their understanding of texts.

Writers understand that opinions and reasons are connected.

Learners understand that people can change the world with strong commitment.

Readers will identify and use story structure and text features to understand texts.

Writers will support an opinion with reasons and evidence from the texts they have read.

Learners will recount how people’s commitments have made the world a better place.

3rd GradeTRIMESTER UNIT & MODULE UNIT THEME ENDURING UNDERSTANDINGS MODULE GOALS

1 Unit 1A Observing the World Around Us

Readers understand the actions and motivations of characters in stories.

Writers understand that charcters’ actions affect the sequence of events in a story.

Learners understand that close observation helps identify problems and find solutions.

Readers will be able to show how a characters’ motivations and actions affect the events in a story.

Writers will compose a narrative that includes developed characters, a clear sequence of events, and a conclusion.

Learners will demonstrate understanding that close observation can help identify problems and find solutions.

1 Unit 1B Observing the World Around Us

Readers understand central messages or main ideas by looking closely at the details used to support them.

Writers understand how to convey information about main ideas and details through text features and illustrations.

Learners understand that observation can give us clues about things in the world that change over time.

Readers will demonstrate understanding of central messages and main ideas by identifying details in texts.

Writers will write a magazine article aboutsomething in the natural world that includes details, text features, and illustrations.

Learners will use observational skills to understand how things change over time.

1 & 2 Unit 2AConnectingCharacter,

Culture, and Community

Readers understand that asking and answering questions using text-based evidence can help them better comprehend text.

Writers understand that dialogue and characters’ actions help develop the events in a story.

Learners understand that relationships within a community are affected by culture and traditions.

Readers will use text-based evidence to ask and answer questions about texts.

Writers will craft a narrative with dialogue and actions that drive the course of events.

Learners will understand that people have a rich cultural heritage and a variety of traditions.


2 Unit 2BConnectingCharacter,

Culture, and Community

Readers understand thats photographs, illustrations, and details help them make sense of what they read.

Writers understand that information and ideas can be compared and contrasted.

Learners understand that there are similarities and differences in communities around the world.

Readers will use photographs, illustrations, and details to make sense of texts.

Writers will write a compare-and-contrast essay that includes an introduction, linking words and phrases, a developed topic, and conclusion.

Learners will recognize that families and communities differ from place to place around the world.

2 Unit 3A Seeking Explanations

Readers understand that stories have important central messages, lessons, or morals.

Writers understand that opinion writing supports a point of view with reasons.

Learners understand that oral histories havetransmitted experiences, explanations, and wisdom for generations.

Readers will recount stories to determine the central messages, lessons, or moral.

Writers will support a point of view with reasons.

Learners will understand how people use stories to explain the world.

2 & 3 Unit 3B Seeking Explanations

Readers understand that informational texts have various structures and features that aid the reader’s comprehension.

Writers understand that related information goes together when presenting a topic with facts, definitions, and details.

Learners understand scientific reasons for how and why things occur in nature.

Readers will determine text structures and identify text features to better understand what they read.

Writers will compose a news report that clearly conveys ideas and information.

Learners will identify reasons that explain how and why things occur in nature.


3 Unit 4A Becoming an Active Citizen

Readers understand literary and informational texts can be used to explore similar topics and ideas.

Writers understand opinions are supported with reasons and evidence.

Learners understand that active citizens can change the world when they stand up for what they believe in.

Readers will explore a topic using both literary and informational texts.

Writers will compose an opinion essay in which their point of views is supported with reasons and evidence.

Learners will identify qualities of active citizenship.

4th GradeTRIMESTER UNIT & MODULE UNIT THEME ENDURING UNDERSTANDINGS MODULE GOALS

1 Unit 1A Becoming Researchers

Readers use point of view in literary text and use reasons and evidence in informational text to better understand what they read.

Writers use evidence and events to depict a person’s life.

Learners understand that researchers and scientists adopt specific habits to accomplish tasks.

Readers will use point of view and author evidence to understand texts.

Writers will write a biography based on the experience of a scientist.

Learners will understand how researchers and scientists do their work.

1 Unit 1B Becoming Researchers

Readers use information presented in different ways and from different sources to understand a topic.

Writers use organizational structures, specific word choice, and evidence when explaining a topic.

Learners understand that multiple sources and evidence can be used to build ideas and information.

Readers will compare, gather, and ynthesize ideas from multiple sources in informational texts.

Writers will conduct research based on questions about informational text.

Learners will identify and use evidence from multiple sources to build an idea.

1 & 2 Unit 2AInteractions in

Nature and Culture

Readers understand that themes in literary texts can be interpreted from dialogue and descriptions.

Writers understand that dialogue and description reveal character traits and story themes.

Learners understand that cultures interact with and interpret nature in different ways.

Readers will determine themes in literary texts.

Writers will write clearly and coherently using dialogue and sensory language to enhance characters and develop theme.

Learners will understand the interactions between culture and nature.


2 Unit 2B Interactions in Nature and

Culture

Readers understand the importance of supporting opinions about various texts.

Writers understand that they can draw evidence from literary and informational texts to state and support opinions.

Learners understand the effects of nature and culture on communities.

Readers will state and support opinions todemonstrate their understanding of both literary and informational texts.

Writers will use text-based evidence to state and support opinions.

Learners will understand how interactions among communities affect cultures and people.

2 Unit 3A Exploring Impact and Effect

Readers understand that different types of texts can be used to analyze similar topics and ideas.

Writers understand that evidence can be drawn from both literary and informational texts to state and support opinions about a topic.

Learners understand that science is a newer method of explaining natural phenomena.

Readers will analyze both literary and informational texts on the same topic.

Writers will use evidence from both literary and informational texts to write an opinion essay.

Learners will understand that the ways in which people explain natural phenomena have changed over time.

2 & 3 Unit 3B Exploring Impact and Effect

Readers understand that specific strategies can be used to help them understand what they read.

Writers understand that research of both literary and informational texts can be used to convey ideas and information.

Learners understand the effects of changes in nature on both the environment and people.

Readers will quote a text directly when drawing inferences from and analyzing the text.

Writers will draw evidence from informational texts to support analysis, reflection, and research.

Learners will understand the effects of changes to Earth’s surface.


3 Unit 4ACreating

Innovative Solutions

Readers understand the elements of narrative texts and how to use them to determine the theme of a story.

Writers understand that they can draw evidence from literary texts to analyze and reflect on story elements.

Learners understand that collaboration often leads to creative solutions.

Readers will analyze a story’s character, setting, theme, problem, and events leading up to a solution.

Writers will use story elements to write an original narrative.

Learners will understand how creativity, cooperation, and innovation can make a difference in people’s lives.

5th GradeTRIMESTER UNIT & MODULE UNIT THEME ENDURING UNDERSTANDINGS MODULE GOALS

1 Unit 1A Depending on Each Other

Readers understand that themes in literary texts are developed through the characters, settings, and events.

Writers understand that various narrative techniques can be used to develop stories.

Learners understand that people change in reaction.

Readers will determine themes in literary texts by comparing and contrasting characters, settings, and events.

Writers will use dialogue and details to develop challenging character experiences.

Learners will explain how people change in reaction to their surroundings.

1 Unit 1B Depending on Each Other

Readers understand the relationships between individuals, concepts, and events based on information provided in texts.

Writers understand how to develop a topic with facts, definitions, and concrete details.

Learners understand that all living things interact with and affect one another.

Readers will explain the relationships between scientific concepts presented in texts.

Writers will examine a topic and convey ideas with facts, definitions, and details.

Learners will explain how living things interact with and affect one another.

1 & 2 Unit 2A Finding Courage

Readers understand the importance of summarizing texts.

Writers understand that opinions can be supported with evidence from a variety of sources.

Learners understand that people respond to inequality and injustice in different ways.

Readers will quote accurately from a text when summarizing the events or the main ideas and details.

Writers will state and support an opinion using evidence from a variety of sources.

Learners will demonstrate understanding of ways in which people respond to inequality and injustice.


2 Unit 2B Finding Courage

Readers understand that relationships between individuals and historical events are important to their understanding of a text.

Writers understand that informative writing uses linking words and phrases and specific vocabulary to convey ideas and information.

Learners understand that social movements are produced by a unique combination of leadership and events.

Readers will explain the relationships between individuals and historical events based on information presented in texts.

Writers will compose an informative text using linking words and phrases and specific vocabulary.

Learners will understand various social movements and how they have affected large groups of people.

2 Unit 3A Understanding the Universe

Readers understand that a series of chapters and sections fit together to provide the basic structure of a text.

Writers understand that narratives should be clearly developed and organized to fit the task, purpose, and audience.

Learners understand that the universe is a complex place.

Readers will use a texts’ chapters and sections to explain its structure.

Writers will create a narrative that is clearlydeveloped and focused on the task, purpose, and audience.

Learners will use literary and informational texts to understand various complexities about the universe.

2 & 3 Unit 3BUnderstanding

the Universe

Readers understand the importance of learning the meanings of words and phrases in order to better comprehend text.

Writers understand that illustrations, photos,diagrams, and other visual elements convey important information.

Learners understand that scientists continue to study and reveal new information about the universe.

Readers will determine the meanings of words, and phrases to understand information in various texts.

Writers will use research and visuals to convey information effectively.

Learners will understand that scientists continue to discover new information about the universe.


3 Unit 4A Exploring New Worlds

Readers understand that comparing and contrasting texts helps them build awareness of similar themesand topics.

Writers understand that opinions are supported by facts and details and are strengthened through effective organization and transitions.

Learners understand that explorers have had both positive and negative effects on societies.

Readers will use details in texts to compare and contrast topics.

Writers will compose opinion pieces on topics or texts, supporting a point of view with reasons and information and quoting accurately from text.

Learners explain both positive and negative effects caused by various explorations.

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