Units of Study

Reading & Writing

Unit 1: Reading Strategies/Genre Review

Essential Questions:

  • How can we show that we understand the theme or central idea of a text?

  • How should we explain what we think or feel about a text?

  • How do we communicate clearly in writing?

Key Skills and Concepts:

  • Cite text evidence

  • Determine theme or central idea

  • Summarize

  • ELP only: Analyze point of view

  • Write clear informative text

Vocabulary & Word Study

On-Going

Essential Question:

  • How do we determine the meaning of new or unfamiliar words?

Key Skills and Concepts:

  • Academic vocabulary

  • Multiple-meaning words

  • Greek and Latin roots and affixes

  • Consult reference materials (e.g., dictionary, thesaurus)

  • Use context clues

  • Determine the most appropriate strategy to identify or infer the meaning of a new or unfamiliar word

Grammar & Mechanics

On-Going

Essential Question:

  • How do grammar, mechanics, and the conventions of English affect our comprehension of what we read and the meaning of what we write?

Key Skills and Concepts:

  • Parts of speech

  • Sentence structure

  • Recognize and follow the rules and conventions of standard English: spelling, grammar, capitalization, and punctuation

  • Edit and proofread written work