English Language Arts (ELA)
Reading:
We are currently in Unit 4: Lessons 18.
ANCHOR TEXT: A Tree is Growing
TARGET SKILL: Using text and graphic features
TARGET STRATEGY: Questioning - Students will read and ask themselves questions to make sure that they understand the information. They will look for evidence in the words, sidebars, pictures, labels, and diagrams.
TOPIC: trees
Students have read and discussed an anchor text from each of the following genres: humorous fiction, fantasy, realistic fiction, historical fiction, biography, narrative fiction, poetry, and informational text.
Additionally, the following CAFE strategies have been introduced.
CAFE stands for:
Comprehension: I understand what I read.
Accuracy: I can read the words.
Fluency: I can read accurately with expression.
Expand Vocabulary: I know, find, and use interesting words.
Comprehension strategies:
Check for understanding - Does it make sense? Who or what is this about? What happened?
Back up and reread - I should do this when it doesn't make sense or I don't remember the who or what that this is about and/or what happened.
Predict what will happen. Then confirm.
Analyze illustrations (use pictures, diagrams, and other graphics).
Infer using your schema and text clues.
Retell the story in sequence. - Setting, characters, problem/goal, main events, and solution.
Summarize the text.
Accuracy strategies:
Cross Checking - Does it look right? Does it sound right? Does it make sense?
Stretch the word out. Blend the sounds together.
Chunk parts you know together.
Flip the sound - Try another sound the letter or letters make.
Use the picture.
Fluency strategies:
Pay attention to punctuation ( . , ? ! " ").
Listen to fluent, expressive reading.
Show the meaning or feeling of the text in how it is read.
Read with expression.
Adjust your reading rate depending on the text.
Read favorite books again and again.
Expand vocabulary strategies:
Tune into interesting words.
Use schema and context clues to predict meanings.
Use a dictionary or glossary to define words.
Ask someone to define a word for you.
Use new vocabulary in speaking and writing.