Language Arts 5-8
Reading, Writing, Speaking, Listening

See chart identifying integrated counseling curriculum

8.1 Reading
8.1.1 Students will identify the main idea and supporting details in what they have read

5th grade:
5-R-1.1a Summarize (paraphrase) the story in sequence.
5-R-1.1b Identify the main idea and supporting details of a nonfiction paragraph/selection.
5-R-1.1c Interpret schedules, charts and diagrams appropriate for reading level.
5-R-1.1d Read vocabulary words appropriate for reading level.
5-R-1.1e Define and use vocabulary appropriate to reading level.

6th grade:
6-R-1.1a Identify the main idea and supporting details of a non-fiction paragraph/selection.
6-R-1.1b Skim a selection for specific information.
6-R-1.1c Interpret tables, graphs, diagrams and schedules appropriate for grade level.
6-R-1.1d Read vocabulary words appropriate for reading level.
6-R-1.1e Define and Use vocabulary appropriate to reading level.

7th grade:
7-R-1.1a Recall details from complex sentences.
7-R-1.1b Identify the main idea and supporting details.
7-R-1.1c Identify the sequence of events in a given selection.
7-R-1.1d Follow multi-step written directions.
7-R-1.1e Skim reading material to Identify subtitles and main points.

8th grade:
8-R-1.1a Recall details from complex sentences.
8-R-1.1b Identify the main idea and supporting details.
8-R-1.1c Identify the sequence of events in a given selection.
8-R-1.1d Follow multi-step written directions.
8-R-1.1e Skim reading materials to Identify subtitles and main points.


8.1.2 Students will Identify, locate, and use multiple resources to access information on an assigned or self-selected topic.

5th grade:
5-R-1.2a Select and read literature for personal enjoyment.
5-R-1.2b Skim a selection for specific information.
5-R-1.2c Demonstrate effective library Use:

5-R-1.2c (1) Select and use a dictionary, thesaurus, almanac, encyclopedia, atlas, and Internet to find specific information.
5-R-1.2c (2) Use the Dewey classification organization scheme in the library to locate materials using a call number
5-R-1.2c (3) Distinguish between an autobiography and a biography.
5-R-1.2c (4) Identify where award-winning books are located in the library and how they are labeled to show the award status. 

5-R-1.2d Select reliable sources of information when doing research.
5-R-1.2e Use the table of contents, index, and glossary. 

6th grade:
6-R-1.2a Select and read literature for personal enjoyment.
6-R-1.2b Skim a selection for specific information.
6-R-1.2c Use the following reference materials: dictionary, almanac, encyclopedia, atlas, CD-ROM, and Internet.
6-R-1.2d Demonstrate effective library use:

6-R-1.2d (1) Select and use appropriate resources for research, including almanacs and atlases, for simple research reports.
6-R-1.2d (2) Identify resources available in the library using the electronic card catalog and the Reader’s Guide to Periodical Literature
6-R-1.2d (3) Select a variety of materials to read for enjoyment
6-R-1.2d (4) Identify and locate library materials of interest and materials which have received special awards

7th grade:
7-R-1.2a Identify the appropriate reference source for locating specific information.
7-R-1.2b Apply dictionary skills: guide words, syllabication, spelling, meaning, etymology and parts of speech.
7-R-1.2c Identify available library materials using Search Plus and OPAC
7-R-1.2e Access information using the most current technology for magazines, books, and other resources (including the Reader’s Guide to Periodical Literature, SIRS, Wilson Web)
7-R-1.2f Skim reading material to identify subtitles and main points.
7-R-1.2g Locate materials in the library using the Dewey Decimal System and other organizational schemes

8th grade:
8-R-1.2a Identify the appropriate reference source for locating specific information.
8-R-1.2b Use the dictionary: guide words, syllabication, spelling, meaning, etymology and parts of speech
8-R-1.2c Access information using the most current technology for magazines, books, and other resources.
8-R-1.2d Locate books by using the computer.
8-R-1.2e Skim reading materials to Identify subtitles and main points.
8-R-1.2f Locate books using the Dewey Decimal System.
8-R-1.2g Locate books by using the electronic card catalog
8-R-1.2h Research and write reports with works-cited pages
8-R-1.2i Use paraphrase, quotations, and notes to gather and use information.
8-R-1.2j Cite sources within the text accurately.

8.1.3 Students will identify and classify different types of text. Chart of Literature

5th grade:
5-R-1.3 Identify the following genre based upon distinguishing characteristics: fairy tales, fantasy, folk tales, historical fiction, poetry, and realistic fiction.

6th grade:
6-R-1.3a Identify fiction (realistic, historical, science fiction/fantasy) and nonfiction (autobiography, biography, other).
6-R-1.3b Identify the characteristics of a variety of genre that have been read.

7th grade:
7-R-1.3a Identify fiction and non-fiction.
7-R-1.3b Recognize forms of poetry: lyric, ballad, narrative.
7-R-1.3c Listen to, dramatize and participate in literature projects and activities.

8th grade:
8-R-1.3a Read poetry, i.e., ballad, haiku, limerick.
8-R-1.3b Recognize poetic forms: lyric, dramatic, narrative.
8-R-1.3c Listen to, dramatize and participate in a variety of literature activities.
8-R-1.3d Differentiate between types of literature (biography, autobiography, etc.)

8.1.4 Students will Identify and apply knowledge of the structure, elements, and literary techniques to analyze fiction. Chart of Literature Chart: Literary Analysis

5th grade:
5-R-1.4a Identify the story elements (plot, setting, character, theme).
5-R-1.4b Use a variety of comprehension skills to predict outcomes.
5-R-1.4c Explain the meaning of figurative and literal language, including similes and metaphors, used in literature selections.
5-R-1.4d Explain and complete analogous relationships appropriate for reading level.

6th grade:
6-R-1.4a Summarize (paraphrase) the story in sequence.
6-R-1.4b Identify story elements (plot, setting, character, point-of-view).
6-R-1.4d Explain the meaning of figurative and literal language including similes, metaphors, and idioms Used in literature selections.

7th grade:
7-R-1.4a Identify literary elements: plot, setting, character, theme.
7-R-1.4b Recognize literary devices: simile, metaphor, and personification.
7-R-1.4c Complete analogies using standard analogous forms.
7-R-1.4d Predict the outcome of a given selection.

8th grade:
8-R-1.4a Identify literary elements i.e.: plot, setting, character, mood and point of view.
8-R-1.4b Identify fiction and non-fiction in various genres.
8-R-1.4c Recognize and use figures of speech: simile, metaphor, and personification.
8-R-1.4d Recognize and use sensory words.
8-R-1.4e Recognize sound devices: onomatopoeia, alliteration, assonance, consonance, rhyme, and repetition.
8-R-1.4f Complete analogies using standard analogous forms.
8-R-1.4g Predict the outcome of a given selection.
8-R-1.4h Make inferences when analyzing literature

8.1.5 Students will identify and apply knowledge of the text structure and organizational elements to analyze nonfiction or informational text. Teaching Vocabulary

5th grade:
5-R-1.5a Identify cause and effect relationships.
5-R-1.5b Use context clues to identify the meaning of a multiple meaning word.
5-R-1.5c Draw conclusions and make inferences.
5-R-1.5d Determine the difference between fact and opinion.
5-R-1.5e Read and interpret schedules, charts and diagrams appropriate for reading level.

6th grade:
6-R-1.5a Identify cause and effect relationships.
6-R-1.5b Use context clues to identify the meaning of a multiple meaning word.
6-R-1.5c Draw conclusions and make inferences.
6-R-1.5d Determine the difference between fact and opinion.
6-R-1.5e Interpret tables, graphs, diagrams and schedules appropriate for grade level.

7th grade:
7-R-1.5a Identify the meanings of unknown words by using context clues.
7-R-1.5b Identify clues leading to a conclusion.
7-R-1.5c Identify cause and effect.
7-R-1.5d Identify statements of fact and opinion.
7-R-1.5e Identify and form generalizations.

8th grade:
8-R-1.5a Identify the meanings of unknown words by using context clues.
8-R-1.5b Identify clues leading to a conclusion.
8-R-1.5c Identify cause and effect.
8-R-1.5d Identify statements of fact and opinion.
8-R-1.5e Identify generalizations and form generalizations.
8-R-1.5f Identify components utilized by the author’s literary techniques.

8.1.6 Students will Identify similarities and differences across a variety of eighth grade reading selections.

5th grade:
5-R-1.6a Listen to, respond to, and read a variety of genre representing various cultures.
5-R-1.6b Read a variety of genre and Identify their characteristics.

6th grade:
6-R-1.6a Read a selection and Identify similarities and differences among cultures.


7th grade:
7-R-1.6a Read and react to multi-cultural literature.
7-R-1.6b Read and respond to tall tales, fables, short stories and other literary genre.

8th grade:
8-R-1.6a Read multi-cultural literature.
8-R-1.6b Compare and contrast literature selections.
8-R-1.6c Utilize visual mapping in reading text.

8.1.7 Students will demonstrate the ability to analyze literary works, nonfiction, films, or media.

5th grade:
5-R-1.7a Evaluate the relevance and accuracy of information.
5-R-1.7b Select reliable sources of information when doing research.

6th grade:
6-R-1.7a Evaluate the relevance and accuracy of information based upon the author’s qualifications and purpose.
6-R-1.7b Identify examples of first, second and third person narrative.

8th grade:
8-R-1.7 Read passages and answer questions based upon the reading and literary analysis.


8.2 WRITING

8.2.1 Students will write using standard English (conventions) for sentence structure, usage, punctuation, capitalization, and spelling. Grammar chart Mechanics Chart

5th grade:
5-W-2.1a Demonstrate the use of capitalization in writing conversations and previously learned skills.
5-W-2.1b Demonstrate the appropriate use of periods, question marks, and exclamation points.
5-W-2.1c Demonstrate use of commas in compound sentences, direct quotations, and introductory words in addition to previously taught skills.
5-W-2.1d Use apostrophes in contractions and in possessive noun forms.
5-W-2.1e Recognize and use quotation marks in written conversation and titles of stories.
5-W-2.1f Construct syntactically correct sentences using subject-verb agreement, tense, word order, and parts of speech within simple and compound sentences.
5-W-2.1g Correctly spell words appropriate to his/her reading/grade level.

6th grade:
6-W-2.1a Demonstrate the use of capitalization in writing conversations and previously learned skills.
6-W-2.1b Identify and write the four types of sentences using correct punctuation.
6-W-2.1c Use commas in complex sentences and use rules of previously learned skills.
6-W-2.1d Use apostrophes in contractions and in possessive noun forms.
6-W-2.1e Recognize and use quotation marks in conversation and story titles.
6-W-2.1f Construct syntactically correct sentences (subject/verb agreement, tense, word order and parts of speech) within simple, compound and complex sentences.
6-W-2.1g Spell words appropriate for grade/reading level.

7th grade:
7-W-2.1a Spell words appropriate to grade level.
7-W-2.1b Use basic rules of capitalization and punctuation.
7-W-2.1c Identify and use a variety of sentence structures.
7-W-2.1d Select and use parts of speech in sentence structure.
7-W-2.1e Combine sentences in a variety of ways.
7-W-2.1f Recognize and use demonstrative, indefinite, interrogative, reflexive and relative pronouns.
7-W-2.1g Recognize and use subject/verb agreement.
7-W-2.1h Recognize and use correct verb tense.

8th grade:
8-W-2.1a Spell words appropriate to grade level.
8-W-2.1b Use basic rules of capitalization, punctuation, and mechanics.
8-W-2.1c Use a variety of sentence structures.
8-W-2.1d Select and use the eight parts of speech in sentence structure.
8-W-2.1e Select and use case, number, gender, and personal pronouns in sentence structure.
8-W-2.1f Identify and evaluate writings based upon the six traits.

8.2.2 Students will write compositions with focus, related ideas, and supporting details. Writing Skills chart

5th grade:
5-W-2.2 Write descriptive paragraphs with emphasis on applying “ideas and content” and “organization” of the six writing traits.
6th grade:
6-W-2.2 Write descriptive paragraphs with emphasis on applying “organization” and “sentence fluency” of the six writing traits.
7th grade:
7-W-2.2a Write a paragraph containing a topic sentence.
7-W-2.2b Research and write reports.

8th grade:
8-W-2.2a Write a paragraph consisting of a topic sentence, four or five detail sentences, and a conclusion or summary.
8-W-2.2b Research and write reports with works-cited pages.
8-W-2.2c Accurately utilize sensory details and figurative language in writings.

8.2.3 Students will revise and edit descriptive compositions.

5th grade:
5-W-2.3a Maintain previously taught cursive writing skills.
5-W-2.3b Revise and edit descriptive paragraphs with emphasis on applying “ideas and content” and “organization” of the six writing traits.

6th grade:
6-W-2.3a Revise and edit descriptive paragraphs with emphasis on applying “organization” and “sentence fluency” of the six writing traits.

7th grade:
7-W-2.3a Use the steps in the writing process: prewriting, writing, revising, proofreading, and publishing.
7-W-2.3b Build vocabulary and improve word choice.
7-W-2.3c Use formal and informal language.
7-W-2.3d Use basic rules of capitalization and punctuation.
7-W-2.3e By proofreading, correct errors of skills mastered.
7-W-2.3f Select and Use parts of speech in sentence structure.
7-W-2.3g Combine sentences in a variety of ways.

8th grade:
8-W-2.3a Use the steps in the writing process: prewriting, writing, revising, proofreading, and publishing.
8-W-2.3b Build vocabulary and improve word choice.
8-W-2.3c Use basic rules of capitalization and punctuation.
8-W-2.3d Select and use the eight parts of speech in sentence structure.
8-W-2.3e Construct sentences using phrases, clauses, and sentence combinations.
8-W-2.3f Utilize the six traits to make revising and editing changes to writings.

8.2.4 Students will demonstrate the Use of multiple forms to write for different audiences and purposes. Writing Skills chart

5th grade:
5-W-2.4 Write for a variety of purposes (descriptive paragraphs and reports)

6th grade:
6-W-2.4 Write expository paragraphs.

7th grade:
7-W-2.4a Identify the type of audience.
7-W-2.4b Use formal and informal language.
7-W-2.4c Write friendly and business letters and address envelopes.
7-W-2.4d Journal.
7-W-2.4e Use writing skills across the curriculum.
7-W-2.4f Do creative writing.

8th grade:
8-W-2.4a Identify the type of audience.
8-W-2.4b Use formal language for the writing of essays.
8-W-2.4c Write using various forms, i.e.,

8-W-2.4c (1) narrative
8-W-2.4c (2) expository
8-W-2.4c (3) persuasive
8-W-2.4c (4) descriptive
8-W-2.4c (5) research paper
8-W-2.4c (6) poetry
8-W-2.4c (7) creative writing
8-W-2.4d Use writing skills across the curriculum.


8.2.5 Students will demonstrate the ability to use self-generated questions, note taking, summarizing and outlining while learning.

5th grade
5-W-2.5a Take notes or record important ideas from information read.
5-W-2.5b Generate relevant questions about information read.
5-W-2.5c Record important information from his/her research.

6th grade:
6-W-2.5a Read and interpret information found in a bibliography.
6-W-2.5b Take notes or record important ideas from information read.
6-W-2.5c Generate relevant questions about information read.
6-W-2.5d Record important information from his/her research.

7th grade:
7-W-2.5a Research and write reports.
7-W-2.5b Take notes from reading materials.
7-W-2.5c Write a multiple step outline.
7-W-2.5d Read, interpret, and prepare a bibliography.
7-W-2.5e Use note cards to record and organize information for a report.

8th grade:
8-W-2.5a Research and write reports with works-cited pages.
8-W-2.5b Take notes from reading materials, using paraphrase, quotations, and note-taking.
8-W-2.5c Write a multiple step outline.
8-W-2.5d Read, interpret, and prepare a works-cited page and have parenthetical citation.
8-W-2.5e Use notes to record and organize information for a report

8.3 SPEAKING Speaking and Listening Chart

8.3.1 Students will participate in group discussions by asking questions and contributing information and ideas.

5th grade:
5-S-3.1a Use oral language which is developmentally appropriate.
5-S-3.1b Contribute in class discussions appropriate for grade level.

6th grade:
6-S-3.1a Use oral language which is developmentally appropriate.
6-S-3.1b Contribute in class discussions appropriate for grade level.

7th grade:
7-S-3.1 Actively participate in formal and informal oral communication activities:

7-S-3.1a Carry on discussion and conversations.
7-S-3.1b Give oral directions.

8th grade:
8-S-3.1 Actively participate in formal and informal oral communication activities i.e.,

8-S-3.1a Carry on discussions and conversations
8-S-3.1b Give directions
8-S-3.1c Identify terms applicable for communication skills

8.3.2 Students will Use multiple presentation styles for specific audiences and purposes. Speaking and Listening Chart

5th grade:
5-S-3.2a Read orally with expression: prose, poetry, and choral reading.
5-S-3.2b Use effective nonverbal communication skills.

6th grade:
6-S-3.2a Use appropriate gestures, vocabulary, pace, volume, eye contact, and visual aids when making presentations.
6-S-3.2b Use effective nonverbal communications skills.

7th grade:
7-S-3.2 Actively participate in formal and informal oral communication activities:

7-S-3.2a Read orally with appropriate expression.
7-S-3.2b Present persuasive talks.
7-S-3.2c Give oral reports and informative talks.

8th grade:
8-S-3.2 Actively participate in formal and informal oral communication activities i.e.,

8-S-3.2a Read orally with appropriate expression
8-S-3.2b Present persuasive talks
8-S-3.2c Give directions
8-S-3.2d Give an oral report

8.4 LISTENING Speaking and Listening Chart

8.4.1 Students will identify information gained and complete tasks through listening.

5th grade:
5-L-4.1 Develop listening skills and respond to oral messages by following multi-step directions, paraphrasing information, responding to the ideas of others, organizing and clarifying information as appropriate for grade level.

6th grade:
6-L-4.1 Develop listening skills appropriate for grade level.

7th grade:
7-L-4.1 Apply listening skills in practical settings.

8th grade:
8-L-4.1 Apply listening skills in practical settings.


Language Objectives beyond the Standards

5th grade:
5-R-1a Use word analysis skills to decode words.
5-R-1b Read and define words with prefixes and suffixes.

6th grade:
6-R-1a Use word analysis to decode unknown words including prefixes and suffixes.

7th grade:
7-R-1a Recognize the meaning of words with various prefixes and suffixes.
7-R-1b Determine the pronunciation of syllabicated words by applying generalizations.
7-R-1c Identify base words with multiple affixes.

8th grade:
8-R-1a Recognize the meaning of words with various prefixes and suffixes.
8-R-1b Determine the pronunciation of syllabicated words by applying generalizations.
8-R-1c Identify base words with multiple affixes.