ALEX Classroom Resources

ALEX Classroom Resources  
   View Standards     Standard(s): [ELA2021] (6) -3 :
R4. Utilize a writing process to plan, draft, revise, edit, and publish writings in various genres.
[ELA2021] (6) 7 :
7. Produce clear, coherent narrative, argument, and informative/explanatory writing in which the development, organization, style, and tone are relevant to task, purpose, and audience, using an appropriate command of language.

a. Write narratives incorporating key literary elements, including characters, plot, setting, point of view, resolution of a conflict, dialogue, and sensory details.

b. Write informative or explanatory texts with an organized structure and a formal style, incorporating a focused point of view, a clear purpose, credible evidence, and technical word meanings.

c. Write an argument to convince the reader to take an action or adopt a position, stating a claim and supporting the claim with relevant, well-organized evidence from credible sources.
[ELA2021] (6) 24 :
24. Write about research findings independently over short and/or extended periods of time.
[ELA2021] (7) -3 :
R4. Utilize a writing process to plan, draft, revise, edit, and publish writings in various genres.
[ELA2021] (7) 17 :
17. Identify the conventions of standard English grammar and usage in writing.

a. Identify subject-verb agreement with compound subjects joined by correlative and coordinating conjunctions and with collective nouns when verb form depends on the rest of the sentence.

b. Identify the usage of simple, compound, complex, and compound-complex statements and questions to signal differing relationships among ideas in a text.

c. Evaluate the functions of phrases and clauses in general and their function in specific sentences.
[ELA2021] (7) 26 :
26. Produce research writings over extended periods with time for research, reflection, and revision and within shorter time frames, with minimal guidance.

Examples: a day or two, a single sitting
[ELA2021] (8) -3 :
R4. Utilize a writing process to plan, draft, revise, edit, and publish writings in various genres.
[ELA2021] (8) -1 :
R6. Adapt speech to a variety of contexts and tasks, demonstrating command of formal English when indicated or appropriate.
[ELA2021] (8) 25 :
25. Produce research writings independently over extended periods of time which encompass research, reflection, and revision and over shorter time frames.

Examples: a day or two, a single sitting
Subject: English Language Arts (6 - 8)
Title: More than One Way to Create Vivid Verbs
URL: http://readwritethink.org/classroom-resources/lesson-plans/more-than-create-vivid-1008.html
Description:

After reviewing specific nouns, students create a two-column list of nouns and ordinary verbs specific to a particular occupation. They then pair a specific noun from the first column with an occupation-related verb from the second column to create descriptive lines with vivid verbs being used in a different context. The trick lies in the fact that the verbs must be used in a new way, having nothing to do with the occupation. Often this approach to writing leads to a natural metaphorical passage as a result. Students refine this writing strategy by rotating through computer stations, each housing a descriptive passage begun by other students, revising and suggesting improvements or just adding lines to the descriptive passages.



   View Standards     Standard(s): [ELA2021] (6) -6 :
R1. Utilize active listening skills during discussion and conversation in pairs, small groups, or whole-class settings, following agreed-upon rules for participation.
[ELA2021] (6) -4 :
R3. Use digital and electronic tools appropriately, safely, and ethically when researching and writing, both individually and collaboratively.
[ELA2021] (6) 1 :
1. Identify and explain an author's rhetorical choices, including point of view, purpose, anecdotes, and figurative, connotative, and technical word meanings, to develop central and supporting ideas.
[ELA2021] (6) 24 :
24. Write about research findings independently over short and/or extended periods of time.
[ELA2021] (6) 26 :
26. Utilize research findings to communicate relevant details, opinions, and ideas about a topic or text in oral presentations.

a. Answer questions in discussions about their research findings.
[ELA2021] (6) 27 :
27. Discover word meanings by analyzing word parts, examining connotation and denotation, or using print or digital reference tools.
[ELA2021] (7) -6 :
R1. Utilize active listening skills during discussion and conversation in pairs, small groups, or whole-class settings, following agreed-upon rules for participation.
[ELA2021] (7) -4 :
R3. Use digital and electronic tools appropriately, safely, and ethically when researching and writing, both individually and collaboratively.
[ELA2021] (7) -3 :
R4. Utilize a writing process to plan, draft, revise, edit, and publish writings in various genres.
[ELA2021] (7) 9 :
9. Participate in collaborative discussions about prose and poetry by evaluating the use of literary devices and elements.
[ELA2021] (7) 24 :
24. Determine the relevance, reliability, and validity of information from nonfiction and fictional printed and/or digital texts.
[ELA2021] (7) 26 :
26. Produce research writings over extended periods with time for research, reflection, and revision and within shorter time frames, with minimal guidance.

Examples: a day or two, a single sitting
[ELA2021] (7) 28 :
28. Incorporate research into oral presentations, summarizing and supporting opinions and ideas with relevant details.

a. Collect information through the research process to answer follow-up questions and participate in discussions about their research findings.
[ELA2021] (8) -6 :
R1. Utilize active listening skills during discussion and conversation in pairs, small groups, or whole-class settings, following agreed-upon rules for participation.
[ELA2021] (8) -4 :
R3. Use digital and electronic tools appropriately, safely, and ethically when researching and writing, both individually and collaboratively.
[ELA2021] (8) -3 :
R4. Utilize a writing process to plan, draft, revise, edit, and publish writings in various genres.
[ELA2021] (8) 10 :
10. Engage in coherent and collaborative discussions about prose and poetry by evaluating the use of literary devices and elements.
[ELA2021] (8) 23 :
23. Determine the relevance, reliability, and validity of information from nonfiction and fictional printed and/or digital texts.
[ELA2021] (8) 25 :
25. Produce research writings independently over extended periods of time which encompass research, reflection, and revision and over shorter time frames.

Examples: a day or two, a single sitting
Subject: English Language Arts (6 - 8)
Title: Finding the Science Behind Science Fiction Through Paired Readings
URL: http://readwritethink.org/classroom-resources/lesson-plans/finding-science-behind-science-927.html
Description:

Science fiction has the potential to spark lively discussions while inviting students to extrapolate from their own working knowledge of scientific principles. This genre offers a human lens to what can otherwise be a complex science concept. In this lesson, students will be able to explore the genre of science fiction while learning more about the science integrated into the plot of the story using nonfiction texts and resources. They first define the science fiction genre and then read and discuss science fiction texts. Next, they conduct research to find scientific facts that support or dispute the science included in the plot of the science fiction book they read. Students then revisit their definition of the genre and revise it based on their reading. Finally, students complete a project that examines the science fiction genre in relation to real-world science concepts and topics.



   View Standards     Standard(s): [ELA2021] (6) -3 :
R4. Utilize a writing process to plan, draft, revise, edit, and publish writings in various genres.
[ELA2021] (6) 7 :
7. Produce clear, coherent narrative, argument, and informative/explanatory writing in which the development, organization, style, and tone are relevant to task, purpose, and audience, using an appropriate command of language.

a. Write narratives incorporating key literary elements, including characters, plot, setting, point of view, resolution of a conflict, dialogue, and sensory details.

b. Write informative or explanatory texts with an organized structure and a formal style, incorporating a focused point of view, a clear purpose, credible evidence, and technical word meanings.

c. Write an argument to convince the reader to take an action or adopt a position, stating a claim and supporting the claim with relevant, well-organized evidence from credible sources.
[ELA2021] (6) 19 :
19. Demonstrate command of standard English grammar, usage, and mechanics when writing.

a. Use commas, parentheses, or dashes to set off nonrestrictive or parenthetical elements.

b. Revise writing for correct mechanics with a focus on commas, apostrophes, quotation marks, colons, and semicolons.

c. Compose and revise writing by using various pronouns and their antecedents correctly.

Examples: personal, intensive, reflexive, demonstrative, relative, interrogative, indefinite

[ELA2021] (6) 24 :
24. Write about research findings independently over short and/or extended periods of time.
Subject: English Language Arts (6)
Title: Tell and Show: Writing With Words and Video
URL: http://readwritethink.org/classroom-resources/lesson-plans/tell-show-writing-with-1099.html?tab=1#tabs
Description:

Students will enhance their multimedia literacy and expand their understanding of text in this hands-on unit. First, students watch and study digital videos and their transcripts to explore the differences between written and spoken text. As they think critically about the videos, students will discover how text and images can work together to convey information. Once students are comfortable with the ways in which images and words can support and enhance each other, they will apply what they've learned by writing essays and turning those essays into captions for a teacher-created video. At the end of the unit, students will have a documentary film that they have written and designed.



   View Standards     Standard(s): [ELA2021] (6) -4 :
R3. Use digital and electronic tools appropriately, safely, and ethically when researching and writing, both individually and collaboratively.
[ELA2021] (6) -3 :
R4. Utilize a writing process to plan, draft, revise, edit, and publish writings in various genres.
[ELA2021] (6) 7 :
7. Produce clear, coherent narrative, argument, and informative/explanatory writing in which the development, organization, style, and tone are relevant to task, purpose, and audience, using an appropriate command of language.

a. Write narratives incorporating key literary elements, including characters, plot, setting, point of view, resolution of a conflict, dialogue, and sensory details.

b. Write informative or explanatory texts with an organized structure and a formal style, incorporating a focused point of view, a clear purpose, credible evidence, and technical word meanings.

c. Write an argument to convince the reader to take an action or adopt a position, stating a claim and supporting the claim with relevant, well-organized evidence from credible sources.
[ELA2021] (6) 13 :
13. Create and edit digital products that are appropriate in subject and purpose for a particular audience or occasion.

Examples: social media posts, blog posts, podcast episodes, infographics
[ELA2021] (6) 24 :
24. Write about research findings independently over short and/or extended periods of time.
[ELA2021] (7) -4 :
R3. Use digital and electronic tools appropriately, safely, and ethically when researching and writing, both individually and collaboratively.
[ELA2021] (7) -3 :
R4. Utilize a writing process to plan, draft, revise, edit, and publish writings in various genres.
[ELA2021] (7) 7 :
7. Produce clear, coherent narrative, argument, and informative/explanatory writing in which the development, organization, style, and tone are relevant to task, purpose, and audience, using an appropriate command of language.

a. Write narratives to convey a series of events incorporating key literary elements, establishing a clear purpose, using narrative techniques (dialogue, pacing, description, and reflection), and sequencing events coherently (chronological and/or flashback).

b. Write informative or explanatory texts with an organized structure and a formal style to examine ideas or processes effectively while developing the topic and utilizing appropriate transitions, precise vocabulary, and credible information or data when relevant.

c. Write an argument to defend a position by introducing and supporting claim(s), acknowledging alternate or opposing claims, and presenting reasons and relevant text evidence from accurate and credible sources.
[ELA2021] (7) 14 :
14. Create and edit digital products that are appropriate in subject, occasion, audience, purpose, and tone.
[ELA2021] (7) 23 :
23. Implement ethical guidelines while finding and recording information from a variety of primary, secondary, and digital sources.
[ELA2021] (7) 26 :
26. Produce research writings over extended periods with time for research, reflection, and revision and within shorter time frames, with minimal guidance.

Examples: a day or two, a single sitting
[ELA2021] (8) -4 :
R3. Use digital and electronic tools appropriately, safely, and ethically when researching and writing, both individually and collaboratively.
[ELA2021] (8) -3 :
R4. Utilize a writing process to plan, draft, revise, edit, and publish writings in various genres.
[ELA2021] (8) 1 :
1. Analyze how informational and graphic text elements, including allusions, point of view, purpose, comparisons, categories, and figurative, connotative, and technical word meanings, develop central and supporting ideas.
[ELA2021] (8) 8 :
8. Produce clear, coherent narrative, argument, and informative/explanatory writing in which the development, organization, style, and tone are relevant to task, purpose, and audience, using an appropriate command of language.

a. Write narratives that establish a clear purpose, use narrative techniques, and sequence events coherently.

Examples: narratives - memoir, short story, personal narrative; techniques - dialogue, pacing, description, reflection;
sequencing - chronological, reverse chronological, flashback

b. Write informative or explanatory texts to examine and convey complex ideas or processes effectively, by developing the topic with relevant information or data from credible sources and using appropriate transitions and precise vocabulary.

c. Write an argument to defend a position by introducing and supporting a claim, distinguishing the claim from opposing claims, presenting counterclaims and reasons, and citing accurate, relevant textual evidence from credible sources.
[ELA2021] (8) 13 :
13. Create and edit digital products that are appropriate in subject, occasion, audience, point of view, purpose, and tone.
[ELA2021] (8) 25 :
25. Produce research writings independently over extended periods of time which encompass research, reflection, and revision and over shorter time frames.

Examples: a day or two, a single sitting
Subject: English Language Arts (6 - 8)
Title: Twenty-First Century Informational Literacy: Integrating Research Techniques and Technology
URL: http://readwritethink.org/classroom-resources/lesson-plans/twenty-first-century-informational-30581.html?tab=1#tabs
Description:

This lesson incorporates graphic novels to help students expand their reading, writing, research, and technology skills. Students first read graphic novels to become familiar with the text structure, then research a self-selected topic using web-based resources. Students follow the research process and synthesize the information they obtained to create their graphic novel using the Comic Life software or other comic software. This unit works best with students who are already familiar with writing research papers.



   View Standards     Standard(s): [ELA2021] (6) -6 :
R1. Utilize active listening skills during discussion and conversation in pairs, small groups, or whole-class settings, following agreed-upon rules for participation.
[ELA2021] (6) -5 :
R2. Use context clues to determine meanings of unfamiliar spoken or written words.
[ELA2021] (6) -3 :
R4. Utilize a writing process to plan, draft, revise, edit, and publish writings in various genres.
[ELA2021] (6) 24 :
24. Write about research findings independently over short and/or extended periods of time.
Subject: English Language Arts (6)
Title: Using Word Webs to Teach Synonyms for Commonly Used Words
URL: http://readwritethink.org/classroom-resources/lesson-plans/using-word-webs-teach-282.html
Description:

"I feel good." "It was nice." "That was bad." Students respond to teachers' questions with these generic descriptions all the time, leaving teachers to dig deeper to figure out what students are really trying to say. Second-language learners also struggle to use descriptive words in written and oral language and tend to overuse common words, such as good, bad, and nice, due to their lack of knowledge of specific synonyms. In this multisession lesson, word webs are used to expose students to synonyms for common words, to help students choose synonyms that are appropriate for a given context, and to encourage students to use more descriptive words in their speech and writing. Student pairs then use words from the web in a skit they present to the class.



   View Standards     Standard(s): [ELA2021] (6) -3 :
R4. Utilize a writing process to plan, draft, revise, edit, and publish writings in various genres.
[ELA2021] (6) 7 :
7. Produce clear, coherent narrative, argument, and informative/explanatory writing in which the development, organization, style, and tone are relevant to task, purpose, and audience, using an appropriate command of language.

a. Write narratives incorporating key literary elements, including characters, plot, setting, point of view, resolution of a conflict, dialogue, and sensory details.

b. Write informative or explanatory texts with an organized structure and a formal style, incorporating a focused point of view, a clear purpose, credible evidence, and technical word meanings.

c. Write an argument to convince the reader to take an action or adopt a position, stating a claim and supporting the claim with relevant, well-organized evidence from credible sources.
[ELA2021] (6) 11 :
11. Utilize written, visual, digital, and interactive texts to generate and answer literal, interpretive, and applied questions.
[ELA2021] (6) 13 :
13. Create and edit digital products that are appropriate in subject and purpose for a particular audience or occasion.

Examples: social media posts, blog posts, podcast episodes, infographics
[ELA2021] (6) 14 :
14. Enhance oral presentations by introducing ideas in digital formats with specific attention to subject, occasion, audience, and purpose.

Examples: speaking to defend or explain a digital poster, multimedia presentation, or video
[ELA2021] (6) 19 :
19. Demonstrate command of standard English grammar, usage, and mechanics when writing.

a. Use commas, parentheses, or dashes to set off nonrestrictive or parenthetical elements.

b. Revise writing for correct mechanics with a focus on commas, apostrophes, quotation marks, colons, and semicolons.

c. Compose and revise writing by using various pronouns and their antecedents correctly.

Examples: personal, intensive, reflexive, demonstrative, relative, interrogative, indefinite

[ELA2021] (6) 24 :
24. Write about research findings independently over short and/or extended periods of time.
[ELA2021] (6) 28 :
28. Discover word meanings through active listening in various contexts.

Examples: classroom discussion, oral presentations, digital formats
Subject: English Language Arts (6)
Title: Highlighting Out-of-School Language Expertise With Pop Culture Dictionaries
URL: http://readwritethink.org/classroom-resources/lesson-plans/highlighting-school-language-expertise-31144.html
Description:

Validate students' out-of-school language use by asking them to share details on the use of words and phrases from movies, television shows, books, and other texts. In this activity, students compose dictionary entries for words and phrases from pop culture texts, connecting the definitions to their personal use of the terms. Their work is published individually, or if desired, collectively in a class dictionary.



ALEX Classroom Resources: 6

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