New Mexico State Standards for Language Arts: Grade 6

NM.I: Reading and Listening for Comprehension. Students will apply strategies and skills to comprehend information that is read, heard, and viewed.

I-A: Listen to, read, react to, and interpret information

I-A:1. Narrate a fictional or autobiographical account.

I-A:2. Relate details, main ideas, setting, action, and main character(s).

I-A:3. Explore expressive materials that are read, heard, or viewed.

I-A:4. Identify and interpret figurative language in an oral selection.

I-A:5. Interact appropriately in group settings.

I-A:6. Reflect on learning experiences by describing personal learning growth and change in perspective.

I-A:7. Interpret how personal circumstances and background shape interaction with text.

I-B: Gather and use information for research and other purposes

I-B:1. Interpret and synthesize information from a variety of sources by:

I-B:1.a. reviewing the characteristics of informational works;

I-B:1.b. restating and summarizing information;

I-B:1.c. determining the importance of information;

I-B:1.d. making connections to related topics and information;

I-B:1.e. monitoring comprehension;

I-B:1.f. drawing inferences; and

I-B:1.g. generating questions.

I-B:2. Use multiple sources of print and non-print information in developing informational materials such as brochures, newsletters, and advertisements by:

I-B:2.a. exploring a variety of sources that provide information (e.g., books, newspapers, Internet, electronic databases, CD-ROMs); and

I-B:2.b. distinguishing between primary and secondary sources.

I-B:3. Organize information gathered for a research topic into major components based on appropriate criteria.

I-C: Apply critical thinking skills to analyze information

I-C:1. Use critical thinking skills and create criteria to evaluate text and multimedia by:

I-C:1.a. determining purpose through exploring bias, apparent messages, emotional factors, or persuasive techniques; and

I-C:1.b. identifying and exploring the underlying assumptions of the author

I-C:2. Recognize the point of view of the author by considering alternative points of view or reasons by remaining fair-minded and open to other interpretations.

I-C:3. Develop and apply appropriate criteria to evaluate the quality of communication by:

I-C:3.a. using knowledge of language structure and literary or media techniques; and

I-C:3.b. drawing conclusions based on evidence, reasons, or relevant information; considering the implications, consequences, or impact of those conclusions.

I-D: Demonstrate competence in the skills and strategies of the reading process

I-D:1. Increase fluency, comprehension, and insight through meaningful and comprehensive reading instruction by:

I-D:1.a. using effective reading strategies to match type of text;

I-D:1.b. reading self-selected literature and other materials of individual interest;

I-D:1.c. reading selections and other materials assigned;

I-D:1.d. discussing selections in teacher-student discussions and small groups;

I-D:1.e. taking an active role in whole-class seminars;

I-D:1.f. discussing and analyzing the effects on texts of literary devices, such as figurative language, dialogue and flashback;

I-D:1.g. interpreting text by explaining elements such as plot, theme, point of view, characterization, mood, and style;

I-D:1.h. investigating examples of distortion and stereotype; and

I-D:1.i. recognizing underlying messages in order to identify recurring themes.

I-D:2. Generate questions to be answered while reading and reflect on what has been learned after reading.

I-D:3. Use specific strategies to clear up confusing parts of a text (e.g., re-read the text, consult another source, ask for help).

I-D:4. Follow oral and written directions for a procedure.

I-D:5. Use knowledge of punctuation to assist in comprehension.

NM.II: Writing and Speaking for Expression. Students will communicate effectively through speaking and writing.

II-A: Use speaking as an interpersonal communication tool

II-A:1. Assume a variety of roles in group discussions (e.g., active listener, discussion leader, facilitator, reporter/synthesizer).

II-A:2. Clarify, illustrate, and expand upon topics in discussions.

II-A:3. Use oral clues to indicate levels of certainty (e.g., ''what if,'' ''very likely,'' ''I'm unsure of'').

II-B: Apply grammatical and language conventions to communicate

II-B:1. Use simple, compound, complex, and compound-complex sentences.

II-B:2. Use effective coordination and subordination of ideas to express complete thoughts.

II-B:3. Identify and properly use indefinite pronouns and present perfect, past perfect, and future perfect verb tenses to convey appropriate meaning.

II-B:4. Use verbs that agree with compound subjects.

II-B:5. Punctuate using commas that link two clauses with a conjunction in compound sentences.

II-B:6. Correctly spell frequently misspelled words (e.g., there, their, they're).

II-B:7. Demonstrate an awareness of language conventions and usage during oral presentations.

II-B:8. Identify and correct errors in everyday speech.

II-B:9. Support opinions expressed with detailed evidence and with visual or media displays that use appropriate technologies.

II-C: Demonstrate competence in the skills and strategies of the writing process

II-C:1. Compose a variety of writings that express individual perspectives drawn from personal or related experience by:

II-C:1.a. drafting, revising, editing, and proofreading one's own written work;

II-C:1.b. using direct feedback from peers to revise content; and

II-C:1.c. writing for public and private audiences.

II-C:2. Demonstrate competence in writing essays that present problems and solutions (e.g., identifies and defines the problem, describes a solution clearly and convincingly, presents logical and well-supported reasons).

II-C:3. Produce writings that incorporate a definite voice of the author appropriate to the writing purpose.

II-C:4. Use electronic media to effectively communicate with others.

NM.III: Literature and Media. Students will use literature and media to develop an understanding of people, societies, and the self.

III-A: Use language, literature, and media to understand various social and cultural perspectives

III-A:1. Describe how characters' actions reflect their cultures.

III-A:2. Respond to historically or culturally significant works of literature to develop an awareness of perspective(s).

III-A:3. Examine connections between cultures worldwide and American society as depicted through literature and media.

III-B: Identify ideas and make connections among literary works

III-B:1. Describe the author's use of various techniques (e.g., appeal of characters, logic and credibility of plots and setting, use of figurative language, emotional impact) to influence readers' perspectives.

III-B:2. Identify the various themes in literary works.

III-B:3. Compare and contrast print and non-print versions of a literary work.