Descriptions of the Standards Grades 5–6

Below are descriptions for all the tested English Language Arts standards and an activity that you can do with your child to address each standard.

Information and Understanding

This standard focuses on understanding and remembering important facts in such different kinds of writing as newspaper articles and short stories. Students should be able to follow the important ideas and events while they read. They should be able to understand how one event leads to another. Students should also be able to collect facts and information from different kinds of writing and to explain that information.

Ask your child to think of a family member, neighbor, or friend who has an interesting job or hobby. Help her come up with a list of questions and to arrange a time to interview the person to find out more. After she has gathered information, ask her to create a flyer advertising the need for someone to fill the job or to join a club that focuses on the hobby. Talk with your child about the process of gathering and presenting the information.

Literary Response and Expression

This standard focuses on responding to different kinds of writing. Students should read, watch, and listen to plays, poems, and stories, and should be able to connect their own lives to what they see and hear. Students should also understand how a person's background, society, and history influence different pieces of writing.

Remind your child that there are many types of writing, just as there are many types of movies. Ask him to categorize the movies he enjoys. For example, your child might enjoy action/adventure movies, romances, and scary movies. Talk about the elements of each type. Next, ask your child to make a list of his favorite movie types. Hang this list where he can see it. As the school year progresses, ask your child to add the names of books and stories that fit into these categories.

Critical Analysis

This standard focuses on reading and thinking about different kinds of writing. Students should be able to ask questions, form opinions, and make decisions about what they read. They should be able to express their opinions in response to different ideas, experiences, and issues. Students should also be able to think and write about issues from different points of view.

Encourage your child to read outside of school and discuss these readings with her. In particular, ask her about the actions of the main characters. Have her describe what these actions show about the character's personality. Based on the character's choices or behaviors, ask your child to give the character a nickname that captures his personality. Make sure that your child can describe the behaviors or actions that led to the nickname.

Social Interaction

This standard focuses on communicating with different types of people. Students should be able to speak and write in standard English. They should also be able to communicate effectively with many different groups of people, and to read and listen to what other people say in order to understand what they believe.

Encourage your child to share her beliefs with others. Suggest a family debate on something that is a part of the daily routine, such as chores or homework. Have your child present her ideas on why she should or should not be required to help with chores or do her homework. Have other family members present views on the issue and discuss the similarities and differences of their beliefs.