LANGUAGE ARTS

OBJECTIVES FOR GRADE 1

By the end of grade 1, students will be able to:

1. Sing simple hymns and worship songs.

2. Identify long and short vowel sounds and their letter

patterns.

3. Contribute to and read experience stories composed by a group.

4. Listen to get answers to questions or to clarify thinking.

5. Identify final consonant sounds.

6. Use meaningful context to predict an unknown word.

7. Enjoy reading developmentally appropriate books in leisure

time.

8. Spell with increasing accuracy the words they use when they

write.

9. Use phonics and structural analysis to decode unknown words.

10. Use semantic and syntactic clues to decode unknown words.

11. Distinguish between fantasy and reality when listening to

stories.

12. Categorize words into related groups (e.g., red, green, and

white are colors.)

13. Identify the setting of a story they hear or read.

14. Participate in group discussions.

15. Recognize sight words that are important to them.

16. Provide rhyming words for words they hear.

17. Use capital letters for the first word in a sentence and for

names.

18. Plan and perform a puppet show as a group to dramatize a

Bible story.

19. Write legibly in printscript, using appropriate size, slant,

shape, and spacing.

20. Copy written words and simple sentences.

21. Write simple sentences that begin with a capital letter.

22. Use singular and plural forms of nouns correctly.

23. Write short stories using traditional spelling along with

invented spelling.

24. Use a picture dictionary to discover meaning and spelling.

25. Write names, labels for pictures, and stories to illustrate

artwork.

26. Demonstrate an awareness that reading should make sense by

modifying inaccurate predictions about unknown words.

27. Distinguish and identify individual letters and letter groups

in a variety of type and script styles.

28. Recite repetitive chants and rhymes in a group.

OBJECTIVES FOR GRADE 2

By the end of grade 2, students will be able to:

1. Read and sing simple hymns and worship songs.

2. Understand and use contractions when writing.

3. Write simple stories using original ideas, complete sentences,

and a logical flow of related ideas.

4. Add prefixes and suffixes to words

5. Identify the main idea and significant details.

6. Sequence sentences logically in a story they write.

7. Suggest alternate story conclusions to a story they have heard

or read.

8. Demonstrate the importance of both the content and mechanics

of writing.

9. Speak confidently with small groups and before the entire

class.

10. Enjoy reading developmentally appropriate books in leisure

time.

11. Activate and use prior knowledge when reading.

12. Write legibly in printscript and begin to use cursive

writing.

13. Write two-line poems that end in rhyming words.

14. Translate experiences into written form.

15. Write a letter to a friend using an appropriate heading and

closing, and address an envelope correctly.

16. Check their own understanding when reading.

17. Change statements into questions, and questions into

statements.

18. Reread and revise their own stories.

19. Listen to and retell stories, jokes, or riddles in correct

sequence.

20. Write a simple dialog for three or four characters in a play.

21. Select and check out developmentally appropriate books from

the library.

22. Use pitch and rhythm in speech to convey meaning.

23. Use capital letters for the names of people, days, months,

holidays, streets, and cities.

24. Use verb tenses correctly in written composition.

25. Share experiences before the class in an established way.

OBJECTIVES FOR GRADE 3

By the end of grade 3, students will be able to

1. Read with increasing attention to meaning.

2. Identify cause-and-effect relationships in stories read or

heard.

3. Identify the main idea, significant details, and the sequence

of events in stories read silently.

4. Lead small groups in impromptu or prepared prayer.

5. Use alphabetical order to locate information of varying kinds.

6. Write legibly in cursive writing.

7. Write descriptions of story characters and infer motives.

8. Suggest realistic and logical alternative conclusions to a

story.

9. Predict the behavior of story characters.

10. Identify stories they read as being realistic or fantasy.

11. Discuss story plots.

12. Enjoy selecting age-appropriate and ability-appropriate books

to read in leisure time.

13. Use pitch, rhythm, rate, and volume of speech to convey

meaning.

14. Identify and use subject-verb agreement in oral and written

sentences.

15. Dramatize favorite stories.

16. Describe in writing the images and feelings they receive when

stimulated by music and art.

17. Listen with increasing discrimination and ask questions to

check their understanding.

18. Read their own stories to the class.

19. Use a junior dictionary to define and spell new words.

20. Articulate and use all sounds correctly.

21. Construct sentences that are statements, questions,

exclamations, or imperatives (commands).

22. Identify and use the possessive forms of nouns and pronouns

in speaking and writing.

23. Use capital letters where needed.

24. Spell correctly the words they use when revising their

writing.

25. Write dictated sentences and paragraphs, using correct

spelling and punctuation.

OBJECTIVES FOR GRADE 4

By the end of grade 4, students will be able to

1. Listen for enjoyment and to gain information.

2. Reenact story situations.

3. Read aloud with interpretive expression.

4. Identify and understand figurative and idiomatic language.

5. Complete verbal analogies.

<*dv_0*>6. Demonstrate awareness that there are levels of usage

appropriate to varying occasions.

7. Identify multiple possible causes for characters' actions.

8. Reread and revise their own sentences, paragraphs, and

stories.

9. Diagram relationships through graphic organizers and semantic

maps.

10. Write summaries of stories.

11. Listen and take simple notes in their own words, listing main

ideas and significant details.

12. Brainstorm ideas on a topic.

13. Write concise news stories with significant facts listed in

logical order.

14. Write short sports reports, using athletes' names and

significant statistics.

15. Write the dialog for characters in a picture story.

16. Write and present oral book reports referring to the main

characters of a story and the sequence of events, using visual

aids.

17. Use reading as a study skill, using a table of contents,

index, and glossary as aids for finding information.

18. Write rough copy with a willingness to recopy and improve

legibility, ideas, and punctuation.

19. Spell correctly the words that are needed for written

expression in all subjects, and use multiple strategies for

spelling unfamiliar words.

20. Use accepted form and appropriate language in varying types

of written communication.

21. Write cursive script, using appropriate size, slant, shape

and spacing.

22. Choose age-appropriate and ability-appropriate level books to

read in leisure time.

23. Take notes while listening to an oral presentation.

24. Provide synonyms or antonyms for words.

OBJECTIVES FOR GRADE 5

By the end of grade 5, students will be able to

1. Compare and contrast various translations of the Holy

Scriptures.

2. Make evaluative judgments of fact or opinion when reading.

3. Listen critically to radio and television advertisements for

errors, propaganda, or false claims.

4. Preview and skim expository selections and summarize the high

points.

5. Infer a time sequence in a story.

6. Form generalizations from given details.

7. Identify the following sections of a newspaper: editorial,

sports, feature, and classified.

8. Write articles, editorials, advertisements, sports reports,

news stories, and feature articles for a class newspaper.

9. Deliver a brief impromptu speech confidently and with good

organization of thought.

10. Participate in class debates.

11. Conduct an interview using a list of prepared questions.

12. Listen to a wide variety of stories, poetry, and exposition,

and find pleasure in exploring new types.

13. Participate with a group in writing and producing a script

for a skit or play.

14. Show an increasing awareness of the value of social

conversation for sharing information or persuading others.

15. Use a dictionary to define and spell words.

16. Use a library's reference materials to research a topic,

including computer searches, diagrams, and maps to locate

information.

17. Identify metaphors or similes in what they read.

18. Spell correctly the words they need in order to write.

*Objectives were misnumbered--there is no objective #19

20. Choose to read books in leisure time that are age appropriate

and ability appropriate.

21. Demonstrate increasing competence in inflection, modulation,

<*dv_1*>and other methods of voice control.

22. Understand that standard English is needed for effective oral

and written communication.

23. Read for the purpose of gaining information on topics of

interest.

24. Write to express feelings or opinions.

25. Adapt method and speed of reading to content and purpose.

26. Present organized talks or dramatic recitations.

OBJECTIVES FOR GRADE 6

By the end of grade 6, students will be able to

1. Preview, skim, and formulate questions on new selections.

2. Adjust their rate of reading to suit the designated purpose

for reading.

3. Identify cause-and-effect relationships in stories.

4. Describe connections or similarities between Bible characters

and their own lives.

5. Explore varieties of prose and poetry in literature and in the

Bible.

6. Identify the author's possible purposes for writing a story or

article.

7. Use the setting of a story to determine when and where a story

takes place.

8. Recognize propaganda techniques in written selections and

speeches.

9. Identify the use and purpose of symbolism in a selection.

10. Plan and conduct interviews using a list of prepared

questions and report on them using an established format.

11. Use critical thinking skills in analyzing and discussing

television programs as to their subject matter, nature of

advertisements, and non-Christian elements.

12. Write an outline of a topic.

13. Speak or write for a particular purpose: seek information,

give directions, explain, give information, express feelings or

opinions, persuade, request, comply with social amenities,

provide entertainment, pleasure, or comfort.

14. Write headlines for news stories.

15. Write limericks and Haiku according to established patterns.

16. Write creative stories of four to six paragraphs.

<*dv_2*>17. Explore the effectiveness of different placements of

subordinate clauses in complex sentences and defend their

choices.

18. Punctuate written composition appropriately.

19. Correctly spell the words they use when they revise their

writing.

20. Use personal language appropriate to the occasion, content,

and audience.

21. Explore and appreciate differences in regional dialects.

22. Choose to read books in leisure time which are age

appropriate and ability appropriate.

23. Identify and explain the function of various types of

language: figurative language, similes, metaphors, euphemisms,

idioms.

24. Use volume, pitch, rate, and tone appropriate to the audience

and the occasion along with suitable gestures and facial

expression while making verbal presentations.

25. Recognize bias or stereotyping in what they read or hear.

OBJECTIVES FOR GRADE 7

By the end of grade 7, students will be able to

1. Research and share the history of a favorite hymn or worship

song.

2. Identify and describe literary elements such as character,

setting, plot, point of view, and dialog in a narrative and use

them as models for their own narratives.

3. Write an abbreviated autobiography and a biography.

4. Identify the major and minor characters in a story, book, or

play.

5. Describe the mood or the setting of a story and discuss its

impact on the story.

6. Apply what they read to their own lives.

7. Identify the literary concepts of characterization, plot

development, setting, theme, mood, and style.

8. Evaluate an author's style on the basis of established

criteria.

<*dv_4*>9. Analyze the various purposes of speeches and other

communications.

10. Conduct a meeting, using appropriate parliamentary procedure.

11. Rewrite stories as drama, providing dialog and stage

directions.

12. Write a story in rhymed couplets.

13. Write new words for a familiar melody.

14. Proofread their own writing to check mechanics and revise it.

15. Evaluate their writing in terms of sequential development,

supporting detail, and cause and effect.

16. Discuss the role of dashes, hyphens, quotations marks,

apostrophes, and commas in writing and use them appropriately.

17. Use sentences of varying lengths and complexity in written

work.

18. Create a list of important words from subject matter and

spell them correctly.

19. Research the language of their ancestors and report on it.

20. Read, discuss, and write varied forms of poetry.

21. Choose to read books or write stories in leisure time.

22. Use accurate facts and valid sources of information to

support ideas.

23. Demonstrate appropriate balance between listening and

speaking behavior without being overly dominant or reticent.

24. Use the Oxford English Dictionary to discover the origin of a

word.

25. Read a children's book to an audience of young children.

26. Take notes from an oral presentation and use them for a

report on the presentation.

OBJECTIVES FOR GRADE 8

By the end of grade 8, students will be able to

1. Examine the poetic form (rhyme and meter) of a favorite hymn

or worship song.

2. Use a Bible map, time line, and concordance to aid

interpretation of the Scripture.

3. Identify and discuss differences in the behavior of two

characters or the handling of the same topic by several authors.

4. Select a job and search the classified section of a newspaper

to discover possible options.

5. Suggest realistic and logical solutions to a problem.

6. Identify different genres of literature such as the poetry of

Psalms and the narrative of Luke.

7. Write entries in a diary or personal journal.

8. Write a letter to the editor on a current issue, using good

mechanics, a logical flow of ideas, and strong evidence for their

personal reaction.

<*dv_3*>9. Write a letter of application for a summer job they would like

to have.

10. Write a two- to four-page science-fiction or adventure story.

11. Contribute to sentence-combining exercises.

12. Select important words from content areas and spell them

correctly.

13. Read and interpret diagrams, charts, tables, maps, graphs,

and time lines.

14. Convert a rhymed poem such as a hymn to free verse.

15. Read fluently a story they have written for a group of

younger children.

16. Write a research paper, using three to five sources and

documenting them correctly.

17. Participate in a readers' theater performance.

18. Make use of facial expressions, physical movements, and

symbols as aids in gaining meaning from nonwritten communication.

19. Write accurate descriptions of their favorite Bible

characters.

20. Explore common elements in the same word in different

languages (e.g., father, Vater, pater, padre, päre).

21. Prepare a speech and adapt it for two different audiences or

purposes.

22. React to an author's use of language and word pictures.

23. Choose books that are of interest to read in leisure time.

24. Participate in a group dramatization of a familiar story for

younger students.

25. Use compound and complex sentences in writing and speaking.

26. Interpret abbreviations and acronyms.