EAST LONGMEADOW PUBLIC SCHOOLS
2006 - 2007 DISTRICT CURRICULUM GUIDES

Language Arts - Creative Writing

Language Arts

The Massachusetts English Language Arts Curriculum Framework is designed to guide local school district personnel in the development of effective English language arts curricula. Learning in English language arts is recursive. That is, students at every grade level apply similar language skills and concepts as they use increasingly more complex materials. In this way, students build upon and refine their knowledge, gaining sophistication and independence as they grow. Language, Reading and Literature, Composition, and Media are interdependent. Each strand intertwines with and supports the others. Students might at any time read and write, view and discuss, or interpret and perform in order to understand and communicate meaning. Thus, at all grade levels, effective English language arts curriculum units weave together skills and concepts from several strands to support student learning.

Creative Writing

The Massachusetts English Language Arts Curriculum Framework provides learning standards for students in grades 9 - 10.


Genres
This unit includes identifying and comparing key characteristics of literary genres, as designated by a work's subject, theme, style, and time period. Some examples of genres are: science fiction, poetry, drama, British literature, and multicultural literature.

    Analyze: Characteristic/Function
The learner will be able to examine the structural characteristics and functions of literary forms and genres.
Strand Scope Source
Genre: Analyze Master East Longmeadow High School
  
    Analyze: Characteristics
The learner will be able to analyze key characteristics of a variety of genres.
Strand Scope Source
Genre: Analyze Master East Longmeadow High School.; MA: Curriculum Framework, 2001, Grade 10, 10
  
    Analyze: Ideas/Organize
The learner will be able to analyze how authors organize their ideas.
Strand Scope Source
Author: Analyze Style/Technique Master East Longmeadow High School
  
    Analyze: Imagery/Characterization
The learner will be able to analyze how authors use imagery, characterization, dialogue, and plot to express meaning.
Strand Scope Source
Author: Analyze Style/Technique Master East Longmeadow High School
  
    Analyze: Perspective
The learner will be able to examine perspectives presented in literature.
Strand Scope Source
Genre: Analyze Master East Longmeadow High School
  
    Analyze: Purpose
The learner will be able to analyze the purposes of different dramatic genres.
Strand Scope Source
Drama: Analyze Master East Longmeadow High School
  
    Analyze: Scriptwriter/Words
The learner will be able to analyze how a scriptwriter's words develop the tone, mood, and theme of a work.
Strand Scope Source
Drama: Analyze Master East Longmeadow High School
  
    Analyze: Writer/Closure/Examine
The learner will be able to examine the ideas of an author by recognizing how he/she produces a sense of closure.
Strand Scope Source
Author: Analyze Style/Technique Master East Longmeadow High School
  
    Analyze: Writer/Detail/Select
The learner will be able to examine the ideas of an author by recognizing how he/she selects important and relevant supporting details.
Strand Scope Source
Author: Analyze Style/Technique Master East Longmeadow High School
  
    Analyze: Writer/Main Idea/Introduce
The learner will be able to examine the ideas of an author by recognizing how he/she introduces the main idea.
Strand Scope Source
Author: Analyze Style/Technique Master East Longmeadow High School
  
    Analyze: Writer/Organization/Connect
The learner will be able to examine the ideas of an author by recognizing how he/she connects the structure and/or organization to the ideas.
Strand Scope Source
Author: Analyze Style/Technique Master East Longmeadow High School
  
    Author Choices: Words/Analyzing
The learner will be able to analyze the varied, connotative, or symbolic meaning of words used by authors.
Strand Scope Source
Author Master East Longmeadow High School
  
    Author Intention: Audience/Analyze
The learner will be able to analyze author's purpose for a variety of audiences.
Strand Scope Source
Author: Intentions Master East Longmeadow High School
  
    Author Intention: Bias/Stereotyping
The learner will be able to identify bias, stereotyping, overgeneralization, association, and other devices used to influence an audience.
Strand Scope Source
Author: Intentions Master East Longmeadow High School
  
    Author Intention: Characterization
The learner will be able to examine the author's use of characterization.
Strand Scope Source
Author: Intentions Master East Longmeadow High School
  
    Author Intention: Effect
The learner will be able to explain the impact of an author's own views and intentions on a text.
Strand Scope Source
Author: Intentions Master East Longmeadow High School
  
    Author Intention: Plot/Examine
The learner will be able to examine the author's use of plot.
Strand Scope Source
Author: Intentions Master East Longmeadow High School
  
    Author Intention: Recognize/Purpose
The learner will be able to recognize the author's purpose.
Strand Scope Source
Author: Intentions Master East Longmeadow High School
  
    Author Intention: Sentence Structure
The learner will be able to analyze sentence structure to discern the author's purpose.
Strand Scope Source
Author: Intentions Master East Longmeadow High School
  
    Author Intention: Stylistic Elements
The learner will be able to analyze stylistic elements such as syntax, rhetoric, and detail choices to discern an author's purpose.
Strand Scope Source
Author: Intentions Master East Longmeadow High School
  
    Author Style: Author Use/Idea
The learner will be able to determine how an author's use of his/her ideas add to the quality of his/her work.
Strand Scope Source
Author: Style/Technique Master East Longmeadow High School
  
    Author Style: Character/Plot/Response
The learner will be able to analyze how language and visuals bring characters to life, enhance plot development, or encourage a response.
Strand Scope Source
Author: Style/Technique Master East Longmeadow High School
  
    Author Technique: Analyze/Dialogue
The learner will be able to analyze how authors use dialogue to express meaning.
Strand Scope Source
Author: Style/Technique Master East Longmeadow High School
  
    Author Technique: Analyze/Imagery
The learner will be able to analyze how authors use imagery to express meaning.
Strand Scope Source
Author: Style/Technique Master East Longmeadow High School
  
    Author Technique: Analyze/Plot
The learner will be able to analyze how authors use plot to express meaning.
Strand Scope Source
Author: Style/Technique Master East Longmeadow High School
  
    Author Technique: Analyze/Symbolism
The learner will be able to analyze how authors use symbolism to express meaning.
Strand Scope Source
Author: Style/Technique Master East Longmeadow High School
  
    Author Technique: Language/Voice
The learner will be able to identify how an author uses language to create his/her individual, identifiable voice.
Strand Scope Source
Author: Style/Technique Master East Longmeadow High School
  
    Author Technique: Organization
The learner will be able to analyze authors' reasons for using specific organizational formats and how the organizational format alters meaning.
Strand Scope Source
Author: Style/Technique Master East Longmeadow High School
  
    Author: Analyze/Language/Audience
The learner will be able to analyze whether author's language is appropriate for an audience.
Strand Scope Source
Author Master East Longmeadow High School
  
    Author: Analyze/Language/Purpose
The learner will be able to analyze whether author's language is appropriate for a purpose.
Strand Scope Source
Author Master East Longmeadow High School
  
    Author: Effect/Environment
The learner will be able to identify the effect of an author's environment on his/her written work.
Strand Scope Source
Author Master East Longmeadow High School
  
    Author: Effect/Background
The learner will be able to identify the effect of an author's background on his/her written work.
Strand Scope Source
Author Master East Longmeadow High School
  
    Point of View: Recognize/Position
The learner will be able to recognize an author's position based on the evidence presented in a reading passage.
Strand Scope Source
Author: Point of View Master East Longmeadow High School
  
    Themes: Universal/Identify
The learner will be able to identify universal themes.
Strand Scope Source
World Literature: Theme Master East Longmeadow High School
  
    Word Choice: Imagery/Analyze
The learner will be able to analyze how an author's word choice creates imagery.
Strand Scope Source
Author: Word Choice Master East Longmeadow High School
  
    Author Technique: Sentence Variety
The learner will be able to identify and describe the significance of sentence variety in the impact of an imaginary/literary work or informational/expository work.
Strand Scope Source
Author: Style/Technique Master MA: Curriculum Framework, 2001, Grade 10, 15.8
  
    Poetry: Figurative Language/Respond
The learner will be able to respond to figurative language in a poem.
Strand Scope Source
Poetry: Figurative Language Master MA: Curriculum Framework, 2001, Grade 10, 14.5
  
    Poetry: Structure/Analyze
The learner will be able to analyze structural elements of poems.
Strand Scope Source
Poetry: Sound/Form Master MA: Curriculum Framework, 2001, Grade 10, 14, 14.5
  
    Poetry: Theme/Apply
The learner will be able to apply knowledge of theme in a poem.
Strand Scope Source
Poetry: Story Elements Master MA: Curriculum Framework, 2001, Grade 10, 14
  

Language Arts Processes

    Communicating: Aid/Recognize
The learner will be able to recognize factors that aid in clear communication.
Strand Scope Source
Communication Processes Master East Longmeadow High School
  
    Communicating: Factors/Recognize/Aid
The learner will be able to recognize factors that aid or hinder the clarity of communication.
Strand Scope Source
Communication Processes Master East Longmeadow High School
  
    Communicating: Ideas/Concepts/Organize
The learner will be able to explain frequently used concepts that provide organization for ideas.
Strand Scope Source
Communication: Conveying Meaning Master East Longmeadow High School
  
    Communicating: Interfere/Recognize
The learner will be able to recognize factors that interfere with clear communication.
Strand Scope Source
Communication Processes Master East Longmeadow High School
  
    Communicating: Own Words/Concepts
The learner will be able to use one's own words to explain new concepts.
Strand Scope Source
Communication: Conveying Meaning Master East Longmeadow High School
  
    Communicating: Speak/Write
The learner will be able to arrange information in a clear and coherent manner in preparation for effective communication.
Strand Scope Source
Communication: Conveying Meaning Master East Longmeadow High School
  
    Communicating: Speak/Write
The learner will be able to utilize a variety of voices in speaking and writing to add emphasis and power to key points.
Strand Scope Source
Communication: Conveying Meaning Master East Longmeadow High School
  
    Communicating: Speak/Write
The learner will be able to utilize effective skills and a unique style to communicate through speaking or writing.
Strand Scope Source
Communication: Conveying Meaning Master East Longmeadow High School
  
    Communication: Personal Experience
The learner will be able to apply personal knowledge to a topic to prepare for writing, speaking, listening, or viewing.
Strand Scope Source
Communication Processes Master East Longmeadow High School
  

Listening

    Delivery: Tone/Evaluate
The learner will be able to evaluate the effect of tone on material.
Strand Scope Source
Delivery Master East Longmeadow High School
  
    Delivery: Voice/Identify
The learner will be able to identify appropriate voice when listening.
Strand Scope Source
Delivery Master East Longmeadow High School
  
    Descriptive: Identify
The learner will be able to identify descriptive words and phrases in listening materials.
Strand Scope Source
Detail Master East Longmeadow High School
  
    Detail: Connecting/Recognize
The learner will be able to recognize connecting details in orally read materials.
Strand Scope Source
Detail Master East Longmeadow High School
  
    Dialogue: Evaluate
The learner will be able to evaluate the use of dialogue in auditory material.
Strand Scope Source
Dialogue Master East Longmeadow High School
  
    Discussion: Informal/Strategies
The learner will be able to use effective strategies for informal discussions.
Strand Scope Source
Discussion Master East Longmeadow High School
  
    Drama: Understand
The learner will be able to listen to and understand drama.
Strand Scope Source
Drama Master East Longmeadow High School
  
    Figurative Language: Diction
The learner will be able to identify the level of diction in auditory materials.
Strand Scope Source
Figures of Speech Master East Longmeadow High School
  
    Figurative Language: Imagery
The learner will be able to identify imagery in auditory material.
Strand Scope Source
Figures of Speech Master East Longmeadow High School
  
    Literary Device: Evaluate
The learner will be able to evaluate the use of language devices.
Strand Scope Source
Literary Device Master East Longmeadow High School
  

Reading Operations
This unit includes constructing meaning from fiction and non-fiction selections at comprehension, application, analysis, synthesis, and judgment levels of understanding. It includes skills which address identifying, discussing, and comparing both concrete and abstract elements of selections (setting, plot, characterization, genre, historical period, theme, tone, moral message, and psychological and political implications).

    Abstract Element: Concepts/Analyze
The learner will be able to analyze abstract concepts.
Strand Scope Source
Abstract Elements Master East Longmeadow High School
  
    Analyze: Fiction
The learner will be able to analyze point of view in fiction.
Strand Scope Source
Point of View: Analyze Master East Longmeadow High School
  
    Analyze: Fiction
The learner will be able to analyze cause and effect in fiction.
Strand Scope Source
Cause/Effect: Analyze Master East Longmeadow High School
  
    Analyze: Fiction
The learner will be able to analyze theme in fiction.
Strand Scope Source
Themes: Analyze Master East Longmeadow High School
  
    Analyze: History/Consequences
The learner will be able to analyze cause and effect in history to understand consequences of decisions.
Strand Scope Source
Cause/Effect: Analyze Master East Longmeadow High School
  
    Analyze: Nonfiction
The learner will be able to analyze point of view in nonfiction.
Strand Scope Source
Point of View: Analyze Master East Longmeadow High School
  
    Analyze: Nonfiction
The learner will be able to analyze theme in nonfiction.
Strand Scope Source
Themes: Analyze Master East Longmeadow High School
  
    Analyze: Nonfiction
The learner will be able to analyze the structure of nonfictional material.
Strand Scope Source
Structure: Analyze Master East Longmeadow High School
  
    Analyze: Nonfiction
The learner will be able to analyze cause and effect in nonfiction.
Strand Scope Source
Cause/Effect: Analyze Master East Longmeadow High School
  
    Analyzing: Content
The learner will be able to analyze written material.
Strand Scope Source
Analyzing Master East Longmeadow High School
  
    Analyzing: Read
The learner will be able to read materials analytically.
Strand Scope Source
Analyzing Master East Longmeadow High School
  
    Analyzing: Recurring Patterns
The learner will be able to analyze recurring patterns in reading materials.
Strand Scope Source
Analyzing Master East Longmeadow High School
  
    Argument: Logic/Analyze
The learner will be able to analyze the logic of an argument.
Strand Scope Source
Argument Master East Longmeadow High School.; MA: Curriculum Framework, 2001, Grade 12, 8.34, 13.26
  
    Cause/Effect: "Why"/"How&
The learner will be able to determine cause and effect relationships by answering "why," "how," and "what-if" questions.
Strand Scope Source
Cause/Effect Master East Longmeadow High School
  
    Cause/Effect: Short Passage
The learner will be able to identify cause and effect (both literal and inferred) from a short passage.
Strand Scope Source
Cause/Effect Master East Longmeadow High School
  
    Critical Thinking: Theme/Text/Examine
The learner will be able to critically examine text to create thematic connections.
Strand Scope Source
Critical Thinking Master East Longmeadow High School
  
    Culture: Cultures/Read/Respond
The learner will be able to read and respond to literature reflecting other cultures.
Strand Scope Source
Themes: Culture Master East Longmeadow High School
  
    Culture: Differences/Recognize
The learner will be able to recognize cultural differences within texts.
Strand Scope Source
Themes: Culture Master East Longmeadow High School
  
    Decode: Complex/Words
The learner will be able to apply knowledge of decoding skills to read increasingly complex words by him/herself.
Strand Scope Source
Reading Strategies: Decode Master East Longmeadow High School
  
    Decode: Use/Structural Cues
The learner will be able to use a variety of structural cues to decode unknown words.
Strand Scope Source
Emergent Reading: Decode Master East Longmeadow High School
  
    Decode: Variety
The learner will be able to use a variety of word parts to decode words in context.
Strand Scope Source
Emergent Reading: Decode Master East Longmeadow High School
  
    Detail: Subordinate Idea/Recognize
The learner will be able to recognize subordinate ideas in reading materials.
Strand Scope Source
Detail Master East Longmeadow High School
  
    Diction: Mood/Effect/Evaluate
The learner will be able to evaluate the effect diction has on the mood of a reading passage.
Strand Scope Source
Figurative Language: Diction Master East Longmeadow High School
  
    Draw Conclusion: Deductive Reasoning
The learner will be able to draw logical conclusions using deductive reasoning.
Strand Scope Source
Draw Conclusion Master East Longmeadow High School
  
    Draw Conclusion: Implicit Information
The learner will be able to draw a conclusion from implicit information found in a reading passage.
Strand Scope Source
Draw Conclusion Master East Longmeadow High School
  
    Draw Conclusion: Implied Meaning/Fact
The learner will be able to draw conclusions from facts in the text to determine the implied meaning of a reading selection.
Strand Scope Source
Draw Conclusion Master East Longmeadow High School
  
    Draw Conclusion: Implied Meaning/Pattern
The learner will be able to draw conclusions from patterns in the text to determine the implied meaning of a reading selection.
Strand Scope Source
Draw Conclusion Master East Longmeadow High School
  
    Draw Conclusion: Make Decisions
The learner will be able to make decisions about reading materials.
Strand Scope Source
Draw Conclusion Master East Longmeadow High School
  
    Evaluating: Content
The learner will be able to evaluate the content of reading materials.
Strand Scope Source
Evaluating Master East Longmeadow High School
  
    Fact/Opinion: Distinguish
The learner will be able to distinguish between fact, reasoned judgment, and opinion in reading materials.
Strand Scope Source
Fact/Opinion Master East Longmeadow High School
  
    Inference: Information/Synthesize
The learner will be able to synthesize information from reading materials to make inferences.
Strand Scope Source
Inference Master East Longmeadow High School
  
    Inference: Comprehend
The learner will be able to comprehend inferential reading materials.
Strand Scope Source
Inference Master East Longmeadow High School
  
    Inference: Explain
The learner will be able to explain inferences made from reading materials.
Strand Scope Source
Inference Master East Longmeadow High School
  
    Inference: Explanation/Meaning
The learner will be able to make inferences to determine the most likely explanation of meaning in reading materials.
Strand Scope Source
Inference Master East Longmeadow High School
  
    Interpretation: Analytic Technique
The learner will be able to interpret literature using analytic techniques.
Strand Scope Source
Interpretation Master East Longmeadow High School
  
    Interpretation: Critical/Nonfiction
The learner will be able to interpret nonfiction texts using different critical lenses.
Strand Scope Source
Interpretation Master East Longmeadow High School
  
    Interpretation: Evidence/Provide
The learner will be able to provide evidence from the text to support interpretations.
Strand Scope Source
Interpretation Master East Longmeadow High School
  
    Interpretation: Inference/Conclusions
The learner will be able to make inferences and draw conclusions from interpretations of materials.
Strand Scope Source
Interpretation Master East Longmeadow High School
  
    Main Idea: Analyze
The learner will be able to analyze literary selections for a main idea.
Strand Scope Source
Main Idea Master East Longmeadow High School
  
    Main Idea: Concept/Nonfiction/Recognize
The learner will be able to recognize underlying concepts in nonfiction.
Strand Scope Source
Main Idea Master East Longmeadow High School
  
    Main Idea: Understand/Stated/Unstated
The learner will be able to understand the stated or unstated main idea or main topic.
Strand Scope Source
Main Idea Master East Longmeadow High School
  
    Main Idea: Understanding/Show
The learner will be able to show his/her ability to read explanatory texts by demonstrating understanding of the main ideas.
Strand Scope Source
Main Idea Master East Longmeadow High School
  
    Mood: Author/Describe
The learner will be able to describe the author's use of mood.
Strand Scope Source
Mood Master East Longmeadow High School
  
    Mood: Rhetorical Purpose/Analyze
The learner will be able to analyze how authors use mood for rhetorical purposes.
Strand Scope Source
Mood Master East Longmeadow High School
  
    Organization: Characteristics/Structure
The learner will be able to understand the distinguishing characteristics of structure in a variety of genres.
Strand Scope Source
Organization Master East Longmeadow High School
  
    Organization: Coherence/Analyze
The learner will be able to analyze reading selections for coherence.
Strand Scope Source
Organization Master East Longmeadow High School
  
    Organization: Compare/Identify
The learner will be able to identify organization structures of fiction and nonfiction that use comparisons.
Strand Scope Source
Organization Master East Longmeadow High School
  
    Point of View: Understand
The learner will be able to apply strategies for reading from and understanding multiple points of view.
Strand Scope Source
Point of View Master East Longmeadow High School
  
    Post-Reading: Vocabulary/Discussion
The learner will be able to show an understanding of story vocabulary during post-reading discussion or story response time.
Strand Scope Source
Reading Responses: Discussions Master East Longmeadow High School
  
    Question: Material/Answer/Identify
The learner will be able to identify questions that should be answered by reading the passage.
Strand Scope Source
Questions Master East Longmeadow High School