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Description
If there's one thing that people agree on concerning CCSS, it's that the standardized testing associated with Common Core English/Language Arts is challenging. There are several reasons for this. Tests are taken online; there are many new types of assessment items; there is a great variety of types of texts utilized; students are expected to interact with the texts in new ways; they utilize two-part questions where the second part is dependent upon a correct answer in the first part; and the tests are longer and require more writing - again interacting with the tests. This series is designed to prepare students for these new, more challenging tests.
In these books there are Warm Ups (for guided practice) and Practice Tests (for building test-taking stamina). Short reading passages in the ten Warm Ups include examples of the genres students are required to read - fairy tales, poetry, memoir, technical/how-to, informational. Questions - in a variety of formats and types - follow the passages. A tear-out answer key means that the book is a consumable worktext that can be given to your student. Warm-ups can be assigned for homework or used as a quick review while the longer practice tests provide more targeted preparation prior to taking any CCSS standardized tests. There are four practice tests featuring fiction, social studies, realistic fiction/poetry, and social studies. These include a reading passage followed by ten questions; three of which are writing prompts. Out of curiosity, I worked through a couple of the tests in the Grade 6 book and I'm a little ashamed to admit they challenged me. I can definitely see the advantage of taking the practice tests and becoming familiar with this new methodology.
Technological advantages have impacted the future of test-taking. Questions no longer are relegated to multiple choice and some questions even have multiple right answers. The two-part questions actually provide both a challenge and the opportunity to rethink your answer on the first part if a suitable answer doesn't seem readily visible on the second part. Writing prompts associated with reading passages make close reading a necessity. 127 pgs, pb. ~ Janice
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Teaching Method
Traditional
Teacher-centered curriculum commonly used in classrooms that may include a text, teacher manual, tests, etc.
Charlotte Mason
A methodology based on the work of a 19th century educator who maintained that children learn best from literature (Living Books), not textbooks.
Classical
A methodology based on the Latin Trivium (three stages of learning), including the grammar stage (memorization and facts), logic stage (critical thinking), and rhetoric stage (developing/defending ideas).
Unit Study
A thematic or topical approach centered around one topic that integrates multiple subject areas.
Montessori (Discovery)
A methodology based on the work of a 20th century educator that emphasizes student and sensory-driven discovery learning and real-life applications.
Other
Other methodologies
Religious Content
Secular
Contains content contrary to common Christian beliefs (i.e. evolution).
Neutral
Avoids religious or theoretical topics or presents multiple viewpoints without preference.
Christian/Religious
Faith-based or including instructional religious content.
Learning Modality
Auditory
Learns through listening, talking out loud or reading out loud.
Visual
Learns through seeing, prefers written instructions and visual materials.
Kinesthetic/Tactile (Hands-On)
Learns through moving, doing and touching.
Multi-Sensory
Curriculum that employ a variety of activities/components.
Presentation
Sequential
Curriculum progresses through well-defined learning objectives. Emphasizes mastery before moving to the next topic.
Spiral
Topics and concepts are repeated from level to level, adding more depth at each pass and connecting with review.
Conceptual/Topical
Focus is on the “why,” often with a unifying concept as well as specific skills; coverage may be broader.
Teacher Involvement
Low Teacher Involvement
Student-led materials; parent acts as a facilitator.
Medium Teacher Involvement
A mix of teacher-led time and independent student work.
High Teacher Involvement
Teacher-led lessons; may utilize discussions, hands-on activities and working together.
Additional Materials Required
No other materials needed
Everything you need is included.
Other Materials Required
There are additional required resources that are a separate purchase.
Other Materials Optional
There are additional resources mentioned or recommended but are not absolutely necessary.
Consumable
Consumable
Designed to be written in; not reusable.
Non-Consumable
Not designed to be written in; reusable.