ELA Components (K-5)

The curriculum resource is interdisciplinary, meaning it integrates science and social studies content as well. 

Interactive Read Aloud (10 minutes): teacher reads aloud a (usually) higher level text; the purpose is to instill a love of reading in students and to model how good readers use metacognitive strategies 

Reading mini lessons (about 15 minutes each): Teachers use short reads and extended reads of complex text to model a strategy or skill based on the Common Core Standards/unit objectives. Teachers “think aloud,” providing students the opportunity to “see” into the mind of a good reader. Students then practice the skill or strategy “we do” together with a partner/group/the teacher’s help, followed by a chance to independently apply the skill/strategy.

Teacher models annotating a text as a way to record his/her thinking and processes.  Students are able to annotate in their consumable texts as well. 


Small group/guided reading:  Students are grouped purposefully and work with the teacher using a leveled text. Objectives of guided reading lessons are chosen based on students’ needs. 

**Word Study: Integrated throughout ELA instruction; includes explicit vocabulary and phonics instruction 

**Daily 3/Independent Practice/Centers:  Students read to self, work on writing, read to someone/fluency work; these activities are connected to overarching goals and objectives and give students the chance to apply what they’ve learned.

 - MyOn, Benchmark Universe (K-2 Kids A-Z)


**Writing: Students write to sources; genres of writing include opinion, informative, and narrative 

Includes mini lessons based on Common Core writing standards and students’ needs 

**Teachers integrate supports for English Learners throughout the ELA block

The unit topic/themes used in Benchmark are common K-5 and can be seen below: