Language Arts Toolbox

Attention

• Attention is your wrench. You can make adjustments using this tool. Ask yourself:– Am I focused?– Am I getting enough sleep?– Can I sort what’s important from lesser details?– Am I linking information to other experiences?– Am I making predictions?– Am I working at an appropriate pace?– Am I making changes when things aren’t working?

Memory

• Memory is your screwdriver. You can use this tool to connect or fasten together different aspects of your learning. Ask yourself:– Can I paraphrase or summarize information into my

own words so I can remember it?– Can I balance immediate objectives with long-term

goals?– Can I link related items together to help me

remember?– Can I categorize items together so I can remember?– Can I recognize patterns?

Higher Order Thinking

• Higher Order Thinking is your fastener. You can make connections with this tool. Ask yourself:– Am I evaluating?– Am I brainstorming?– Am I using steps or systems to solve

problems?– Do I learn and apply rules (i.e. grammar,

mechanics)?– Am I coming up with thoughtful answers?

Language• Language is the material

out of which we construct English. Ask yourself:– Do I learn and understand

the meanings of words and use them properly?

– Do I understand sentences and sentence structures and formulate good sentences when I speak and write?

– Can I paraphrase and summarize what I read?

– Is my writing organized?– Do I expand and develop

ideas when speaking and writing?

– Do I follow the rules of standard English?