4.6.A

ELA4th GradeThe student uses metacognitive skills to both develop and deepen comprehension of increasingly complex texts.

The Standard

establish purpose for reading assigned and self-selected texts

Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills for English Language Arts and Reading

Teacher's field guide

What This Standard Means

What Students Need to Do

Before reading, students decide what they want or need to gain from a text. They use that reason to focus their attention and adjust it when needed.

What Mastery Looks Like

Students state a specific reason before reading, based on the text and task. After reading, they explain how that reason guided what they noticed, remembered, or questioned.

Common Misconceptions

Students may name the topic or genre instead of explaining why they are reading. They may give a vague answer such as “to learn” or assume their reason cannot change.

How to Assess It

Give students a short article and ask, “Why will you read this, and what information will you pay closest attention to?”

Lesson moves

Ways to Teach It

  1. Give pairs reading-situation cards and purpose cards to match, then have them explain each match.

  2. Ask students to complete the prompt, “I am reading this text because I need or want to...”

  3. Play Purpose Switch by assigning two reasons for reading one passage and listing different details noticed each time.

  4. Have students choose a menu, review, or instruction page and state their reason for reading before using it.

Keep exploring

Related Standards

Turn this exact standard into a lesson

Grade, subject, topic, and the complete standard are prefilled. Create one free, no account needed.