Virginia SOL 5.C.3.B
The Standard
Strategically use two or more interdependent modes of communication to convey the intended message and enhance the development of main ideas or themes.
Virginia Standards of Learning for English · Integrating Multimodal Literacies
Teacher's field guide
What This Standard Means
What Students Need to Do
- Students combine at least two forms, such as words, images, sound, gesture, or layout, to communicate one clear idea. They choose each form for a purpose. Each form adds meaning instead of simply repeating the same information.
What Mastery Looks Like
- A student can create a presentation, poster, or video in which words and another form clearly develop the main idea or theme. The student can explain what each form contributes. The finished piece stays focused and is easy to follow.
Common Misconceptions
- Students may add a decorative picture that does not add meaning. They may have narration repeat the exact words on a slide instead of adding information. Too many sounds, colors, or effects can hide the main point.
How to Assess It
- Give students a short paragraph about protecting local wildlife. Ask them to make one slide with a headline, an image, and a 30-second explanation, then label what each form adds.
Lesson moves
Ways to Teach It
Give pairs a short folktale and art supplies, then have them create a three-panel scene with captions and symbols that reveal its theme.
Ask, "What does the image show that the words do not, and how do both support the same main idea?"
Play Match the Message: teams pair caption cards with image cards, then justify which combination communicates the clearest idea.
Have students redesign a school safety notice using concise directions, icons, and color, then test it with classmates for clarity.
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Printable 5.C.3.B Worksheet
A ready-to-print activity worksheet aligned to 5.C.3.B, with an answer key for the teacher on its own page. No account needed.
PDF, US Letter, prints cleanly in black and white.
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Related Standards
- 9.C.3.A
Make strategic use of multimodal tools.
- 8.C.3.A.iii
Uses two or more communication modes to make meaning (e.g., still or moving images, gestures, spoken language, and written language).
- 10.C.3.A
Make strategic use of multimodal tools, including using information from two or more interdependent modes of communication where both or multiple modes are esse...
- 4.C.3.B
The 4th Grade version of this standard.
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