MN Academic Standards and Great Source’s Reader’s Handbook – Middle School
A guide to reading this chart: If you see “5.B.2” that means this is the standard for grade 5; B is the section on
vocabulary, and the #2 is the number of the benchmark. The second column refers to the middle school (red)
student Reader’s Handbook, published by Great Source. The last column refers to the teacher’s guide lessons
that accompany the Reader’s Handbook.
Standard – Grade 5, 6, 7, 8 Language Arts
I – Reading and Literature
B. VOCABULARY
5.B.2
Use knowledge of root words, derivations, antonyms,
synonyms, idioms, homonyms and multiple-meaning words
to determine word meanings and to understand texts.
5.B.4
Analyze word structure and use context clues in order to
understand new words.
6.B.2
6.B.3
7.B.2
7.B.4
7.B.5
8.B.2.
8.B.4
8.B.5
8.B.6
Reader’s Handbook
IMPROVING
VOCABULARY –
pgs. 607 to 641
Context Clues – pages 615 –
620
Analyze word structure and use context clues to understand
new words.
Recognize the influences of other languages on the English
language.
Apply knowledge of Greek and Latin roots, prefixes and
suffixes to understand content-area vocabulary and assist
pronunciation.
Synonyms and Antonyms –
pages 634 – 635
MN Academic Standards & Reader’s Handbook
©mabarrett@rochester.k12.mn.us
Vocabulary 413 – 420
 Context 417
 Roots 419
Root Words and Derivations –
pages 621 – 624; 685-692
Analyze word structure and use cueing systems to understand
new words.
Determine the meaning of unknown words using knowledge
of common Greek and Latin roots, suffixes and prefixes.
Determine the meaning of unknown words by using a
dictionary or context clues.
Describe the influences of other languages on the English
language.
Apply knowledge of Greek and Latin roots, prefixes and
suffixes to understand content-area vocabulary
Determine word meanings by using definition restatement,
example, comparison or contrast.
Teacher’s Guide
Building Comprehension –
pages 608 – 614
Understanding new terms –
pages 631 – 634
Building Comprehension –
pages 608 – 614
1
These materials may be duplicated for nonprofit, educational use.
Standard – Grade 5, 6, 7, 8 Language Arts
I – Reading and Literature
Reader’s Handbook
Teacher’s Guide
For additional information go to the following website:
http://www.rochester.k12.mn.us/
Click on Resources
Click on Reading
Click on Middle School and High School and you will access vocabulary units.
B. Vocabulary
Using Dictionary &
Thesaurus– pages 626 – 630
Dictionary 421
Focus on Language 425 – 426
Thesaurus 424
5.B.3
Use word reference materials, such as dictionaries,
thesauruses, to understand and express word meaning
6.B.3
Determine pronunciations, meanings and alternate word
choices through the use of dictionaries, thesauruses and
electronic tools.
7.B.8
Determine pronunciation, meanings and alternative word
choices through the use of dictionaries, thesauruses, and
electronic tools.
8.B.2.
Determine the meaning of unknown words by using a
dictionary or context clues.
6.B.5
Recognize and interpret similes, metaphors, and word with
multiple meanings
Examining Figurative
Language – pages 426 – 428;
446-469
7.B. 6
Identify and explain analogies, similes and metaphors
Analogies – pages 636 – 639
8.B.7
Identify and explain analogies, similes and metaphors.
MN Academic Standards & Reader’s Handbook
©mabarrett@rochester.k12.mn.us
Analogies 427
2
These materials may be duplicated for nonprofit, educational use.
Standard – Grade 5, 6, 7, 8 Language Arts
I – Reading and Literature
C. Comprehension
5.C.3
Summarize and paraphrase key ideas from text.
6.C.1
Summarize and paraphrase what is read.
7.C.3
Use knowledge of narrative and expository text structures and
subject-specific texts to summarize content.
8.C.1
Summarize and paraphrase main idea and supporting details.
5.C.2
Recall and use prior learning and preview text to prepare for
reading.
Reader’s Handbook
Teacher’s Guide
Strategy Handbook
p. 641 – 665
Summarizing p. 232-233;
658-659
Elements of Nonfiction p. 273291
Synthesizing p. 659-662
Paraphrasing p. 650-651
Reading Know-how p. 39 - 63
6.C.2
Recall and use prior learning and preview text to prepare for
reading.
7.C.2
Recall and use prior learning and preview text to prepare for
reading.
8.C.2
Recall and use prior learning and preview text to prepare for
learning.
Identify main idea and supporting details in fiction text.
Infer main ideas and determine relevant details in non-fiction
texts
Reading Introduction p. 24-25
Reading Intro p. 22-26
Visualizing p. 26-27
Visualizing p. 30-32
Preview Process p. 32-37
5.C.4
5.C.5
Finding the Subject
o p. 48-63; 179; 284-285
Preview Process p. 34-38
Reading Comprehension p. 39-49
Elements of Nonfiction 182-193
Reading Paragraphs p. 47-64
6.C.5
6.C.6
Identify the main idea and supporting details.
Retell significant sequences of events and ideas.
7.C.4
Make inferences and draw conclusions based on explicit and
implied information from texts.
8.C.4
Make inferences and draw conclusions based on explicit and
implied information from texts.
MN Academic Standards & Reader’s Handbook
©mabarrett@rochester.k12.mn.us
Inferences/Conclusions p. 40-46
Reading Nonfiction p. 172-246
 Essay 172-187
 Biography 188-203
 Autobiography 204-217
 Newspaper 218-231
 Magazine 234-246
3
These materials may be duplicated for nonprofit, educational use.
Standard – Grade 5, 6, 7, 8 Language Arts
I – Reading and Literature
Reader’s Handbook
5.C.7
Reading Actively p. 43-45
6.C.3
7.C.1
Generate and answer literal, inferential, interpretive and
evaluative questions to demonstrate understanding about what
is read
Reading Nonfiction
 Reading an Essay p. 580Generate and answer literal, inferential, interpretive and
583
evaluative questions to demonstrate understanding about what

Vocabulary questions 584is read.
587

Social Studies Questions
Comprehend, interpret and evaluate text by asking and
588-592
answering questions.
 Math Questions 593-597
 Science Questions 598
Teacher’s Guide
Reading Nonfiction
 Essay p. 115-126
 Biography p. 127-137
 Autobiography p. 138147
 Newspaper p. 148-158
 Magazine p. 159-169
Reading for a Test p. 563-605
Test Taking p. 379-412
Question the Author p. 652-655
5.C.8
5.C.9
5.C.10
6.C.7
6.C.8
6.C.12
Distinguish fact from opinion and provide evidence to support
conclusions.
Determine cause and effect and draw conclusions.
Compare and contrast information on the same topic from
multiple sources.
Fact/Opinion p. 281
Distinguish fact from opinion and give examples from text.
Identify the author’s purpose, (stated or implied), audience
and message.
Compare and contrast information from different sources on
the same topic.
Compare/contrast information
from different sources p.
383-388
7.C.7
Distinguish statements of fact from opinion and give
examples from text.
8.C.11
Distinguish fact from opinion in two selections on the same
topic and give evidence.
Identify and utilize a variety of sources to compare and
contrast information.
8.C.13
MN Academic Standards & Reader’s Handbook
©mabarrett@rochester.k12.mn.us
Compare/contrast information
from different sources p.
247-251
4
These materials may be duplicated for nonprofit, educational use.
Standard – Grade 5, 6, 7, 8 Language Arts
I – Reading and Literature
6.C.10
6.C.11
Use texts’ structural features, such as graphics, illustrations,
references, notes, introductions, boldface type and
subheadings across a range of subject areas to enhance
comprehension.
Utilize texts’ organizational structures (narrative, expository,
chronological, compare and contrast) and generate graphic
organizers to organize, recall and summarize content.
7.C.6
Use texts’ structural organizers such as graphics, illustrations,
references, notes, introductions, boldface type and
subheadings to aid in comprehension.
8.C.9
Use texts’ structural organizers, such as graphics,
illustrations, references, notes, introductions, boldface type
and subheadings, to aid comprehension.
Critically read and evaluate text to identify author’s point of
view and purpose.
5.C.11
6.C.13
7.C.8
Reader’s Handbook
Teacher’s Guide
Reading Textbooks p. 65-169
 History p. 66-83
 Geography p. 84-99
 Science p. 100-116; 132139
 Math p. 117-132
 Word Problems p. 143-154
Reading Textbooks
 History p. 51-61
 Geography p. 62-72
 Science p. 73-84; p. 95-99
 Math p. 85-94
 Word Problems p. 100-104
Elements of Textbooks p. 155169
Reading Graphics p. 537-561
Reading critically
o Newspaper p. 228
o Magazine p. 245-246
Critically read and evaluate to determine the author’s purpose,
o Reading Critically p. 247point of view, audience, and message
255
o Overview p. 654-655
Critically read and evaluate to determine the author’s purpose,
o Speeches p. 260
point of view, audience and message.
Identify devices used in persuasive text.
8.C.5
Trace the development of an author’s argument, point of view
or perspective.
Evaluate the adequacy, accuracy, and appropriateness of the
author’s evidence in persuasive text.
Critically read and evaluate to determine the author’s purpose,
point of view, audience and message.
Questioning the Author p. 185;
8.C.14
Reading Graphics p. 359-369
Elements of graphics p. 370378
Persuasion p. 170-174
Critical Reading/Writing p.
178-181
Reading a Website p. 339-351
Focus on Real-world Writing p.
265-272
Elements of the Internet p.352357
Reading a Website p. 514-526
Elements of the Internet p. 527
7.C.11
8.C.6
Elements of Textbooks p. 105114
240; 652-653
MN Academic Standards & Reader’s Handbook
©mabarrett@rochester.k12.mn.us
5
These materials may be duplicated for nonprofit, educational use.
For additional information go to the following website:
http://www.rochester.k12.mn.us/
Click on Resources
Click on Reading
Click on Middle School and High School and you will access critical reading units.
Standard – Grade 5, 6, 7, 8 Language Arts
I – Reading and Literature
5.C.6
Generate graphic organizers to enhance comprehension of
texts and to describe text structure and organization.
6.C.9
Create outlines, logical notes and summaries across content
areas
7.C.5
Create outlines, logical notes, and summaries across content
areas.
8.C.8
Create outlines, logical notes, and summaries of text in
various content areas.
7.C.10
Scan a passage to determine relevant information and skim
the text to locate specific information.
Reader’s Handbook
Teacher’s Guide
Reading Tools p. 66 – 684
Graphic Organizers p. 440-478
Using Graphic Organizers p.
662-684
Strategies p. 429-440
Strategy handbook p. 641-645
Note Taking p. 646-651
Summarizing p. 658-661
Skimming a website p. 525
Skimming p. 656-657
8.C.12
Follow written directions in technical reading.
For additional information go to the following website:
http://www.rochester.k12.mn.us/
Click on Resources
Click on Reading
MN Academic Standards & Reader’s Handbook
©mabarrett@rochester.k12.mn.us
Click on General and you will find units on comprehension and note taking.
6
These materials may be duplicated for nonprofit, educational use.
Standard – Grade 5, 6, 7, 8 Language Arts
I – Reading and Literature
D. Literature
Reader’s Handbook
Teacher’s Guide
The student will actively engage in the reading process and read,
understand, respond to, analyze, interpret, evaluate and appreciate a
wide variety of fiction, poetic, and nonfiction texts.
Short Story p. 294-314
Short Story p. 195-206
Novel p. 207-219
5.D.2
Textbooks p. 155-169
5.D.3
5.D.4
5.D.5
5.D.6
5.D.7
5.D.8
6.D.2
6.D.3
6.D.4
6.D.5
6.D.6
6.D.7
6.D.8
Identify and analyze literary elements and devices in works of
fiction including characterization, plot, tone and theme and
the ways they convey meaning.
Evaluate nonfiction texts by analyzing structure, concept
development, design and style.
Interpret literature by answering questions that ask for
analysis and evaluation.
Distinguish among various literary genres and subgenres
Distinguish between third person and first person point of
view.
Identify and determine the meanings of similes and metaphors
Respond to literature using ideas and details from the text to
support reactions and make literary connections.
Identify and describe the characteristics of various genres.
Identify and describe the relationships among elements of
fiction including setting, character, plot, conflict/resolution,
theme and tone.
Analyze characters through identifying thoughts, words,
actions and narrator’s description.
Describe how figurative language (such as simile and
metaphor) and literary devices contribute to the meaning of
text.
Relate a given literary work to historical events (place, time
and custom).
Describe how meaning is conveyed in poetry the author’s
stylistic choices.
Respond to literature using ideas and details form the text to
support reactions and make literary connections.
MN Academic Standards & Reader’s Handbook
©mabarrett@rochester.k12.mn.us
Novel p. 315-327
Reading a Play p. 472-502
Elements of Drama p. 503-511
Focus on:
 Characters p. 340-350
 Setting p. 351-359
 Plot p. 368-375
 Theme p. 376-382
Elements of Fiction p. 389-405
Focus on:
 Characters p. 220-226
 Setting p. 226-231
 Dialogue p. 232-236
 Plot p. 237-241
 Theme p. 242-251
Elements of Fiction p. 252-263
7
These materials may be duplicated for nonprofit, educational use.
Standard – Grade 5, 6, 7, 8 Language Arts
I – Reading and Literature
7.D.2
7.D.3
7.D.4
7.D.5
7.D.6
7.D.7
7.D.8
7.D.9
7.D.10
8.D.2
8.D.3
8.D.4
8.D.5
8.D.6
8.D.7
Identify and analyze various genres and subgenres as forms
with distinct characteristics and purposes.
Identify and analyze the relationships among elements of
fiction including setting, character, plot, conflict/resolution,
theme, and tone.
Identify and analyze the effect of character’s traits on the plot
and resolution of the conflict.
Analyze how figurative language and literary devices
contribute to the meaning of text.
Identify and discuss the effect of the speaker and recognize
the difference between first and third person point of view.
Relate a given literary work to historical events (place, time
and custom).
Explain how form and stylistic devices convey the meaning
of a poem.
Identify and understanding recurring themes across literary
works, citing evidence from the texts.
Respond to literature using ideas and details from the text to
support reactions and make literary connections.
Analyze and evaluate the relationships among elements of
fiction.
Analyze a character’s traits, emotions or motivation and give
supporting evidence from the text.
Analyze and evaluate how figurative language and literary
devices contribute to the meaning of a text..
Contrast points of view (such as first and third person, limited
and omniscient, subjective and objective) in narrative texts
and explain how they affect the overall theme of the works.
Relate a given literary work to historical events (place, time
and custom).
Respond to and analyze the effects of sound, form, figurative
language and graphics in order to uncover meaning in poetry.
MN Academic Standards & Reader’s Handbook
©mabarrett@rochester.k12.mn.us
Reader’s Handbook
Teacher’s Guide
Reading a Poem p.407-421 Reading a poem p.264-276
Focus on:
 Meaning p. 430-438
 Sound and Structure p.
439-446
 Language p. 422-429
Focus on:
 Language p. 276-281
 Meaning p. 281-185
 sound p. 286-290
Elements of Poetry p. 446469
Elements of Poetry p. 291307
Reading a play p. 472-488
Reading Plays p. 308-320
Focusing on:
 Theme p. 489-494
 Language p. 495-501
Focusing on:
 Theme p. 321-325
 Language p. 326-330
 Elements of Drama p.
331-338
Elements of drama
8
These materials may be duplicated for nonprofit, educational use.
Standard – Grade 5, 6, 7, 8 Language Arts
I – Reading and Literature
8.D.8
8.D.9
8.D.10
8.D.11
8.D.12
Reader’s Handbook
Teacher’s Guide
Identify and understand recurring themes across literary
works, citing evidence from texts.
Identify and analyze structural elements particular to dramatic
literature.
Compare and evaluate recurring themes across literary works
and historical events.
Identify and analyze structural elements particular to dramatic
literature.
Respond to literature using ideas and details from the text to
support reactions and make literary connections.
MN Academic Standards & Reader’s Handbook
©mabarrett@rochester.k12.mn.us
9
These materials may be duplicated for nonprofit, educational use.