Use words, symbols, and other forms, including appropriate technology, to express understanding of topics, themes, and issues and make connections to own life.

Create spoken, written, and other representations that include:

• a specific message
• several related ideas which are logically organized and developed
• ideas and information which are clear and complete
• appropriate use of language and conventions including conventional print.

Use personal knowledge and experiences in communications.

Share own stories and creations with peers and respond to questions or comments.

Tell, draw, write, and dramatize stories about self, family, community, and family/community traditions to express ideas and understanding.

Use inquiry to explore a question or topic that is of individual or group interest including:

• considering personal knowledge and understanding of a topic to identify information needs
• contributing relevant ideas and questions to assist in group understanding of a topic or task and to identify sources of additional information
• accessing ideas using a variety of sources such as simple chapter books, multimedia and online resources, computers, and Elders
• matching ideas and understandings to inquiry or research needs
• categorizing related information and ideas using a variety of strategies such as linking significant details and sequencing ideas in a logical order
• recording key ideas and facts in own words and identifying titles and creators of sources
• examining gathered information, ideas, and understandings to decide what information to share or omit
• sharing and presenting findings and conclusions
• asking questions (e.g., "What did I do that worked well?") to reflect on inquiry
• using the language of inquiry (e.g., "What do I want to find out? Where could I find information that would help me?").