Language Arts

Objectives and Goals

The fifth grade reading curriculum encompasses a variety of thought provoking questions that allow the students to read and make connections, while enjoying different types of short stories, plays, poetry, and novels.  The students will develop their vocabulary through context clues when focusing on words and phrases used in the text as well as through weekly course work using the Latin and Greek Roots program.  Exposure to literary elements of characters, setting, plot, and theme will allow the students to think both literally and critically while referring to the information presented in the text and focusing on key details.

The fifth grade language arts program trains students to respond to both literary and informational sources over the course of the year.  The students will develop their writing in both short and long form pieces while focusing on proper grammar usage and punctuation.

Strategies

There are many strategies in place to help the students understand and comprehend the text.  These strategies are presented in a variety of ways to appeal to all types of learners.  Audio texts are played while visual images of the important vocabulary words are displayed.  There are a variety of graphic organizers, charts, and rubrics to help organize and guide the students.  Many examples are presented while modeling and class discussions take place to open up the lines of communication. During this time, students can freely discuss any questions or concerns that they may have.  Students are grouped together so that they can share with and help their peers, allowing the teacher to circulate and address each group.

Assessments             

Students are assessed both formally and informally. Assessments vary from homework, quizzes and tests, projects, writing assignments, teacher conferencing, group work, class participation, quick write exit tickets, and presentations.

Textbooks, Workbooks, and Resources

Students will use select novels in addition to the text: Scott Foresman Reading Street (Pearson).  The following books are also used: Voyages in English: Grammar and Writing (Loyola Press), Reader’s and Writer’s Workshop (Pearson), and Latin and Greek Roots Challenge (The Rooted Mind). The Reading Street CD and Envision It! pictured vocabulary disc are supplemental tools used to reinforce concepts.