Course Description

  • The overall emphasis in this course will be on developing effective writing, grammar, reading, speaking and listening skills, with an emphasis on composing proper sentences, paragraph structure and organized essays. In addition to culturally responsive literature using the READO model and non-fiction selections, students will also read the novels, Shiloh and Hatchet, as well as self-selected texts. Students will complete a research project to learn research skills, note-taking, and presenting to an audience.

Proficiency learning targets for Grade 5 ELA

  • Writing Proficiency Targets

    As evidenced based on classroom assessments, the student is able to:

    • I can write an essay including an introduction, body and conclusion. ( 5.6.2.2)
    • I can use technology, including the internet, to produce and publish writing. (5.6.5.5)
    • I can organize formal academic writing. (5.6.5.5)
    • I can produce clear and coherent writing: sentences, paragraphs, and essays. (5.6.4.4)
    • I can organize and develop content using a formal writing process. (5.6.5.5)
    • I can generate effective research questions. (5.6.7.7)
    • I can develop an outline according to evidence gathered (5.6.5.5)
    • I can write routinely over an extended period of time. (5.6.10.10)

    Reading-Literature Proficiency Targets

    As evidenced based on classroom assessments, the student is able to:

    • I can read closely to determine what the text says explicitly and make logical inferences from it, cite textual evidence when writing and speaking (5.1.1.1)
    • I can analyze the structure of text including how specific sentences and larger portions of the text relate to the whole, including paragraphs, scenes and stanzas. (5.1.5.5/5.2.5.5)
    • I can assess how point of view or purpose shapes the content and style of text. (5.1.6.6/5.2.6.6)
    • I can analyze how and why individuals, events and ideas develop and interact over the course of time. (5.1.3.3/5.2.3.3)
    • I can determine central ideas and themes of text and analyze their development and summarize the key supporting details and ideas. (5.2.1.1)
    • I can delineate and evaluate the arguments and specific claims in a text including the validity of the reasoning as well as the relevance and sufficiency of evidence. (5.1.8.8/5.2.8.8)
    • I can determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text, including figurative language such as metaphors and similes. (5.1.4.4)

    Speaking and Listening Proficiency Targets

    As evidenced based on classroom assessments, the student is able to:

    • I can participate in a variety of discussions on substantive topics. (5.8.1.1)
    • I can prepare for discussions by gathering evidence and perspectives. (5.8.3.3)
    • I can distinguish among, understand, and use different types of print,digital, and multimedia. (5.8.7.7)

    Language Proficiency Targets

    As evidenced based on classroom assessments, the student is able to:

    • I can correctly use grammar in speaking and writing. (5.10.1.1)
    • I can correctly use punctuation, capitalization and spelling in writing. (5.10.2.2)
    • I can use context clues and word structure to determine the meaning of words. (5.10.4.4)

Materials Used

  • Novels:

    • READO materials
    • Hatchet
    • Shiloh

    Nonfiction Passages:

    • Scholastic Storyworks

    MCA Prep:

    • IXL

    Writing Projects:

    • Best Part of Me
    • Sell a Spooky House
    • Perfect Winter Day Essay
    • Research Project