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English 5

English 5

In Grade 5, our focus is on more complete comprehension of text, which includes building fluency, vocabulary, and an understanding of language structures. Our novel-based approach to instruction offers young readers opportunities to make connections, draw inferences, and distill meaning through thoughtful analysis and rich discussions circles rooted in inquiry. We expose students to a variety of genres and offer scaffolds as they develop critical thinking skills that foster a greater appreciation of literature. 

Our Fifth Graders grow into effective creative and analytical writers. We deliver direct classroom instruction along with personalized attention to build each writer’s unique skill set and voice. Students continue to learn grammar and mechanics as well as increase their attention to presentation. These basic elements of written language lay essential foundations for more complex endeavors down the road. Fifth Graders also have many opportunities to refine their oral presentation skills by researching components of the literature under study and formally sharing them with peers. In the spring, our students participate in an annual Reading Fair that requires them to speak about their selected novel to an audience of community members.

Areas of focus of English 5 are as follows:

  • Effective communication with an emphasis on creative and analytical writing and attention to syntax, word choice, and cohesion
  • Development of oral communication skills through discussion circles, formal presentations, and daily inquiry
  • Novel study to learn and analyze literary elements, including plot, theme, setting, point-of-view, and character as well as literary devices, such as symbolism, imagery, personification, and more
  • Grammar study
  • Individualized spelling
  • Novels may include the following: Tuck Everlasting by Natalie Babbitt, Breaking Stalin’s Nose by Eugene Yelchin, Moon Over Manifest by Clare Vanderpool, Red, White and Whole by Rajani LaRocca, Stella by Starlight by Sharon M. Draper, as well as a novel of choice