Students in fifth grade expand and deepen concepts, skills, and strategies learned at earlier grades. They make new connections as they experience more sophisticated ideas and begin to study subjects in more formal ways. They read and write a variety of texts with greater breadth and depth, critically analyzing and evaluating information and ideas. Fifth graders revisit and refine concepts and their knowledge of English Language Arts conventions as they become more sophisticated, independent learners. The learner will:
Use reading and writing to learn about and understand their world and other cultures.
Evaluate text to determine the authorís purpose and point of view.
Increase vocabulary knowledge through wide reading, word study, discussion, and content area study.
Use print and non-print media to persuade an audience.
Use metacognitive skills to accomplish a task independently or as a group member.
Research multiple sources to deepen understanding and integrate information and ideas across varied sources and content areas.
Apply comprehension strategies critically, creatively, and strategically.
Use media and technology as resources for extended research and as tools for learning.

Competencies:

Competency Goal1  The learner will apply enabling strategies and skills to read and write.
1.01 Expand and refine vocabulary through knowledge of prefixes, suffixes, roots, derivatives, and etymologies (word origins) to assist comprehension.
1.02 Select key vocabulary critical to the text and apply appropriate meanings as necessary for comprehension.

1.03 Increase reading and writing vocabulary through:

wide reading.
word study.
word reference materials.
content area study.
writing process elements.
writing as a tool.
debate.
discussions.
seminars.
examining the authorís craft.
 

1.05 Read independently daily from self-selected materials (consistent with the studentís independent reading level) to:

increase fluency.
build background knowledge.
expand and refine vocabulary.

Competency Goal 2 The learner will apply strategies and skills to comprehend text that is read, heard, and viewed.
 2.01 Use metacognitive strategies independently and flexibly to monitor comprehension and extend vocabulary (e.g., skim, scan, reread the text, consult other sources, ask for help, summarize, paraphrase, question).
2.02 Interact with the text before, during, and after reading, listening, and viewing by:

making predictions.
formulating questions.
supporting answers from textual information, previous experience, and/or other sources.
drawing on personal, literary, and cultural understandings.
seeking additional information.
2.03 Read a variety of texts, such as:

fiction (tall tales, myths).
nonfiction (books of true experience, newspaper and magazine articles, schedules).
poetry (narrative, lyric, and cinquains).
drama (plays and skits).
2.04 Identify elements of fiction and nonfiction and support by referencing the text to determine the:

plot development.
authorís choice of words.
effectiveness of figurative language (e.g., personification, flashback).
2.05 Evaluate inferences, conclusions, and generalizations and provide evidence by referencing the text(s).

2.06 Analyze choice of reading materials congruent with purposes (e.g., reading for information, reading to extend content area learning, reading for pleasure, entertainment).

2.07 Evaluate the usefulness and quality of information and ideas based on purpose, experiences, text(s), and graphics.

2.08 Explain and evaluate relationships that are:

causal.
hierarchical.
temporal.
problem-solution.
2.09 Listen actively and critically by:

asking questions.
delving deeper into the topic.
elaborating on the information and ideas presented.
evaluating information and ideas.
making inferences and drawing conclusions.
making judgments.
2.10 Identify strategies used by a speaker or writer to inform, entertain, or influence an audience.

Competency Goal 3 The learner will make connections through the use of oral language, written language, and media and technology.
 3.01 Respond to fiction, nonfiction, poetry, and drama using interpretive, critical, and evaluative processes by:
analyzing word choice and content.
examining reasons for a characterís actions, taking into account the situation and basic motivation of the character.
creating and presenting a product that effectively demonstrates a personal response to a selection or experience.
examining alternative perspectives.
3.02 Make connections between texts by recognizing similarities and differences based on a common lesson, theme, or message.

3.03 Justify evaluation of characters and events from different selections by citing supporting evidence in the text(s).

3.04 Make informed judgments about television, radio, video/film productions, and other electronic mediums and/or formats.

3.05 Integrate main idea and supporting details from multiple sources to expand understanding of texts.

3.06 Conduct research (with assistance) from a variety of sources for assigned or self-selected projects (e.g., print and non-print texts, artifacts, people, libraries, databases, computer networks).

3.07 Make informed judgments about:

bias.
propaganda.
stereotyping.
media techniques.

Competency Goal 4 The learner will apply strategies and skills to create oral, written, and visual texts.
 4.01 Read aloud grade-appropriate text with fluency, comprehension, expression, and personal style demonstrating an awareness of volume, pace, audience, and purpose.
4.02 Use oral and written language to:

formulate hypotheses.
evaluate information and ideas.
present and support arguments.
influence the thinking of others.
4.03 Make oral and written presentations to inform or persuade selecting vocabulary for impact.

4.04 Select a self-evaluated composition for publication and justify rationale for selection.

4.05 Use a variety of preliminary strategies to plan and organize the writing and speaking task considering purpose, audience, and timeline.

4.06 Compose a draft that elaborates on major ideas and adheres to the topic by using an appropriate organizational pattern that accomplishes the purpose of the writing task and effectively communicates its content.

4.07 Compose a variety of fiction, nonfiction, poetry, and drama using self-selected topic and format (e.g., poetry, research reports, news articles, letters to the editor, business letters).

4.08 Focus revision on target elements by:

improving word choice.
rearranging text for clarity.
creating simple and/or complex sentences for clarity or impact.
developing a lead, characters, or mood.
4.09 Produce work that follows the conventions of particular genres (e.g., clarification, essay, feature story, business letter).

4.10 Use technology as a tool to enhance and/or publish a product