Course Overview:
All standard conventions of English grammar are thoroughly covered. Vocabulary and spelling are spiraled throughout and include word roots, affixes, use of the dictionary, and using context. Students will read and analyze all major genres and be asked to imitate each in their own writing. Students analyze the novel Number the Stars. The students compose all forms of writing required by the state standards and are given detailed instructions in formal research and essays. A section on media literacy is included. Many lessons require peer collaboration. Fluency in reading aloud is taught overtly.
Required Reading:
5th Grade Unit 3: Number the Stars by Lois Lowry. ISBN 9780547577098
Required Materials:
- Pencil
- Paper
- Composition or spiral notebook
- Book(s) of your choosing
- Notecards
- Stapler
- Construction paper
Students will need a copy of the following book:
Syllabus:
Unit 1 - Reading and Writing
Lessons:
- Fiction, Nonfiction, Fluency, and Comprehension
- Elements of Fiction
- Summarizing and Paraphrasing
- The Writing Process
- Organizational Strategies and Writing an Essay
- Subject, Predicate, Revising and Editing a Narrative
- Roots, Affixes, Research
- Character and Plot Development
- Character and Plot Development (continued)
Unit 2 - Grammar and Reading
Lessons:
- Inferences, Literary Texts, and Theme
- Genres
- Dictionary Skills and Nouns
- Roots and Theme
- Sensory and Figurative Language and Theme
- Verbs
- Writing a Short Story
- Dialogue and Sensory Details
- Revise and Edit a Short Story
Unit 3 - Elements of Fiction
Lessons:
- Genre, Historical Background, and Vocabulary
- Characterization, Conflict, and Point of View
- Euphemisms, Conflict, and Suspense
- Context Clues and Number the Stars
- Context Clues and Adjectives
- Multiple-Meaning Words, Tone, and Mood
- Comparative Adjectives and Number the Stars
- Idioms and Plot
- Historical Setting and Theme in Number the Stars
Unit 4 - All About Poetry
Lessons:
- Poetry and Sound Devices
- Poetry – Sensory, Figurative Language, and Theme in Poetry
- Poetry – Adverbs, Styles and Forms of Poetry
- Poetic Techniques and Suffixes
- Poetry – Figurative Language, Imagery, and Writing Poetry
- Graphic Elements in Poetry
- Elements and Structure of Drama, Pronouns
- Pronouns and Analyzing Drama
- Dramatic Adaptation
Unit 5 - Nonfiction Text
Lessons:
- Nonfiction, Purpose, and Audience
- Biographies and Autobiographies
- Analyze Biographies and Autobiographies
- Biographical Sketch, Audience, and Purpose
- Organizing Information and Subject-Verb Agreement
- Revise and Edit
- Literary Nonfiction and Commas
- Dictionary Skills and Literary Nonfiction
- Commas and Literary Nonfiction Analysis
Unit 6 - Research Project
Lessons:
- Informational Text and Confusing Words
- Expository Text, Text Features, and Conjunctions
- Nonfiction Text and Spelling
- Nonfiction Books and Prepositions
- Nonfiction Book Talk and Affixes
- Writing a Book Talk and Affixes
- Writing an expository essay and capitalization
- Writing an Expository Essay
- Revise and Edit an Expository Essay
Unit 7 - The Research Process
Lessons:
- The Research Process and Spelling
- Starting Research
- Research Sources
- Research and Plagiarism
- Organizing Information
- Writing a Research Paper and Quotations
- Writing an Introduction and Conclusion and Conjunctions
- Revise and Edit a Research Paper
- Publish a Research Paper
Unit 8 - Persuasive Text
Lessons:
- Persuasive Writing
- Reading Persuasive Texts
- Persuasive Techniques
- Characteristics of a Letter
- Write a Persuasive Letter
- Transitions and Writing a Persuasive Letter
- Persuasive Speeches
- Analyzing Speeches
- Understanding Persuasive Text
Unit 9 - Procedural Text
Lessons:
- Procedural Text and Nouns
- Analyze Procedural Text and Irregular Verbs
- Graphics, Adjectives, and Adverbs
- Writing Procedural Text and Conjunctions
- Writing Procedural Text and Subjects and Predicates
- Parts of Speech Poem and Sentence Structures
- Analyzing Media
- Elements of Media Messages
- Punctuation and Digital Media
Unit 10 - Writing! Writing!
Lessons:
- Effective Listening Skills
- Nonverbal Communication
- Listening to a Radio Story
- Formal and Informal Speaking and Capitalization
- Writing a Procedural Speech, and Punctuation Review
- Capitalization Review and Procedural Speech
- Speaking and Listening
- Reading Aloud
- Telephone Communication and Analogies
