What your child will learn and do in Grade 5 English/Language Arts
In grade five, students continue to build important reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills. They read more challenging literature, articles, and other sources of information and continue to grow their vocabulary. Students are expected to understand and clearly summarize what they have learned from readings and classroom discussions, referring to specific evidence and details from the text. Students write regularly and continue to develop their ability to gather, organize, interpret, and present information. Activities in these areas include:
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Identifying the theme or main idea of a story, play, or poem, including how characters respond to challenges
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Comparing and contrasting stories that deal with similar themes or topics
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Explaining how an author uses reason and evidence to support their points or ideas
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Drawing on information from multiple books, articles, or online sources to locate an answer or to solve a problem quickly
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Learning the rules of spoken and written English
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Learning and using new words, including words related to specific subjects (such as science words)
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Participating in class discussions by listening, asking questions, sharing ideas, and building on the ideas of others
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Giving a class presentation on a topic or telling a story introducing relevant facts and details in a clear, logical order
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Understanding figurative language
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Writing research or opinion papers over an extended period of time
Helping your child learn outside of school:
Provide time and space for your child to read independently for at least 20 minutes. This reading time should be free from distractions such as television.
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Ask your child what topics, events, or activities he or she likes. Then look for books, magazines, or other materials about those topics to motivate your child to read.
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Ask your child to think about what the message of a story may be or what he or she learned from an informational book or article.
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Look for opportunities in everyday places to build your child’s vocabulary.
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Be sure your child has a library card. Your child should select books in which they are interested in order to develop a passion for reading. Spend time at the library with your child.
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Use technology to help build your child’s interest in reading. Access websites that allow students to read books or articles online. The computer will help with words your child cannot read independently. Libraries also have computers your child can use to access websites.
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Involve your child in authentic opportunities to practice conveying a message through writing/drawing (e.g. grocery or shopping lists, chore lists, messages to family members, signs, directions, keeping a journal, etc.).
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Encourage friends and family to give books or magazine subscriptions to your child as gifts.
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Find time to talk to your child about school or current events (e.g. while riding in the car or taking public transportation, while waiting at the doctor’s office, etc.).
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Involve your child in planning and researching family activities (e.g. reading recipes to plan a meal, planning a family trip, planning a home project, etc.).
Websites
To access the full version of the CREC Grade 5 Curriculum Guide, click here.