English 5
Fifth grade English works in tandem with fifth grade social studies to create an integrated study of language arts and history. With myths, stories, and ancient civilizations as the focus, students consider the following essential questions:
What makes a good story?
- How does exposition impact a story?
- How do we determine the theme of a story?
- How does the protagonist’s central conflict help us determine the climax of a story?
- What makes a true friend?
- What makes a hero?
For language arts, students practice close reading skills, strategies for vocabulary development, and effective presentation techniques. Writing focuses on developing an argument through the use of evidence and analysis. In addition, grammar is taught as a fundamental part of the writing process, and students regularly address these skills within their written work. In conjunction with the ancient civilizations curriculum, students read a selection of articles and short stories including “What is a Myth?,” "The Dog of Pompeii," “The All-American Slurp,” and "Ho-ichi the Earless." Students also read three novels, Same Sun Here, Bamboo People, and a retelling of The Odyssey.