About our Class (Family)Reading:
The reading curriculum covers all fifth grade standards with an additional focus on critical thinking, interpretation of text, and written expression of analysis of literature. Students learn and practice reading skills by reading novels such as Hatchet by Gary Paulsen, Book of Three by Lloyd Alexander, Tuck Everlasting by Natalie Babbitt, Wonder by R.J. Palacio, and Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson. We also read nonfiction books such as Immigrant Kids and Childtimes: A Three Generation Memoir. We utilize the Junior Great Books program which emphasizes shared inquiry discussions and classic literature. Students will read selections from a literature anthology, nonfiction articles, and poetry. Sometimes all the students will be reading the text. Other times students will have a choice between multiple texts or may be assigned a particular text according to interest or ability. Students are also expected to engage in daily silent reading of a self selected book. Each student is expected to set and achieve individual goals each quarter and track progress in a reading log. Students should expect to read at least 20 minutes each night for homework. Students will have regular individual conferences with the teacher about their progress in both their independent and class reading. Writing: Writing workshop is a process where students will develop their individual writing abilities, focus on finding their writing voice, and integrate skills learned in the reading program to improve the quality of their writing. Students will practice writing in many genres, including personal narratives, fictional narratives, expository nonfiction, persuasive nonfiction, and poetry. Mechanics skills, such as punctuation and grammar, will be taught, practiced, and assessed in context of writing.
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