TAG 5th Grade Language Arts

     The fifth grade TAG language arts curriculum expands the 
development of literacy through reading, writing, speaking, listening 
and viewing.  Students use a variety of learning strategies that can 
be applied in all subject areas.  Where appropriate, the language 
arts are linked to other content areas of the fifth grade curriculum.

     In reading, students construct meaning from a wide variety of 
narrative and informational texts.  Over the course of the year, your 
fifth grader will read fables, folktales, fantasy, poetry, adventure, 
biography, realistic fiction, historical fiction, short stories, 
magazine and  newspaper articles, and other informational material.  
Students will study the elements  of literature such as setting, 
characterization, theme, plot, conflict, foreshadowing, inference, 
and point of view.

     In English class, students will utilize the writing process as 
they continue to refine their written expression, working to develop 
a strong sense of voice.  Fifth grade writing will focus on sentence 
structure and paragraph development.  Literary techniques, such as 
metaphors, similes, hyperbole, personification, symbolism, 
alliteration, onomatopoeia, puns, and analogies will be explored 
through reading and practiced in writing.  Vocabulary development 
will be emphasized over traditional spelling tests this year.   

     Presenting oral reports, giving speeches, dramatizing scenes, 
giving book talks, reciting poetry, sharing completed work orally, 
and taking part in oral performances are ways in which the fifth 
graders will sharpen their abilities to articulate their thinking orally, 
and become active and observant listeners and viewers.        

Homework:  Fifth graders are required to read 30 minutes at home each 
day. This can be from a book of their choice, or assigned reading 
that was not completed in class.  Other assigned homework will 
usually be due the next school day unless stated otherwise on my 
website.  Late homework will be accepted for partial credit only.

Daily Expectations:  Each student is expected to come prepared to 
class with all necessary supplies and assignments.  Absenteeism does 
not excuse anyone from missed work.  The expectation is that 
individuals will get any notes or missing work from the teacher 
or a classmate when returning from an absence.  It is also expected 
that each student will participate in class, cooperate in groups, ask 
questions and seek out help if needed.  Appropriate and considerate 
behavior is expected at all times.

WRITING TEXT
'Write Source: A Book for Writing, Thinking, and Learning' is the 
English handbook we use in 5th grade TAG.  The cover is teal and black, 
the copyright is 2005, and the ISBN is 0-669-50701-6.   It is available 
at Horizon Bookstore.  Another option is to contact the publishing 
company by calling 1-800-289-4490 to place an order.

"Write Source"
Author(s): Dave Kemper, Patrick Sebranek, and Verne Meyer
Grade Level: 6

Write Source® features a friendly , reassuring voice, colorful 
artwork, and humorous illustrations that speak to your students. 
But Write Source® packs a punch too—with all the tools your 
students need to become proficient writers, thinkers, and learners.

A Comprehensive Approach to Writing
* Six traits of effective writing instruction in every unit
* Key writing forms covered in detail
* Differentiated instruction to meet varied student needs
* Integrated mechanics, grammar, and usage
* Strategies for writing across the curriculum
* (Available in softcover and hardcover.)