Grade 5 ELA Unit 1
Dear Grade 5 ELA Families,
Welcome to the first 5th grade unit in English Language Arts! We would like to give you an overview of the unit and what your child will be working on as readers and writers.
In this unit, your child will be reading realistic fiction and writing literary essays.
In reading, your child will be listening to a mentor text (Wonder) and a handful of picture books, watching short videos, and reading books of his/her choice with a partner or book club. Through these books, your child will be learning about:
Character development
Quoting accurately from the text
Determining themes (lessons/morals/messages)
In writing, your child will be developing a literary essay about a theme in the realistic fiction novel that he/she read. Your child will select one of the themes he/she identified to take through the writing process. This is the piece your child will plan, draft, revise, edit, and publish. Your child will also reflect on his/her growth as a reader and writer.
How to help your child at home:
Talk to your child about what he/she is reading! Ask:
What are you reading? What is the book about?
How would you describe the characters?
Why do you think that? What parts of the story make you think that?
What lessons, morals, or messages might the author want you to learn?
Have your child share where they are in the writing process and what strategy(ies) they are working on as a writer.
We are looking forward to delving into this exciting reading and writing work!
Sincerely,
Grade 5 ELA Teachers