Working toward the goals of reading with comprehension, writing with skill, and communicating effectively and responsibly, each fifth grader will learn to:

Reading:

• See reading as a source of information and a leisure-time activity.
• Read to learn vs. learn to read.
• Build vocabulary through listening to a variety of readings.
• Read and use non-fiction sources (encyclopedias, biographies computer software etc.).
• Identify the critical elements of a story (plot, characters, setting, theme).
• Read with fluency and expression which demonstrates understanding of the story.
• Identify and read different types of fiction (folk tales, poems, etc.).
• Build reading/writing vocabulary by using context clues, dictionaries, glossaries, and thesaurus.

Reading Quick Check: Does your child:

• Show confidence in transferring information and strategies learned in one material to another, and from one type of resource to another?
• Use a range of resources to gather, evaluate and synthesize information?
• Demonstrate flexibility in use and application of strategies?
• Read and use reading beyond the classroom setting for a variety of purposes?

Writing:

• Use legible writing in daily assignments.
• Maintain legible cursive and printing skills on written assignments.
• Use the writing process (plan, draft, revise, edit and publish) to produce high quality written work.
• Write clearly and effectively: (Use ideas, organization, voice, word choice, sentence fluency, and conventions).
• Write in a variety of forms for different audiences & purposes (lists, stories, journals, letters, informational).
• Continue use of editing marks.
• Learn to assess writing for strengths and weaknesses.
• Consistently spell frequently used words correctly.
• Write coherent paragraphs using topic sentence supported by details.
• Improve effectiveness of writing by using appropriate word choices while varying sentence type and length.
• Use a variety of writing forms (poetry, letters, etc.).
• Continue to correctly identify and use subject, predicate and parts of speech.
• Use technology as appropriate. 

Communication:

• Give informal presentations (current events).
• Continue developing effective listening and communications skills.
• Integrate reading, writing and communication skills to produce projects and/or oral presentations on topic covered in math, science and social studies.