Reading

In reading, we will be using the Lucy Calkins program for reader’s workshop.  The structure is very similar to the writing workshop in that students are immersed in reading every day.  Students in 5^th grade will begin to see reading as a social activity by participating in book clubs and research groups that will encourage students to think, write and talk about books in meaningful ways.  We will begin the year with fiction, specifically reading books under the theme of "Overcoming Obstacles." Students will read a book within a smaller group, and will be expected to write about their thoughts in their readers journal. 


Next, we will study the elements of nonfiction.  Students will be able to choose books of interest to read during the workshop while learning how to identify and summarize main ideas, determine text structure and synthesis information across books.   Students will use their readers notebook as a tool to collect and write about the new information they are learning!

The following unit in the series will be a unit on reading to develop arguments.  Students will form research clubs based on a debatable topic of interest such as: Should Animals Be Kept in Zoos? Should we Ban Plastic Bags? Are Extreme Sports Worth the Risk?  Should People be Allowed to Climb Mount Everest?   Once placed in a group, students will read articles, books and watch short videos to collect information for both sides of the argument.  They will then learn how to read with their opinions in mind to collect evidence from other sources to support their thinking!  Not only will students learn valuable researching skills within this unit, they will also learn how to participate in respectful conversations around controversial topics!

Lastly, students will participate in a Fantasy Book Club Unit.  This will be a new unit for the 5th grade, and we have collected some great titles that I am sure the students will be excited to get their hands on!