English Language Arts — Grade 5

Comparing Governments - International

This lesson focuses on comparing and contrasting national governments in North America and/or Central America. It is the second in a sequence, the first being "Comparing Governments - Local, State, and National" by Tami Weaver and Wendy Pineda, also on the Learn NC website.

This plan could be easily adapted for eighth grade or high school ESL students.

Format: lesson plan (grade 5 English Language Arts, Social Studies, and English Language Development)

By Tami Weaver and Wendy Pineda.

Comparing Governments - Local, State, and National

This lesson on comparing governments will focus on looking at the similarities and differences between local, state, and federal governments in North Carolina and the United States. It is suggested that this lesson be followed by "Comparing Governments - International" by Tami Weaver and Wendy Pineda, also found on the Learn NC website.

This plan could be easily adapted for eighth grade or high school ESL students.

Format: lesson plan (grade 5 English Language Arts, Social Studies, and English Language Development)

By Tami Weaver and Wendy Pineda.

Learn New Words Using Context.

With guided practice students will use context clues to determine meaning of unfamiliar words in short passages. When students have completed the practice activities, they will read a newspaper or magazine article, picking out unfamiliar words and using context clues to decide what the word means. As a group activity they will share the article, the words, and their meanings with the class.

Format: lesson plan (grade 4–8 English Language Arts)

By Betty DeLuca.

Understanding vocabulary in their "own terms"

This lesson focuses on vocabulary development. Students will work together in small groups to identify at least three to four unknown vocabulary words in a given passage. Vocabulary meanings will be learned through contextual means, previous knowledge and dictionary use. Students will then find a relevant way to illustrate the meaning of the word so that others can understand easily.

Format: lesson plan (grade 3–5 English Language Arts)

By Christa Schneider.

Vocabulary Surprise

This lesson focuses on prediction skills and vocabulary development. Students predict what is in a box from information they are given. In order to determine the contents of the box, vocabulary must be deciphered through contextual meaning. The activity idea could be used in all areas with a few modifications. Science would be easily integrated. Cooperative learning is also used.

Format: lesson plan (grade 5 English Language Arts)

By Jennifer J. Murphy.

WOLVES: Comprehending Informational Texts

This integrated plan uses non-fiction text and wolves to motivate students with language arts and science. Students will read a nonfiction text and use metacognitive skills of guided reading and KWHL chart to monitor comprehension and extend vocabulary.

Format: lesson plan (grade 5 English Language Arts and Computer Technology Skills)

By Amy Vance.

Lesson plans on the web

Acquiring new vocabulary through book discussion groups

While reading the text Pink and Say by Patricia Polacco, students identify words that are unfamiliar to them. Working collaboratively in small groups, they discuss the meaning of these new words using context clues from the text, prior knowledge, and print and online resources. (Learn more)

Format: lesson plan (grade 3–5 English Language Arts)

Provider: IRA/NCTE

A case for reading: Examining challenged and banned books

This lesson introduces students to censorship and then invites them to read a challenged or banned book and decide for themselves what should be done with this book at their school by writing a persuasive essay explaining their perspectives. (Learn more)

Format: lesson plan (grade 3–5 English Language Arts)

Provider: IRA\NCTE

Cinderella folk tales: Variations in character

Students compare and contrast several versions of Cinderella stories told around the world to find differences and similarities in character traits. (Learn more)

Format: lesson plan (grade 5 English Language Arts)

Provider: National Endowment for the Humanities

Engaging students in a collaborative exploration of the “Gettysburg Address”

This lesson invites groups of students to learn more about the historical significance of President Abraham Lincoln's famous speech, the “Gettysburg Address” as well as the time period and people involved. (Learn more)

Format: lesson plan (grade 5 English Language Arts and Social Studies)

Provider: IRA/NCTE

Fairy tales from life

Introduces coommon elements of fairy tales in anticipation of student creation. (Learn more)

Format: lesson plan (grade 5 English Language Arts)

Provider: IRA/NCTE

Guided comprehension: Knowing how words work using semantic feature analysis

Students learn semantic feature analysis, a strategy that teaches them to identify characteristics associated with related words or concepts. (Learn more)

Format: lesson plan (grade 3–5 English Language Arts)

Provider: IRA/NCTE

Guided comprehension: Monitoring using the INSERT technique

Introduces students to the comprehension strategy of monitoring. (Learn more)

Format: lesson plan (grade 3–5 English Language Arts)

Provider: IRA/NCTE

How big are "Martin's Big Words"? Thinking big about the future

Using Martin's Big Words: The Life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., as well as other resources, students explore diction used by Dr. King and compose a reflective writing piece. (Learn more)

Format: lesson plan (grade 3–5 English Language Arts)

Provider: IRA/NCTE

Looking for the history in historical fiction: An epidemic for reading

Explores the differences between historical fiction and nonfiction. (Learn more)

Format: lesson plan (grade 5 Information Skills and English Language Arts)

Provider: IRA/NCTE

Oh Say Can You See What the Star Spangled Banner Means?

This is a set of 8 lesson plans designed to explore the symbolic, historical and literary background of the American flag, beginning with Francis Scott Key's poetic account of the bombardment of Fort McHenry. (Learn more)

Format: lesson plan (grade 4–5 English Language Arts and Social Studies)

Provider: National Endowment for the Humanities

Paul Revere: American patriot

Websites that describe Revere's life are investigated and discussed. Information from these sources is then used for center to form projects and construct a Big Book to display in the school library. (Learn more)

Format: lesson plan (grade 5 Information Skills, English Language Arts, and Social Studies)

Provider: IRA/NCTE

Playing with prepositions through poetry

Students have the opportunity to play with language, particularly prepositions, through the literature of Ruth Heller. (Learn more)

Format: lesson plan (grade 5 English Language Arts)

Provider: IRA/NCTE

A president's home and the president's house

Students take virtual tours of Monticello, Thomas Jefferson's home in Virginia, and the White House. They compare the activities undertaken by Jefferson at Monticello with those undertaken by presidents at the White House. (Learn more)

Format: lesson plan (grade 5 English Language Arts and Social Studies)

Provider: National Endowment for the Humanities

Scaffolding comprehension strategies using graphic organizers

Collaborative strategic reading (CSR) is initially presented to students through modeling and whole-class instruction. (Learn more)

Format: lesson plan (grade 5 English Language Arts)

Provider: IRA/NCTE