English Language Arts — Grade 5

Looking at an object

In Intrigue of the Past, page 2.10

Students will analyze unfamiliar objects in order to observe the attributes of an object, infer the uses of objects; and discover how archaeologists use objects to learn about the past.

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

It's in the garbage

In Intrigue of the Past, page 1.9

In studying archaeological concepts, students will analyze garbage from different places demonstrate competence in applying the concepts of culture, context, classification, observation and inference, chronology and scientific inquiry.

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

Clarification writing: What could I add to the NC Zoo?

Students will apply their knowledge of clarification writing and address "What Animal or Plant Would You Add to the NC Zoo." Students must research their plant or animal to determine if the zoo ecosystem could support the species. In addition, the student must provide reasons and explanations to support their choice. This is a follow-up activity to a unit of study on ecosystems/biomes.

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

By Connie Johnson.

Resources on the web

Webcams in the classroom: Animal inquiry and observation

In this lesson from ReadWriteThink, students observe animal habits and habitats using one of the many webcams broadcasting from zoos and aquariums around the United States and the world. Based on the observation of webcams, this lesson plan engages students... (Learn more)

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

Provided by: ReadWriteThink

Voting! What's it all about?

In this lesson from ReadWriteThink, students both listen to information read aloud from a variety of sources and read from fiction and nonfiction books. Students explore information from current sources including child-oriented websites, newspapers, and... (Learn more)

Format: lesson plan (grade 3–5 Computer/Technology Skills, English Language Arts, and Social Studies)

Provided by: ReadWriteThink

Vote for me! Developing, writing, and evaluating persuasive speeches

This lesson challenges students to evaluate the effective characteristics of preparing and delivering a persuasive speech. After the teacher introduces speechwriting to the students, the class brainstorms about times they have heard speeches. Students participate... (Learn more)

Format: lesson plan (grade 5 English Language Arts)

Provided by: ReadWriteThink

Using word storms to explore vocabulary and encourage critical thinking

Students are introduced to the concept of working dogs in this lesson that focuses on reading multiple texts, developing reading strategies, and learning the writing process. After introducing the concept of working dogs to students, the teacher challenges... (Learn more)

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

Provided by: ReadWriteThink

Talking, writing, and reasoning: Making thinking visible with math journals

Students are encouraged to talk about and record their attempts at math problems as they work and record solutions, strategies, and other observations. As an opening activity, students explore their thoughts about math in journals and share them with classmates.... (Learn more)

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

Provided by: ReadWriteThink

Talking about books to improve comprehension

In this lesson, students will learn how to determine which ideas work best to inspire a conversation, how to stay focused on a particular idea, and how to talk with other students in a way that leads to deeper thinking. During a read-aloud of Stephanie's... (Learn more)

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

Provided by: ReadWriteThink

More amazing Americans: A webquest

In this EDSITEment lesson plan, students use the “Meet Amazing Americans” website created by the Library of Congress to explore the lives of some celebrated Americans. Working in small groups, they complete a WebQuest, identifying facts and... (Learn more)

Format: lesson plan (grade 3–5 Computer/Technology Skills, English Language Arts, Information Skills, and Social Studies)

Provided by: EDSITEment

Developing students' critical thinking skills through whole-class dialogue

In this lesson from ReadWriteThink, students listen to a book read aloud by the teacher or read it silently by themselves. After reading, students answer an open-ended question about an issue that could have multiple perspectives. Students take positions,... (Learn more)

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

Provided by: ReadWriteThink

Developing inferential comprehension through DL-TA and discussion webs

This lesson from ReadWriteThink uses the narrative text Granddaddy's Gift by Margaree King Mitchell to help students improve their inferential comprehension, prediction, and discussion skills. Before reading, students answer discussion questions... (Learn more)

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

Provided by: ReadWriteThink

Dear Librarian: Writing a persuasive letter

In this lesson, students use online writing tools to plan and write a persuasive letter to their school librarian requesting new books be added to the library collection. After students have read Emily’s Runaway Imagination,... (Learn more)

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

Provided by: ReadWriteThink

Daily book boost

This lesson describes a strategy for students to share books and ideas with other students. After exploring several examples of book reviews, students write their own reviews of books they are reading and create a visual representation to assist with the... (Learn more)

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

Provided by: ReadWriteThink

A case for reading: Examining challenged and banned books

Any work is potentially open to attack by someone, somewhere, sometime, for some reason. This lesson introduces students to censorship and how challenges to books occur then invites them to read a challenged or banned book and decide for themselves what... (Learn more)

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

Provided by: ReadWriteThink

Can you convince me?: Developing persuasive writing

In this lesson, students are introduced to the basic concept of persuasive argument. After participating in a classroom game that challenges them to convince classmates they deserve a reward, students choose their own persuasive piece to analyze and learn... (Learn more)

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

Provided by: ReadWriteThink

Alaska Native stories: Using narrative to introduce expository text

Students debate the role of narrative text versus expository text to provide information on animal species. After students make a KWLQ chart about sandhill cranes, they listen to John Active tell the Yu’pik tale, “Crane and His Blue Eyes”. The... (Learn more)

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

Provided by: ReadWriteThink