Grade 5 curriculum

2010
Saskatchewan Curriculum

English
Language
Arts

5

English Language Arts 5
ISBN 978-1-926841-10-6
1. Language arts (Elementary school) - Saskatchewan - Curricula. 2. Competency-
based education - Saskatchewan.
Saskatchewan. Ministry of Education. Curriculum and E-Learning. Humanities Unit.
All rights are reserved by the original copyright owners.

Table of Contents
Acknowledgements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . v
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Core Curriculum . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Broad Areas of Learning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Lifelong Learners . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Sense of Self, Community, and Place . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Engaged Citizens . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Cross-curricular Competencies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Developing Thinking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Developing Identity and Interdependence . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Developing Literacies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Developing Social Responsibility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
K-12 Aim and Goals of English Language Arts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
An Effective English Language Arts Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Provides Meaningful Contexts and Questions for Deeper Understanding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Focuses on Grade-specific Outcomes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15
Focuses on Language . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18
Uses Critical and Powerful Learning Strategies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21
Includes a Range of Texts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24
Encourages Inquiry, Social Responsibility, and Self-reflection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24
Outcomes and Indicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28
Assessment and Evaluation of Student Learning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .35
Connections with Other Areas of Study . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .44
Glossary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .46
References . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .49
Feedback Form . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .51

English Language Arts 5 iii

Acknowledgements
The Ministry of Education wishes to acknowledge the professional contributions and advice given by Elementary
Level teachers and consultants in the following First Nations tribal council and Saskatchewan school divisions:
• Holy Trinity Roman Catholic School Division
• Battleford Tribal Council
• Prairie South School Division
• Saskatchewan Rivers School Division
• South East Cornerstone School Division
• Sun West School Division.

The Ministry of Education also wishes to thank many others who contributed to the development of this
curriculum including:
• University faculty members
• Other educators and reviewers.

The curriculum is based on the Western and Northern Canadian Protocol (WNCP) The Common Curriculum
Framework for English Language Arts (Kindergarten to Grade 12) (1998).

English Language Arts 5 v

Introduction
English language arts (ELA) is a Required Area of Study in
Saskatchewan’s Core Curriculum. The purpose of this curriculum is to
outline the provincial requirements for Grade 5 English Language Arts.
Time Allotment
The Saskatchewan Ministry of Education has established a provincial
policy for the amount of time that must be allocated to language
arts instruction at each grade level. The required minutes for English
language arts allotted to Grade 5 is 560 minutes per week.
Curriculum Content
This curriculum provides the intended learning outcomes that Grade 5
students are expected to achieve in English language arts by the end
of the year. Indicators are included to provide the breadth and depth
of what students should know, understand, and be able to do in order
to achieve the outcomes.
The learning experiences planned for students will support student
achievement of the provincial Goals of Education through attending to
the Broad Areas of Learning for Saskatchewan and the Cross-curricular
Competencies described on the following pages.
The English language arts curriculum provides:
• direction for supporting student achievement of the Broad Areas
of Learning and the Cross-curricular Competencies
• the K-12 aim and goals for English language arts in Saskatchewan
• the characteristics of an effective English language arts program
• Grade 5 English Language Arts outcomes and indicators
• sample assessment and evaluation criteria for determining student
growth and achievement in relation to the outcomes in English
language arts
• connections with other areas of study.

Additional support resources will appear online.

English Language Arts 5 1

Core Curriculum
Core Curriculum is intended to provide all Saskatchewan students
with an education that will serve them well regardless of their choices
after leaving school. Through its components and initiatives, Core
Curriculum supports student achievement of the Goals of Education
for Saskatchewan. For current information regarding Core Curriculum,
please refer to Core Curriculum: Principles, Time Allocations, and
Credit Policy on the Saskatchewan Ministry of Education website.
For additional information related to the various components and
initiatives of Core Curriculum, please refer to the Ministry website at
www.education.gov.sk.ca/policy for policy and foundation documents
including the following:
• Understanding the Common Essential Learnings: A Handbook for
Teachers (1988)
• Objectives for the Common Essential Learnings (CELs) (1998)
• Renewed Objectives for the Common Essential Learnings of Critical
and Creative Thinking (CCT) and Personal and Social Development
(PSD) (2008)
• The Adaptive Dimension in Core Curriculum (1992)
• Policy and Procedures for Locally-developed Courses of Study (2004)
• Connections: Policy and Guidelines for School Libraries in
Saskatchewan (2008)
• Diverse Voices: Selecting Equitable Resources for Indian and Métis
Education (2005)
• Gender Equity: Policies and Guidelines for Implementation (1991)
• Instructional Approaches: A Framework for Professional Practice
(1991)
• Multicultural Education and Heritage Language Education Policies
(1994)
• Classroom Curriculum Connections: A Teacher’s Handbook for
Personal-Professional Growth (2001).

2 English Language Arts 5

Broad Areas of Learning
There are three Broad Areas of Learning that reflect Saskatchewan’s
Goals of Education. K-12 English language arts contributes to the Goals
of Education through helping students achieve knowledge, skills, and
attitudes related to the following:

Lifelong Learners Related to the following Goals of
Education:
Students who are engaged in constructing and applying English
• Basic Skills
language arts knowledge naturally build a positive disposition towards
• Lifelong Learning
learning. Throughout their study of English language arts, students
• Positive Lifestyle
gain understandings, skills, and strategies to become more competent
and confident language users.

Sense of Self, Community, and Place Related to the following Goals of
Education:
To learn English language arts, students need not only to use the
English language but also to interact with each other. Through the • Understanding and Relating to
English language arts, students learn about themselves, others, and Others
the world around them. They use language to define who they are and • Self-concept Development
• Spiritual Development
to explore who they might become. They use language to interact and
to respond effectively with others and to build community.

Engaged Citizens
Related to the following Goals of
In the English language arts, students learn how language can Education:
empower them to make a difference in their personal, peer, family,
• Career and Consumer Decisions
and community lives. Language gives them a sense of agency and an
• Membership in Society
ability to make a difference in their community and the world in which
• Growing with Change
they live.

Cross-curricular Competencies
The Cross-curricular Competencies are four interrelated areas
containing understandings, values, skills, and processes which
are considered important for learning in all areas of study. These
competencies reflect the Common Essential Learnings and are
intended to be addressed in each area of study at each grade level.

Developing Thinking
Learners construct knowledge to make sense of the world around K-12 Goals for Developing Thinking:
them. They develop understanding by building on what is already • thinking and learning
known. This key competency concerns the ability to make sense of contextually
information, experiences, and ideas through thinking contextually, • thinking and learning creatively
critically, and creatively. English language arts is inquiry-based, and • thinking and learning critically
students use their language and thinking skills to explore a range of
topics, issues, and themes.


Developing Identity and Interdependence
K-12 Goals for Developing Identity The ability to act autonomously in an interdependent world requires
and Interdependence: an awareness of the natural environment, of social and cultural
• understanding, valuing, and
expectations, and of the possibilities for individual and group
caring for oneself accomplishments. It assumes the possession of a positive self-
• understanding, valuing, and concept and the ability to live in harmony with others and with the
caring for others natural and constructed worlds. Achieving this competency requires
• understanding and valuing understanding, valuing, and caring for oneself and for others, and
social, economic, and understanding and valuing social and environmental interdependence
environmental interdependence and sustainability. English language arts requires students to explore
and sustainability ideas and issues of identity, community, social responsibility, diversity,
and sustainability. Students study texts and ideas about personal and
philosophical; social, historical, and cultural; imaginative and literary;
communicative; and environmental and technological topics.

Developing Literacies
K-12 Goals for Developing Literacies: Literacies provide many ways, including the use of various language
• constructing knowledge related systems and media, to interpret the world and express understanding
to various literacies of it. Literacies involve the evolution of interrelated skills, strategies,
• exploring and interpreting the and knowledge that facilitate an individual’s ability to participate fully
world through various literacies and equitably in a variety of roles and contexts – school, home, and
• expressing understanding and local and global communities. To achieve this competency requires
communicating meaning using developing skills, strategies, and knowledge related to various
various literacies literacies in order to explore and interpret the world and communicate
meaning. English language arts requires students to use different
literacies, including language literacy, effectively and contextually to
represent ideas and understanding in multiple, flexible ways.

Developing Social Responsibility
K-12 Goals for Developing Social Social responsibility is how people positively contribute to their
Responsibility: physical, social, and cultural environments. It requires the ability to
• using moral reasoning participate with others in accomplishing goals. This competency
• engaging in communitarian is achieved through using moral reasoning processes, engaging in
thinking and dialogue communitarian thinking and dialogue, and taking action. Socially
• taking action responsible learners contribute to their physical, social, and cultural
environments. In English language arts, students explore their social
responsibility and work toward common goals to improve the lives of
others and the natural and constructed worlds.


K-12 Aim and Goals of English Language
Arts
The K-12 aim of the Saskatchewan English language arts curricula is
to help students understand and appreciate language, and to use it
confidently and competently in a variety of situations for learning,
communication, work, life, and personal satisfaction.
The K-12 goals are broad statements identifying what students are
expected to know and be able to do upon completion of study in a
particular subject (e.g., English language arts). The K-12 goals of the
Saskatchewan English language arts curricula are to:
Comprehend and Respond (CR) – Students will develop their abilities
to view, listen to, read, comprehend, and respond to a variety of
contemporary and traditional grade-level-appropriate texts in a variety
of forms (oral, print, and other media) from First Nations, Métis, and
other cultures for a variety of purposes including for learning, interest,
and enjoyment.
Compose and Create (CC) – Students will develop their abilities to
speak, write, and use other forms of representation to explore and
present thoughts, feelings, and experiences in a variety of forms for a
variety of purposes and audiences.
Assess and Reflect (AR) – Students will develop their abilities to assess
and reflect on their own language skills, discuss the skills of effective
viewers, listeners, readers, representers, speakers, and writers, and set
goals for future improvement.
Figure 1. K-12 Aim and Goals of English Language Arts

Social Studies

Physical Health
Education Identity and
Education
Thinking
Interdependence
Comprehend
and Respond Sense of Self,
Community, and Place

Compose Language Arts
Arts Lifelong Engaged
and Create
Learners Citizens Education

Assess and
Re ect
Social Literacies
Responsibility

Mathematics Science


An Effective English Language Arts
Program
An English language arts program is effective when it is purposeful,
dynamic, fulfilling, and authentic. This curriculum invites and
challenges educators to think about education, schooling, and
English language arts as it might be rather than the way educators
might know it to be. How can schooling and English language arts be
more purposeful, dynamic, fulfilling, and authentic? How can it help
students become competent, confident users of the English language
and, at the same time, become knowledgeable about themselves, their
community, and the world as a whole in a deep and meaningful way?
How can it help them find fulfillment, be socially responsible, and act
in ways that will make their community and world better places? How
can it help students become effective self-directed, self-regulated,
strategic, and collaborative learners to meet the demands of personal,
social, work, and global life in the 21st century?
“When a learner makes connections and learning takes place, it is
because of focused teaching ....” (Fullan, Hill, & Crévola, 2006, p. 34).
Focused teaching requires:
• a detailed map of what is expected that students will know and be
able to do, clearly stated in outcomes and associated indicators
• a set of powerful and aligned assessment and evaluation tools tied
to the outcomes
• a detailed knowledge of how best to teach to these learning
outcomes in the classroom, including explicit teaching strategies
and methods and classroom routines.
(Fullan, Hill, & Crévola, 2006, pp. 36-37)
This curriculum is designed to be the starting point for instructional
planning. It includes the philosophical underpinnings of the area
of study and provides the knowledge (i.e., factual, conceptual,
procedural, metacognitive, or a combination of these) that students
are expected to know, understand, and be able to do at the end of
Grade 5. A careful analysis of the outcomes supports teachers in
determining the types of evidence that they might look for to assess
whether students have achieved these outcomes. This knowledge
supports teachers in designing and/or choosing assessment and
evaluation tools to monitor and report on student learning in English
language arts. It is the starting point that will allow English language
arts teachers “to develop and deepen students’ understanding of
important ideas and a process in the discipline[s] equipping them
to transfer their learning in meaningful and effective ways, and
cultivating lifelong habits of mind” (Wiggins & McTighe, 2007, p. 13).
An effective English language arts program is rooted in research-based
practice that specifies what is and is not effective in teaching English
language arts (see next page).


Table 1. What ELA Is Versus What ELA Is Not

What ELA Is What ELA Is Not

Appreciating children as active learners and accepting Seeing children as passive vessels to be filled and
them as competent co-learners who can socially and believing that learning is received from outside
culturally construct knowledge with adults sources and is to be recapitulated
Helping children actively seek to understand the Telling children what knowledge they need to know
world around them and to learn about life and but not having them use it or apply it
language
Using visual, multimedia, oral, and written Using only print resources with a fictional emphasis
communication competently, appropriately, and for a limited range of purposes (usually isolated to a
effectively for a range of purposes school task)
Recognizing the central role of language in Letting printed books, isolated activities, and
communicating, thinking, and learning worksheets drive the program

Setting meaningful and relevant contexts for teaching Giving isolated language activities and using
and learning including connections to students’ unrelated texts
experiences, knowledge, and personal and cultural
identity
Helping students know what and why they are Having only teacher awareness of the outcomes and
learning and doing something (i.e., outcomes, not sharing them with students
indicators, and exemplars)
Teaching and learning for “deep understanding” Asking and answering solely teacher-directed
(including using questions for deeper understanding questions
as a focus)
Making meaning of ideas or information received Answering knowledge/comprehension questions,
(when viewing, listening, and reading) individually, after reading print texts

Creating meaning for themselves and others Using only limited forms of communicating, usually
(when speaking, writing, and using other forms of writing
representing)
Using a variety of strategies (e.g., Before, During, and Following only teacher-directed skills and strategies
After) depending upon the task and spending time on isolated skill and drill

Engaging in inquiry learning Doing a project or, if time permits, a series of activities
to bring closure

Reflecting on own learning and literacy Assuming that the responsibility for learning and
literacy lies with the teacher

Through a “deep” understanding of this curriculum (Fullan, Hill, & Crévola, 2006) and knowing when to use
effective instructional, assessment, and classroom-management strategies based on sound research (Marzano,
2007), English language arts teachers can help all students become competent and confident language users.


An Effective English Language Arts Program:
• provides meaningful contexts that address “big ideas” and
questions for deeper understanding
• focuses on grade-specific outcomes to achieve the K-12
aim and goals of the program
• focuses on language and helps students understand how
it works
• teaches students through powerful cognitive and
communication strategies
• includes a range of texts (oral, print, and other media)
• encourages student inquiry, social responsibility, and self-
reflection

Provides Meaningful Contexts and Questions for
Deeper Understanding
An effective ELA program provides meaningful contexts for students
to learn about language. The English language arts program is
designed for students to develop their language skills and strategies
and become competent and confident users of all six language arts
strands through many opportunities to view, listen, read, represent,
speak, and write in meaningful contexts.
If students are to become lifelong learners, develop a sense of self and
connection to others, and become engaged citizens and achieve the
Cross-curricular Competencies and the outcomes for English language
arts, students require meaningful, authentic contexts for learning.
Students need many opportunities to explore questions and concerns
about themselves and the world.
The following contexts provide a focus for language learning and
give students an opportunity to explore “big ideas” (i.e., overarching
understandings) that have enduring values beyond the classroom:
• A personal and philosophical context gives students
opportunities to explore their identity and their self-concept.
Fostering the learning spirit inside each student comes from the
heart and mind connection that is revealed through each student’s
reflection on personal feelings, self-image, influential life forces,
ideas, belief systems, values, and ways of knowing. Who am I, what
is my place, and where am I going? What does the future hold for
me?


• A social, cultural, and historical context gives students
opportunities to explore relationships with others, community,
culture, customs, multiple ways of knowing, national and
international events and issues, and the history of humanity.
What are my rights and responsibilities in communities, cultures,
and economies? How and who am I in relation to communities,
cultures, and economies? How am I defined by these relationships?
• An imaginative and literary context gives students opportunities
to use their intuition and imagination to explore alternative worlds
and possibilities; different types of classical and contemporary
genres including fantasy, science fiction, and humour; and
particular authors. How do I use my imagination and intuition
and that of others to understand and relate to people, the
community, the world, and society in a positive way? How do I
foster imaginative ideas of self and others? How do I use intuitive
hunches to support creative problem solving or inquiry?
• A communicative context gives students opportunities to
explore different methods, forms, and issues related to language,
communication, and the mass media. How do I make sense of and
communicate with the world? How do I support communication
with differing audiences? How do I know if communication is
effective?
• An environmental and technological context gives students
opportunities to explore the natural and constructed worlds
including the land, the sky, animals, the sea, space, technologies,
and environmental and technological issues. How do I describe,
analyze, and shape the world around me? How does that natural
and technological world affect and shape me?
Each English language arts unit of study can be related to and How we envision literacy makes a
developed under one or more of these broader contexts. Each context difference. If we see it as meaning
is to be explored at each grade. Each context provides opportunities making and not meaning making
for integration with topics of study in other subject areas. plus inquiry, we fail to envision
all that literacy might be. If we
Teachers in Grade 5 should plan a minimum of five units for the year, see literacy as language and not
basing at least one unit on each of the five contexts. Table 4 gives an language plus other sign systems, we
overview of possible unit themes and topics, and questions for deeper also fail to envision all that literacy
understanding for each context. might be.
In addition to considering the five contexts, Elementary Level English (Harste, 2000, p.1)
language arts teachers need to think about the types of units to plan.
Language arts units, designed around the themes and topics within
each context, can ensure that the outcomes for the language strands
are achieved in meaningful ways. Minimal guidelines are provided for
each type of unit.


Table 2. Types of Units
Type of Unit Number of Units per Year
Multi-genre Thematic 3 (minimum)
Multi-genre Inquiry and/or Interdisciplinary 1 (minimum)
Author or Genre Study 1 (maximum)
A multi-genre thematic unit is built around a theme or topic from
one of the contexts and includes a range of prose fiction and non-
fiction, poetry, plays, and other texts. This is the most common type of
English language arts unit because it allows teachers to vary activities
within a broad theme or topic to suit the differing ability levels of
students while supporting their achievement of outcomes for their
respective grade. A minimum of three multi-genre thematic units is
recommended.

Through the inquiry or research A multi-genre inquiry and/or interdisciplinary unit is usually built
process, students satisfy their natural around a theme or topic that is related to an important question(s) for
curiosity and develop skills and inquiry and research. The emphasis in an inquiry unit is on “finding out”
strategies for lifelong learning. the answers to a question or questions that the students have about
the theme or topic and then using the inquiry process to guide their
(Western Canadian Protocol for activities in the unit. When the unit is interdisciplinary, it considers
Collaboration in Basic Education, and addresses outcomes from English language arts and other area(s)
1998, p. 33) of study. A minimum of one inquiry/interdisciplinary unit per year is
recommended. Any multi-genre thematic or author/genre study unit
can become an inquiry unit.
An author or genre study unit focuses on the works of a specific
author or illustrator or on a specific genre (e.g., poetry). Because of the
limited texts used in an author or genre study, a maximum of one per
year is recommended.
Planning Units of Study in an Effective English
Language Arts Program
Table 3. Essential Aspects of Units
Units of Study Essential Aspects
Units provide meaningful • Questions for deeper understanding that
contexts and foci for students address the ideas and issues students
to explore the topics and need to think about throughout the unit.
texts that are important to • Strategies to explore and express
young people everywhere. students’ thoughts, ideas, feelings, and
Units in English language arts experiences as well as to inquire and to
allow students not only to learn to use the English language and
learn how language works in its conventions. Oral, written, and other
meaningful situations but also texts explore the issues and provide
to develop the disposition opportunities to apply viewing, listening,
for learning for life, a sense of reading, representing, speaking, and
self and connection to others, writing knowledge and skills.
and, as engaged citizens, a • Individual as well as co-operative projects
capacity to make a difference invite inquiry and bring closure and
in the community. personal agency to student explorations.


An effective English language arts program also provides
opportunities to explore “big ideas” (e.g., extinction versus the topic of
dinosaurs) and to consider questions for deeper understanding.
Questions for deeper understanding are used to initiate and guide a
unit and give students direction for developing deep understandings
about a topic or issue under study. It is essential to develop questions
that are evoked by student interests and have potential for rich
and deep learning. The process of constructing questions can help
students to grasp the important disciplinary or transdisciplinary ideas
that are situated at the core of a particular curricular focus or context.
These broad questions will lead to more specific questions that can
provide a framework, purpose, and direction for the learning activities
in a lesson, or series of lessons, and help students connect what they
are learning to their experiences and life beyond school.
Effective questions for deeper understanding in English language
arts are the key to initiating and guiding students’ investigations and
critical thinking, problem solving, and reflection on students’ own
learning. Questions such as the following are examples of questions
that will move Grade 5 students toward deeper understanding:
• What are the short- and long-term effects of our energy use on the
environment? What impact does human use of energy and natural
resources have on Canadian society and the environment? Effective Questions for Deeper
• What are the advantages and disadvantages of using renewable Understanding:
energy sources as opposed to non-renewable sources? How can • Cause genuine and relevant
we contribute to a cleaner, healthier environment? inquiry into the key ideas and
• What impact does weather have on a society and its people? core content
• Provide for thoughtful, lively
What weather-related technological innovations and products
discussion, sustained inquiry, and
have been developed by various cultures in response to Canadian
new understanding as well as
weather conditions? more questions
• How do buildings reflect our environment, culture, and • Require students to consider
communities? What are the forces that structures built by either alternatives, weigh evidence,
people or creatures in nature have to withstand and how do they support their ideas, and justify
do this? their answers
• Stimulate vital, ongoing
• How can our choices affect our overall health? What are the rethinking of ideas, assumptions,
beneficial and harmful effects of technological innovations on or prior lessons
human organ systems? • Spark meaningful connections
Effective questioning is essential for teaching and student learning with prior learning, personal
experiences, and ways of knowing
and should be an integral part of planning in English language arts.
• Naturally recur, creating
Questioning should also be used to encourage students to reflect on
opportunities for transfer to other
their own learning. The following chart identifies the five contexts situations and subjects.
for English language arts and suggests some possible questions for
deeper understanding and some possible unit topics or themes for (Adapted from Wiggins & McTighe,
2005, p. 110)
each context.


Table 4. Questions for Deeper Understanding and Some Supporting Resources: Grade Five

English Language Arts Sample Questions for Deeper Understanding Possible Unit Topics and
Contexts Themes
Personal and Philosophical What are our personal strengths? How can we use World Wide Kids (Cornerstones
these strengths to make the world a better place? 5, a-i)
Children need to believe in
What are our personal goals and how will we reach Teamwork (Cornerstones 5, b-i)
their own self-worth and to
these goals? Who do we admire most and why? What What Should I Do? (Nelson
feel that they have control
are the traits of admirable people? What are the Language Arts 5, i)
over the things that happen
rewards and challenges of working together? Together is Better (Collections
to them. Children need to look
5, i)
inward and focus on self-image Where do our beliefs come from? Are they fair, just,
and self-esteem. They need to moral?
Other:
reflect on self and life, and on What are prejudices and racism? What happens to Accomplishments
their beliefs and values and “team” work, community, and equality when we have Heroes and Heroines
those of their society. biases and prejudices? In what ways can these ways
of thinking hurt everyone in our communities? What
have we (or could we have) done about it? What is
worth fighting for?
What are the marks of a true hero? What causes people
to act heroically? How do heroes sacrifice themselves
for others? Could we be heroes?

Social, Cultural, and Historical What does “fair” mean? Can “fair” be different for Heroes Old and New
different people? (Cornerstones 5, a-iii)
Children need to look outward
What is Fair? (Cornerstones 5,
and examine their relationships What are our rights and freedoms? What are our
b-iii)
with others, their community, responsibilities? How do our responsibilities go hand-
Making a Difference (Nelson
and the world. Children also in-hand with our rights and freedoms?
Language Arts 5, b-i)
need to consider the social and What does being “Canadian” mean? What makes In This Place (Nelson Language
historical context. They need us proud to be Canadian? How does Canada work? Arts 5, vi)
to explore their connections Why do we have government and laws? How has our Exploring Heritage (Collections
in families, schools, groups, heritage shaped the people that we have become? 5, v)
and communities and to
understand the diverse needs Why is it important for a country to have a symbol or
symbols that people around the world recognize? Other:
and wants of others. Children
“Because” is Not an Answer
need to show concern for other How does Canada work (structure and components of Stepping Back in Time
people in their relationships, government)? Why have government?
groups, and communities.
How has our heritage shaped the people that we have
become?
How can we honour Canada’s history, people, and
natural resources?
What do artefacts tell us about early civilizations?
How can we and others contribute to our country and
make a difference in the lives of others? How can we
contribute to our community?
What types of issues or problems might communities
and people face? What issues or problems might
people in Canada face? How can we work to make
Canada a better country for all its citizens?


Table 4. (Continued) Questions for Deeper Understanding and Some Supporting Resources: Grade Five
Contexts Themes
Imaginative and Literary How are different cultures reflected through their Mystery Stories (Genre Study)
stories? What are the important stories of Canada? (Cornerstones 5, a-iv)
Children need to consider
How do these stories reflect our heritage? Tales – Clever, Foolish, and
imaginary worlds and
Brave (Collections 5, ii)
possibilities as well as a range What are the characteristics of a good story? What
of literary genres and authors. are the characteristics of historical fiction? How does
Other:
historical fiction help us learn about life and people in
Glimpses of Other Worlds
Canada’s past?
The People and Stories of This
What is mystery? What are the characteristics of a Land
mystery? Can mysteries be solved? What are the
unsolved mysteries from history? Some mysteries in
nature? Why do stories of mystery in history and in
nature challenge and intrigue us? What mysterious
phenomena would we like to explore?
How do stories help us understand ourselves and
others? What stories still have not been told?

Communicative What messages do images and words communicate Send a Message (Cornerstones
in texts such as flyers, promotional mail, magazines 5, b-ii)
Children need to consider the
advertisements, product packaging, DVDs, television, Make a Magazine (Genre Study)
role of communication in their
and websites? Who created and produced these (Cornerstones 5, a-iv)
lives and the technologies
messages? Why? Who is the intended audience? How Media Moments (Nelson
and strategies that help
could the message be delivered in a fair way? Language Arts 5, iii)
people become effective
On with the Show (Collections
communicators. Children need How do resources such as calendars, flyers, coupons,
5, iv)
the skills to interact effectively promotional mail, magazines, menus, ads, product
with others. packaging, and websites inform, entertain, and
Other:
influence audiences? Who is included? Who is left out?
Ad Smart
Whose story and values are included? Whose story
Media Moments
and values are left out? How might these messages
be used to manipulate people? What is effective
advertising?
What characteristics and techniques are used in
humourous stories (character, setting, dialogue,
problem …)?
What are the characteristics of historical fiction? How
does historical fiction help us learn about life and
characters in early Canada? If it is “fiction,” what “truths”
are in it?


Table 4. (Continued) Questions for Deeper Understanding and Some Supporting Resources: Grade Five
Contexts Themes
Environmental and What are the short- and long-term effects of our This is Our Planet (Cornerstones
Technological energy use on the environment? What impact does 5, a-ii)
human use of energy and natural resources have on Our Natural World (Nelson
Children need to explore the
Canadian society and the environment? What are the Language Arts 5, ii)
elements of the natural and
advantages and disadvantages of using renewable All About Structures (Nelson
constructed worlds and the
energy sources as opposed to non-renewable Language Arts 5, v)
role of technology and related
sources? How can we contribute to a cleaner, healthier Weather, Wings, and Kite
developments in their society.
environment? Strings (Collections 5, iii)
Children need to explore the
needs and characteristics of What impact does weather have on a society and
Other:
living things; properties of its people? What weather-related technological
Forces and Simple Machines
objects and materials; the five innovations and products have been developed by
Healthy Bodies
senses; and daily seasonal various cultures in response to Canadian weather
Forces Causing Movement
changes. conditions?
Weather
How do buildings reflect our environment, culture,
and communities? What are the forces that structures
built by either people or creatures in nature have to
withstand and how do they do this?
How can our choices affect our overall health? What
are the beneficial and harmful effects of technological
innovations on human organ systems?


Focuses on Grade-specific Outcomes
An effective English language arts program focuses on grade-specific
curriculum outcomes. Student learning outcomes describe what
students will learn in a particular discipline over a specific time frame
(e.g., Grade 5). Outcomes specify the skills, knowledge, and attitudes
that students are expected to know, understand, and be able to
demonstrate.
Critical Characteristics of Outcomes and Indicators
Outcomes:
• focus on what students will learn rather than what teachers will
teach
• specify the skills, strategies, abilities, understandings, and
knowledge students are expected to be able to demonstrate
• are observable, assessable, and attainable
• are grade and subject specific
• are supported by indicators which provide the breadth and depth
of expectations
• are written using action-based verbs
• identify the most important understandings and abilities to be
developed in the specific grade level
• guide course, unit, and lesson planning.

Indicators:
• are a representative list of what students need to know and/or be
able to do in order to achieve an outcome
• represent the breadth and depth of the outcomes.
Note: Additional and/or alternative indicators may be developed, but
they must be reflective of and consistent with the breadth and depth
that is defined by the given indicators.


English Language Arts Goals and Outcomes Overview
Each of the three goals for English language arts has a set of outcomes for the specific grade level. The following
are the outcomes for Grade 5 ELA.

Comprehend and Respond (CR). Students will develop their abilities to view, listen to, read, comprehend,
and respond to a variety of contemporary and traditional grade-level-appropriate texts in a variety of
forms (oral, print, and other media) from First Nations, Métis, and other cultures for a variety of purposes
including for learning, interest, and enjoyment.
CR5.1 Analyze and respond to a variety of grade-level texts (including contemporary and traditional visual, oral,
written, and multimedia texts) that address:
• identity (e.g., Exploring Heritage)
• community (e.g., Teamwork)
• social responsibility (e.g., What is Fair?).
CR5.2 View and evaluate, critically, visual and multimedia texts identifying the persuasive techniques including
promises, flattery, and comparisons used to influence or persuade an audience.
CR5.3 Listen purposefully to a range of texts from a variety of cultural traditions (including oral traditions shared
by First Nations and Métis Elders and Knowledge Keepers) to understand ideas and instructions, to evaluate the
message heard and the required follow-up action, and to draw conclusions about speaker’s verbal and non-
verbal message(s), purpose, point of view, and techniques used in presentation.
CR5.4 Read and demonstrate comprehension of a range of contemporary and classical grade-appropriate
fiction, script, poetry, and non-fiction (including magazines, reports, instructions, and procedures) from various
cultures including First Nations, Métis, and Inuit and countries (including Canada).

Compose and Create (CC). Students will develop their abilities to speak, write, and use other forms of
representation to explore and present thoughts, feelings, and experiences in a variety of forms for a
variety of purposes and audiences.

CC5.1 Compose and create a range of visual, multimedia, oral, and written texts that explore:
• identity (e.g., What Should I Do)
• community (e.g., This is Our Planet)
• social responsibility (e.g., Teamwork) and express personal thoughts shaped through inquiry.
CC5.2 Demonstrate a variety of ways to communicate understanding and response including illustrated reports,
dramatizations, posters, timelines, multimedia presentations, and summary charts.
CC5.3 Speak to express and support a range of ideas and information in formal and informal speaking situations
(e.g., giving oral presentations and reports, retelling a narrative, explaining a display to others, working in groups)
for particular audiences and purposes.
CC5.4 Use a writing process to experiment with and produce multi-paragraph narrative (including stories that
contain dialogue), expository (including reports, explanations, letters, and requests), and persuasive (including
letters) compositions that clearly develop topic and provide transitions for the reader.


Assess and Reflect (AR). Students will develop their abilities to assess and reflect on their own language
skills, discuss the skills of effective viewers, listeners, readers, representers, speakers, and writers, and set
goals for future improvement.

AR5.1 Identify strengths in viewing, listening, reading, speaking, writing, and other forms of representing.
AR5.2 Set goals to enhance the development and improvement of the skills and strategies in viewing, listening,
reading, speaking, writing, and other forms of representing and take steps to achieve goals.


Focuses on Language
Good language and literacy skills lay Language and language study are at the centre of the Elementary
the foundation for social, academic, Level English language arts program. The study of the English
economic, personal, and national language arts (viewing, listening, reading, representing, speaking,
success and writing) and of the elements and conventions associated with
(Jamieson & Tremblay, 2005, p. 1). each language cueing system (i.e., pragmatic, textual, syntactic,
semantic/lexical/morphological, graphophonic, and other) enables
students to understand and appreciate language and to use it in a
variety of situations for communication, for learning, and for personal
satisfaction.
An effective English language arts program that develops students’
facility with language provides students with opportunities to:
• learn to use language in a variety of meaningful ways, considering
and determining their audience, purpose, and situation
• learn about language as a necessary tool for thinking and
communicating effectively, considering the cues and conventions
of language
• learn through language by applying their knowledge of language
in their viewing, listening, reading, representing, speaking, and
writing experiences.
Language study is an integral part of an English language arts
program. Students in each grade are expected to understand the
concepts related to the language cues and conventions. As students
view, listen, read, represent, speak, and write, they are expected
to apply the concepts as students construct and communicate
meaning in their English language arts program and in their daily
communication.


Table 5. Key Language Cues and Conventions for Grade 5

Language Cue or Convention Comprehend and Respond Compose and Create
When viewing, listening, or reading, When speaking, writing, or using
Grade 5 students: other forms of representing, Grade 5
students:
Pragmatic Identify intended audience and Demonstrate an awareness of audience
Pragmatics is the study of how people purpose for a text; recognize and and use level of language (register)
choose what and how to communicate interpret various uses of language in appropriate to purpose and intended
from a range of possibilities available in social, cultural, and regional situations. audience; adjust tone to situation.
the language and how the receiver will
be affected by these choices.
Textual Identify various forms of texts, their Use knowledge of forms,
Ideas and information are organized in characteristics (such as headings, characteristics, and organizational
oral, written, and other formats. Textual paragraphs), and the ways they are patterns of texts to communicate
cues and conventions include the form organized and the patterns within ideas in a clear and logical manner; use
(such as comparison and contrast); paragraphs proficiently.
or structure and elements of a text.
recognize differences in text types
used in other subject areas.

Syntactic Use knowledge of sentence elements Use simple, compound, and complex
and patterns (simple, compound, and sentences; vary sentence length and
Syntax is the predictable structure of
complex) and their related punctuation structure for effect (average length
a sentence and the ways words are
combined to form phrases, clauses, and to understand what is heard or read. in speech, 9 words; average length
in writing 8.7 words); use subject-
sentences. Syntax includes classes of
verb and noun-pronoun agreement
words (e.g., verbs) and their functions
correctly.
(e.g., subjects).

Semantic/Lexical/Morphological Use a word attack strategy (e.g., Select and use words to create
context, structure, sound, and specific effects; use precise and
The lexicon of a language includes
reference) as well as knowledge of descriptive words; use new words
all the words or vocabulary of that
root words, prefixes, and suffixes to from viewing, listening, and reading in
language that are used or understood
determine the pronunciation (e.g., speaking, writing, and other forms of
by a particular person or groups.
n-ation) and meaning of unfamiliar representing; use specialized terms in
Words can also be studied for their
words. different subject areas appropriately;
meaningful parts or morphemes.
use a variety of resources to confirm
spelling; use a thesaurus; spell correctly
the provinces and capitals, and words
such as catch, matches, strength,
scratch, length, ….


Table 5. (Continued) Key Language Cues and Conventions for Grade 5
Language Cue or Convention Comprehend and Respond Compose and Create
When viewing, listening, or reading, When speaking, writing, or using
Grade 5 students: other forms of representing, Grade 5
students:
Phonological/Graphophonic Use phonics to decode and say words Use clear and correct pronunciation
correctly; recognize features of words and enunciation to communicate and
Graphophonics is the study of the
including vowel patterns in multi- to figure out spelling of words; select
relationship between the symbols and
syllabic words, double consonants, and use a variety of spelling strategies
sounds of a language and includes
word endings, prefixes (e.g., dis-, including sound.
letter or sound relationships and
in-, un-, ir-, il-, non-, anti-, pro-, pre-),
patterns.
suffixes (e.g., -ish, -en,-ance) and plural
possessives.
Other Cues and Conventions Recognize and use the characteristics Use appropriate gestures, eye contact,
of different media (e.g., photograph, and facial expressions; use, accurately,
Other cues and conventions are also
television, digital) and recognize the graphs, diagrams, and captions; write
found in communication acts and
key elements in visual and multimedia legibly using correct letter formation
include such elements as graphics,
texts (e.g., sections in magazine). and joining in cursive writing.
layout, colour, sound, movement, font
choices, and handwriting.


Uses Critical and Powerful Learning Strategies
An effective ELA program teaches students how to use critical and powerful learning strategies. In order to
achieve the English language arts outcomes, students need to learn and use a range of language skills and
strategies. Effective language arts teachers employ a range of instructional approaches to help students move
from teacher-supported and guided lessons to independent learning that requires varied instructional methods
and strategies to help students learn these language skills and strategies. Teachers model and discuss key
procedural and metacognitive strategies for language learning and thinking. Students need to learn how to
select and to use strategies before, during, and after viewing, listening, reading, representing, speaking, and
writing.
If students are to be successful in English language arts, they need to learn and use thinking and learning skills
and strategies on their own. In order to help students gain control over a repertoire of key skills and strategies,
the skills and strategies need to be explicitly taught and practised using a model such as the following:
• Introduce and explain the purpose of the skill or strategy.
• Demonstrate and model its use.
• Provide guided practice for students to apply the skill or strategy with feedback.
• Allow students to apply the skill or strategy independently and in teams.
• Reflect regularly on the appropriate uses of the skills or strategies and their effectiveness.
• Assess the students’ ability to transfer the repertoire of skills or strategies with less and less teacher
prompting over time.
(Wiggins & McTighe, 2007, pp. 97-98)

Table 6. Important Cognitive Strategies for Comprehending and Responding (CR) Goal

Phase Strategy
Before Activating and building upon prior knowledge and experience
Previewing text
Setting a purpose
Anticipating the author’s or creator’s intention
During Making connections to personal knowledge and experience
Using the cueing systems to construct meaning from the text
Making, confirming, and adjusting predictions and inferences
Constructing mental images
Interpreting visuals (e.g., illustrations, graphics, tables)
Identifying key ideas and supporting ideas
Self-questioning, self-monitoring, and self-correcting
Drawing conclusions
Adjusting rate or strategy to purpose or difficulty of text
After Recalling, paraphrasing, summarizing, and synthesizing
Interpreting (identifying new knowledge and insights)
Evaluating author’s/creator’s message(s)
Evaluating author’s/creator’s craft and technique
Responding personally, giving support from text
View, listen, read again, speak, write, and use other forms of representing to deepen understanding
and pleasure

Table 6. (Continued) Important Cognitive Strategies for Comprehending and Responding (CR) Goal

Additional Viewing:
Strategies for • Think Aloud (Davey, 1983)
Comprehending • View, Pause, Predict, and Think Aloud
and Responding
• Collaborative Viewing Guide (Wood, 1994)
• Directed Viewing-Thinking Activity (DVTA)
• Picture Walk (Richards & Anderson, 2003)
• Viewing Guides

Listening:
• TQLR (Tune In, Questions, Listen, and Review) (SRA, 2000)
• ACTION (Attention, Concentrate, Think, Interpret, Organize, and Note) (Sebranek & Kemper, 1995)
• Listen-Think-Pair-Share (McTighe & Lyman, 1992)
• Listen-Draw-Pair-Share (McConnell, 1992)
• DLTA (Directed Listening-Thinking Activity) (Stauffer, 1975)
• LAPS (Listen, Ask, Picture, and Summarize) Strategy (Matchullis & Mueller, 1996)
• Listening Guides

Reading:
• Modelled Reading
• Shared Reading
• Guided Reading
• Paired Reading
• KWL, K-W-L Plus (Carr & Ogle, 1987)
• Preview/Connect/Predict (Robb, 2006)
• List/Group/Categorize (Robb, 2006)
• B-D-A (Before, During, and After) Strategy (Laverick, 2002)
• Directed Reading-Thinking Activity (DRTA) (Stauffer, 1975)
• Reciprocal Reading (Palincsar & Brown, 1986)
• ReQuest (Manzo, 1969; Vacca & Vacca, 1999)
• QtA (Question the Author) (Beck, McKeown, Hamilton, & Kucan, 1997)
• QARs (Question Answer Relationships) (Raphael, 1986)
• Mapping It Out (Hoyt, 2000)
• Justifying My Opinions (Hoyt, 2000)
• Open-mind Portraits (Tompkins, 2004)
• Coding the Text (Harvey & Goudvis, 2000)
• Think Alouds (Davey, 1983)
• Reading Guides
• Discussion Circles
• Grand Conversations (Eeds & Wells, 1989)
• Literature Circles (Daniels, 1994)
• Reader’s Workshop


Table 7. Important Cognitive Strategies for Composing and Creating (CC) Goal

Phase Strategy
Before Considering the task or prompt or finding a topic
Activating prior knowledge and considering experiences
Considering purpose and audience
Considering and generating specific ideas and information that might be included
Collecting and focusing ideas and information
Planning and organizing ideas for drafting
During Creating draft(s) and experimenting with possible product(s)
Using language and its conventions to construct message
Experimenting with communication features and techniques
Conferring with others
Reflecting, clarifying, self-monitoring, self-correcting, and using “fix-up” strategies
After Revising for content and meaning (adding, deleting, substituting, and rethinking)
Revising for organization (reordering)
Revising for sentence structure and flow
Revising for word choice, spelling, and usage
Proofreading for mechanics and appearance (including punctuation and capitalization)
Conferring with peers, teacher, and others
Polishing, practising, and deciding how work will be shared
Sharing, reflecting, and considering feedback
Additional Strategies for Speaking:
Composing and Creating • Talking Circles
• Think, Pair, Share/Square (McTighe & Lyman, 1992)
• Instructional Conversations (Goldenberg, 1993)
• TAPS (Total Group, Alone, Partner, and Small Group) (Gregory & Chapman, 2002)
• Grouptalk (Whipple, 1975; Moffett & Wagner, 1992)
Writing:
• Modelled Writing
• Shared Writing/Language Experience (Van Allen, 1976)
• Interactive Writing
• Guided Writing
• Pattern Writing
• Discuss/Brainstorm/Web
• KWL
• Think-Pair-Share-Write (Robb, 2006)
• Asking the 5Ws and H (who, what, where, when, why, and how)
• Writing Frames
Other Forms of Representing:
• Discuss/Brainstorm/Web
• Asking the 5Ws + H
• Representing Task Sheet
• Talking Drawings (Wood, 1994)
• Sketch to Stretch (Harste, Short, & Burke, 1988)
• Read/View/Listen, Talk, Act, Draw, Write (Cox, 1999)


Includes a Range of Texts
In order for students to achieve the outcomes stated in this curriculum,
students need to have access to a wide range of high-quality learning
resources in visual, oral, print, multimedia, and electronic formats. The
lists of learning resources that support this curriculum identify core
and additional learning resources to support the English language
arts program and student achievement of the learning outcomes
designated for this grade level. Resources that have been evaluated
for curriculum fit are listed on the Ministry of Education website. An
effective English language arts program:
• provides learning resources that help students achieve the
curriculum outcomes
• balances a variety of texts including print, non-print, human,
electronic, and virtual resources
• offers resources that are current, relevant, credible, and
representative of many viewpoints that reflect the perspectives,
cultures, and ways of knowing of First Nations, Métis, and other
cultures
• presents the cultural, literary, and artistic heritages of societies,
past and present
• responds to students’ interests and supports independent reading
and inquiry
• fosters opportunities for inquiry learning.
Grade 5 students should have access to picture books, pattern books,
chapter books, non-fiction, children’s classics, poetry, folk tales, and
traditional narratives. Refer to the ministry website for a listing of
various grade-appropriate texts that Grade 5 students might explore.

Encourages Inquiry, Social Responsibility, and
Self-reflection
An effective English language arts program provides opportunities
for student inquiry, encourages social responsibility, and invites self-
reflection.
Inquiry is a philosophical stance Inquiry learning provides students with opportunities to build
rather than a set of strategies, knowledge, abilities, and inquiring habits of mind that lead to deeper
activities, or a particular teaching understanding of their world and human experience. The inquiry
method. As such, inquiry promotes process focuses on the development of compelling questions,
intentional and thoughtful learning formulated by teachers and students, to motivate and guide inquiries
for teachers and children. into topics, problems, and issues related to curriculum content and
(Mills & Donnelly, 2001, p. xviii) outcomes.
Inquiry is more than a simple instructional strategy. It is a philosophical
approach to teaching and learning, grounded in constructivist


research and methods, which engages students in investigations
that lead to disciplinary and transdisciplinary understanding. Inquiry
builds on students’ inherent sense of curiosity and wonder, drawing
on their diverse backgrounds, interests, and experiences. The process
provides opportunities for students to become active participants in
a collaborative search for meaning and understanding. Students who
are engaged in inquiry:
• construct deep knowledge and deep understanding rather than
passively receiving information
• are directly involved and engaged in the discovery of new
knowledge
• encounter alternative perspectives and differing ideas
that transform prior knowledge and experience into deep
understandings
• transfer new knowledge and skills to new circumstances
• take ownership and responsibility for their ongoing learning and
mastery of curriculum content and skills.
(Adapted from Kuhlthau, Maniotes, & Caspari, 2007)

Inquiry learning is not a step-by-step process but rather a cyclical
process, with parts of the process being revisited and rethought as a
result of students’ discoveries, insights, and co-construction of new
knowledge. Figure 2 represents this cyclical inquiry process.
Figure 2. Constructing Understanding Through Inquiry

Curriculum Outcomes What are the things we wonder
about and want to know more about?

What questions do we have about
the deeper mysteries or aspects of life?

Interpret
Collaborate Conclude
Analyze
Plan Investigate
Re ect and Re ect and
Revise How are we going to proceed? Revise
Explore Create

Observe Synthesize
Acknowledge Sources Document Processes Resources

What have we discovered and how
will we show our deeper understanding?
How are we going to use what we have
discovered (e.g., apply, act,
implement)?


Inquiry prompts and motivates students to investigate topics within
meaningful contexts. The inquiry process is not linear or lock-step
but is flexible and recursive. As they become more comfortable with
the process, experienced inquirers will move back and forth among
various phases as new questions arise.
Well-formulated inquiry questions are broad in scope and rich in
possibilities. Such questions encourage students to explore, observe,
gather information, plan, analyze, interpret, synthesize, problem solve,
take risks, create, conclude, document, reflect on learning, and develop
new questions for further inquiry.
Teachers and students can begin their inquiry at one or more
curriculum entry points; however, the process may evolve into
transdisciplinary integrated learning opportunities, as reflective of the
holistic nature of our lives and interdependent global environment.
An important part of any inquiry process is students’ reflection on
their learning and the documentation needed to assess the learning
and make it visible to students. Student documentation of the inquiry
process in English language arts may take the form of reflective
journals, notes, drafts, three-dimensional models, works of art,
photographs, and video footage.
Social responsibility encourages students to extend their learning
beyond the classroom into the local, national, and international
community. It invites students to consider how individuals or groups
can shape the future in a positive way or address an issue, question,
challenge, or problem that is important. Each unit at each grade level
in English language arts offers opportunities to challenge students
to consider what particular local, national, or global issues, questions,
challenges, or problems are important and to consider what students
might do to make their community or the world a better place.
Social responsibility challenges students to address the important or
compelling questions for deeper understanding posed in a unit. In any
English language arts unit, teachers and students can plan and create a
project to support efficacy.
Social responsibility can help students:
• Become complex thinkers by encouraging them to synthesize
their learning and apply it to their community, country, and/or
international world.
• Become more aware of the interconnectedness of all things and
the reciprocal relationships between themselves and their local
and international community.
• Become more independent by using the language skills and
strategies that students are learning in ELA beyond the classroom.


• Become more motivated by choosing individual or group projects
related to each unit.
• Become contributors to their community and the world beyond
that community.
• Become more collaborative and respectful as they work with
others to address the questions, issues, and problems considered
in the unit.
• Become agents of change.
• Become socially responsible.
Student self-reflection helps students take ownership of their own
learning and become more self-directed and self-confident. The
Assess and Reflect K-12 goal in English language arts expects students
to consider what they know and have learned, the progress and
achievements made, and the goals they need to set to improve. Using
tools such as learning logs and diaries, discussion, questionnaires,
reflective writing, and portfolios, students can reflect on their learning
both as a team and as individuals. Through self-reflection, students
can determine their current and future learning needs and set goals
for growth. Using Bloom’s taxonomy of questioning, teachers can help
students become self-reflective and self-directed:
• What did I do? (Remember/Knowledge)
• What knowledge, skills, and strategies did I use to complete the
task? (Understand/Comprehension)
• What steps did I take to achieve this? (Application)
• What challenges or problems did I encounter, and how did I
address these? (Analysis)
• What are my strengths, and what would I like to learn more about,
or what skills and strategies do I want to develop? (Evaluation)
• How can I use this new knowledge and these new skills and
strategies? (Create)


Outcomes and Indicators
Focus: Communicating with Precision

Comprehend and Respond (CR). Students will develop their abilities to view, listen to, read, comprehend
and respond to a range of contemporary and traditional grade-level-appropriate texts in a variety of
forms (oral, print, and other media) from First Nations, Métis, and other cultures for a variety of purposes
including for learning, interest, and enjoyment.

Outcomes Indicators
CR5.1 Analyze and respond to a. View, listen to, read and respond to a variety of visual, multimedia,
a variety of grade-level texts oral, and print texts that examine the diverse range of personal
(including contemporary and identities, perspectives, and backgrounds (e.g., appearance,
traditional visual, oral, written, culture, socio-economic status, abilities, age, gender, sexual
and multimedia texts) that orientation, language, career path) including First Nations and
address: Métis texts.
• identity (e.g., Exploring b. View, listen to, and read a variety of texts related to the theme or
Heritage) topic of study and show comprehension by:
• community (e.g., Teamwork)
• understanding, retelling, and explaining the ideas and
• social responsibility (e.g.,
information presented in the texts
What is Fair?).
• analyzing the text structures and features
• analyzing the texts and developing responses with evidence
from the texts, personal experience, and research.
c. Describe and build upon connections between previous
experiences, prior knowledge, and a variety of texts.
d. Compare the challenges and situations encountered in daily life
with those experienced by people in other times, places, and
cultures as portrayed in a variety of texts including First Nations
and Métis texts.
e. Compare individuals and situations portrayed in various texts
(including First Nations and Métis resources) to those encountered
in real life.
f. Draw on oral, print, and other media texts including First Nations
and Métis texts to explain personal perspectives on cultural
representations.


Outcomes Indicators
CR5.2 View and evaluate, a. Gather information from a variety of media (e.g., photographs,
critically, visual and multimedia web sites, maps, diagrams, posters, videos, advertising, double bar
texts identifying the persuasive graphs, maps, videos).
techniques including promises,
b. Select and flexibly use appropriate strategies (before, during, and
flattery, and comparisons used
after) to construct meaning when viewing.
to influence or persuade an
audience. c. Understand and apply relevant pragmatic, textual, syntactical,
semantic/lexical/morphological, graphophonic, and other cues
and conventions of communication to construct and confirm
meaning when viewing.
d. Discuss purpose, perspectives, and biases and how visual texts
including First Nations and Métis resources can be used to
persuade others.
e. Recognize point of view and distinguish between fact and opinion.
f. Identify the values underlying visual messages and recognize
persuasive techniques and purposes in oral presentations and
various media (e.g., promises, dares, flattery, comparisons).
g. Analyze visual texts (including First Nations and Métis art and
other texts) as sources for information, entertainment, persuasion,
interpretation of events, and transmission of culture.
h. Identify how the language, explicit and implicit messages, and
visual and multimedia features (e.g., sound, colour, movement) are
used to influence the intended audience.

CR5.3 Listen purposefully a. Listen purposefully to a range of texts from a variety of cultural
to a range of texts from a traditions including First Nations and Métis and identify and
variety of cultural traditions summarize main ideas, supporting details, and opinions heard.
(including oral traditions b. Select and flexibly use appropriate strategies (before, during, and
shared by First Nations and after) to construct meaning when listening.
Métis Elders and Knowledge
Keepers) to understand ideas c. Understand and apply relevant pragmatic, textual, syntactical,
and instructions, to evaluate semantic/lexical/morphological, graphophonic, and other cues
the message heard and the and conventions of communication to construct and confirm
required follow-up action, and meaning when listening.
to draw conclusions about d. Evaluate the content of a variety of oral communications and ask
speaker’s verbal and non- questions to seek information not already discussed.
verbal message(s), purpose,
e. Interpret a speaker’s verbal and non-verbal messages, purposes,
point of view, and techniques
and perspectives including First Nations and Métis Elders and
used in presentation.
Knowledge Keepers.
f. Listen to differentiate between fact and opinion, to analyze the
message and presentation, and to draw conclusions about the
ideas presented and strategies used.


Grade 5 curriculum

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