5th Grade Reading Syllabus
Academic Year 2016-2017
INSTRUCTOR
Mrs. Alexandra Kaousias
Email: [email protected]
TEXT
Reading Street, Scott Foresman- textbook (ISBN# 978-0-328-72455-0 & 978-0-328-72456-7)
NOVELS
Number the Stars………………………………...............Lois Lowry
Esperanza Rising…………………………………………..Pam Munoz Ryan
The Phantom Tollbooth………………………………Norton Juster
The Watsons go to Birmingham…………………………Christopher Paul Curtis
COURSE PERSPECTIVE
The fifth grade Reading curriculum utilizes the reading series entitled, Reading Street, and
incorporates the skill-based instruction of earlier reading programs, with the higher-level reading
skills required by challenging children’s literature. A heavy emphasis is placed on making inferences
and judgments, predicting outcomes, comprehension, drawing conclusions, author’s purpose, and
vocabulary acquisition. Students are introduced to story elements and theme, and the use of
figurative language at this level. The reading series is aligned to the Common Core State Standards-a
common knowledge base across all subjects. The texts enable students to develop content knowledge
in science, social studies, and other content areas. Students will gain general knowledge and
discipline-specific expertise, thus applying literacy to understanding other content areas as well as
fostering the acquisition of academic vocabulary and domain-specific words. Students will also
engage in writing corresponding expository and narrative essays, citing evidence from text. The
Reading Workshop model will also be utilized engaging students in authentic reading experiences in
order to create successful and strategic readers. This framework allows readers to demonstrate
reading strategies by responding to books and sharing meaning with their peers. Effective writing
techniques or “author’s craft” will be emphasized, based on the literature model. It is important for
students to recognize good writing techniques, so they have a model for their own writing.
Throughout the year, students will be engaged in an intense study of the elements of a novel through
the reading of several full-length pieces of children’s literature. Students will also be required to read
30 minutes daily for homework, submit book reports, and novel-based projects.
GOALS
For each student to:
 Improve reading comprehension skills
 Recognize literary elements in stories, including setting, characters, plot, and theme
 Recognize figurative language in text
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Read a variety of materials and texts with fluency and comprehension
Infer specific word meanings in the context of reading passages
Read regularly in materials appropriate for their independent reading level and
produce evidence of reading
Read and respond to challenging literature independently
COURSE CONDUCT
Instruction will include all types of learning styles: visual, auditory and tactile. Students will be
expected to come to class prepared with reading notebook, pen, and books. Note taking will be
emphasized in class. Homework will be assigned to enhance skills taught in class. Students will also
be required to read 30 minutes daily for homework. Elements of the learning process include: class
discussions, group activities, and individual projects/reports.
GRADING POLICY
Student’s grades will encompass the following components, which are combined to offer a final letter
grade: quizzes, tests, note-taking skills, response journals, homework classwork and participation,
group activities, book reports, and special projects.
ATTENDANCE./BEHAVIOR
Each student should enter class in a quiet, respectful manner and maintain that behavior
throughout the class
Each student is expected to be prepared for class on a daily basis.
All assignments are expected to be completed on a timely basis.
All students are expected to participate in each class, maintain a positive attitude and behave
in a constructive manner.
Academic honesty is expected and required. Talking during tests or quizzes, plagiarism, or
copying of another student’s work will result in the reduction of grade and notification of
parents.
Classroom/school rules should be followed to create a safe learning environment and
maximize learning.
HOMEWORK
All homework assignments will be posted on homework board daily. All assignments must be
written in the assignment pad daily. Homework must be completed neatly and on a timely basis.
Points are deducted for each missed assignment. Home projects/ reports are assigned throughout the
year to enhance skills taught in class. Projects/ reports handed in after the due date will receive a full
letter grade deduction. Students are given prior notice for tests and quizzes and should be prepared
accordingly.