Curriculum Overview
Grade 5/6
2014-2015
Mrs. Kirkup
English Language Arts
Reading, writing, listening, speaking, viewing and representing are complex cognitive and social processes
that work together as a whole in literacy learning. In reading, viewing, and listening, students construct
meaning from texts created by others. In writing, speaking, and representing, students construct
meaning in order to communicate with others. None of the language arts can be totally separated from
the others in authentic learning situations.
Because the six language arts are so closely related and interrelated, they are mutually supportive.
Reading, listening, and viewing provide access to rich language models that help students learn new words
and forms of expression. Writing, representing, and speaking provide a means for students to use those
words and forms, and to develop ownership of them. Developing skills in writing enhances students’
reading and listening comprehension and their critical thinking.
Some of the skills we will be working on in ELA are:
Literacy Block - The two Grade 5/6 classes are working together and have combined their ELA
programs into one Literacy Block. At this time, the students will be working in cooperative groups, based
on their reading levels and/or areas of need. We are very fortunate to have Mrs. Perkins working with
us at this time to help us to meet the needs of all of our students. Literacy Block will include: Guided
Reading, Literature Circles, Guided Writing, Silent and Shared Reading, Word Work, Blogging, Free
Writing time, Responding to Reading, Representing, etc.
Novel studies/Read Alouds - (character development, plot, problem/solution, the Five Facts of Fiction).
In addition to our Literacy Block, we will be reading various books as a whole class and using those readalouds to discuss the different features of text and to do practice responding to reading.
Spelling can take a few different forms including unit words, wordsmithing, dictionary work, sight words,
commonly misspelled words and grade appropriate words. We will be studying a “Word of the Day” and
looking up the word in the dictionary will be the students’ responsibility FOR HOMEWORK. We will also
be doing Word Work in our groups during Literacy Block.
The Six Traits of Writing
We will be using the Six Traits of Writing during Literacy Block when we focus on Writing. This
program focuses on the important aspects of writing:

Ideas: The ideas are the heart of the message, the content of the piece, the main theme,
together with the details that enrich and develop that theme.

Organization: Organization is the internal structure of a piece of writing, the thread of
central meaning, the logical and sometimes intriguing pattern of the ideas.

Voice: The voice is the heart and soul, the magic, the will, along with the feeling and
conviction of the individual writer coming out through the words.

Word Choice: Word choice is the use of rich, colorful, precise language that moves and
enlightens the reader.

Fluency: Sentence fluency is the rhythm and flow of the language, the sound of word patterns,
the way in which the writing plays to the ear - not just to the eye.

Conventions: Conventions are the mechanical correctness of the piece - spelling, grammar and
usage, paragraphing, use of capitals, and punctuation.

+1 Presentation: Presentation zeros in on the form and layout of the text and its readability:
the piece should be pleasing to the eye.
Comprehension
We will read a balance of fiction and non-fiction materials, including plays, poems, novels, short
stories, various genres, and Reader’s Theatre. Comprehension is key in order to understand what
is being read and in learning about the many concepts that will be introduced this year.
* Regular reading at home is expected and VERY beneficial to your child!
Math
Students will receive Math instruction and will practice skills using a wide variety of strategies. These
may include, but are not limited to: centers, games, project-based activities, as well as small and large
group instruction. Students will be using technology, such as the use of the SMART board and online
games and programs, to supplement their learning. In many cases, the students will be grouped according
to their needs and will work cooperatively with their group members. These groupings will include all
students at the Grade 5/6 level, including Mr. Beaney’s class. This will allow both teachers to work with
small groups, and provide more individual attention to students.
Students will work on four main strands in Math:
1. Number
- Number Operations (addition, multiplication, division and subtraction).
It is very important that the students know their basic facts. I encourage parents to make use of
spare time (in the car, perhaps ) to practice Math Facts!
- Number sense (place value, fractions, decimals)
2. Patterns and Relations
- Patterns
- Variables and Equations
3. Shape and Space
- Measurement
- 3-D Objects and 2-D Shapes
- Transformations
4. Statistics and Probability
- Data Analysis
- Chance and probability
Social Studies & Science
This year, the two Grade 5/6 classes have decided to work cooperatively using the Universal Design for
Learning (UDL) framework. UDL is a framework that provides all individuals equal opportunities to learn.
Using the Multiple Intelligences, and knowing their Strengths and Weaknesses within them, students will
have many different ways to learn, as well as to share their learning. The UDL framework combines two
curricula (Science and Social Studies, for example), into one thematic and interconnected unit of study.
Below are the three large UDL units we will be exploring this year!
“Cabin-et Pressure”
This unit will include topics in Canadian History from 1867-1914, including events such as Confederation,
the Railroad, the Gold Rush and the forming of the North-West Mounted Police. Science topics in the
unit will include the principles and history of Flight.
“Battling Changes”
This unit will include the many changes that Canada went through during the War years (1914 – 1945).
We will look closely at the wars and their impact on Canada, as well as the period of time between the
wars. We will also be examining the properties of materials and their changes in certain conditions,
during the Science portion of the unit.
“Up and Atom”
In this unit, we will explore Canada’s History after the wars (1945-present), as well as the advancement
of technologies during this time period, including our exploration of Outer Space.
Students will be exploring these topics through lessons, centers, exploration, experiments,
presentations and projects. Technology will be infused in nearly everything we do in Science and Social
Studies and will be essential as we explore the latest research and information related to our topics.
French
The purpose of the Basic French curriculum is to encourage the learning of French as a means of
communication. This curriculum is not designed to make students bilingual. Our French program
consists of four main skills: speaking, listening, reading and writing. We need to learn new vocabulary,
and then use it in our daily work. We use the communicative approach to learning a second language.
Some of the units that we will be working on are:
 Useful vocabulary, including: numbers, colors, classroom vocabulary, etc.
 Forming Questions and Answers
 Food
 Animals
With all the units, we learn new verbs, vocabulary, sentence structures and describing words. The focus
is on students using the language – taking risks and speaking in French! Participation is key!
Health
Health topics and outcomes will be taken from both the Grade 5 and Grade 6 curriculum documents.
Student participation and the sharing of opinions will be essential as we discuss the following topics:
1. Safety: The goal is to have students demonstrate safe and responsible behaviors to manage risks
and prevent injuries in physical activity participation and in daily living. This unit will address the healthrisk area related to behaviors that result in intentional and unintentional injuries.
2. Personal/Social Management: Students will demonstrate the ability to develop self-understanding, to
make health-enhancing decisions, to work cooperatively and fairly with others, and to build positive
relationships with others. They develop the ability to understand, manage, and express the personal,
social, and mental-emotional aspects of their lives.
To meet the needs of Middle Years students, learning activities emphasize the building of five personal
and social-management skills:
- goal-setting/planning skills
- decision-making/problem-solving skills
- interpersonal skills
- conflict-resolution skills
- stress-management skills
3. Healthy Life Style Practices: Students are to demonstrate the ability to make informed decisions
for healthy living related to personal health practices, active living, healthy nutritional practices,
substance use and abuse. We will also look at all of the Body Systems and how they function in the body.