English Language Arts - nesd.cacurriculum.nesd.ca/Curriculum Documents/Grade 5 ELA - 2010.pdf · The required minutes for English language arts allotted to Grade 5 is 560 minutes

2010Saskatchewan Curriculum

English Language Arts

5

English Language Arts 5ISBN 978-1-926841-10-61. 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.

iiiEnglish Language Arts 5

Table of ContentsAcknowledgements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 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

vEnglish Language Arts 5

AcknowledgementsThe 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).

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IntroductionEnglish 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 AllotmentThe 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 ContentThis 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.

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Core CurriculumCore 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).


Broad Areas of LearningThere 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 LearnersStudents who are engaged in constructing and applying English language arts knowledge naturally build a positive disposition towards learning. Throughout their study of English language arts, students gain understandings, skills, and strategies to become more competent and confident language users.

Sense of Self, Community, and PlaceTo learn English language arts, students need not only to use the English language but also to interact with each other. Through the English language arts, students learn about themselves, others, and the world around them. They use language to define who they are and to explore who they might become. They use language to interact and to respond effectively with others and to build community.

Engaged CitizensIn the English language arts, students learn how language can empower them to make a difference in their personal, peer, family, and community lives. Language gives them a sense of agency and an ability to make a difference in their community and the world in which they live.

Cross-curricular CompetenciesThe 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 ThinkingLearners construct knowledge to make sense of the world around them. They develop understanding by building on what is already known. This key competency concerns the ability to make sense of information, experiences, and ideas through thinking contextually, critically, and creatively. English language arts is inquiry-based, and students use their language and thinking skills to explore a range of topics, issues, and themes.

Related to the following Goals of Education:

• Basic Skills• Lifelong Learning• Positive Lifestyle


• Understanding and Relating to Others

• Self-concept Development• Spiritual Development


• Career and Consumer Decisions• Membership in Society• Growing with Change

K-12 Goals for Developing Thinking:

• thinking and learning contextually

• thinking and learning creatively• thinking and learning critically


Developing Identity and InterdependenceThe ability to act autonomously in an interdependent world requires an awareness of the natural environment, of social and cultural expectations, and of the possibilities for individual and group accomplishments. It assumes the possession of a positive self-concept and the ability to live in harmony with others and with the natural and constructed worlds. Achieving this competency requires understanding, valuing, and caring for oneself and for others, and understanding and valuing social and environmental interdependence and sustainability. English language arts requires students to explore 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 LiteraciesLiteracies provide many ways, including the use of various language systems and media, to interpret the world and express understanding of it. Literacies involve the evolution of interrelated skills, strategies, and knowledge that facilitate an individual’s ability to participate fully and equitably in a variety of roles and contexts – school, home, and local and global communities. To achieve this competency requires developing skills, strategies, and knowledge related to various 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 ResponsibilitySocial responsibility is how people positively contribute to their physical, social, and cultural environments. It requires the ability to participate with others in accomplishing goals. This competency is achieved through using moral reasoning processes, engaging in communitarian thinking and dialogue, and taking action. Socially 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 Goals for Developing Identity and Interdependence:

• understanding, valuing, and caring for oneself

• understanding, valuing, and caring for others

• understanding and valuing social, economic, and environmental interdependence and sustainability

K-12 Goals for Developing Literacies:

• constructing knowledge related to various literacies

• exploring and interpreting the world through various literacies

• expressing understanding and communicating meaning using various literacies

K-12 Goals for Developing Social Responsibility:

• using moral reasoning• engaging in communitarian

thinking and dialogue• taking action


K-12 Aim and Goals of English Language ArtsThe 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

Identity andInterdependence

LiteraciesSocialResponsibility

Thinking

Sense of Self, Community, and Place

EngagedCitizens

LifelongLearners

Social Studies

HealthEducation

ArtsEducation

ScienceMathematics

LanguageArts

PhysicalEducation

Assess andReect

Composeand Create

Comprehendand Respond


An Effective English Language Arts ProgramAn 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 them as competent co-learners who can socially and culturally construct knowledge with adults

Seeing children as passive vessels to be filled and believing that learning is received from outside sources and is to be recapitulated

Helping children actively seek to understand the world around them and to learn about life and language

Telling children what knowledge they need to know but not having them use it or apply it

Using visual, multimedia, oral, and written communication competently, appropriately, and effectively for a range of purposes

Using only print resources with a fictional emphasis for a limited range of purposes (usually isolated to a school task)

Recognizing the central role of language in communicating, thinking, and learning

Letting printed books, isolated activities, and worksheets drive the program

Setting meaningful and relevant contexts for teaching and learning including connections to students’ experiences, knowledge, and personal and cultural identity

Giving isolated language activities and using unrelated texts

Helping students know what and why they are learning and doing something (i.e., outcomes, indicators, and exemplars)

Having only teacher awareness of the outcomes and not sharing them with students

Teaching and learning for “deep understanding” (including using questions for deeper understanding as a focus)

Asking and answering solely teacher-directed questions

Making meaning of ideas or information received (when viewing, listening, and reading)

Answering knowledge/comprehension questions, individually, after reading print texts

Creating meaning for themselves and others (when speaking, writing, and using other forms of representing)

Using only limited forms of communicating, usually writing

Using a variety of strategies (e.g., Before, During, and After) depending upon the task

Following only teacher-directed skills and strategies 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.


Provides Meaningful Contexts and Questions for Deeper UnderstandingAn 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?

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


• 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 developed under one or more of these broader contexts. Each context is to be explored at each grade. Each context provides opportunities for integration with topics of study in other subject areas.

Teachers in Grade 5 should plan a minimum of five units for the year, basing at least one unit on each of the five contexts. Table 4 gives an overview of possible unit themes and topics, and questions for deeper understanding for each context.

In addition to considering the five contexts, Elementary Level English 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.

How we envision literacy makes a difference. If we see it as meaning making and not meaning making plus inquiry, we fail to envision all that literacy might be. If we see literacy as language and not language plus other sign systems, we also fail to envision all that literacy might be.

(Harste, 2000, p.1)


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.

A multi-genre inquiry and/or interdisciplinary unit is usually built around a theme or topic that is related to an important question(s) for inquiry and research. The emphasis in an inquiry unit is on “finding out” 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 activities in the unit. When the unit is interdisciplinary, it considers and addresses outcomes from English language arts and other area(s) 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 ProgramTable 3. Essential Aspects of Units

Units of Study Essential Aspects

Units provide meaningful contexts and foci for students to explore the topics and texts that are important to young people everywhere. Units in English language arts allow students not only to learn how language works in meaningful situations but also to develop the disposition for learning for life, a sense of self and connection to others, and, as engaged citizens, a capacity to make a difference in the community.

• Questions for deeper understanding that address the ideas and issues students need to think about throughout the unit.

• Strategies to explore and express students’ thoughts, ideas, feelings, and experiences as well as to inquire and to learn to use the English language and its conventions. Oral, written, and other texts explore the issues and provide opportunities to apply viewing, listening, reading, representing, speaking, and writing knowledge and skills.

• Individual as well as co-operative projects invite inquiry and bring closure and personal agency to student explorations.

Through the inquiry or research process, students satisfy their natural curiosity and develop skills and strategies for lifelong learning.

(Western Canadian Protocol for Collaboration in Basic Education, 1998, p. 33)


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?

• What are the advantages and disadvantages of using renewable energy sources as opposed to non-renewable sources? How can we contribute to a cleaner, healthier environment?

• What impact does weather have on a society and its people? What weather-related technological innovations and products have been developed by various cultures in response to Canadian weather conditions?

• 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?

Effective questioning is essential for teaching and student learning and should be an integral part of planning in English language arts. Questioning should also be used to encourage students to reflect on their own learning. The following chart identifies the five contexts for English language arts and suggests some possible questions for deeper understanding and some possible unit topics or themes for each context.

Effective Questions for Deeper Understanding:

• Cause genuine and relevant inquiry into the key ideas and core content

• Provide for thoughtful, lively discussion, sustained inquiry, and new understanding as well as more questions

• Require students to consider alternatives, weigh evidence, support their ideas, and justify their answers

• Stimulate vital, ongoing rethinking of ideas, assumptions, or prior lessons

• Spark meaningful connections with prior learning, personal experiences, and ways of knowing

• Naturally recur, creating opportunities for transfer to other situations and subjects.

(Adapted from Wiggins & McTighe, 2005, p. 110)


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

English Language Arts Contexts

Sample Questions for Deeper Understanding Possible Unit Topics and Themes

Personal and Philosophical

Children need to believe in their own self-worth and to feel that they have control over the things that happen to them. Children need to look inward and focus on self-image and self-esteem. They need to reflect on self and life, and on their beliefs and values and those of their society.

What are our personal strengths? How can we use these strengths to make the world a better place? What are our personal goals and how will we reach these goals? Who do we admire most and why? What are the traits of admirable people? What are the rewards and challenges of working together?

Where do our beliefs come from? Are they fair, just, moral?

What are prejudices and racism? What happens to “team” work, community, and equality when we have 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?

World Wide Kids (Cornerstones 5, a-i)Teamwork (Cornerstones 5, b-i)What Should I Do? (Nelson Language Arts 5, i)Together is Better (Collections 5, i)

Other: AccomplishmentsHeroes and Heroines

Social, Cultural, and Historical

Children need to look outward and examine their relationships with others, their community, and the world. Children also need to consider the social and historical context. They need to explore their connections in families, schools, groups, and communities and to understand the diverse needs and wants of others. Children need to show concern for other people in their relationships, groups, and communities.

What does “fair” mean? Can “fair” be different for different people?

What are our rights and freedoms? What are our responsibilities? How do our responsibilities go hand-in-hand with our rights and freedoms?

What does being “Canadian” mean? What makes us proud to be Canadian? How does Canada work? Why do we have government and laws? How has our heritage shaped the people that we have become?

Why is it important for a country to have a symbol or symbols that people around the world recognize?

How does Canada work (structure and components of government)? Why have government?

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?

Heroes Old and New (Cornerstones 5, a-iii)What is Fair? (Cornerstones 5, b-iii)Making a Difference (Nelson Language Arts 5, b-i)In This Place (Nelson Language Arts 5, vi)Exploring Heritage (Collections 5, v)

Other: “Because” is Not an AnswerStepping Back in Time




Imaginative and Literary

Children need to consider imaginary worlds and possibilities as well as a range of literary genres and authors.

How are different cultures reflected through their stories? What are the important stories of Canada? How do these stories reflect our heritage?

What are the characteristics of a good story? What are the characteristics of historical fiction? How does historical fiction help us learn about life and people in Canada’s past?

What is mystery? What are the characteristics of a 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?

Mystery Stories (Genre Study) (Cornerstones 5, a-iv)Tales – Clever, Foolish, and Brave (Collections 5, ii)

Other:Glimpses of Other WorldsThe People and Stories of This Land

Communicative

Children need to consider the role of communication in their lives and the technologies and strategies that help people become effective communicators. Children need the skills to interact effectively with others.

What messages do images and words communicate in texts such as flyers, promotional mail, magazines advertisements, product packaging, DVDs, television, and websites? Who created and produced these messages? Why? Who is the intended audience? How could the message be delivered in a fair way?

How do resources such as calendars, flyers, coupons, promotional mail, magazines, menus, ads, product packaging, and websites inform, entertain, and influence audiences? Who is included? Who is left out? Whose story and values are included? Whose story 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?

Send a Message (Cornerstones 5, b-ii)Make a Magazine (Genre Study) (Cornerstones 5, a-iv)Media Moments (Nelson Language Arts 5, iii)On with the Show (Collections 5, iv)

Other: Ad SmartMedia Moments

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




Environmental and Technological

Children need to explore the elements of the natural and constructed worlds and the role of technology and related developments in their society. Children need to explore the needs and characteristics of living things; properties of objects and materials; the five senses; and daily seasonal changes.

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? What are the advantages and disadvantages of using renewable energy sources as opposed to non-renewable sources? How can we contribute to a cleaner, healthier environment?

What impact does weather have on a society and its people? What weather-related technological innovations and products have been developed by various cultures in response to Canadian weather conditions?

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?

This is Our Planet (Cornerstones 5, a-ii)Our Natural World (Nelson Language Arts 5, ii)All About Structures (Nelson Language Arts 5, v)Weather, Wings, and Kite Strings (Collections 5, iii)

Other:Forces and Simple MachinesHealthy BodiesForces Causing MovementWeather

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


Focuses on Grade-specific OutcomesAn 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 IndicatorsOutcomes:

• 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 OverviewEach 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 LanguageLanguage and language study are at the centre of the Elementary Level English language arts program. The study of the English language arts (viewing, listening, reading, representing, speaking, and writing) and of the elements and conventions associated with 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.

Good language and literacy skills lay the foundation for social, academic, economic, personal, and national success

(Jamieson & Tremblay, 2005, p. 1).


Table 5. Key Language Cues and Conventions for Grade 5

Language Cue or Convention Comprehend and Respond

When viewing, listening, or reading, Grade 5 students:

Compose and Create

When speaking, writing, or using other forms of representing, Grade 5

students:

Pragmatic

Pragmatics is the study of how people choose what and how to communicate from a range of possibilities available in the language and how the receiver will be affected by these choices.

Identify intended audience and purpose for a text; recognize and interpret various uses of language in social, cultural, and regional situations.

Demonstrate an awareness of audience and use level of language (register) appropriate to purpose and intended audience; adjust tone to situation.

Textual

Ideas and information are organized in oral, written, and other formats. Textual cues and conventions include the form or structure and elements of a text.

Identify various forms of texts, their characteristics (such as headings, paragraphs), and the ways they are organized and the patterns within (such as comparison and contrast); recognize differences in text types used in other subject areas.

Use knowledge of forms, characteristics, and organizational patterns of texts to communicate ideas in a clear and logical manner; use paragraphs proficiently.

Syntactic

Syntax is the predictable structure of a sentence and the ways words are combined to form phrases, clauses, and sentences. Syntax includes classes of words (e.g., verbs) and their functions (e.g., subjects).

Use knowledge of sentence elements and patterns (simple, compound, and complex) and their related punctuation to understand what is heard or read.

Use simple, compound, and complex sentences; vary sentence length and structure for effect (average length in speech, 9 words; average length in writing 8.7 words); use subject-verb and noun-pronoun agreement correctly.

Semantic/Lexical/Morphological

The lexicon of a language includes all the words or vocabulary of that language that are used or understood by a particular person or groups. Words can also be studied for their meaningful parts or morphemes.

Use a word attack strategy (e.g., context, structure, sound, and reference) as well as knowledge of root words, prefixes, and suffixes to determine the pronunciation (e.g., n-ation) and meaning of unfamiliar words.

Select and use words to create specific effects; use precise and descriptive words; use new words from viewing, listening, and reading in speaking, writing, and other forms of representing; use specialized terms in different subject areas appropriately; 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, ….


Language Cue or Convention Comprehend and Respond

When viewing, listening, or reading, Grade 5 students:

Compose and Create

When speaking, writing, or using other forms of representing, Grade 5

students:

Phonological/Graphophonic

Graphophonics is the study of the relationship between the symbols and sounds of a language and includes letter or sound relationships and patterns.

Use phonics to decode and say words correctly; recognize features of words including vowel patterns in multi-syllabic words, double consonants, word endings, prefixes (e.g., dis-, in-, un-, ir-, il-, non-, anti-, pro-, pre-), suffixes (e.g., -ish, -en,-ance) and plural possessives.

Use clear and correct pronunciation and enunciation to communicate and to figure out spelling of words; select and use a variety of spelling strategies including sound.

Other Cues and Conventions

Other cues and conventions are also found in communication acts and include such elements as graphics, layout, colour, sound, movement, font choices, and handwriting.

Recognize and use the characteristics of different media (e.g., photograph, television, digital) and recognize the key elements in visual and multimedia texts (e.g., sections in magazine).

Use appropriate gestures, eye contact, and facial expressions; use, accurately, graphs, diagrams, and captions; write legibly using correct letter formation and joining in cursive writing.

Table 5. (Continued) Key Language Cues and Conventions for Grade 5


Uses Critical and Powerful Learning StrategiesAn 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 StrategyBefore 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


Additional Strategies for

Comprehending and Responding

Viewing:• Think Aloud (Davey, 1983)• View, Pause, Predict, and Think Aloud • 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 6. (Continued) Important Cognitive Strategies for Comprehending and Responding (CR) Goal


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

Phase StrategyBefore Considering the task or prompt or finding a topic

Activating prior knowledge and considering experiencesConsidering purpose and audienceConsidering and generating specific ideas and information that might be includedCollecting and focusing ideas and informationPlanning and organizing ideas for drafting

During Creating draft(s) and experimenting with possible product(s)Using language and its conventions to construct messageExperimenting with communication features and techniquesConferring with othersReflecting, 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 flowRevising for word choice, spelling, and usageProofreading for mechanics and appearance (including punctuation and capitalization)Conferring with peers, teacher, and othersPolishing, practising, and deciding how work will be sharedSharing, reflecting, and considering feedback

Additional Strategies for Composing and Creating

Speaking:• 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 FramesOther 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 TextsIn 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-reflectionAn effective English language arts program provides opportunities for student inquiry, encourages social responsibility, and invites self-reflection.

Inquiry learning provides students with opportunities to build knowledge, abilities, and inquiring habits of mind that lead to deeper understanding of their world and human experience. The inquiry process focuses on the development of compelling questions, formulated by teachers and students, to motivate and guide inquiries into topics, problems, and issues related to curriculum content and outcomes.

Inquiry is more than a simple instructional strategy. It is a philosophical approach to teaching and learning, grounded in constructivist

Inquiry is a philosophical stance rather than a set of strategies, activities, or a particular teaching method. As such, inquiry promotes intentional and thoughtful learning for teachers and children.

(Mills & Donnelly, 2001, p. xviii)


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

Create

Re�ect andRevise

Re�ect andRevise

Document Processes

Analyze InvestigatePlan

InterpretConcludeCollaborate

Acknowledge Sources

Observe Synthesize

Explore

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)?

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?

How are we going to proceed?

Resources

Curriculum Outcomes


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 IndicatorsFocus: 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.

Indicators

a. View, listen to, read and respond to a variety of visual, multimedia, oral, and print texts that examine the diverse range of personal identities, perspectives, and backgrounds (e.g., appearance, culture, socio-economic status, abilities, age, gender, sexual orientation, language, career path) including First Nations and Métis texts.

b. View, listen to, and read a variety of texts related to the theme or topic of study and show comprehension by:

• understanding, retelling, and explaining the ideas and information presented in the texts

• 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

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?).


Indicators

a. Gather information from a variety of media (e.g., photographs, web sites, maps, diagrams, posters, videos, advertising, double bar graphs, maps, videos).

b. Select and flexibly use appropriate strategies (before, during, and after) to construct meaning when viewing.

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.

a. Listen purposefully to a range of texts from a variety of cultural traditions including First Nations and Métis and identify and summarize main ideas, supporting details, and opinions heard.

b. Select and flexibly use appropriate strategies (before, during, and after) to construct meaning when listening.

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 listening.

d. Evaluate the content of a variety of oral communications and ask questions to seek information not already discussed.

e. Interpret a speaker’s verbal and non-verbal messages, purposes, and perspectives including First Nations and Métis Elders and 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.

Outcomes

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.


Indicators

g. Listen purposefully to instructions and procedures and decide the best way to carry them out.

h. Draw conclusions about speaker’s verbal and non-verbal message(s), purpose, point of view, and techniques used in presentation (including First Nations and Métis Elders and Knowledge Keepers).

a. Determine the essential purpose, key ideas, arguments, and perspectives of texts including First Nations and Métis texts.

b. Select and flexibly use appropriate strategies (before, during, and after) to construct meaning when reading.

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 reading.

d. Understand how text features (e.g., format, graphics, sequence, diagrams, illustrations, charts, maps) make information and ideas accessible and usable.

e. Distinguish among facts, supported inferences, and opinions in expository texts.

f. Read and use grade-five appropriate informational and reference texts (e.g., dictionary, encyclopedia, how-to, explanations, biography) to identify main ideas, details, opinions, and reasons.

g. Identify the characteristics of poetry, plays, fiction, and non-fiction including First Nations and Métis texts.

h. Identify, in narrative texts (including First Nations and Métis texts), the main problem or conflict of the plot and the resolution; compare and contrast the actions, motives, and appearances of characters; evaluate the meaning of symbols; and understand that theme refers to the meaning or moral of a work and recognize themes (whether implied or stated directly).

i. Evaluate the author’s use of various techniques (e.g., appeal of characters, logic and credibility of plots and settings, use of figurative language and imagery, strength of argument based on evidence) to influence readers’ perspectives.

j. Read grade-appropriate texts silently (150-200 wcpm) for extended periods of time; read orally to increase fluency, accuracy, pacing, intonation, and expression (110-150 wcpm); adjust reading rate to purpose and text demands.

Outcomes

CR5.3 continued

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.

Indicators

a. Create spoken, written, and other representations that include:

• a clear and specific message

• a logical and coherent organization of ideas

• a competent use of language and conventions.

b. Express and explain findings on a topic, question, problem, or issue in an appropriate visual, multimedia, oral, and written format using inquiry.

c. Use inquiry to explore a problem, question, or issue related to a topic being studied in English language arts or a topic of personal interest including:

• summarizing personal knowledge and understanding of a selected topic to help formulate relevant questions appropriate to a specific audience and purpose for group or individual inquiry or research

• gathering and recording ideas and information using a plan

• answering inquiry or research questions using a variety of sources such as newspapers, diaries, Elders, interviews, and field trips

• determining the usefulness of ideas and information for inquiry or research purpose and focus using pre-established criteria

• using a variety of tools to access ideas and information

• organizing ideas and information into categories (e.g., what, where, when, how, so what)

• making notes using own words and providing publication dates and authorship of sources

• assessing knowledge gained through inquiry or research

• forming personal conclusions and generating new questions for further inquiry or research

• explaining findings from inquiry or research on a topic, question, problem, or issue in an appropriate visual, oral, and written format.

Outcomes

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.


Indicators

a. Consider which form (e.g., drama, drawings, dance, diagrams, music, three-dimensional objects, posters, cartoons, maps, graphs, photographs, pictures, charts, and videos) is most appropriate for various tasks and identified purposes.

b. Select and flexibly use appropriate strategies (before, during, and after) to communicate meaning when using other forms of representing.

c. Understand and apply relevant pragmatic, textual, syntactical, semantic/lexical/morphological, graphophonic, and other cues and conventions to communicate meaning when using other forms of representing.

d. Use graphic organizers to clarify and shape understanding.

e. Prepare a clearly organized multimedia presentation using pre-established organizers and criteria.

f. Integrate a variety of representations including illustrations, graphs, maps, and graphics into written and oral presentations.

g. Present information clearly and appropriately for each medium and recognize that the conventions of language and the medium are designed to help the audience understand what is said or presented.

h. Use computers and authoring software to compose texts and graphic representations.

i. Include charts, graphs, tables, maps, graphics, and illustrations in researched inquiry presentations.

a. Deliver focused and coherent presentations that engage the audience with appropriate verbal cues, facial expressions, and gestures; that convey ideas clearly; and that relate to the background and interests of the audiences.

b. Select and flexibly use appropriate strategies (before, during, and after) to communicate meaning when speaking.

c. Understand and apply relevant pragmatic, textual, syntactical, semantic/lexical/morphological, graphophonic, and other cues and conventions to communicate meaning when speaking.

d. Select a focus, organizational structure, and point of view for an oral presentation; decide what to say and how to say it; clarify and support spoken ideas with evidence and examples.

e. Deliver narrative presentations that establish a situation, plot, point of view, and setting with descriptive words and phrases and show the listeners, through the explanations and narration, what happens.

Outcomes

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.


Indicators

f. Deliver informative presentations about an important idea, issue, or event by framing questions to guide listeners, establishing a central idea or topic, and developing the topic with simple facts, details, examples, and explanations.

g. Deliver a narrative from a First Nations and Métis tradition that follows the teaching of the oral tradition.

h. Deliver oral responses to literary and other texts (including First Nations and Métis texts) or presentations that include both personal responses and textual evidence or examples from the work to support insights and conclusions.

i. Participate in a variety of oral presentations including dramatization (role play), discussion circles, introducing a visitor to the class or school, and giving directions.

j. Fulfill role as group member and respect and respond sensitively to the ideas, opinions, and interpretations of others.

a. Write clear multi-paragraph compositions (e.g., three to five paragraph report or essay of at least 300 words) that focus on a central idea, reflect awareness of the audience(s) and purpose(s), contain clear introductions and conclusions, and include paragraphs in a logical sequence.

b. Select and flexibly use appropriate strategies (before, during, and after) to communicate meaning when writing.

c. Understand and apply relevant pragmatic, textual, syntactical, semantic/lexical/morphological, graphophonic, and other cues and conventions to communicate meaning when writing.

d. Write narrative compositions that develop a situation or plot and point of view, describe the setting, and present an ending.

e. Write expository compositions that establish a topic, include important ideas or events in a logical order, provide details and transitional expressions that clearly link one paragraph to another, and offer a concluding paragraph that summarizes important ideas.

f. Write expository reports that explore key ideas, issues, or events in response to questions that direct an investigation, establish a controlling idea or topic sentence, and develop the topic with simple facts, details, examples, and explanations.

g. Use various note-making strategies (paraphrasing, summarizing, highlighting, graphic organizers, outlining) to glean information and ideas for expository or informational writing.

Outcomes

CC5.3 continued

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.


Indicators

h. Create documents by using electronic media and employing computer features (e.g., topic searches, thesaurus, spell checks).

i. Write persuasive letters or compositions that state a clear position, support that position with relevant evidence, follow a simple organizational pattern, and address the reader’s need for clarity.

j. Experiment with different forms including poems, short script, and journal entries to communicate and demonstrate understanding.

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.

Indicators

a. Consider the types of strategies to utilize and whether or not they will or do work for the task at hand.

b. Determine what strategies are best for the task and what strategies will work best for self.

c. Identify strengths in viewing, listening, reading, representing, speaking, and writing and set goals to enhance the development and improvement of the skills and strategies in each.

d. Ask “What strategies did I use? What goals do I need to set for what I am trying to accomplish? How will I know if I have met my goals? What else could I do?” and develop a plan for improvement.

Outcomes

CC5.4 continued

Outcomes

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.


Assessment and Evaluation of Student LearningAssessment and evaluation require thoughtful planning and implementation to support the learning process and to inform teaching. All assessment and evaluation of student achievement must be based on the outcomes in the provincial curriculum.

There are three interrelated purposes of assessment. Each type of assessment, systematically implemented, contributes to an overall picture of an individual student’s achievement.

Assessment for learning involves the use of information about student progress to support and improve student learning, inform instructional practices, and:

• is teacher-driven for student, teacher, and parent use

• occurs throughout the teaching and learning process, using a variety of tools

• engages teachers in providing differentiated instruction, feedback to students to enhance their learning, and information to parents in support of learning.

Assessment as learning actively involves student reflection on learning, monitoring of her/his own progress, and:

• supports students in critically analyzing learning related to curricular outcomes

• is student-driven with teacher guidance

• occurs throughout the learning process.

Assessment of learning involves teachers’ use of evidence of student learning to make judgements about student achievement and:

• provides opportunity to report evidence of achievement related to curricular outcomes

• occurs at the end of a learning cycle using a variety of tools

• provides the foundation for discussions on placement or promotion.

Evaluation compares assessment information against criteria based on curriculum outcomes for the purpose of communicating to students, teachers, parents/caregivers, and others about student progress and to make informed decisions about the teaching and learning process.

The following pages show a sample holistic rubric for assessment and evaluation of the Comprehending and Responding and Composing and Creating Goals for English language arts with the Assessing and Reflecting Goal embedded.

Assessment involves the systemati