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Spelling

Vocabulary for Achievement

Grammar & Writing

We are taking a different approach for learning how to spell as we connect it to reading and writing. Tests will be given every other week and will consist of the following: *1-3 rules that will require application *20 words that support the rules *3 homophones, their part of speech, definition, and usage *5 demon words that also support the rules

We will work on several writing projects throughout the year that will allow the boys an opportunity to think, plan, organize and work in a team. These will be in-class projects that might require some work to be completed at home. One definite writing project will be a research paper assigned during the last quarter of the year.

Four skill strands that are critical to independent word learning: *using the dictionary *reading and reasoning *taking tests *prefixes, roots, and suffixes Preparing for VA Tests: Be familiar with the words' part of speech, derivatives, definitions, synonyms, and antonyms The tests will be taken on Quia and will be 90% application. There will be 10% of the test that might be basic recall where the word is matched to the definition.

Improving on written and verbal communication skills will be the focus of our 5th grade English class. Grammar and usage will be taught in context as we also work to enhance the six traits of writing: overall development organization support sentence structure word choice mechanics Click on the star to link to WPPonline where the students will have a collection of their writing that has been submitted for scoring. Enter their username and password to view their portfolio.

In my English class, I am so excited about all the possibilities for cross-curricular content, being exposed to different perspectives, finding evidence to support claims, making connections, collaborating with others around the world, developing a growth mindset, creating great habits of the mind, and learning to be problem-solvers.