Grade 5 – Language

Course Overview

The Grade 5 Language course marks a significant stage in students’ literacy development as they refine their voice, strengthen analytical thinking, and learn to communicate with greater purpose. Building on the competencies developed in earlier grades, learners engage with increasingly complex literary, informational, and media texts while expanding their ability to interpret meaning and express ideas clearly.

Students learn to value the power of language and use it responsibly in both formal and informal contexts. As they read, write, listen, and speak across a wide range of genres, they develop a deeper understanding of themselves, others, and the world around them.

With growing independence, students become thoughtful readers, intentional writers, and confident communicators prepared for the academic expectations of the junior and intermediate years.

Important Information

• No prerequisites are required for elementary courses
• Ontario elementary programs do not issue transcript credits
• Facilitated and independent learning pathways are available to support different learning needs

What Students Will Develop

Throughout the course, students participate in structured learning experiences that strengthen communication while promoting critical thinking and research skills.

Students will:

• Analyze literary and informational texts with increasing depth
• Recognize how author perspective, bias, and audience shape meaning
• Express opinions supported by relevant evidence
• Strengthen grammar, vocabulary, spelling, and sentence fluency
• Plan, draft, revise, and refine writing with greater independence
• Conduct research and organize information effectively
• Communicate ideas clearly in discussions and presentations
• Apply media literacy skills to interpret and create messages
• Reflect on their growth as readers, writers, and communicators

These competencies support academic maturity while preparing students for more advanced language study.

Course Structure

Learning is organized into thoughtfully designed units that deepen comprehension while encouraging purposeful and creative communication.

Poetry

Students explore a variety of poetic forms such as riddles, limericks, and abstract poetry. They identify poetic elements, make meaningful connections, and construct interpretations supported by inference. Learners compose original poems and demonstrate fluency through expressive audio presentations.

Biographies

Students examine the structure and features of biographies while conducting research to develop their own written work. Emphasis is placed on organization, revision, and reflection. Learners also create a visual component that enhances the communication of key ideas.

Narrative Writing: Short Stories

Through the study of short fiction, students analyze story elements, identify main ideas, and draw inferences from dialogue and events. They brainstorm, plan, and write their own short stories while applying editing and proofreading strategies. A complementary media text supports their narrative.

Informational Texts

Students identify purpose, topic, and audience within informational writing. They compare perspectives, evaluate bias, and present researched information using clear structure and visual supports.

Communicating Effectively

Learners develop active listening skills and recognize the importance of nonverbal communication. By analyzing effective communication tools such as newsletters and posters, students create their own publication designed for a specific audience and purpose.

Media Texts

Students distinguish between traditional and digital media while examining messaging techniques such as slogans, imagery, bias, and generalization. They design their own media text and reflect on how communication choices influence interpretation.

Novel Study

Students explore extended fiction while applying reading strategies that support comprehension and critical judgment. They compare narrative forms, analyze point of view, and produce written responses such as articles and diary entries. Oral presentations strengthen expressive communication.

Opinion Writing

Students learn to construct persuasive arguments supported by evidence. They gather and organize sources, connect ideas across texts, and apply the writing process to communicate a clear and compelling message.

Learning Resources

As a fully online course, Grade 5 Language does not rely on a traditional textbook. Students utilize a combination of digital tools and hands on materials that support active literacy development.

Recommended resources include:

• A device capable of capturing written work
• Audio recording tools
• Access to a printer
• A binder, folder, or notebook for offline activities
• Fiction and informational reading materials
• A dictionary and thesaurus
• Writing supplies and creative materials
• Headphones and varied media formats
• Household items that support project based learning

These resources help create an interactive environment where students actively engage with language.

Teaching and Learning Approach

Our approach blends structured instruction with opportunities for independence so that students develop strong literacy habits while learning to think critically.

Key features of the learning experience include:

• Integration of reading, writing, oral communication, and media literacy
• Exposure to diverse and increasingly sophisticated texts
• Strong emphasis on the writing process and research skills
• Technology enriched learning combined with offline application
• Interactive media, videos, and guided discussions
• Consistent teacher support that promotes confidence and academic growth

Students are encouraged to question, interpret, and communicate thoughtfully as they refine their understanding of language.

A learning coach may assist younger students by supporting technical aspects of the course and encouraging engagement in discussion based activities.

Preparing Students for Continued Academic Success

By the end of Grade 5, students demonstrate stronger analytical reading, more purposeful writing, and greater confidence in expressing their ideas. Their ability to support opinions with evidence and interpret texts critically prepares them for the increased academic rigor of middle school.

At Trinity Ontario Elementary School, every learning experience reflects the vision of Trinity Ontario Global Academy by combining academic excellence with character development and global perspective. Students complete Grade 5 Language equipped with the skills, independence, and intellectual readiness needed for continued success across subject areas.