Unit 1 of Fifth Grade English Language Arts uses Katherine Paterson’s Newbery Medal winning-novel Bridge to Terabithia to teach common core standards, covering literature, foundational skills, writing, speaking and listening. Students practice reading for fluency, comprehension and vocabulary. We will use the novel to make predictions, identify plot conflicts, analyze character relationships, examine gender roles, determine themes, and track character changes through reading and discussion. There is a strong focus on grammar, which includes verb tenses, correlative conjunctions, and understanding synonyms, antonyms and holographs. There are weekly spelling word lists for learners to practice and an optional Friday quiz. There are also weekly writing assignments with students practicing opinion writing, letter writing, poetry, dialogue, and using reference materials for research. 

I have bachelor’s degrees in English, journalism, and political science, and am currently a master’s student in American history. I was a newspaper editor and reporter for 15 years, director of a social justice center for three years, and have been teaching English Language Arts, English As a Second Language, and social studies for the past five years. I am currently co-director of the Foster Woods Folk School.

Homework Offered
This flex class is for learners who just want to practice their English Language Arts Skills, as well as students who want to get a letter of competition. For learners who are just practicing skills, homework is optional but highly recommended. For those learners seeking a letter of completion, there is 3-4 hours of homework to be completed each week. See the rubric below for how the learner will be evaluated. For those students seeking a letter of completion. I will provide an assessment each weekend of the previous week’s assignments. 
4+ hours per week outside of class
Assessments Offered
Weekly Evaluation Rubric 

Reading: 20 Points 
- 3-Minute Reading Aloud Recording 5 Points
- Comprehension Quiz 5 Points
- Classroom Discussion Question Participation 5 Points
- Vocabulary Quiz 5 Points 

Spelling: 15 Points
- Writing Each Word 3 Times 5 Points 
- Spelling Word Project 5 Points 
- Spelling Quiz 5 Points

Grammar: 15 Points
- Grammar Worksheet 5 Points
- Grammar Project 5 Points
- Grammar Quiz 5 Points

Classroom Journal: 10 Points

Writing Assignment: 40 Points 
Grades Offered

Students will need either a paper or digital copy of Katherine Paterson's "Bridge to Terabithia."