The 5th grade English curriculum integrates reading, writing, speaking, listening, and the study of vocabulary and grammar in a way that supports them in building a broad and diverse set of literacy skills. Different genre novels are explored throughout the year, along with learning to write in that style: Historical fiction, realistic fiction, non-fiction, and Fantasy/Mythology. Each writing assignment spans several lessons and guides students through a writing process that begins with prewriting and ends by emphasizing one or more aspects of conventions of standard written English. Active listening and public speaking skills are taught explicitly and practiced, empowering students to become effective communicators. By the end of 5th grade all students will grow in the four core areas: analysis, organization, producing text, and using language.