English Language Arts 5 provides a well-balanced approach to literacy that connects reading, writing, grammar, vocabulary, and spelling into one integrated program. Dedicated time for keyboarding practice is also included. The course is made up of 12 units. Each unit contains workshops that center on one major focus (reading, writing, or word study) for instruction and reinforcement of big ideas. In reading workshops, students read independently in a variety of genres and formats—fiction, poetry, drama, nonfiction, magazines, and graphic novels—before exploring each text through various activities. In writing workshops, students analyze model writing samples and then work through the writing process to develop original compositions of their own. They learn about grammar, usage, and mechanics and apply those skills as they revise and proofread their work. In word study workshops, students grow their vocabulary by learning the meanings of groups of conceptually related words. Students also learn to focus on spelling patterns that are necessary to be fluent, proficient readers, writers, and spellers.
