Assign a novel to the class that will have wide appeal. Provide in-classroom time for students to read silently, followed by structured class discussions. Discussions each week should center around the same four or five questions that reveal important information about the text. Questions should center around character and plot development, as well as a review of the actual events that have taken place in the story. Encourage students to participate in the discussion period and then provide them with time to write journal entries afterward that will serve as study notes for tests.
Poetry provides an opportunity for grade five students to express themselves and gain insight into the intentions of authors. Poetry also provides an opportunity for peer-assisted learning, which is age-appropriate in the fifth grade. Divide the class into teams of two or three students. Provide each group with one of two poems. Give students time to review the poem in their group and discuss the intentions of the author, making notes that explain their reasoning. Each group should then present their poem and interpretation to the class.
The Fact or Opinion game teaches fifth grade students to analyze information in a text and identify whether what they have read is fact or opinion. Do this in conjunction with a novel that the class is currently reading. After students have read a prerequisite number of chapters, the teacher runs a Fact or Opinion Game Show. Divide the class into two groups. Call a member from each team to the front of the class. Read a question about the text aloud. Give a point to the team member who first identifies whether the statement is fact or opinion.
Literacy education includes developing creative writing skills. In order to engage grade five students in a creative writing project, assign each member of the class to collect a photo or image that means something to them. Ask students to write a story about what is happening in the image. Encourage students to use their imaginations, and incorporate symbolism and complex ideas in the story.