When students are reluctant to participate, teachers should consider whether the material is
sufficiently interesting to capture students’ attention, whether the discussion structure ensures
all students participate, whether students have sufficient background knowledge (including the
appropriate vocabulary to express concepts) and whether the students feel safe to contribute their
thoughts.
Presenting
The ability to clearly express and present information
and ideas is important in daily life in many contexts, as well
in college, the workplace, and civic life. Teachers in all grade
levels teach student how to present their knowledge and
ideas. They guide students to develop thoughtful, logically
organized, and interesting presentations. They engage
students in debriefing after a presentation so that students
reflect on and consider how to improve their presentations.
In grade five, students creatively and critically prepare
presentations. They consider format and media and how to make the presentation informative and
interesting to their audience. They analyze and synthesize information and make judgments about
what to include and how to effectively present the information. They make careful choices about the
language and images they use.
In grade five, students plan and deliver a range of presentations, including an opinion speech
(SL.5.4a) that
- states an opinion;
- logically sequences evidence to support the speaker’s position;
- uses transition words to effectively link opinions and evidence (e.g., consequently and
therefore); and
- provides a concluding statement related to the speaker’s position.
The attention to evidence is especially important as
students at this grade are moving toward the development
of skill in construction of arguments that is vital in the
years ahead. Scaffolding is provided and progress is closely
monitored. Formative assessment allows teachers to provide
immediate and subsequent instruction that addresses
individual and group needs.
Students in grade five also memorize and recite a poem
or section of a speech or historical document using rate,
expression, and gestures appropriate to the selection (SL.5.4b). Students are given ample time to
practice and may have the opportunity to preview their recitation with a partner or small group of
peers prior to presenting for a larger group or outside audience.
Using Language Conventions
Use of language conventions contributes to effective expression. Language conventions in
grammar and usage taught in grade five (L.5.1) include those in figure 5.21.
In grade five, students
creatively and critically
prepare presentations.
They consider format and
media and how to make the
presentation informative and
interesting to their audience.
Students in grade five also
memorize and recite a poem
or section of a speech or
historical document using
rate, expression, and gestures
appropriate to the selection.
470 | Chapter 5 Grade 5
