Learning Compassion from Literature

Determine a theme of a story, drama, or poem from details in the text, including how characters in a story or drama respond to challenges or how the speaker in a poem reflects upon a topic; summarize the text.

Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text, including figurative language such as metaphors and similes.

Explain how a series of chapters, scenes, or stanzas fits together to provide the overall structure of a particular story, drama, or poem.

By the end of the year, read and comprehend literature, including stories, dramas, and poetry, at the high end of the grades 4-5 text complexity band independently and proficiently.

Know and apply grade-level phonics and word analysis skills in decoding words.

Use combined knowledge of all letter-sound correspondences, syllabication patterns, and morphology (e.g., roots and affixes) to read accurately unfamiliar multisyllabic words in context and out of context.

Read with sufficient accuracy and fluency to support comprehension.

Read grade-level text with purpose and understanding.

Use context to confirm or self-correct word recognition and understanding, rereading as necessary.

Draw evidence from literary or informational texts to support analysis, reflection, and research.

Engage effectively in a range of collaborative discussions (one-on-one, in groups, and teacher-led) with diverse partners on grade 5 topics and texts, building on others' ideas and expressing their own clearly.

Follow agreed-upon rules for discussions and carry out assigned roles.

Pose and respond to specific questions by making comments that contribute to the discussion and elaborate on the remarks of others.

Use knowledge of language and its conventions when writing, speaking, reading, or listening.

Understand what it means to be trustworthy and how you earn someone’s trust

Understand and explain the expression “I have the courage to stand up for what is wrong or unfair”

Offer examples of caring and compassionate behaviors (at home, in school, in the community)

Provide an example of a friend or role model who “stood up” for what he or she thought was wrong or unfair

Provide an example of a friend or role model who demonstrates caring and compassion

Provide an example of a friend or role model who is dependable, reliable, and conscientious (responsible)

Demonstrate the ability to analyze data, facts, and information

Understand the idea of fairness and the consequences of not being fair, as it relates to breaking rules, playing favorites, or taking advantage of others

Explain why it is important for everyone to serve and contribute to their family, school, community, nation, globally

Describe how a role model exemplifies fairness

Describe how a role model volunteers and contributes to the common good

Understand and explain why different situations may set in motion or give rise to different emotions (e.g., learning something new or difficult, meeting someone new)

Use “I-statements” to let others know that you have heard them

Describe how a person will likely feel when being bullied or left out of an activity or group

Recognize examples of stereotyping, discrimination and prejudice

Explain a time when you put yourself in “someone else’s shoes” in order to understand their perspective and point of view

Explain what empathy means (e.g., the ability to sympathetically understand and personally identify with the emotional states, needs and feelings of others)

Understand and recognize the characteristics of healthy relationships (e.g., honesty, compromising, sharing, encouragement)

Understand and recognize the characteristics of unhealthy relationships (e.g., hostility, intimidation, hitting)