READING

This year, our class will explore a variety of themes through engaging read-alouds. These stories will introduce us to diverse characters, cultures, and perspectives, inspiring us to think critically and empathetically. By examining these themes, we will develop a deeper understanding of the world around us and learn to take responsible action.

In addition to our shared read-alouds, students will also select from a group of books every six weeks. These independent choices will allow students to read at their own level and interest, while completing meaningful book projects that deepen comprehension, spark creativity, and strengthen communication skills.

Overarching Theme: Everything is Connected

Big Idea:
Our world is full of connections, between people, animals, ideas, and the environment. Everything we read, discover, and explore this year will show us how change and connection shape who we are, how we live, and how we care for our planet.

IB Theme / Unit	Read-Aloud & Focus	Connection Thread
Who We Are	The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind – resilience, invention	How personal choices and ideas connect to solving problems for communities.
Where We Are in Place and Time	When Stars Are Scattered – displacement, culture, hope	How history, place, and community connect to identity and survival.
How We Express Ourselves	Love That Dog – voice, creativity, poetry	How words, art, and writing connect us to our feelings and to each other.
How We Organize Ourselves	The Beatryce Prophecy – structures, justice, belonging	How rules, systems, and leadership connect to fairness and change in society.
Sharing the Planet	A Wolf Called Wander – ecosystems, interdependence	How animals, habitats, and humans connect in the balance of nature.

Who We Are

Understanding that individuals have unique identities shaped by various factors such as culture, beliefs, experiences, and relationships.

Mentor Text: The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind: Young Readers Edition by William Kamkwamba and Bryan Mealer (Non-Fiction)

Themes: Personal identity, resilience, and innovation. Through the inspiring true story of William Kamkwamba, students will reflect on the importance of perseverance, creativity, and how individual actions can bring about significant change.

Essential Questions:
– What factors contribute to shaping our identity?
– How do our beliefs and values influence our actions?
– What makes each person unique?
– How do we develop a sense of belonging in different communities?
– What is the importance of empathy and understanding in building relationships?

Where We Are In Place and Time

Recognizing that civilizations and societies evolve over time, influenced by geography, culture, events, and interactions, shaping the world we live in today.

Mentor Text: When Stars Are Scattered by Victoria Jamieson and Omar Mohamed (Graphic Novel/Memoir)

Themes: Displacement, resilience, and the quest for a better future. This unit will take us on a journey through time and space, exploring the lives of two Somali brothers in a refugee camp. Students will gain insights into historical and contemporary issues faced by refugees.

Essential Questions:
– How do civilizations develop and change over time?
– What are the factors that shape cultures and societies?
– How does geography influence the way people live?
– What can we learn from the past to understand the present and shape the future?
– How do different perspectives contribute to our understanding of history?

How We Express Ourselves

Exploring the ways we discover and express ideas, feelings, nature, culture, beliefs, and values through language, the arts, and creative expression.

Mentor Text: Love That Dog by Sharon Creech (Poetic Narrative)

Themes: Voice, creativity, and self-expression. This unit explores how individuals use writing, poetry, and art to communicate thoughts, feelings, and experiences. Love That Dog helps students see that expression can take many forms, and that sharing personal ideas through poetry can be powerful, transformative, and deeply human.

Essential Questions:
– How do people use different forms of expression to share ideas and emotions?
– In what ways does poetry help us express thoughts and feelings?
– How does creative expression connect to culture and identity?
– Why is it important for everyone to have a voice?
– How can writing and art influence the way others see the world?

How We Organize Ourselves

Recognizing the structures, systems, and relationships that govern societies, as well as the importance of collaboration, communication, and responsible citizenship in creating positive change within communities.

Mentor Text: The Beatryce Prophecy by Kate DiCamillo (Fantasy)

Themes: Societal structures, leadership, and social change. Set in a medieval world, the story explores the organization of society, including the roles of the monastery, the monarchy, and the common people. It delves into themes of leadership, authority, and the impact of those in power on communities. The prophecy and Beatryce’s journey highlight the importance of cooperation and the potential for reorganization within a society.

Essential Questions:
– What are the structures and systems that govern societies?
– How do communities and organizations function effectively?
– What rights and responsibilities do individuals have within societies?
– How do economic systems influence the distribution of resources?
– How can we work collaboratively to create positive change in our communities?

Sharing The Planet

Understanding the interconnectedness and interdependence of living organisms and the environment, as well as the importance of sustainability, conservation, and environmental stewardship for the well-being of present and future generations.

Mentor Text: A Wolf Called Wander by Rosanne Parry (Realistic Animal Fiction)

Themes: Interdependence in ecosystems, survival, and conservation. This unit explores the delicate balance of predator-prey relationships, the challenges animals face in changing environments, and the importance of protecting natural habitats. A Wolf Called Wander will help students see how human expansion, environmental changes, and natural instincts shape the survival of wild animals, while deepening their understanding of conservation and coexistence with nature.

Essential Questions:
– What is the interdependence of living things in ecosystems?
– How do animals adapt and survive when their environments change?
– How do human activities impact ecosystems and the survival of wildlife?
– Why is conservation important for the future of animals and humans alike?
– What responsibilities do individuals and communities have in protecting habitats and species?