Slovakia 5th Grade Curriculum - Slovak Language and Literature

This curriculum document outlines the learning objectives, content, and assessment criteria for Slovak Language and Literature in the 5th grade of elementary school in Slovakia. The curriculum emphasizes a communicative approach, focusing on developing students' reading comprehension, writing, and speaking skills, as well as fostering an appreciation for literature.

I. Language Component:

The language component covers the analysis and interpretation of various texts and the creation of original written and spoken presentations appropriate for specific communicative situations. The curriculum is structured around communicative language competencies:

• Reading Comprehension: Students learn to select texts based on their communicative purpose, read aloud and silently, extract explicit and implicit information, understand word meanings, and analyze text structure. They work with various text types, including narratives with descriptive elements, descriptions of work processes, interviews, discussions, and debates.
• Writing: Students develop skills in formulating the purpose and topic of written work, selecting appropriate text types, outlining and drafting, organizing ideas logically and chronologically, and adapting the formal structure of the text to the chosen genre. They practice writing narratives with descriptive elements, descriptions of work processes, and interviews. Emphasis is placed on using a wide range of vocabulary, stylistic devices, and correct grammar, punctuation, and spelling.
• Speaking: Students learn to express their thoughts and information clearly and fluently, using appropriate language and non-verbal communication. They practice formulating opinions, supporting them with arguments, choosing appropriate topics, and adapting their speech to the audience and context. Activities include discussions, debates, and interviews.

II. Literature Component:

The literature component aims to develop students' reading and interpretation skills, progressing from basic comprehension to analysis and evaluation. The curriculum focuses on:

• Recitation and Memorization: Students recite prose and poetry, paying attention to rhythm, breathing, articulation, and proper pronunciation. They learn about rhythm, personification, epithets, refrains, and themes in poetry.
• Reading and Analysis: Students read and analyze various literary texts, including poems, prose, film/television adaptations of fairy tales, folk tales, authorial tales, and legends. They identify themes, composition, style, and the function of individual elements in the overall meaning of the work. They also learn to distinguish between different genres and identify real and fantastical elements in legends.
• Creating Texts: Students create short literary and non-fiction texts, including poems with elements of nonsense, simple screenplays based on literary texts, and encyclopedia entries. They learn about nonsense, themes, scenarios, and the roles of screenwriters, directors, and actors.

III. Assessment:

Student performance is evaluated based on dictations, written assignments, and speaking activities. Specific criteria are provided for evaluating the form and content of written work, including organization, language use, grammar, spelling, and style. A grading scale is used for dictations and written assignments.