Year 5 English – Term 1 (WA Curriculum): Term 1 Language Skills

What this unit covers

In Term 1, Year 5 English in the WA Curriculum centres on the unit “Term 1 Language Skills”.

Term 1 English for Year 5. Writing (24 lessons), Reading (16 lessons), Speaking & Listening (40 lessons).

Lesson sequence (80 lessons)

The unit breaks down into the following lesson-by-lesson sequence — each title below is a teachable lesson, in order:

1. Planning and structuring narrative texts using story maps
2. Writing engaging story openings with descriptive language
3. Developing characters through dialogue and action
4. Using figurative language to enhance narrative writing
5. Writing effective story conclusions and resolutions
6. Editing narratives for coherence and flow
7. Understanding and applying complex sentence structures
8. Using coordinating and subordinating conjunctions effectively
9. Mastering comma usage in complex sentences
10. Applying apostrophes for possession and contractions
11. Using quotation marks and dialogue punctuation correctly
12. Understanding and using active and passive voice
13. Spelling words with common prefixes and suffixes
14. Learning spelling patterns for words ending in -tion and -sion
15. Mastering homophones and commonly confused words
16. Using spelling strategies for multisyllabic words
17. Planning and writing procedural texts with clear steps
18. Using imperative verbs and time connectives in procedures
19. Writing informative reports with topic sentences
20. Organising information using headings and subheadings
21. Developing persuasive arguments with supporting evidence
22. Using persuasive language techniques and modal verbs
23. Drafting and revising texts for audience and purpose
24. Publishing polished texts using appropriate formatting
25. Analysing character motivations in narrative texts
26. Identifying main ideas and supporting details in informational texts
27. Using context clues to determine unfamiliar word meanings
28. Comparing and contrasting different text structures
29. Making inferences from visual and written information
30. Exploring cause and effect relationships in texts
31. Evaluating author's purpose and intended audience
32. Reading with fluency and appropriate expression
33. Identifying fact and opinion in persuasive texts
34. Understanding figurative language in poetry
35. Summarising key information from multiple paragraphs
36. Analysing how illustrations support written text
37. Predicting outcomes using text evidence
38. Exploring different points of view in texts
39. Understanding how text features aid comprehension
40. Synthesising information from various sources
41. Exploring Active Listening Through Partner Conversations
42. Building Confidence in Speaking Aloud to Small Groups
43. Following Multi-Step Oral Instructions Accurately
44. Using Voice Volume and Pace for Different Audiences
45. Retelling Familiar Stories with Expression and Detail
46. Asking Effective Questions to Gather Information
47. Participating Respectfully in Group Discussions
48. Using Body Language to Support Oral Communication
49. Giving Clear Instructions for Simple Tasks
50. Listening for Main Ideas in Spoken Texts
51. Expressing Personal Opinions with Supporting Reasons
52. Role-Playing Characters from Literature
53. Using Formal and Informal Language Appropriately
54. Preparing and Delivering Short Oral Presentations
55. Responding Thoughtfully to Others' Ideas
56. Building Vocabulary Through Word Games and Activities
57. Storytelling Using Props and Visual Aids
58. Practising Turn-Taking in Group Conversations
59. Using Descriptive Language in Oral Presentations
60. Listening for Specific Information in Audio Texts
61. Explaining Procedures and Processes Clearly
62. Engaging in Collaborative Problem-Solving Discussions
63. Using Persuasive Language in Spoken Arguments
64. Retelling News Events and Current Affairs
65. Practising Interview Skills and Techniques
66. Creating and Performing Simple Dramatic Scenes
67. Using Connecting Words in Extended Speaking
68. Listening Critically to Evaluate Information
69. Sharing Personal Experiences Through Oral Narrative
70. Giving and Receiving Constructive Feedback
71. Using Questioning Strategies to Extend Thinking
72. Participating in Formal Class Debates
73. Adapting Speech for Different Purposes
74. Listening for Bias and Point of View
75. Creating Oral Book Reviews and Recommendations
76. Using Gesture and Movement in Storytelling
77. Conducting Peer Interviews About Topics of Interest
78. Presenting Research Findings to the Class
79. Engaging in Respectful Disagreement and Discussion
80. Reflecting on Personal Speaking and Listening Growth

Curriculum codes in this unit

Content codes:

Reading the codes: WA codes (the ones starting with WA) pack the year level, learning area, strand and content number into one string, while the national Australian Curriculum v9 uses a different anatomy that starts with AC9 — same content family, different labels. Our complete WA Curriculum guide decodes both, character by character.

Planning notes for Term 1

WA terms run roughly 9–11 weeks, and in 2026 Term 1 runs from Monday 2 February to Thursday 2 April — 9 weeks for WA public schools. With 80 lessons in this unit, that leaves breathing room for assessment, moderation and the weeks that disappear to carnivals, camps and public holidays — plan the assessable work to land two to three weeks before the end of term rather than in the final week.