Media Arts--Grade 5

Creative Communicator Lab

Media Arts • Grades 5

 

 

GRADE

5th Grade

DURATION

4 Quarters

FREQUENCY

Once per Week

 

Course Description

Creative Communicator Lab is an engaging, hands-on course where 5th-grade students harness technology to tell stories, share ideas, and work like real media makers. Over the course of the year, students create digital stories, podcasts, videos, slides, infographics, and a curated portfolio that showcases their best work and growth.

Students develop into confident digital creators and thoughtful online citizens. They practice reading, writing, speaking, listening, designing, recording, and editing as they produce original media projects. Alongside technical skills, students learn to research effectively, evaluate source credibility, cite sources correctly, and use AI in safe, honest, and age-appropriate ways.

Essential Questions

▪       How can I use technology to communicate my ideas clearly and creatively?

▪       How do I determine whether information I find online is trustworthy?

▪       What does it mean to be safe, respectful, and responsible in digital spaces?

▪       How can I collaborate effectively with others to create something meaningful?

▪       How do I use AI and online sources honestly, carefully, and ethically?

What Students Will Learn

▪       Use technology creatively to communicate ideas to a real audience.

▪       Research information and critically evaluate whether sources are reliable.

▪       Cite sources accurately and use information responsibly.

▪       Plan, script, record, and edit original digital projects.

▪       Collaborate respectfully with partners and teams throughout the creative process.

▪       Give and receive constructive feedback, then improve their work.

▪       Build a digital portfolio using the mantra: Collect. Select. Reflect. Connect.

Quarter-by-Quarter Learning

 

Quarter 1

Digital Citizenship & Research

Students explore digital citizenship, media literacy, digital footprints, copyright, and responsible AI use. They practice online research, evaluate source credibility, and present findings through slides or infographics.

Quarter 2

Digital Storytelling

Students plan and script original stories, bringing them to life with visuals, narration, music, and thoughtful design. They practice presenting work and offering constructive peer feedback.

Quarter 3

Podcasting & Video Production

Working in small teams, students produce short podcast episodes and explore video production fundamentals, clear speaking, storyboarding, camera technique, editing, and shared team roles.

Quarter 4

Choice Project & Portfolio

Students choose a medium to extend or reimagine prior work, then complete a collaborative media project. The year concludes with portfolio curation using the mantra: Collect. Select. Reflect. Connect.

 

Expectations & Habits for Success

 

Classroom Expectations

Habits for Success

▪       Be kind, respectful, and ready to learn.

▪       Come to class prepared, organized, and ready to participate.

▪       Follow directions the first time.

▪       Use a planner to track assignments and deadlines.

▪       Use devices and materials with care.

▪       Bring required materials every session.

▪       Stay on task and use class time productively.

▪       Work independently and listen actively.

▪       Collaborate well with partners and groups.

▪       Offer helpful, specific feedback to peers.

▪       Think before posting or sharing online.

▪       Protect your digital footprint thoughtfully.

▪       Keep personal information private.

▪       Use AI and online sources carefully and ethically.

▪       Ask questions when you need help.

▪       Keep improving your projects after receiving feedback.

 

Grading

Because this is a skills-based course, grades reflect growth as much as performance. Students are assessed on the following:

 

▪       Project work: completion, creativity, effort, and application of skills taught.

▪       Class participation: engagement, collaboration, and use of class time.

▪       Meeting deadlines: submitting work on time so projects stay on track.

▪       Following directions: applying feedback and working within assignment guidelines.

▪       Revision and improvement: students may revise work to demonstrate growth over time.

The goal is to show progress, effort, and genuine learning across all four quarters.

Homework

Homework will generally be light. However, students may occasionally need to complete a project step, gather materials or ideas, or reflect on feedback between sessions. Since this class meets once per week, students are expected to use class time wisely and stay organized. Any assigned homework should be completed on time so projects continue to move forward without interruption.

Materials Needed

 

▪       Planner or assignment notebook to track tasks and deadlines.

▪       Pencil or pen

▪       School account login information (if required).

▪       Folder or binder for handouts and notes.

▪       Fully charged Chromebook.

▪       Headphones

▪       A ready-to-learn attitude!

A Note for Families

Creative Communicator Lab is designed to build confidence, creativity, and strong technology habits that will serve students well in middle school and beyond. By the end of the year, students will have meaningful experience in communication, collaboration, research, and responsible media creation.

The best way families can support students is to ask about their projects, encourage them to use their planner, and celebrate their creative efforts. Please don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions. We’re glad you’re here.

 

 

Creative Communicator Lab  •  Grade 5 Media  •  4 Quarters  •  Once per Week