Parent Guide > Fifth Grade Autobiography

by Rita Dove 1989

Welcome to the parent guide for this text! Read below to find out about what your child is reading in class and how you can support him/her at home.

This week in class, we’re reading "Fifth Grade Autobiography" by Rita Dove.

In this poem, written by contemporary American writer Rita Frances Dove, the speaker explores early childhood memories.

As we read, we will be discussing the theme of Growing Up as it relates to the text. We are trying to answer this big question :

"What does it mean to be grown up?"

Ways to support your child:

  • Ask your child about this poem at home:
    • What was "Fifth Grade Autobiography" about?
    • What did you learn about Growing Up?
  • Watch Rita Dove reading poems in 1987 at home with your child.