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Fifth Grade
Language arts In grade five reading, we have a novel-based program. We select books for their good writing, their variety in style, their engaging story lines, and for their interesting subtexts and themes. We discuss the books in detail in class, and we also assign a good deal of writing at home and in school. In addition to the novels, we do reading drill work and some assignments based on books that the students have chosen individually. We work on the skills of accurate literal comprehension, inferential reasoning, discussion participation, vocabulary building, summarizing, and clear expository writing. In our creative writing program, we focus on the elements of good writing. We cover the use of the senses, strong words, figurative language, rhythm, point of view, and dialogue. Our aim is that each lesson will increase the level of competency and sophistication in writing. We encourage a process approach, which includes gathering ideas, writing a rough draft, editing for mechanics and content, and doing a final copy. We also enjoy sharing each other's work, as well as sharing the works of fine writers. Our grammar program focuses on the components of good sentence structure. We cover nouns, pronouns, and verbs. We then learn the elements of complete sentences. We also study rules of capitalization and apostrophes, and we finish with modifiers. As we cover the rules of language, we expect that students will apply them in their own writing. In addition, the vocabulary program in the fifth grade is taught using weekly lessons from the third book in the Wordly Wise series.
Back to Top Computer
The grade five computer curriculum is problem-solving based. The year begins with an extension of Logo during which students are encouraged to problem solve as they reinforce their understanding of geometric principles. The connection with abstract thinking is made through the use of the variable and setXY along with multiple levels of procedures. The focus during winter term is on the development of a travel guide to anywhere in the world using the procedures found in Powerpoint and Word. The culminating project results in the design of a castle and a presentation using all of the acquired skills in conjunction with our unit on the Middle Ages.
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Math Grade five mathematics covers a broad range of topics, solidifying computational skills with all operations, whole number, decimal, and fractions. Laying the groundwork for pre-algebra, students begin to write and solve algebraic equations using order of operation as it applies to a complex set of mathematical statements. Students also explore patterns in data, appropriate uses for different types of graphs, and data displays and statistics. Ratio and proportions are presented with basic unit conversion in both metric and standard measure. The course focuses on problem solving techniques and their real-world applications, and encourages students to learn to read and understand mathematics on their own. Beyond acquiring skills, students learn to use mathematics effectively through problem solving experiences that include the use of higher order thinking skills. Understanding is assessed through quizzes, tests, and projects.
Back to Top Social Studies In grade five, students study Ancient Greece, Ancient Rome, and the Middle Ages. In looking at the classical world, the focus is on the growth of Athens in its golden age in the 5th century BC, and then on the Roman Republic. In each case, the class studies each city-state's beginnings, rise to power, and eventual decline. In the medieval unit, students examine the breakdown of order in Western Europe following the fall of Rome, and then trace the gradual return to order through feudalism and the rise of the modern nation state. The class culminates with a look at the cultural and political inheritances of the classical and medieval ages that still resonate in our country today. In addition, the social studies curriculum allows for the development of academic skills such as note-taking, writing essays, participating in discussions, reading well, and writing research papers. Back to Top Science Grade five science begins with a unit on map and compass. Students are exposed to various types of maps and learn to take an accurate compass reading outside. This ties in with their environmental field trip in the fall. In the second unit, the students explore the realtionship between bones and muscles. They construct models of the skeletal system, and perform experiments on their muscular systems. Students are exposed to forensic science and help solve a mystery based on information found in the skeletal system. In the final unit, students grow and care for specially designed brassica rapa plants. These plants have a life cycle, from seed to seed, that encompasses thirty days. Students become familiar with plant reproduction and pollination. Back to Top Library Grade five begins with a comprehensive study of the Arthurian legends, exposing students to the world of King Arthur, Sir Lancelot and the quest for the Holy Grail. After reading a variety of works containing these characters, students view a documentary about how much is known about the factual nature of the King Arthur legends. The next area of study is Robin Hood, which coincides intentionally with the Middle Ages unit in grade five social studies. In addition, students gain mastery of the Dewey Decimal system. Back to Top Open circle Open circle allows fifth graders the opportunity to practice proactive problem solving. Back to Top Languages Students in grade five can choose between three languages offered: French, Spanish and Latin.
French
Fifth grade French students continue to expand their knowledge of conversational and written French from grades four and five. Their vocabulary is expanded, and grammar points such as possessive adjectives, interrogative words and regular and irregular verbs form the introduction to more formal grammar study.
Spanish
The fifth grade Spanish class is an introductory course, stressing listening, speaking, reading and writing. Students gain a solid basic grammar base on which to build in future years of study. Additionally, the many-faceted aspects of Spanish-speaking cultures, a vital part of the entire Spanish program, are introduced.
Latin
The fifth grade Latin course is an introductory course, including the study of ancient cultures, reinforcement of grammar topics, and derivative and vocabulary building.
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