5th Grade

Fifth graders enjoy literary pieces that are rich in descriptive detail as well as informational or practical texts. They begin to pay more attention to the relatedness and sufficiency of detail, the organization and logic of what they read, and the ways authors support ideas with evidence. They include descriptions in their writing that provide sufficient, related detail to provide a reader with an overall impression. They revise their writing for meaning and clarity.

* Apply phonics knowledge and structural analysis when reading text

* Use pronunciation, sentence meaning, and story meaning to understand text

* Use word analysis (synonyms, antonyms, homonyms, analogies, idioms, similes, metaphors) to construct meaning

* Read and discuss a variety of story forms (fiction, biography, legends)

* Read for information using reference materials for science and social studies

* Predict and connect what is known

* Summarize and visualize text

* Read for meaning by utilizing strategies such as outlining and note taking in order to identify key points

* Participate in organized discussions about stories 

* Identify and analyze story elements

* Summarize books (book reports) 

* Recognize elements of poetry forms

Writing:

* Use the five step writing process - prewriting, drafting, editing, revising, publishing 

* Identify the topic sentence in a passage

* Write a creative story which includes an introduction, problem and solution

* Demonstrate the use of organization, detail, and sequence in more complex narrative writing 

* Write a friendly letter and address the envelope

* Write an autobiographical incident

* Edit and revise written work

* Understand and use capitalization and punctuation rules

* Identify all parts of speech

* Show agreement between subject and predicate (verb)

* Identify complete sentences from fragments and run-ons

* Share and discuss writing with peers and adults

* Demonstrate mastery of manuscript writing (printing) and cursive writing

* Increase spelling proficiency by learning basic spelling rules

* Identify correct spelling, including irregular spellings and contractions

* Use a dictionary, glossary and thesaurus

* Use reference materials including an encyclopedia, maps, and atlases

* Use a library system to access books and materials

* Use the internet to access information

* Publish a story or report using word processing

* Read orally with fluency and expression

* Share information with peers in small and large group discussions

* Organize and remain focused on topic when speaking

* Express complete thoughts when retelling information shared orally by others

* Work in small groups to make presentations

* Show respectful behavior in discussion groups

* Present oral reports and speeches

* Give and follow more complex directions

MATHEMATICS

Our math program is designed to help students to master basic mathematical skills and to foster the development of logical thinking skills and problem solving.

* Recognize and solve multi-step problems in order of operations

* Add, subtract, multiply, divide with whole numbers, using estimation, paper/pencil, mental computation, and calculator

* Round whole numbers and decimals to specific place values

* Calculate division problems with 2 digit divisors and 5 digit dividends

* Multiply 4 digit numbers by 2 digit numbers

* Recognize place value to billions and decimals to thousandths

* Recognize prime and composite numbers

* Identify proper fractions, improper fractions, and mixed numbers

* Find the decimal equivalent of a fraction and vice versa

* Write a number as a product of prime factors

* Determine equivalent fractions

* Determine lowest common denominators

* Add and subtract fractions

* Determine lowest common multiple and greatest common factor of whole numbers and proper fractions

* Identify right, acute, and obtuse angles

* Identify / classify angles and triangles

* Calculate perimeter, area, and volume

* Identify, draw, and measure lines(perpendicular, parallel, angles)

* Use a straight edge ruler and compass

* Use information to graph, using coordinates in a positive quadrant

* Find the "missing number" by using a variable and write a simple algebraic equation

* Analyze data from a variety of graphs

* Determine from information most appropriate kind of graph to be used

* Predict probable outcomesProblem Solving and Reasoning: 

* Analyze problems by identifying relationships, determining relevant from irrelevant, sequencing and prioritizing, and observing patterns

* Apply strategies and results from simple to complex situations

* Show mathematical reasoning in a variety of ways: diagrams, graphs, words, charts, and pictures

* Express the solution clearly and logically, using appropriate mathematical terms and support the solution with evidence

* Make connections between the solution and other situations in the school environment

SOCIAL STUDIES

Discovery and Exploration of America:

* Colonization of the United States

* Westward movement and settlement

* Civil War: causes, conflict, and effects

* States and capitals

* Regions of the United States

* Report writing of a chosen state

* Map and globe skills: scale, longitude, latitude, and time zones

SCIENCE

Our goal in the science program is to develop ecologically aware students who have an appreciation and enjoyment of science through:

* Knowledge of the scientific process

* Integration of science with other curricular areas

* Common scientific vocabulary

* Common core of knowledge 

* Hands on approach to scientific discovery

* Application of science and technology

* Knowledge and respect for hazardous materials Physical:

* Simple MachinesEarth: 

* EcologyLife: 

* Cells

* Classification

* Body Systems

* Introduction to Family Life

* DARE program

MUSIC AND ART

Students are introduced to beginning orchestra and band instruments. Group lessons are given twice a week to those students who wish to participate. On-going sing-along music is provided to entire class throughout the year.

A variety of art and craft experiences are provided on a weekly basis, both as a formal classroom activity and as a reinforcement and complement to other subject areas.

PHYSICAL EDUCATION

Students participate in a balanced program designed to promote muscle development, coordination and balance.

* Basic motor skills

* Game skills

* Individual and team sport skills

* Sportsmanship

ADDITIONAL PROGRAMS

Your child will have an opportunity to participate in several special programs, including:

* Computer education, lab or classroom 

* Library 

* Art Docents