Handwriting
Handwriting is taught and assessed through daily assignments. Students will receive an effort grade for handwriting. If work is illegible it will not be accepted.
Word Work
Our word work block is a time devoted to studying words. We explore word parts, word meanings, spelling patterns and homophones, to name a few concepts. Studying words and word relationships help students make sense of new words.
Language Arts
We place students in a reading class based on student need. All of the 5th grade reading classes learn the same comprehension, vocabulary, fluency, and study skills. All three will also read novels and take the same State Reading Test. However, the focus of study, teaching strategies, and use of extension and challenge projects varies from class to class and students will be placed in the classroom where they will be most successful.
Important components to all of the reading classes are: vocabulary development, comprehension strategies, grammar, fluency, notetaking, and study skills. We feel that reading instruction happens all day long and not just during the Language Arts block and we strive to teach reading success strategies all day long in all subject areas.
Writing
The fifth grade uses the Writer's Workshop format. This begins with a short mini-lesson on a writing topic, followed by writing time where the students work on a piece of writing of their choice. Students take their piece of writing through the different stages of the writing process. Writing is also taught all day long and will be assessed in multiple settings (social studies and science).
Social Studies
In fifth grade, we learn about U.S. History starting with North America's first inhabitants and finishing with the Revolutionary War and the Constitution. It is a fast paced exciting journey filled with projects and hands-on learning. We also use the non-fiction text in social studies to strengthen our reading comprehension and vocabulary skills. Students also learn about geography, US government, and economics.
Math
Math in 5th grade is very challenging. Students will learn about representing numbers as whole numbers, decimals, and fractions. They will also learn about measurement and graphing. Geometry and algebra are a few more concepts that will be taught and assessed. Students will also be asked to apply concepts that they have learned to solve story problems.
We also switch classes for math based on student needs. Again all of the students use the same books and curriculum and take the same CRTs and CAT tests, but we split up the classes to help focus and pace instruction more appropriately.
Science
There are three major science topics that are covered in 5th grade: weather, biomes and ecosystems, and light and sound. While studying these topics students will be able to do hands on experiences to help them apply their understanding of these science standards. We also have a brand new science book to help supplement and add to our understanding of these topics.