English/Language Arts

The course of study will consist of four main areas:

1. Reading
2. Writing
3. Spelling and vocabulary
4. Grammar, usage, and mechanics of language

Reading:

The class will use a fifth grade reading text and literature workbook. Other books will be read and discussed as a class. Students will also do outside reading from various sources and will be writing reports or making presentations using different formats.

Writing:

The fifth grade program is designed to have students learn about writing styles and techniques. Equally important, the students will write, proofread, and revise their work. Different types of writing will be taught: story writing, poetry, descriptive, writing, journal entries, biographies and autobiographies, book reports, and research report writing.

Spelling:

Every week students will learn a set of twenty words. Tests will be every Friday. Exercises will be given so that the students have an opportunity to practice the spelling, as well as to use dictionary skills.

Grammar, Usage, and Mechanics:

The English skills of grammar, usage, and mechanics will be taught using the fifth grade English text. Sentence structure, parts of speech, punctuation, capitalization, and other important components of writing will be taught.

Math:

The fifth grade will be using the Scott-Foresman math text ad practice workbook. The following areas will be taught: place value, addition, subtraction, and multiplication with three digits, measurement, geometric figures, division with two digit divisors, decimals, fractions, and graphing. Emphasis will also be placed on word problems and other problem solving activities.

History:

The fifth grade will focus on American history from the earliest explorations of North America to the Industrial Revolution. Geography will be an important part of our studies. We will use the text, America Will Be, as well as reading some books of historical fiction.

Science:

Fifth grade science will consist of both classroom reading and discussion and hands-on lab experiences using FOSS kits. Students will use scientific methods and equipment to explore areas of Mixtures and Solutions and Weather.

Religion:

Religion lessons will be taught daily. The fifth grade will be using This is our Faith and family Life as a basis for activities and discussions. The key themes are the Sacraments, and God’s gifts of family, self, life, sexuality, and community.

Spanish, Music, Technology, and Physical Education:

These subjects are part of the fifth grade curriculum and are taught by specialists. Technology is integrated into the curriculum via research reports, Power Point presentations, and poetry and creative writing enhanced with graphic art.

Art:

Art is scheduled on a weekly basis. Students work with a variety of materials to create drawings, paintings, collages, and sculptures. Art is also incorporated into other subject areas such as history and creative writing.