5th Grade

Curriculum 

ELAR
The language arts curriculum is an integrated program of Reading, Vocabulary, Writing, English Grammar, Spelling and Word Analysis.

The reading program develops comprehension skills, vocabulary proficiency, and a love of reading. The Open Court structured reader system, coupled with the study of selected novels, Storyworks Magazine, and student self-selected reading provides reinforcement, practice and enrichment of skills. Students apply their knowledge in all areas of the curriculum from textbooks to research materials.

Students develop the ability to communicate both orally and in writing using a variety of approaches at each grade level.  Students experience writing through journals, reading reflections, several forms of essays, research reports and presentations, and content area writing. The students have access to a variety of information sources, including the internet, when preparing their writing projects.

Student achievement is frequently assessed in a variety of ways, and instruction is tailored to meet the students’ needs as indicated.

Social Studies
The social studies curriculum conveys a body of knowledge that integrates American History, with economics, geography, civics, culture, and current events. The curriculum equips students with specific skills that will help them become informed and involved citizens as well as to further their language arts and research skills.

Math
Math curriculum includes computation with whole numbers, fractions, and decimals, algebraic thinking (including graphing simple equations), and geometry (including classifying shapes into sets and subsets. Students apply their math skills to several in-class problem solving projects in the spring. Math is differentiated through stations throughout the year.  

STEM
STEM is a science, technology, engineering, and mathematics integrated curriculum that provides opportunities for students to investigate through hands-on activities and experience how science is used in the real world. Technology, including computer science, is integrated throughout the STEM curriculum with the use of interactive learning. Reading and writing skills are reinforced and extended in this content area for application of scientific skills and theory.

Study Skills
This fifth grade focuses on the transition to middle school by helping to develop effective study skills in students. Students are given introduction for managing time, being organized, taking notes and preparing for tests. Students learn to assess their personal study habits and establish a strong foundation for independent learning.

Religion
The religion textbook used in grade 5 is The Spirit of Truth.  The textbook emphasizes the development and understanding of Catholic Christian values based on aligned Diocese Standards.  Most of all, Spirit of Truth helps young people integrate what they learn into their daily lives so they can become the saints God is calling them to be.

Instruction
Fifth grade students receive instruction in large and small groups as well as individually to meet the differences in students’ learning styles as well as educational and developmental needs.

Unique to 5th Grade

• Religion is taught 4 times per week in addition to Mass attendance
• Participation in school-wide service projects and class specific service projects
• Weekly special classes: Art, Music, Theatre Arts, Technology, P.E., and Spanish
• Students participate in two (2) curriculum based field trips per year
• Differentiation, games, and projects in math
• Parent Support for visual and conceptual math strategies - Parent Math Meetings (math teacher explains how upcoming topics will be taught)
• Fifth graders participate in a variety of team sports