Common Core Standards: https://iowacore.gov/iowa-core/grade/5
Religion: Fifth graders grow in their faith by taking time to pray, researching the lives of the saints, discussing how current events relate to their faith, and participating in weekly Mass. They learn about the 7 Sacraments, parts of the Bible, types of prayer, our Mother Mary, Pope Francis, parts of the Mass, the Liturgical Year, and review the importance of the Ten Commandments, Beatitudes, and familiar prayers. Novel studies in Reading & Language Arts are often integrated into the Religion curriculum to bring together cross-curricular learning. Growing in Jesus’ love for us and His amazing work in our lives is an integral part of every day at St. Benedict School.
Reading & Language Arts: Through the use of fiction and nonfiction materials, students read for information and enjoyment, gaining important skills in comprehension and fluency. Our spelling focus is on Greek and Latin word roots, which help us to understand the meanings of words and become better writers. Poetry writing, essays, tall tales, independent study presentations, and opinion writing are examples of the many ways we bring our thoughts and ideas to life in fifth grade.
Science: This year in Science, the fifth graders will learn about the solar system, mixtures and solutions, and living systems. A hands-on approach to science encourages students to make discoveries and connect their learning to the world around them.
Social Studies: The theme of fifth grade social studies is Rights and Responsibilities and American history. We learn about the first people to live in North America, European explorers, colonization, the American Revolution, the building of our nation, the Civil War and Reconstruction, westward expansion, industrialization, changes in our country in the early to mid-1900s, and modern day America. We also learn the importance of being tuned in to current events and relating these events back to what we are learning from history.
Math: Our Engage NY Math curriculum guides students through the areas of place value and decimal fractions, multi-digit whole number and decimal fractions, addition and subtraction of fractions, multiplication and division of fractions and decimal fractions, addition and multiplication with volume and area, and problem-solving with the coordinate plane.
Special Area Classes: Our specials include Physical Education, Health, Computer class, Art, Music, Band (optional), and Library.