25/26 School Year
5th grade Curriculum

Language Arts comprises reading, writing, listening, speaking, and language study. This is a large focus of our day and is often incorporated into Science and Social Studies. 

~Wit and Wisdom

Aquarian has been using the Wit and Wisdom curriculum as the foundation of our Language Arts for two years. It is a rigorous curriculum that encourages students to read, think and write at a higher level than they may have before. While it is challenging, it is scaffolded and allows teachers to help their students build a foundation of deep thinking and reflection in Language Arts that they will need for middle, high school, and beyond. 

Through in-depth study of complex texts, often relating to our social studies and science curriculum, we dig into building background knowledge, understanding key details, themes, points of view, and vocabulary.  Students practice reading, writing, speaking, listening, and language skills in an integrated way. It is also my goal to promote a love of learning through reading, writing, and enjoying texts.

Click here to view the Parent Tip Sheet and module breakdown information for fifth grade.

We will write about our world by analyzing good writing, reading, and integration with other subjects. We will focus on writing a variety of texts including informative, opinion, narrative, and poetry. We will develop more complex writing by studying sentence and paragraph structures that are varied, organized, and detailed. I want to encourage writing in many genres and help your child discover the joy in writing, thinking, and telling about our world.

~Independent Reading

In addition to our Wit and Wisdom curriculum, we will have independent reading time daily. This is a favorite time. We will create a "choose your own adventure" reading challenge. Stay tuned for more details and a volunteer opportunity to support this. 

~Home Reading

Home reading is another important element in developing as a reader. It is my expectation that students read daily for 25-ish minutes. For some, this will be easy, for others, it may be something they are still working towards and will need your support. It is my hope that all children will learn to love reading. Your help in this goal is vital to their development as a reader.  Even in 4th & 5th grade, I encourage parents to read with, and to their children. The goal is to build lifelong readers and thinkers.

~Spelling

Spelling will be incorporated into our Language Arts program. There will not be weekly spelling tests or work. We will work to improve spelling in writing through word study, proffreading and using spell check well. 

Science

Fifth-grade science themes are Dynamic Earth, Space, and Computer Science. In the first semester, we will explore the geologic history of Earth, the major rock groups and how they form, Earth processes, and natural hazards. In the second semester, we learn about our solar system. We will investigate the forces that affect the movement of objects in space, and design space technology using our new knowledge. Fifth graders take an overnight field trip in the spring to build on science themes of the year.

Social Studies

In fifth-grade social studies, we examine early American history from colonization through the Civil War. We will study these through the lenses of geography, economics, government, civics, and the humanities. Using simulations and projects I hope to engage your child in the study of our history. 

Health and Social Emotional Learning (SEL)

Aquarian uses the Great Body Shop health curriculum.  We will also use various SEL materials to promote good social interactions and a growth mindset. Human Growth and Development will also be part of our studies.

Field Trips

We will take several field trips this year. We love family help on these educational and fun trips!

Fall - Back-to-school hike/walk (first few weeks of school)

Late Fall-ish - Anchorage Museum (natural disasters intro to space)

Mock Trial Court Experience (government)-Feb/March

Spring - Space Camp - overnight camp to Kenai Challenger Center - May

We will also do a few cultural field trips with Alaska Junior Theater.

End of the Year celebration somewhere fun