Dear Fifth Grade Families,
Our Focus
In our first Social Studies unit this year, fifth graders will begin developing an understanding of how maps demonstrate unique insights into the relationships between humans and their environment. They will use this understanding to help them further understand places and regions in the United States.
Instructional Approach
Your child will develop their understanding of maps and places in the United States by exploring regions, locating states, populous cities, and physical features. They will also learn about:
Landforms, climate and vegetation and how these features contribute to regions in the U.S.
Location of the 50 states and the 5 most populous cities.
How to create a map of the U.S. that includes political features (states and cities), and physical features such as The Appalachian Mountains, Great Lakes, Mississippi River, Great Plains, and Rocky Mountains,.
How information can be interpreted through maps, such as physical features, political data (Ex. state borders, capitals, major cities), natural resources, climate, and elevations.
After much guided practice through these hands-on learning experiences, your child will show their ability to locate physical features of the U.S. on a blank U.S. map.
Family Support
Your support is always appreciated in your child’s learning. Here are some ways you can help:
Today’s students are familiar with the GPS technology we have today. But how did YOU find places when you and your family take trips. Share those experiences and maybe a map, too.
When watching shows on television or reading books, talk about the places where stories are taking place and locate them on a map.
When travelling around your city/county/state, help your child recognize landforms that you might encounter (plains, hills, lakes, rivers, valleys, etc.)
Every time you and your child look at a unique map ask this question: What does this map tell us about this place?
It’s our hope that you will find yourself happily curious, too, as you support your child’s geography learning.
Sincerely,
The Fifth Grade Team
