5th Grade
English Language Arts
Our Language Arts program integrates reading, writing, speaking, listening, and the study of vocabulary and grammar with a multi-text approach to literacy. In fifth grade, students read a combination of literary and informational texts to strengthen their reading fluency and comprehension skills as well as expand their vocabulary. Students are given whole-group, small-group and independent learning opportunities guided by the classroom teacher. Students learn and apply reading skills and strategies to comprehend text using interactive read-alouds, reading and writing mini lessons, guided reading groups, and word study lessons. In addition to the resources provided by the Fountas & Pinnell Classroom Literacy Program, students also have 4 units of study within the Schoolwide Writing Program. The 4 main units of study for writing are: 1. How Writers Work, 2. Narrative Writing, 3. Informational Writing, and 4. Opinion/Argument Writing.
Math
In fifth grade, mathematicians work to develop a concrete understanding of decimal numbers and fractions. Students develop models with math manipulatives and create representational drawings to complete calculations and solve real-world problems. Once students have developed an understanding rooted in concrete models and drawings, they will learn to solve calculations using algorithms. Fifth graders also practice geometry concepts such as classifying 2D shapes and using a coordinate system, measurement skills such as converting between units within the standard and metric systems and finding the volume of 2D shapes, and analyzing data using a line plot. Finally, students investigate patterns and solve equations using the order of operations. All of these skills are developed through a mathematical mindset, employing the 8 Mathematical Practices. Teachers will provide a variety of resources that have been curated by the Regional Office of Education.
Social Studies
In Social Studies, the theme of our study is Our Nation, Our World. Through an inquiry based approach, students will make connections between the history of the United States, the history of other North American countries, and current events. There are four main units of study for fifth grade Social Studies:
1) Citizenship and Government
2) Conflict
3) The Development of a Country
4) Diversity
Student magazines from Houghton Mifflin Harcourt serve as a resource throughout the different units.
Science
Fifth grade students approach science with a focus on the Engineering Process through STEM activities. Students will engage in four main units of study:
1) Matter and Its Interactions
2) Energy in Ecosystems
3) Earth’s Major Systems
4) Stars and Our Solar System
Throughout the coursework, students will plan and carry out investigations, gather and analyze data, and communicate their findings through writing and speaking. Resources include Mystery Science and Challenger Learning.