Curriculum
What is the Core Knowledge Sequence?
Educational excellence and equity require a coherent, cumulative, knowledge-based curriculum. This basic principle inspired the Core Knowledge Foundation to undertake the long process of research and consensus-building that led to the development of the Core Knowledge Sequence, the blueprint for knowledge-based schooling.
The Core Knowledge Sequence represents ...(Read More)
Greek & Latin
The study of Latin and Greek roots is a wonderful skill builder in both vocabulary and spelling. We discuss a daily root and its derivations each day. These are placed in their book as well as on an index card. Both the cards and the book can be taken home nightly to study. A weekly test is given every Wednesday. Blank practice tests are available.
Affix Quiz Study Guide- Quarter 1 Quarter 2 (Version 2) Quarter 3 Quarter 4
Helpful Hints
Reading
We use both the fifth grade Core Classics and the Open Court series as a base for our literature studies. All state, district, and Core objectives or outcomes are covered regardless of which series we are using at the time. Writing is incorporated into the reading units matching genre to mode and giving students a chance to apply their knowledge and skills.
Open Court- Connect Ed
Novels
Into Math
The Grade 5 Into Math curriculum is used along with supplemental materials needed to reinforce key concepts and standards. Math homework is not graded but is evaluated to see patterns in class strengths and weaknesses. Work done in class on Wednesday or Friday is graded, should your child bring home math on either of these days, you are invited to help your student with questions of procedure. Please do not correct their work. This helps give a clear picture of what they need help with. Only fact tests given on test days are graded.
Poetry
Did you know that poetry started the idea for the Core Knowledge Sequence? While teaching two poems to his university class, E. D. Hirsch Jr. realized a rich knowledge made it easier for his students to read with comprehension and critically solve problems. Hirsch built the Core Knowledge Sequence based on this discovery. (read full article here)
Poetry remains an important part of the Core classrooms as it:
opens opportunities for students to examine meaning, speak in public, and practice memorization.
teaches the beat and inflection of the English language through rhythms and sounds.
spans time periods, topics, and viewpoints within a few short stanzas shows what is possible with English grammar and language
creates a natural discussion centered on ideas and language (literal and figurative).
Shurley
Shurley grammar is used in fifth grade. Students incorporate these skills within their writing. The skills learned in Shurley are expected to be used throughout other subject areas and will be assessed accordingly. Shurley is available as an app.
Shurley Capitalization and Punctuation Rules
Shurley Parent Help Booklets (scroll to the bottom of the page)
Unit Studies
Core 5th grade follows the Core Knowledge Sequence for Unit Studies. Interactive notebooks are used for both Social Studies and Science; part of the goal with these notebooks is to teach note-taking skills. The Science notebook is for recording student observations and learning. Formal writing will not be done in the notebooks. Both the Science and Unit Studies books are available online