List of 5 items.

• Language Arts

  In fifth grade, language arts skills are emphasized throughout all subject areas, and are further strengthened with specific lessons and activities. Students use the Word Wisdom vocabulary program to build listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills. In fifth grade, there is a focus on the 6+1 Traits of Writing program, which teaches the key elements that comprise quality writing. Fifth graders are constantly challenged to write accurately and creatively through an array of prompts inspired by picture books, which engage students’ imaginations in highly visual ways. Students continue to build their reading skills through small-group literature circles and discussions. Throughout the year, students read class literature novels that center around the themes of growing up, teamwork, and individuality. In addition, students are encouraged to read books independently that expose them to a variety of genres, and are expected to publish their ideas for their peers using a secure classroom blogging space.

• Math

  Continuing mastery of addition, subtraction, multiplication and division of whole numbers is a goal of fifth grade math. Students learn key algebraic and geometric concepts, including perimeter, area, ratio, and volume. They’re also sharpening their skills in manipulating decimals and fractions to solve a wide variety of problems.  Students are additionally shown the complexities behind even the simplest of problems, and how there is usually more than one way to approach and solve word problems and puzzles. Ultimately, students are constantly being challenged to use their critical thinking skills to work through math problems with real-life applications.

• Science

  The primary focus of fifth grade science is Life Lab, a garden-based, hands-on science program. Students work in an outdoor and indoor garden laboratory, and are constantly observing the world around them. At the beginning of the year, students adopt and study their own garden plots as they investigate soil, seeds, plant structure, photosynthesis, and plant-animal interdependence. Other major emphases in fifth grade science include meteorology, nutrition, astronomy, and chemistry. Students use an inquiry model in their approach to learning the scientific method, and are continually given practical applications throughout each science unit.

• World Languages

  Students are enrolled in Spanish. Class instruction is held in the target language. The focus in lower grades is placed on developing oral communication and conversation skills. Songs, stories, games, poems, and props are used to encourage children to participate actively in speaking the language. T.P.R. (Total Physical Response) Storytelling, a method that permits immediate comprehension of the input as students listen to and mimic the phrases in the target language, is used in grades 1 - 5. Students enact dialogues and readings, focus on conversational skills and expand their knowledge of Hispanic countries through poetry, songs, and readings.
  
  

  Fifth grade world language students review and expand the language skills developed in ECC through fourth grades. There is a continued emphasis placed on speaking, reading, and writing. Total physical response storytelling (TPRS) continues to be used. Verb conjugations in the present tense of both regular and irregular verbs are introduced.

   

• Social Studies

  Through the study of United States history, students are exposed to a wide variety of concepts, including geography, history, government, economics, anthropology, and sociology. The year begins with a study of Native Americans throughout America, and transitions to the early explorers of the eastern United States. From there, students transition to an in-depth study of the colonies, which is paired with a unit on family history. Next, the War for Independence stems our discussion regarding the formation of our early government. Finally, we end the year by delving into Westward expansion. Throughout all of the units, students participate in a wide variety of hands-on projects that also develop their research, technology, writing, and speaking skills.