Class Descriptions
Language Arts
Writing
Fifth grade writing is a constant work in progress! Each step of the writing process is followed and writing tasks are aligned with the Common Core and Fifth Grade class novels. Fifth grade will focus on a different writing standard each marking period. The processed pieces will focus on narrative, opinion, explanatory, and research writing. The individual threads of language mechanics, rich vocabulary, spelling, varied sentence styles, and compositional risks are woven into the final masterpieces which are the students’ process pieces! The children share their ideas with each other and assist each other in improving their work from brainstorming ideas all the way to publishing their writing. Essays can truly be cross curricular! Individual students’ writing portfolios are kept in our classrooms so that growth can be documented throughout the year.
Reading
The students will read fictional and non-fictional texts, including class novels such as No Talking!, Number the Stars, and Tuck Everlasting. They will also use their reading textbook, Journeys, to enhance comprehension and Common Core Skills. The children will respond to the reading selections through various comprehension activities and personal response writing. Weekly required reading response letters and a 40 book reading challenge ensure reading exposure.
Grammar
Grammar lessons are infused into reading and writing activities on a daily basis. Application of correct grammar is emphasized through student-teacher writing conferences. and character descriptions in reading.
Social Studies: The United States
Students will understand how the United States was created by studying Early American History. Fifth graders will be introduced to various Native American groups that first settled North and South America. They will also examine how European exploration affected life for the Native Americans and led to changes on both continents. Other topics covered will include: colonization of the New World, and The American Revolution. Students will use the past to connect to the world today. Technological integration will be infused into the subject area. Students will complete a Timeline of The American Revolution research project.
Science
Space and Technology
Students will explore the different tools and structures astronomers use to study our universe. Students will study the characteristics and life cycle of stars. They will examine the ways stars are grouped together in galaxies and constellations. They will also study how the movement of the Earth, Moon, and Sun affect our daily life. Students will further their study by completing a constellation project.
Life Science
Students will study the living and nonliving parts of an ecosystem. They will discover the features of water and land biomes which include: the tropical rainforest, deciduous forest, taiga, tundra, grassland, desert, rivers, wetlands, and the sea.
Earth Science
Students will understand the difference between renewable and nonrenewable resources. Students will discover different ways we can save energy to protect Earth’s resources.
Physical Science
Students will understand the properties and phases of matter. They will use the periodic table study the elements and their parts.
Fifth grade will visit the science lab weekly to complete experiments that correspond with their science lessons.