MATH & ALGEBRA

Algebra in fifth grade covers a wide range of ability levels from pre-algebra to solving complex equations. Students are grouped according to ability and there are usually two or three groups within the class. The Key to Algebra series by Key Curriculum Press provides a set of ten workbooks that build on each other and provide concentrated practice and repetition for different concept areas. Workbook study is combined with group activities which explore practical applications of algebra.

A geometry unit is taught while students learn a computer program called LOGO. Students learn about shapes and angles while they create geometric drawings. Basic geometry is introduced and students work towards formal proofs involving an understanding of congruent shapes.

Fifth graders continue to work in math groups at their own levels. All math groups cover the basic concept areas that are recommended by the California State frameworks for different grade levels. The upper math group uses Sadlier Oxford Progress in Math and the Connected Mathematics curriculum for most of its work. The Connected Mathematics series presents number concepts in a rich verbal context designed to develop meaning through computations. This curriculum provides many opportunities for students to see how numbers can be used to solve every day problems. The program emphasizes student interaction and discussion and is designed for group and individual learning.

SCIENCE

Students learn to use a hands-on inquiry approach to science. The scientific method continues to be emphasized throughout all course content. Students learn to use models, keep records, and devise investigations. Curiosity, respect for evidence, perseverance, and flexibility are encouraged. Topics of study include: water, properties of matter, forces, electricity and magnetism, wave energy and ecosystems. All students participate in the school science fair.

All students receive an additional science period in our Life Lab each week. Life Lab is a garden classroom and living laboratory that teaches environmental sciences and stewardship. More information can be found on the Life Lab curriculum description.

READING & LANGUAGE ARTS

The reading program includes a study of contemporary fiction, classics, short stories, biographies and students’ choice. Students are encouraged to read critically and to develop their own opinions about writing style, characterization, and motivation. Reading materials include: Sees Behind Trees, Skellig, The Trouble With Lemons, and 2 books of choice.

Students follow a spelling program that involves essential words at their reading level. Weekly spelling tests are designed to emphasize studying and testing skills in addition to the importance of proper spelling.

Vocabulary is drawn from the class’ current reading and current spelling words. Advanced students are challenged to work above their grade level in spelling and vocabulary.

HISTORY & GEOGRAPHY
In fifth and sixth grades, the two-year history program covers Europe in the Middle Ages, the Renaissance, and United States history. It is our belief that history cannot be meaningful without a geographical background. Physical, political, climatic, and cultural geography studies are an integral part of learning about our heritage and our involvement in the world.

WRITING

Students have weekly writing assignments that focus on organizing ideas into paragraphs. Students are encouraged to write on different topics, including personal narratives, literature, and curriculum areas. The topics are chosen to generate interest and to involve the students in the writing process. Longer writing projects include book reports, short stories and topical reports.

Students also develop research skills such as note taking, outline writing, and questioning strategies that they use in other subjects as well. They explore literary genres, including poetry and short stories. Technical writing skills—punctuation, grammar, capitalization, logical organization—are developed through specific assignments and editing.

SPEECH & FILM

Public speaking skills are developed through oral presentations to the class and during class meetings. As a part of the creative writing process, students are encouraged to read what they have written. During speech and film class, students practice reading scripts, poems, and acting out skits which are then filmed. The students enjoy watching and critiquing themselves. Being filmed motivates the students to try new speaking roles and to develop characters. As the year progresses, students become involved in writing and acting in longer film projects.

FOREIGN LANGUAGES

Students in fifth grade continue their study of Latin and Spanish. Latin’s highly structured grammar is ideal for developing and reinforcing the syntactical concepts used in English. Knowledge of Latin word roots also helps students expand their vocabulary, especially in scientific and mathematical areas. In Spanish, students are learning to conjugate verbs and create sentences. They write letters to pen-pals and create family albums.

ADDITIONAL CLASSES

All students have weekly classes in art, drama, music and physical education.

Fifth Grade Weekly Class Schedule