Fifth Grade

Language Arts continues to emphasize reading comprehension, writing, grammar, vocabulary and spelling. Through Junior Great Books, novels, short stories, poems and Greek mythology, students connect their own experiences to the story. They are able to draw conclusions based on the information, distinguish between cause and effect, and discuss the use of imagery in common themes throughout the story. Arguments are presented clearly and persuasively and writing is used as a way to react to and think about literature. Book reports are presented orally to increase the students’ ease with public speaking.

Students learn word meanings and spelling of new vocabulary words. Students are able to improve sentences by correctly replacing phrases with a vocabulary word. They are able to write sentences using all parts of speech, including prepositions and prepositional phrases and elaborate simple sentences using conjunctions and various parts of speech into complex ones. Through various writing assignments, students increase their creative, expository and poetic writing skills.

Mathematics reinforces and expands on basic arithmetic operations as applied to integers, fractions and decimals. Line segments, intersecting lines, angle and the formulas for area, perimeter and circumference are included in the study of geometry. Increasingly complicated word problems are solved using combinations of operations.

Social Studies Topics covered in American history include Lewis and Clark, the westward movement and the growth of the United States, Native American cultures, slavery and the Civil War, inventions, industry, immigrants, women’s rights, the Civil Rights movement, United States government and current events, technology and environment. Some topics are covered through collaborative learning and project development. Geography includes lessons in map reading and map drawing. Geography study is related to history and is included in all projects. Local geography is emphasized through off-campus MTA trips followed by written reports. Special projects include the research paper writing process culminating in a state report and city planning culminating in designing a model city.

Science includes the study of the human body and the function of the digestive and respiratory systems. The periodic table is introduced and students learn to write basic chemical symbols and equations. The stars, planets, solar system, comets, meteors, and movement in space are also explored. Students continue to use proper lab techniques and learn to use the microscope.

Foreign Language continues to build upon Spanish vocabulary and basic grammar. Students study the geography of South America. Students learn about the impact of Columbus’ explorations and Spain’s colonization of the Americas.

Technology is used as a tool to enrich the core curriculum. Students complete class assignments and projects such as research reports and multimedia presentations using the computers in both the classroom and the computer lab. Students are taught how to use the Internet as a reference and are assisted in using Macromedia Flash, Inspiration, Photoshop Elements, PowerPoint and other software.

Physical Education continues to develop motor skills and eye-hand and eye-foot coordination through different sports. Students become aware of where their bodies are in relation to their friends during games and activities. Working cooperatively and exhibiting good sportsmanship and citizenship are emphasized.

Art explores the rules of perspective. Students create basic drawings using one and two-point perspective and use light and shadow to create illusion and depth. They learn about art as a representation of cultural beliefs and make masks as a reflection of cultural traditions.

Music includes standard songs, rock and roll, Mexican music, percussion instruments and dance. Students read various rhythms, sing three independent parts, and play percussion instruments following music on the page.