Humanities
Literature – Students read, discuss, and begin to analyze literature in large group and small group settings. They examine point of view, era, character, plot development, theme, and setting. Reading material includes young adult historical fiction, poetry, primary source documents, and newspaper articles. Strategies are taught for increasing reading speed and comprehension. A habit of daily reading continues to be developed and nurtured.
English – Students will learn the Five-Step Writing Process and the 6 + 1 Traits® of Writing. Paragraph development in the first semester will segue into multiple paragraph essays in the second. The Vocabu-Lit program offers literature excerpts which will serve as writing models, as vocabulary and grammar continue to be strengthened.
Social Studies – The program focuses on United States history from the Constitutional Convention to the Industrial Age. Social studies is taught using a thematic approach with each unit beginning with a guiding question that provokes thought, group work and discussion, research, and creative projects. Students read, write, discuss, and compare the cultural, social, religious, geographical, political, and economic aspects of these eras. Additionally, students discuss current events and the importance of being a responsible citizen.
Mathematics
The grade five math program offers two classes, Honors Math and Advanced Honors Math, giving students the opportunity to study math at a level and pace commensurate with their ability. Students in both sections continue to develop a conceptual framework of numbers and number concepts, focusing on the connection between ideas and procedures among different mathematical topics. Students solidify their skills in computation and begin to develop an understanding of the meaning of these skills as they apply to real-life problems. Problem-solving strategies are introduced and reinforced through class discussion, group work, and individual class activities. Time is taken to ensure that students develop a strong sense of the meaning of mathematics, including multiple ways to solve problems and how to communicate thoughts and work mathematically.
Science
In science, grade five students focus on continued investigations in order to develop understanding of science content, to grow investigative skills, and to learn to value inquiry and cooperative teamwork. Topics include astronomy and our ever-changing knowledge of space; biodiversity, including how changes over time have created unique and varied animal and plant species; the rainforest biome with an emphasis on the relationships between, and adaptations of maintaining and sustaining these biomes for a healthy global community; and magnetism and electricity.
To learn more about the grade five curriculum click on a subject below.
