5th Grade Curriculum Highlights

5th Grade Teachers: Ms. Rachel Roberts and Mrs. Debbie Johnston
Reading
  • Determine the meaning of grade-level vocabulary or word phrases used in text including figurative language such as metaphors and similes
  • Explain text and draw inferences while quoting directly from the text
  • Make text to text connections
  • Read and comprehend grade-level fiction and nonfiction text at Lexile of 830-1010 with a minimum of 925
  • Summarize text using supporting details
  • Compare and contrast two or more characters, settings, or events in a story or drama using details to support
  • Evaluate author's reason for writing a text
  • Understand and explain the setting, main characters, simple theme and plot of a text
  • Predict and draw conclusions of a text
Writing
  • Write opinion, persuasive, informative and narrative text
  • Adjust sentence length for style
  • Engage in the writing process
  • Write for a specific audience, task/purpose
  • Interact and collaborate
  • Analyze, reflect and research
  • Organize ideas logically
  • Include format and illustration to aid comprehension
  • Use dialogue and description
  • Summarize and paraphrase
  • Develop the topic with facts, quotations, concrete details and sensory details
  • Use academic language accurately
Math
  • Understand place value system from billions to thousandths
  • Perform operations using multi-digit whole numbers & decimals
  • Add and subtract fractions with like and unlike denominators
  • Multiply and divide fractions
  • Write and interpret numerical expressions
  • Analyze patterns and relationships
  • Classify 2D figures into two categories based on their properties
  • Graph points on a coordinate grid to solve problems
  • Understand volume as it relates to addition and multiplication
  • Convert like measurement units within a giving measurement system
  • Represent and interpret data on a line plot
Social Studies
  • Understand and apply map and globe skills to the United States
  • Demonstrate knowledge of the cultures and people of the United States
  • Understand cultural background and historical events that are part of U.S. heritage
  • Understand the history of the U.S. government
  • Demonstrate knowledge of basic events in U.S. history
  • Interpret timelines, charts, graphs, atlases and other graphic organizers
  • Demonstrate knowledge of current events
Science
  • Study of matter and its interactions
  • Molecules up to organisms
  • The Earth's place in the universe
  • Motion and gravity
  • Ecosystems and movement of energy
  • Earth's systems, atmosphere and climate
  • The Earth, human activity on it and methods of conservation
  • Animals, body functions, classifications and the food chain
  • Energy consumed by, produced by and used by animals
Social Development & Work Habits
Students are expected to: 
  • Respect the rights, diversity and feelings of others
  • Listen to and follow directions
  • Demonstrate self-control in the classroom and throughout the school
  • Choose appropriate behavior
  • Demonstrate proper manners, kindness and compassion
  • Demonstrate their best effort and strive for quality
  • Have good attendance
  • Participate in classroom discussions and activities
  • Use time productively
  • Take risks as a self-directed learner
  • Return school materials and homework on time
Specials
Art
  • Design imaginative maps based on historic examples that include a compass rose and map key
  • Use primary colors with white to mix a variety of shades and tints for stylized paintings
  • Make unique rubber stamps from erasers and use them to create patterns
  • Draw sketches to develop ideas and translate some into 3D forms
  • Construct 3D clay containers or sculptures using coil and slab building techniques
  • Describe and analyze art using appropriate art-related vocabulary
  • Identify styles from different artists, cultures and times
  • Connect knowledge and skills in art to other curricular areas
  • Produce quality images and objects that communicate and express ideas using variety of art media, tools, techniques and processes
Library
  • Students become self-sufficient at using Destiny Quest and at locating items within the collection
  • Students are responsible for up to six books at a time
  • Students learn more about Lexile and how to use the "advanced search" feature in our catalog to search by Lexile (and other limiters)
  • Students are introduced to movie making and assist with the annual "I Love to Read Month" video
  • Students engage in cross-curricular projects that bring classic stories to life through art
  • Time allotted for independent reading makerspace activities, games and puzzles
  • Students are introduced to a variety of literary genres, lifelong reading habits and technology resources
Music
  • Students perform in the winter and spring concerts
  • Students apply knowledge of rhythm, melody and tempo during the keyboard unit
  • Music textbooks are used to introduce and reinforce concepts and standards
  • Students learn to play the guitar, utilizing concepts such as time signature, tempo, measure, etc.
  • Students use their knowledge of music symbols, rhythm and melody to compose and play a song on the guitar
Physical Education
  • Refine and apply movement skills in combinations used to perform tasks including: throwing, catching, dribbling, striking, balancing, rhythmic movement, jumping rope and tumbling
  • Understand principles of practice and self-correction as means to improve performance of movement skills
  • Choose to be physically active and understand the importance of maintaining a healthy, active lifestyle
  • Apply safe practices, positive social interaction, sportsmanship, teamwork and problem-solving strategies in sport lead-up games, cooperative activities and fitness initiatives
Tips to Help Your Child Succeed
Family support for student learning is vital to student success. Listed below, find several ways to help your child have a more positive school experience.
  • Encourage your child to write letters, stories and poems regularly
  • Promote your child's practice of healthy habits and positive leisure activities
  • Provide time for reading every day
  • Establish several jobs for your child to do to help the family
  • Talk with your child about school and their friends
  • Expect your child to use good manners
  • Praise your child's efforts and their friends
  • Hold your child accountable for their decisions
  • Be responsible for reading all school and teacher correspondance
    Make school attendance and student effort a priority
  • Participate in conferences
  • Find time for fun with your child
  • Discuss current events with your child
  • Provide a quiet area for homework and encourage homework to be completed independently
  • Be sensitive to your child's thoughts about moving to middle school
  • Encourage your child to extend their art, music and/or athletic talents
  • Monitor your child's use of screen time including TV, video games and the computer
  • Be sensitive to the physical and emotional changes your child may be experiencing at this time
  • Provide opportunities for your child to assist with cooking or construction as a way to apply math skills
  • Provide an opportunity for your child to hear or read about family members who may have been part of historical events