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Fifth Grade

In Fifth grade students continue to practice and develop their skills. They begin analyzing material in more profound ways and writing structured, clear, and detailed pieces about a variety of subjects. Reading focuses on teaching students to understand and develop ideas about the texts they read. They learn to support their ideas using details from their readings, and are expected to think carefully about quotes, facts, and events to develop opinions about a text and its veracity. Students become more developed writers. They write different types of pieces covering a variety of topics, and use details and organization to strengthen their position. In Math, students practice more complex equations with fractions, decimals, and larger numbers, using all four basic operations: addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. In science students conduct experiments and investigate multiple topics. They develop ideas, draw conclusions, and further their experiments and investigations. In social studies students learn American history, beginning with colonization and continuing through the 20th century. As 5th graders learn about social studies, students are taught to analyze the reasons behind events, make connections, and start to see the patterns of history.

Language and Literacy:

Guided Reading of an assortment of genres. The book listing in fifth grade will be a representative selection of books including different genres and are chosen to infuse more culturally responsive, multicultural and inclusive stories into the classroom. Reading listing also includes selected nonfiction topics and biographical selections to supplement curricular areas of study. Shared reading, independent reading and Reading Response Journals support the development and practice of Common Core Reading Standards.

Writing:

Fifth grade writing focuses on writing paragraphs, essays and reports. The emphasis in writing is on quality rather than quantity.

  • Write informative/explanatory texts to examine a topic and convey ideas and information clearly.
  • Write narratives to develop real or imagined experiences or events using effective technique, descriptive details, and clear event sequences.
  • Write opinion pieces on topics or texts, supporting a point of view with reasons and information.

Grammar, Spelling and Vocabulary:

  • Conventions of standard English grammar and usage when writing or speaking.
  • Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English capitalization, punctuation, and spelling when writing.
  • Demonstrate understanding of figurative language, word relationships, and nuances in word meanings.
  • Use knowledge of language and its conventions when writing, speaking, reading, or listening.
  • Vocabulary acquisition and use including identifying synonyms and antonyms

Math:

Bridges in Mathematics

Social Studies:

Through the use of primary and secondary sources students will learn about world and American history and geography, integrating topics in civics and the arts. Students will build knowledge of diverse civilizations, cultures, and concepts.

Essential Questions in Fifth Grade Social Studies:

To what degree does geography determine culture?

How do issues of power, wealth and morality influence exploration and colonization?

How do key forces and events shape nations?

How does an interdependent region meet the challenges of modern living?

Racial Literacy: Fifth grade lessons will trace the history of immigration to the United States, a country “made by” and “made of” immigrants.

Science: Following the Next Generation Science Standards, science is fully integrated into the classroom, through STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Mathematics)

Units of Study

Physical and Chemical Changes

  • How much does air weigh?

Matter and Energy in Ecosystems

  • How do matter and energy flow through ecosystems?

Earth System Science

  • Where does Rain Come from?

Stars and the Solar System?

  • How far away are stars?

Engineering Design

  • How do we create a simple design that solves a problem; reflecting a need or want; that includes specified criteria for success or constraints on materials, time or cost?

Technology:

  • Keyboarding without Tears- The program for teaching keyboarding is developmentally appropriate by grade.
  • Digital Citizenship: Common Sense Media
  • Google Classroom - Google tools

Field Trips:

All field trips in Fifth Grade support the curriculum in the classroom, are local, accessible by walking or involve limited transportation