We spend lots of language arts time learning how to craft and compose a multi-paragraph narrative. Each child learns how to edit and revise his/her work to effectively communicate a descriptive piece of writing. In reading, fifth graders refine their comprehension and analytical skills of fiction, nonfiction and historical fiction texts. They reinforce the essential skills of summarizing, questioning the author, and making connections to clarify meaning and determine importance when reading individually leveled and grade level texts and novels. By the end of fifth grade, our students are well prepared to read and write in middle school!

In fifth-grade mathematics we start with the frequent practice of basic math facts review.  Problem-solving strategies, logical-reasoning skills, and algebraic-thinking skills continue to be developed and refined.  Work continues with numbers and operations on whole numbers, decimals, and fractions.  Students explore topics in measurement, geometry, data analysis, and probability.  In fifth-grade accelerated mathematics, the basic skills that students have acquired are extended.  The ideas pertaining to operations on numbers, elementary number theory, geometry, measurement, statistics, probability, patterns and functions are expanded.  These topics, along with an introduction to algebraic symbolism prepare students for pre-algebra.

In fifth-grade science, we emphasize the importance of selecting appropriate instruments for measuring and recording observations. The organization, analysis, and application of data continue to be an important focus of classroom inquiry. Science skills from preceding grades, including questioning and systematic experimentation, are reinforced at this level. Students are introduced to more detailed concepts of sound and light and the tools used for studying them. Key concepts of matter, including atoms, molecules, elements, and compounds, are studied, and the properties of matter are defined in greater detail. The cellular makeup of organisms and the distinguishing characteristics of groups of organisms are stressed. Students learn about the characteristics of the oceans and Earth’s changing surface.

Our 5th graders get to “travel” the world! We start our year learning about the great United States. Students will be able to locate all 50 states on a map, as well as be able to name all the state capitals! Leaving the U.S., we’ll explore the history and culture of some exciting countries such as Mexico and China. We’ll even “travel” back in time to learn about the lives of the kings, lords and knights of Medieval Europe. Also, in Europe, we’ll be fascinated by WWI and WWII and learn how the U.S. became the military super power that it is today. All in all, our 5th graders we’ll feel like world travelers when the year is through!