Fifth grade curriculum overview
America’s Path (a.k.a.: Social Studies)
Text: History Alive
We begin the year studying map skills, ancient American civilizations (Native Americans), world exploration, and the foundation of colonies. Our class then begins an in-depth look into American history beginning with colonization and then moving into the American Revolution. The class studies successes and failures of the early republic until we reach the Civil War. The Civil War will most likely be our final unit of the year. During the year the students will be actively participating in simulations, debates, interviews, and research projects. Additional units include, but are not limited to: World War II (Holocaust) and the Civil Rights Movement (discrimination).
Discovery Zone (a.k.a.: Science)
Texts: Silver Burdett Ginn’s Discovery Works series; many additional resources
Discovery Zone is active and engaging, focusing on how science relates to everyday life. Students are encouraged to ask, “Why do I need to know this?” Throughout the year we will study “Space and Beyond,” units on weather, climate, and environmental issues, matter, focusing on the laws, properties, and states of matter, and our body systems. During the entire year, students focus on understanding the scientific process (question, hypothesize, plan, test, record, analyze, draw conclusions).
Problems and Puzzles (a.k.a.: Math)
Text: University of Chicago Everyday Math
Students begin the year by studying graphing, whole number concepts, fractional concepts, and decimal concepts. Other units include estimation, geometry, algebraic thinking, measurement, as well as data statistics and probability. Enrichment activities are included for the students throughout the year.
Word Up (a.k.a.: Language Arts)
Texts: Storytown
The word “grammar” has been dreaded by school children since the beginning of time. We, therefore, attempt to make “Word Up” as engaging as possible. Students learn to use language to solve problems, communicate, and to make connections within and among other learning areas.
Republic of Letters (a.k.a.: Literature)
Texts: Storytown and many other books
Literature, in fifth grade, covers a variety of genres. Students are given the opportunity to read and respond to literature in whole class settings, individually, and in literature circles. The entire fifth grade will sometimes work together during this time.
Write Now! (a.k.a.: Writing)
Text: Storytown and various materials
The fifth grade often works together on writing projects. The focus of writing, in fifth grade, is to have the students continue to develop a love for writing, while at the same time learning the foundations needed in order to be an independent and strong writer. Improving editing and revising skills are an important part of the fifth grade writing experience. Writing genres offered throughout the year include: poetry, writing paragraphs, creative writing, essays, research reports, ISAT writing, article reviews, newspaper writing, journaling, etc.
Other Topics:
Technology: Your child will be using our school’s vast array of technology to benefit their learning in all subject areas. We see technology as an amazing tool that when used appropriately and effectively can help the students push their thinking skills to a whole new level. Keyboarding skills, the internet (surfing safely, of course!), multimedia presentations,web page design, digital video and photography, software. . . The students will also be working for 30 minutes a week with our technology teacher this year.
Government: Students learn about democracy firsthand in the fifth grade’s government. Students run their own meetings and make many decisions that affect their life at Sherwood. The fifth grade government at Sherwood truly makes a difference in their community.
Committee meetings: In government, students will have the opportunity to create and join various committees. Committee meetings will take place during the lunch recesses and before school.
Speak Out: At the end of each day, students are given the opportunity to discuss the highs and lows of the school day. This gives us the chance to hear your child’s perspective of the day, as well as to diagnose any developing problems within the classroom. |
