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Academics

5

Fifth Grade



Fresh out of fourth grade, students arrive at the doorstep of fifth grade where they will be met with an academically challenging program whose mission is to prepare them to confidently and successfully cross the threshold from the elementary grades into the hallways of the Middle School and beyond.

The Fifth Grade Curriculum

Religion

The fifth grade religion program concentrates on three essential elements of the Catholic faith-doctrine, Scripture and the celebration of the liturgical seasons. The students recognize that what we believe, how we worship, how we live, and how we pray make a difference in our lives.

Language Arts

 The fifth grade English program focuses on language and usage through the continued study of grammar, mechanics, and composition. Special attention is given to the parts of speech and sentence structure. The spelling program presents an integrated language arts approach to the study of spelling. The program is based on three fundamental goals: To learn and spell common spelling patterns and troublesome words, to learn strategies related to sounds and spelling patterns, and to link spelling and meaning. The reading program provides a comprehensive approach to the study of literature. The program emphasizes the use of reading strategies as a technique in the development of successful readers. The students use a theme-based anthology text, with additional novels read throughout the year as support.

Mathematics

Our program focuses on making mathematics meaningful and relevant. It stresses number sense to increase proficiency in computation and problem solving. Conceptual focus is on Algebra, Graphing Data, Decimals, Fractions, and Geometry.

The Saxon 65 Math course is designed for fifth graders with average to above average math skills. Enrichment lessons are added to the basic lessons for the advanced group. It is made up of five instructional components: Daily Warm-Up, Daily Lesson, Daily Practice, Daily Problem Sets and Cumulative Tests. Saxon 65 is an integrated basic mathematics course that reviews and expands upon all of the mathematical content for the previous year. The emphasis on problem solving continues as students are called on to apply mathematical tools and techniques to real world mathematical situations expressed through word problems. The concepts taught are cumulative and are integrated daily.

Science

 The fifth grade science program develops a firm foundation of science knowledge and understanding of basic science concepts related to the units of study. Students begin with the study and application of the scientific method, proceeding to study weather, sound and light, and the ecosystems.

The areas of study covered in the fifth grade are: the Scientific Method, classification of cells, structures of life, populations and ecosystems, body systems and water on Earth. The process skills used to teach and understand the concepts covered in these units include: observing, communication, classifying, measuring, estimating, collecting data, making a graph, inferring and predicting, interpreting data, controlling variables, and making models. Students develop a deep appreciation of the role science plays in their every day lives and demonstrate a greater degree of self-confidence in their ability to develop ideas, think critically and to use the tools of science including technology.

Social Studies

 Fifth grade students study Ancient Civilizations. The units covered are: Early People and Ways of Life, Cradles of Civilization, Asia's Classical Age, The Mediterranean, Rise of New Empires, Growth of Trade, and The Early Modern World. The curriculum is enriched by field trips to the Walters Art Museum and the Reginald F. Lewis Museum in the spring.