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Math
We will be using the “Everyday Mathematics” program in 5th grade. Everyday Math emphasizes many content strands: numeration (place value, fractions, negative numbers, decimals, powers of 10), operations and computation (fractions, decimals, percents), data and chance (probability, data manipulation), geometry, measurement, and algebra. Students will build on topics from 4th grade, using a problem-solving approach based on everyday situations that help develop critical thinking.
Language Arts
In 5th grade language arts this year we will be utilizing a variety of reading materials and genres. We will be taking a closer look at historical fiction, biographies, novels, short stories, magazine and newspaper articles, and plays. During our writing workshops we will have the opportunity to navigate through the writing process (pre-writing, drafting, revising, editing, publishing) to compose a variety of genres including narratives, informational, expository, and persuasive writing. We will also be studying and composing poetry. Our writing will be organized using the color coded “stoplight” approach to writing organization. Grammar, reading comprehension strategies, and vocabulary will be interwoven throughout the curriculum where relevant and will also be taught in isolation. Many of our reading selections will be integrated with the social studies and science curriculum and will provide us with relevant background knowledge about what we are studying in those subjects.
Reading and Writing Activities:
Literature Circle Discussions
Shared/Guided/Independent Reading
Journaling/Reflecting
Independent and Partner Reading
Individual and Group Projects
Book Reports (There will be one book report each
trimester.)
Shared/Guided/Independent Writing
Writing Portfolios
Texts and workbooks to be used:
Grades 5-6 Houghton Mifflin Anthology
Grades 5-8 Language Exercise (Steck Vaughn)
Special Grade Level Activities:
Grade 5-Mother's Day Tea including poetry and a party
Social Studies
In 5th grade social studies we will be studying the early history of the United States. We will begin with the French and Indian and Revolutionary Wars. Next, we will be taking a look at the documents that shaped our government such as the Declaration of Independence, Bill of Rights, and Constitution. The U.S. states and capitols will be studied as well. We will then examine global citizenship and how it relates to issues such as global warming. Manifest Destiny will be our next topic of study as we look at westward expansion including land exploration and the Gold Rush. Finally we will look at the differences between the North and the South that ultimately led to the Civil War. Our projects will include map making, biography writing, journal keeping, poetry writing, and a case study on global warming.
5th Grade: Earth Science
5th Grade spends their year learning about Earth's basic systems, from the core of the Earth out to the edge of the atmosphere. We begin by becoming cartographers, and learning how to create and read maps. Next we investigate the processes that shape the surface of the Earth. As we progress through the year, we study each of Earth's spheres: hydrosphere, atmosphere and geosphere, and how they interact. We learn about Earth's freshwater and saltwater systems, ocean currents, our weather and climate, seasons, the rock cycle, and Earth's tectonic plates. We finish the year by learning about our solar system.
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