Reading
Our goal in Reading is to develop a love for literature and learning through works of non-fiction. The students will enjoy reading class novels and short stories. Skills include: reading for meaning, recognizing and developing story elements, and making predictions and inferences.
English Language Arts
Our goal in English is to help each student communicate effectively through the written and spoken word. We study and reinforce grammar, punctuation, and usage. We use the 6 +1 Traits model for our writing. Our annual wax museum gives all of the students a chance to read about and research an individual who has had a positive impact on the world. Giving a speech about the individual is often a new and challenging project for the fifth graders!
Religion
Fifth grade Religion focuses on growing in the knowledge of Who Jesus Is. We study the New Testament stories of Jesus. The gospels tell of Jesus as Teacher, Healer, Prayer, and Son of God. This leads to our main focus of the seven Sacraments. The Sacraments bring us to Jesus and build community.
Science
We use the scientific process to investigate and conduct experiments. The units studied include: Electricity, Chemistry, Earth and Space, Weather, and Animals. We use small group, cooperative learning as a part of their exploration.
Math
The 5th grade focuses on long division and working with fractions. Other topics include: addition, subtraction, multiplication, geometry, and measurement. The students will also keep progress of their times tables mastery through a program called “Otter Creek”.
Social Studies
The 5th grade focuses on regions of the United States, the earliest times in North America, and the beginnings of our country. There will be different hands-on projects in which the students will engage and a chance to explore multiple perspectives. The students will gain a better understanding of how our country came to be, the difficulties and triumphs along the way, and the ways we all participate in a democratic society.
Art
Students learn about and create major classifications of art such as: landscape, seascape, cityscape, portraits, and others, using a variety of media and techniques. Emphasis is also placed on the elements of and principles of Art.
Music
During the 5th grade, we perform a major musical production. We review the recorders by playing fun Christmas tunes. We study a variety of song styles. The students illustrate the song “What A Wonderful World” by Louis Armstrong and create our own book. We study ballads and explore the history of the Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald, as well as Novelty Songs and Bobby Socks Songs. We end with the 17th century tale of Rigoletto.
Physical Education
Included in the curriculum is a brief exercise and aerobic program. Some of the units that will be covered are softball, volleyball, soccer, basketball, floor hockey, ping pong, lacrosse, badminton, flag football, yoga, dance, and Tae Bo, as well as cooperative activities.
Spanish
We learn the alphabet and practice vowel pronunciation. Students study greetings, numbers, writing the days and months, colors, and clothes. Students are introduced to genders of nouns and adjective agreement.
Speech and Drama
New for the 2023-24, all 5th and 6th graders will take Speech and Drama. Students will see Mrs. Martinez once a week for this special. Learn more here: spsl.net/classroom/speech-drama/
