St. Joseph 5th Grade
FIFTH GRADE CURRICULUM
Fifth Grade Mathematics
In the fifth grade 5 major concepts are investigated in mathematics. 1. Number sense concepts such as exploring prime, composite, square numbers, factors, products, multiples, common factors, and common multiples as well as computation using addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division of whole numbers, fractions, and decimals. 2. Measurement including the metric system, angles, the perimeter and area of rectangles and triangles. 3. Problem Solving. 4. Geometry such as understanding the attributes of shapes, analyzing geometric relationships, and finding area and perimeter.
Fifth Grade Language Arts & Reading
Language arts, reading, and writing are integrated in the new Houghton Mifflin series. This series is well aligned with reading standards and grade level expectations for fifth grade students. Students are held accountable to: understand and use different skills and strategies to read, understand the meaning of what is read, read different materials for a variety of purposes, set goals and evaluate progress to improve reading, and develop reflective thoughts and positive moral and religious values through reading. Thematic units provide relevancy, leveled material to meet a wide variety of learning needs, and ample opportunity to connect reading, writing, grammar, and vocabulary skills. Independent reading and novel studies are required at the fifth grade level, in addition to in class instruction and reading.
Fifth Grade Writing
Writing is integrated throughout the curriculum for 5th grade students at St. Joseph School. The six traits writing philosophy and the writing process are practiced with all writing assignments. Students begin the year learning about the basic structure of a sentence, various types of sentences, and the structure of a paragraph. As the year progresses, students are introduced to various writing genres: descriptive, persuasive, expository, narrative/journaling, creative-story, and report writing. Students have the opportunity to publish their writing in a variety of ways, such as Power Point presentations, oral reports, poetry, sketch book, and lab write-ups in science. In addition to the writing process, students learn about parts of speech, verb tenses, possessive nouns, and many other aspects of grammar.
Fifth Grade Social Studies
Our emphasis in social studies is on early American history from early migration to North America through the Revolutionary War. In each unit geography, map skills, and historical concepts are emphasized with the over-reaching theme being cultural encounter. The culminating activity of our year is the Colonial Fair, which highlights what each culture contributed to the North American continent. At points, social studies is integrated with reading and writing through historical fiction both read and written.
Fifth Grade Science
Ecology is the focus for our fifth grade science curriculum. Students begin the year by learning the scientific method; experiments are woven throughout the curriculum. In the fall, fifth graders work in teams to research biomes and create 3-dimensional models, demonstrating understanding of ecological concepts such as: food webs, predator/prey relationships, adaptations, and range of tolerance. These concepts are reinforced at a week-long science camp at Camp Seymour. Other areas of focus include water ecology and plant/soil ecology. The fifth graders develop a relationship with the organization, Water 1st International, raising money to support the creation of sustainable water sources in developing nations.
Fifth Grade Religion
As with all grades at St. Joseph School, religion is integrated into the school year with students studying important aspects of the Catholic faith, participating in masses and prayer services, and contributing to community outreach. The religion curriculum in fifth grade includes units exploring community, sacraments, worship, "seasons of the church," and "family life." Each grade level is responsible for planning and leading one mass each school year.