Grade 5

Class Subjects

Math:

In the 5th grade the focus on math is the relationship between percents, fractions and ratios. This is often a very hard concept for students to grasp. Students can often complete the necessary work, but understanding what they are doing is sometimes difficult. Please be aware of this and give your child every opportunity to practice these concepts at home during daily activities. Basic algebra, negative integers and double digit division will also introduced. We are currently using the Houghton Mifflin text and supplemental materials to teach the subject matter.

Language Arts:

Reading
One cannot be a good writer without being a good reader. This is why it is so important that your child always has at least one story that he/she is reading. I expect each child to read at least for 20 minutes every night and on the weekends. I hope that you will encourage this at home. Reading in our class is accomplished through a variety of means.
Required novel reading- Students must read at least 5 novels throughout the year. There are comprehension questions that must be answered for each novel. There may also be book report, both written and oral that will need to be completed. At times I ask that the students keep a reading journal in place of comprehension questions. Individual reading- Students must choose at least one book of their own choosing and complete a novel study on it.
In addition to this, we have a weekly library time where the students are invited to free read any material they wish.

Writing
During the 5th grade is when the students really begin to develop as writers. At this age they are able to transfer the reading skills that they have acquired and their vocabulary has developed to the point that they can begin to paint and mold mental pictures on paper. Taking this ability and organizing it to produce legible, flowing, enjoyable works of writing is the goal during this year. As with all areas, some students develop faster than others, but it is at this age level that decent story writing begins. Students will be required to write a variety of papers throughout the year. Some will be very structured such as research papers, poetry, and letter writing. Others will not be structured, such as creative writing assignments, and it is this type of medium that the student’s true ability begins to appear. They will be utilizing the writing process throughout, from brainstorming, through several drafts to finalize a finished product. Due to the fact that writing is such an important part of the 5th grade we write on a daily basis.

We use the Writers Express handbook and skill book as our main writing text.

Journal
Students write in their journals three times a week. This is more of a free writing exercise and is not graded. It is a great tool to see how their writing improves over the course of the year.

Vocabulary
Each student has a spelling book. I give weekly tests in which the students will be tested on the correct spelling of the words, the part of speech and meaning.

Science:

(This year taught by Ms. Connoly)
The following subjects will be covered in Science
●Systems in Living Things
●The Solar System and Beyond
●Matter and Energy
●Populations and Eco systems
●The Solid Earth
●Light and Sound

Social Studies:

We will be covering the following topics in social studies:
●Explorers
●Slavery and Racism
●Africa
●Medieval Times
The students will be asked to complete several research projects utilizing the computers and the library. They may be asked to produce a power point project that will present their findings.

Geography:

Students are responsible to learn world geography. Basic mapping skills, use of coordinates, compass rose and land formations will be taught.

Field Trips:

Imori Shrine- Hiking and Japanese Archery
Skiing- January ski trip
Camping- Spring camp trip
Wall climbing- Indoor climbing gym