5th Grade Curriculum
Reading
Reading is taught in small groups, placing students of similar reading abilities together. The following classic are read orally and discussed: Wind in the Willows, Robin Hood, and Arabian Nights. Emphasis is placed on plot, theme, characterization, vocabulary, and sequence. Five folk tales are studied in the Grade 5 Class Book, with an emphasis on grammar and vocabulary.
Language
Emphasis is placed on the following: Grammar, punctuation, parts of speech, vocabulary, homonyms, synonyms, proper pronunciation, sentence diagramming, and sentence structure.
Spelling
The purpose of the Carden™ spelling method is to teach children to listen to a word, break it down into its individual sounds, and to construct the word sound by sound. The children are taught the vowel “controls” and rules which govern the pronunciation and spelling of words. There are four spelling lessons per week. Twenty-one new words are introduced on Monday and Wednesday through a story. Students are expected to write these words from memory on Tuesday and Thursday mornings. The spelling lessons for Tuesday and Thursday are historical paragraphs. These paragraphs are thoroughly analyzed for content, grammar, and vocabulary development. The students break the sentences down using the Carden™ method of who, doing, what, when, where and why. They locate the key words and titles for each sentence. On Wednesday and Friday mornings, the students are expected to write the paragraphs from memory.
Composition
Students develop their writing skills through the use of Carden™ composition patterns. These patterns teach proper sequence and help organize the students’ thoughts. Newspaper articles are summarized once a month. The students incorporate the use of a thesaurus in writing.
Book Reports
The students are responsible for twelve book reports based on books approved by the teacher and of at least 150 pages in length. The report includes type of fiction, plot, setting, character description, theme, and the student’s opinion.
French
Reading, speaking, and writing of simple phrases, verb conjugation, and basic communication. The class is held three times a week for one half hour.
Mathematics
Addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, fractions, measurement, percentages, decimals, rate, geometry, and word problems.
Science
Curriculum is presented in four main units. The life science unit includes the study of reproduction and change, adaptations, ecology, environment, and basic classification of plants and animals. A unit on physical science presents the study of elements, matter, energy, light, heat, motion, friction, and electricity. The earth science unit discusses the earth's layers, natural resources, climate, solar system, and astronomy. Finally, a unit about the human body explores respiration, excretion, health, disease, and nutrition. In addition to these units, the weather report is read daily from the newspaper. Local, national, and world weather is discussed.
History
United States History from the Revolutionary War through the Civil War.
Geography
A study of the United States and Europe includes the following:
Mapping by regions
Knowledge of capitals, major rivers, mountain ranges, islands, and bodies of water
Filling in the state and country boundaries on a blank map
Discussion of history, culture, and current events of certain areas
Map Skills, including direction, time zones, latitude, longitude
Art and Art Appreciation
Drawing, painting, special projects, holiday crafts, and art appreciation.
Music
Singing and rhythmic movements, music theory, and appreciation of classical music. The students perform in two productions each year.
Physical Education
Students participate in structured PE activities every day with games and exercises which promote agility, strength, endurance, and good sportsmanship. The students strive for the Presidential Physical Fitness Challenge. In addition, there is a 15-minute morning recess.
Computer
The students learn keyboarding, spread sheets, power point, and page design through the Future Kids computer program. The class is 45 minutes, once a week.
Special Projects
A metal project requires students to identify and label twelve different metals. Students are also required to complete a 3-page research paper on an important person within the time period studied in the history lessons.
