Religion

The fifth grade religion program uses Faith First by Resources for Christian Living. The fifth grade religion program concentrates on three essential elements of the Catholic faith-doctrine, Scripture and the celebration of the liturgical seasons. The students recognize that what we believe, how we worship, how we live, and how we pray make a difference in our lives. The students all participate in an interdisciplinary Family Life unit. In this unit, students learn about family relationships, with an emphasis on Catholic values and virtues, and the consequences of our choices. In addition classes attend daily Mass on a rotating basis. Students have an opportunity to plan and lead a school wide First Friday Mass.

Language Arts

The fifth grade English program focuses on language and usage through the continued study of grammar, mechanics, and composition. Special attention is given to the parts of speech and sentence structure. The spelling program presents an integrated language arts approach to the study of spelling. The program is based on three fundamental goals: o learn and spell common spelling patterns and troublesome words, to learn strategies related to sounds and spelling patterns, and to link spelling and meaning. The reading program provides a comprehensive approach to the study of literature. The program emphasizes the use of reading strategies as a technique in the development of successful readers. The students use a theme-based anthology text, with additional novels read throughout the year as support.

Mathematics

The fifth grade math program uses Saxon Math. It stresses number sense to increase proficiency in computation and problem solving. The topics covered are Number Sense, Fractions, Decimals, Probability, Geometry, Measurement, and Pre-Algebra. To aid in the assessment of the students’ learning there is nightly homework, section quizzes, and chapter tests.

Social Studies

Fifth grade students study American History. The units covered are Exploration, Colonization, Revolutionary War, Government, Civil War, Immigration, World War I, Great Depression, and World War II.

Science

Specials

The fifth grade science program develops a firm foundation of science knowledge and understanding of basic science concepts related to the units of study. Students begin with the study and application of the scientific method, proceeding to study weather, sound, light, ecosystems, chemistry, geology, botany, and biology.

Students develop a deep appreciation of the role science plays in their every day lives and demonstrate a greater degree of self-confidence in their ability to develop ideas, think critically and to use the tools of science including technology. Students take an extended three-day field trip to the Claud Kitchens Outdoor School at Fairview, where they participate in hands on activities related to environmental studies.

Fifth Grade students participate in weekly classes in Art, Computer, Library, Music, Physical Education, and Spanish.