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Fifth Grade

District Curriculum
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Reading Improvement

Curriculum

At the fifth grade level, we cover the following topics in each of the curricular areas:

Language Arts

Language arts instruction integrates the four language processes of speaking, writing, listening and reading. Language as objectives are taught using different experiences. These experiences may include: reading chapter books, novel studies and literature circles; using whole class or small group instruction; reading selections from Don't Forget to Fly, our reading anthology; and various read-alouds. Monthly reading requirements are from a variety of genres and are presented and/or reported through different formats. A research project is undertaken focusing on the many different research skills necessary to complete the process. This is a cross curricular activity in conjunction with social studies. Writing experiences are cross- curricular, and focus on narrative, expository, and persuasive pieces. Students use the writing process of webbing and pre-writing, rough drafts, revisions, and final draft. Speaking and listening experiences throughout the year promote opportunities to develop skills in the four language processes.

Spelling

The fifth grade spelling program is based on the Zaner-Bloser's spell it-write series. Children are expected to master the fifth grade high frequency words and to spell them correctly in their daily writing. In addition it is expected that fifth graders spell words correctly in their daily work that were taught as spelling words in second, third, fourth and fifth grades. Individual lists are developed each week to meet individual needs.

Math

The fifth grade math program focuses heavily on the ability to solve problems. Math instruction is multi-dimensional with continued use of manipulatives, as appropriate, to enhance concept development. Accelerated math is available for qualified students.

Major content includes the following areas:

Operations and computation: review of addition, subtraction, multiplication and division of whole numbers, and computation of decimals and fractions.
Measurement: customary and metric
Geometry: lines, angles, congruence, coordinates, shapes and solids, area, elements, and volume.
Patters and functions: classification, missing elements, variables
Numbers and numeration: whole numbers, fractions, and decimals
Statistics: tables, graphs, probability, mean, median, mode, and range
Algebra
Social Studies

Social studies curriculum in fifth grade explores United States history through the twentieth century. The major focus is the Colonial Period through the mid 19th century. The major areas covered in each unit are: the economic systems, the political systems, the history, the geography, the social systems, and the decisions faced by the people of the times.

Science

Science topics for fifth grade are: weather, electricity and magnetism, the digestive system, stars, and small life. The student attend a presentation at Robert Crown Health Museum on "how life begins."