Fifth Grade
Grade 5 is a wonderfully exciting year between elementary grades and middle school years. Fifth grade is truly a transition year that bridges many significant gaps. Our goal is to make the jump as smooth and productive as possible by modeling and encouraging the acquisition of effective study skills and habits. As part of our integrated curriculum, our fifth grade program incorporates traditional skill work, teacher modeling, student exploration, and cooperative group practice. Our fifth graders also serve as role models for our kindergarten students. In an effort to welcome and acclimate kindergarten students into the life of elementary school, we have implemented a kindergarten buddy system. When the school attends mass, fifth grade accompanies kindergarten. The fifth grade students are responsible for helping and educating the kindergarten students during mass. The fifth grade student helps the kindergarten student understand the proper behavior during mass and answers any questions the kindergarten student might have. Throughout the year, activities are scheduled between fifth grade and kindergarten.
Religion: In grade 5, the following areas of religious study are emphasized and taught: liturgy, sacraments, seasons of the Church and Catholic prayers. We focus heavily on each of the seven Sacraments as well as each person’s role within the Catholic community. Students investigate the ways they are called to be witnesses to the Catholic faith. As part of our Religion curriculum, we participate in weekly Adoration in the church. As well, fifth grade completes a year-long class service project.
English Language Arts: The English Language Arts program in grade 5 covers the areas of English, Reading, and Spelling. English provides a strong basis in the mechanics of the language, looking at the function of sentence parts. We work on identifying and correctly using nouns, pronouns, verbs, prepositions, and modifiers within the sentence. In addition, we learn proper punctuation, types of sentences, and how to diagram sentences. We practice correct sentence structure and written expression. Reading explores different genres and elements of literature, focusing on building vocabulary, improving comprehension, identifying text structures, making inferences, identifying text features, using context clues, recognizing figurative language, synthesizing information from multiple sources, using text evidence, and following directions.
Mathematics: Our Math series covers the Diocesan curriculum. Areas of study include reviewing and expansion of previously acquired skills as well as the introduction and development of newer skills. The curriculum includes addition, subtraction, multiplication and division of whole numbers, decimals, fractions, and mixed numbers. As well, students explore numerical expression, graphing, exponents and powers, prime factorization, perimeter area, volume, and geometry.
Science: In the fifth grade Science curriculum, the following areas are addressed:
Life Science – plant processes, reproduction and classification, characteristics and classifications of all living things, interaction of living/non living components within ecosystems.
Populations & Ecosystems – living things and environments, energy and matter in ecosystems. Carbon cycle; oxygen cycle and water cycle.
Earth and Space Study – solar system, earth’s atmosphere and weather.
Physical Science – states of matter, classify and describe matter in terms of elements, compounds, mixtures and atoms.
Social Studies: The overall emphasis in 5th grade Social Studies is on the history of the United States, with extensive focus on the following units: exploration of the new world, settling of the American colonies, American Revolution, and the Constitution. The textbook is enriched by supplemental resources, inquisitive classroom discussions, and student-created interactive notebooks. Students are encouraged to investigate the reasons behind historical movements and events and how these events have shaped the United States today.
Organizations: Fifth grade students have the opportunity to belong to organizations that promote our school’s Student Learning Expectations. Fifth graders are allowed to run for select positions in Student Council. Students can also take part in team sports and train as altar servers.
Religion: In grade 5, the following areas of religious study are emphasized and taught: liturgy, sacraments, seasons of the Church and Catholic prayers. We focus heavily on each of the seven Sacraments as well as each person’s role within the Catholic community. Students investigate the ways they are called to be witnesses to the Catholic faith. As part of our Religion curriculum, we participate in weekly Adoration in the church. As well, fifth grade completes a year-long class service project.
English Language Arts: The English Language Arts program in grade 5 covers the areas of English, Reading, and Spelling. English provides a strong basis in the mechanics of the language, looking at the function of sentence parts. We work on identifying and correctly using nouns, pronouns, verbs, prepositions, and modifiers within the sentence. In addition, we learn proper punctuation, types of sentences, and how to diagram sentences. We practice correct sentence structure and written expression. Reading explores different genres and elements of literature, focusing on building vocabulary, improving comprehension, identifying text structures, making inferences, identifying text features, using context clues, recognizing figurative language, synthesizing information from multiple sources, using text evidence, and following directions.
Mathematics: Our Math series covers the Diocesan curriculum. Areas of study include reviewing and expansion of previously acquired skills as well as the introduction and development of newer skills. The curriculum includes addition, subtraction, multiplication and division of whole numbers, decimals, fractions, and mixed numbers. As well, students explore numerical expression, graphing, exponents and powers, prime factorization, perimeter area, volume, and geometry.
Science: In the fifth grade Science curriculum, the following areas are addressed:
Life Science – plant processes, reproduction and classification, characteristics and classifications of all living things, interaction of living/non living components within ecosystems.
Populations & Ecosystems – living things and environments, energy and matter in ecosystems. Carbon cycle; oxygen cycle and water cycle.
Earth and Space Study – solar system, earth’s atmosphere and weather.
Physical Science – states of matter, classify and describe matter in terms of elements, compounds, mixtures and atoms.
Social Studies: The overall emphasis in 5th grade Social Studies is on the history of the United States, with extensive focus on the following units: exploration of the new world, settling of the American colonies, American Revolution, and the Constitution. The textbook is enriched by supplemental resources, inquisitive classroom discussions, and student-created interactive notebooks. Students are encouraged to investigate the reasons behind historical movements and events and how these events have shaped the United States today.
Organizations: Fifth grade students have the opportunity to belong to organizations that promote our school’s Student Learning Expectations. Fifth graders are allowed to run for select positions in Student Council. Students can also take part in team sports and train as altar servers.