Language Arts

The fifth grade language arts curriculum continues to emphasize the reading and writing program goals of grades three and four. Fictional stories, Shakespeare, poetry, myths and legends are among the reading selections. The broad variety of genres allows the student to expand in depth and range of reading. Content area reading is further developed in fifth grade.

Writing as a process of thinking in print is emphasized and the framework for grammar and mechanics is constructed as the writer moves toward writing in a clear and purposeful fashion. Students brainstorm, draft, revise, edit and produce final drafts for publication as books, stories, poems, expository works, journals, oral presentations, and a multitude of other forms. This process helps the student to understand the structure of language and apply grammar and usage skills in both creative and expository materials. Learn more about the language arts program.

Mathematics

The fifth grade program continues to concentrate on the mastery of the operations and further develop the fundamental number concepts. Major units of study are decimals, fraction concepts and operations, numeration and order, geometry and spatial sense, algebraic sentences, mathematical properties, patterns, functions and sequences, measurement, ratio, proportion, and exploring data. The four operations are extended through problem solving activities and real-life applications. Various mental math techniques, calculators, and computers reinforce the basic concepts and extend the knowledge acquired for these operations. The fifth grade math curriculum is periodically integrated with language arts, social studies, and science through real-life applications, map skills, and measurement. Learn more about the math program.

Science

The focus of the fifth grade science curricula is to expand and refine the students’ scientific skills and knowledge. The content includes cell and plant structures and processes, endocrine and reproductive systems of the body, matter and change, and classification of life. A variety of techniques, activities, and materials are utilized to stimulate scientific awareness to make science relevant and engaging for students. Hands-on investigations are designed to promote inquiry/process skills within the scientific approach.

Social Studies

Feudal Japan and Mesoamerican Civilizations are studied in fifth grade. In geography students continue to study bodies of water of the world as well as US geography. European exploration, the Renaissance and Reformation, the Golden Age of England and the growth of early Russia are additional topics in this subject. In American history students study about Westward Expansion the Civil War and culture and conflicts with Native Americans. Through structured inquiry students develop new understanding about interconnectedness of individuals, communities and their history. Learn more about the history and geography program.

Mandarin or Spanish

Students learn dialogues about familiar topics and listen to and talk about short oral texts. They read a variety of classroom and simple authentic materials containing familiar and new vocabulary, and demonstrate understanding. They participate in a variety of reading situations, such as guided, shared, and choral reading, using expression, correct pronunciation, and intonation. They are then ready to respond to questions and to paraphrase or retell the story. Stories, songs, rhymes, and plays continue to be the core of the program. Songs, games, and stories from Chinese/Spanish culture are a key component of the program, as well as occasional integration with the classroom curriculum.

Art

In fifth grade, color relationships and value are explored. Students study and apply art principles, (e.g., balance, dominance, contrast and unity), to theirartwork. Drawing from observation, especially from nature, is emphasized and practiced in their sketchbooks. Students will continue to learn to value and respect their own work and the work of others. Students will view and critique works of the Renaissance, Nineteenth-century American Art and Japanese art to enhance their appreciation and understanding of the intermingling of art and culture.

Music

Fifth graders continue to be able to use a variety of musical media including singing, dancing, playing of all classroom instruments and recorder. Many of their musical skills in rhythm, melody, and dynamics come to a culmination during their study of recorder in fifth grade. Students are encouraged to develop discerning ears when listening to all music, including spirituals and music from other American traditions.

Physical Education

The emphasis is on fitness and the acquisition of specialized skills used in various recreational, individual and team sports. Focus will be on concepts and strategies to improve team and individual performance in lead-up and game activities, and on understanding and respecting personal differences of others. Team building activities are included, as students continue to build interpersonal skills and work toward common goals.

Technology

Through technology instruction students learn to effectively use the computer and other technology tools to enhance, support and extend their learning in all areas of the curriculum. Because students learn best when they apply skills they have learned to projects with authentic purposes related to classroom work, classroom teachers and the technology teacher collaborate to plan activities and projects.

Library/Research Skills

Fifth graders are introduced to a wide variety of books and authors during their library period and continue to build upon the information literacy skills learned in earlier grades. They independently select appropriate reference materials to locate information, evaluate information for relevancy, appropriateness, detail, currency, authority and bias.

WIS fifth graders will demonstrate their knowledge and skills by researching and presenting a year-end project on a real-life issue and the solutions to it.