Fifth Grade Curriculum 

Religion:
Students develop and practice their Catholic faith by exploring the Old Testament and the roots of Catholicism. They learn Christ’s New Testament lessons as models for their lives. Weekly examination of the Sunday liturgy combined with seasonal activities (Advent, Christmas, Lent and Easter) provide young learners with varied experiences that bring them closer to God, families and classmates.  Students are required to perform eight hours of community service.

Language Arts:
This is an integrated study of all communication skills. Vocabulary workshop, which is a comprehensive word study, is introduced. Spelling consists of grade-appropriate instruction based on patterns and principles that develop spelling skills. Students read authentic literature, which strengthens their reading skills and abilities. Selections are based on a theme. Various genres add dimension to their reading and promote more purposeful reading and writing. Students also are required to meet teacher-set goals based on their reading level in the accelerated reading program. Students apply the writing process to various modes of writing while integrating grammar and other language art skills.  Emphasis is on sentence structure and variety.

 

Math:

This consists of review of and introduction to new graphs. Place value and relationships from billions to billionths, ordering and comparing numbers, and density of the number line are introduced. Students review the rounding of whole numbers and are introduced to the rounding of decimals and estimation. Students review all operations, spending time on processes of multiplication of larger numbers and division. Divisibility rules and factors with large numbers are introduced. The students study geometric figures, angles, lines and types of polygons. Fractions are introduced as part of a whole and part of a group. Combining fractions are covered. Thinking skills and the use of the Accelerated Math program are used to reinforce basic skills and develop advanced skills.

 

Social Studies:

Students travel back in time to gain a perspective on the lives of the Aztec, Mayan, and Inca civilizations as well as Native American cultures. The focus then changes to the European exploration and the establishment of the 13 colonies. The events that led to the Revolutionary War and the creation of the Constitution allow students to gain an understanding of the basics of American history.

 

Science:

Students enjoy learning about body systems, animal growth and heredity, cycles in nature, oceans, and biomes. Young scientists develop the ability to form hypotheses, draw conclusions and make inferences. They also eagerly participate in the annual science fair.

 

Computer:

Computer skills include Internet use for research and class presentations, word processing, spreadsheets, graphing, multimedia techniques, concept mapping and insertion of various objects into word processing documents and presentations.