5th Grade
Overview 5th Grade
As leaders of the Lower School, Fifth Grade marks a transitional year both personally and academically. Intermediate teachers guide students through this period of rapid physical, mental, and emotional growth. To prepare for the demands of middle school, Fifth Graders take on an increased academic workload, responsibilities, and organizational challenges.
Students engage with rich literature and study prefixes and suffixes, using morphemes to deepen their understanding of word meanings. In math, they expand their knowledge by exploring ratios, rates, and proportions alongside algebra, geometry, and data analysis. Through individual and group projects, students strengthen critical thinking and research skills, while also demonstrating leadership during Town Meetings and buddy activities with younger peers.
Teachers promote independence and responsible decision-making through project-based, inquiry-driven, and reciprocal learning experiences. Field trips may include visits to Genesee Valley, The National Aquarium, and various theater performances. Throughout the year, team-building and an appreciation of diversity remain central themes woven throughout the curriculum.
Curriculum Core Learning
Ancient History
Ancient History includes the study of prehistoric humans and the civilizations of Sumeria, Mesopotamia, Egypt, China, India, Greece, and Rome. Focus is on the geography and contributions of each civilization. Map skills and graphing skills are further developed. Research and study skills including note taking, outlines, oral and written reports are emphasized.
English
In grade five, English focuses on increasing students’ global awareness and citizenship through the reading and analysis of various genres including realistic fiction, mystery, poetry, mythology, and fantasy. Deeper critical thinking and analytical skills are emphasized through discussion and written assignments. Students engage in more detailed writing in response to texts and use of evidence to support claims and opinions. Writing integrates concepts and skills studied in literature and grammar. Practice is given in various types of writing such as expository, comparisons, and poetry. Emphasis is placed on developing well-written 5-paragraph essays. Grammar skills are emphasized throughout the year in speaking and writing. Topics include: action verbs, direct objects, linking verbs, prepositional phrases, adjective forms; the eight parts of speech; effective word use, run-on sentences, fragments, and dictionary skills. Vocabulary is also an integral part of the curriculum as students learn to use morphology to understand word structure, break down words into meaningful parts, and unlock new vocabulary.
Math
Math in fifth grade stresses proficiency in basic skills and emphasizes problem solving. This includes ratios and rates, fractions/decimals/percents, review of operations with whole numbers, fractions, and decimals, and operations with integers, as well as pre-algebraic concepts — expressions, equations, functions, and inequalities. Geometry concepts such as surface area and volume are examined, as well as basic data and statistics.
Science
The major themes in science are studied each year in the lower school including: classification, change over time, energy, engineering design, forces and interactions, measurement, problem solving/process/scientific methods, structure and function, systems, and collaborative discovery through hands-on explorations. Units studied in grade five include, animal classification, botany, electricity, and energy forms, microscopy, and ornithology. In class activities and experiments, along with field trips, support and enhance concepts.
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Art
Students build on basic art skills such as the use of line quality, perspective, color, and value. Additionally, students complete projects that coincide closely with their study of history from prehistoric times to ancient Roman civilization.
Media Studies
Students continue to use the automated library catalog system as a resource for selecting books for informational and recreational reading. Students also gain experience using and evaluating various websites in their research. An emphasis is placed on creating Slides presentations and introducing Google Sheets. Internet safety activities continue.
Music
Fifth Graders continue to read, write, and compose with new pitches and rhythms. They practice proper mallet technique and playing ensemble pieces on the xylophone. By playing the recorder, they learn tonguing, breath control, and improvisation. Partner songs challenge them to hear how contrasting parts compliment each other. Their performances include the Holiday Program and Fifth Grade Musical.
Physical Education
Team sports that may be taught include: field hockey, soccer, basketball, Newcombe, volleyball, kickball, lacrosse, and ultimate frisbee. Teamwork, good sportsmanship, and fitness are stressed.
Spanish
Spanish instruction includes the core elements of reading, writing, speaking, and listening. Vocabulary acquisition and correct grammar are practiced through targeted language conversation, games, songs, and projects. Students engage in more in-depth study of the Spanish language including pronouns, conjugation of verbs, questions and answers, common expressions, and the elements of basic conversation. Learning the geography and culture of Spanish speaking countries is an integral part of the course.
