5th Grade

Language Arts:

       Following the California Common Core standards, fifth grade students read literature and informational text for comprehension.  They learn to analyze text structure, draw inferences, summarize what was read, identify the main idea and key details, compare and contrast stories of the same genre, as well as to integrate information from two or more texts.  Students learn grade level phonics and word analysis skills.  Students write opinions pieces, informative/explanatory texts, narratives, and research papers.  Students take a Power Speaking class, plan and deliver speeches, and recite poetry.

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Math:

       in 5th grade, students grow in their knowledge and understanding of the place value system, perform operations with multi-digit whole number and decimal quotients, as well as write and use numerical expressions.  Students add and subtract fractions, multiply and divide fractions, and problem solve.  Students convert like measurement units, create and interpret graphs of date, and classify and solve problems with two and three-dimensional figures. 

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Religion:

        Each morning begins with prayer at our all-school masses lead by our students, Student Learning Expectations assemblies, or complete a Sunday Connection to the Gospel.  The 5th grade religion program focuses on the seven sacraments; understand that the sacraments are celebrated through signs and symbols, and that, through the sacraments, we celebrate Christ's presence in our lives and participate in god's own life.  Students study Scripture and grow in understanding of Church doctrine. 

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Science/Science Lab:

      Elementary school years are the time to nurture a child's curiosity.  This is the time to teach children how to think critically, how to solve problems.  Following Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) and developed by UC Berkeley's Lawrence Hall of Science, our science curriculum Amplify, blends hands-on investigations, literacy-rich activities, and interactive digital tools to empower students to think, read, write, and argue like real scientists and engineers.  Students use an inquiry-based process to focus on exploring, explaining, and evaluating the three major categories: Life (ecosystems), Earth (patterns of earth and sky), and Physical (modeling matter).

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Social Studies:

        5th Grade students identify the major pre-Columbian settlements; trace the routes of early explorers; understand the political, religious, social and economic institutions of the colonial era; and learn and are able to explain the causes, course, and consequences of the American Revolution. The Fifth Grade studies the U.S. Constitution and examines settlement patterns of the American people from 1789-1800. They also complete a state research project and family heritage report. 

 

Computers/Technology:

           Technology is fully integrated into all areas of the curriculum. iPads are incorporated into the Math and Reading curriculum. During lab time, students continue developing keyboarding skills, and become more proficient in Word, Powerpoint, Excel, and Photoshop.

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Fine Arts:

          Students learn new music for Mass and Prayer Services, plus work on class level music and drama curriculum. Participation in Band, Choral Choir, and the Christmas musical is available.

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Art:

          Classes meet every other week, creating projects that reinforce the elements of art. Exploring art from other cultures provides exposure to a variety of materials while art appreciation and art vocabulary are expanded. Students also study Calligraphy.

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Physical Education:

Our focus is on the development of healthy lifestyle habits, fitness, cross-functional athletic skills and sportsmanship to encourage a life-long interest in sports and athletics. We meet once a week for 50 minutes.

 

Spanish:

         We continue to work on listening skills, while at the same time working on vocabulary and basic storytelling.

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Library:

         Students enjoy time with our librarian every week.