5th grade Curriculum
Language Arts
A whole language-phonics based approach is used in reading. Fluency and comprehension in
reading are key and are reinforced with increased emphasis in vocabulary, spelling, and writing.
Nouns, pronouns, verbs, adverbs, and adjectives are explored at a greater depth within the writing
lessons. Throughout the curriculum, proper handwriting techniques are reinforced.
Language Arts
Students grow through use of literature-based stories with an emphasis on vocabulary building.
Book reports, access and uses of a variety of types of books, and the Accelerated Reading
Program enhances the student's ability to read and comprehend what he or she reads.
This stems into writing, grammar, and spelling. Increased emphasis on parts of speech and
sentence structure allow students to communicate their thoughts with greater clarity. The writing
process is studied at greater depth and combined with new library skills to complete a research
project.
Cursive writing is used throughout all assignments with neatness and proper formation of letter
emphasized.
Math
Students explore place value as well as basic function of whole numbers, fractions, and decimals.
This provides a solid foundation for the introduction in this grade of algebra, graphing,
estimating, problem solving, as well as ratio and probability. Exposure to problem solving and
measurement using English and Metric units continues.
Science
A general science curriculum continues with the study of:
plants and animals in life sciences
matter and energy in physical sciences
the environment, space, and climate in earth sciences
various systems of the human body
Hands-on activities, experiments, and observation are woven into lessons.
Social Studies
Fifth grade social studies focuses on U.S. history. Study covers the growth and development of
the United States from the 1800's to the present times. Students also explore our country's
physical and cultural aspects as well as our relationship with Central and South America.
Religion
Students continue study of the Sacraments and prayer. Memorization of common prayers as well
as development of their own prayer life are emphasized. Students are expected to understand the
parts that make up the Mass. Stewarship projects are explored by individuals and as a class.
Various Commandments are emphasized within religious lessons. Students attend Mass twice a
week.
Computers
Emphasis is placed on learning how to do spreadsheets and databases. With exposure to a variety
of software, students often explore word processing and multimedia.
Field Trips
Students take part in stewardship field trips off campus such as a field trip to the Embassy
Theatre to hear the Fort Wayne Philharmonic in concert. Other trips are scheduled throughout the
year to reinforce classroom lessons such as BizTown and a trip to St. Felix in Huntington.
Art
Art is taught using Discipline Based Art Education (DBAE) which includes art history, art
production, development of the ability to describe and express your own feelings about a piece of
art, development of the ability to criticize a piece of art constructively. Each grade level
"scaffolds" or builds on the grade level before it. Vocabulary and techniques used increase in
difficulty with the cognitive abilities of that grade level.
In grade five, students produce more freehand drawings. Individual expression is encouraged.
All projects reinforce the art theories knowledge base (perspective, color, shading, texture, 2-D
art, 3-D art, and line) and add some new ones: different media and sizes of paper. For example,
one lesson might be based on abstract expressionism created by using oil pastels on 18" x 24"
paper.
Library
Study of books takes the next step toward independent research of resource books. Divisions of
the Dewey Decimal system are discussed. Lessons expand into further exploration of resource
materials including encyclopedia on CD-ROM, biography, atlas, and almanac. The meaning of
"copyright" is explored for understanding. Also, an incentive program for regular reading is
introduced.
Music
Continuing to build on their musiciansiip knowledge base, students learn to sing and read two and
three part harmony. Compositions are created using simple rhythm. Music theory study
includes recognition of musical symbols, key signatures and scales. More styles of music are
studied.
Physical Education
Activities are planned to help children to develop appropriate motor skills beginning with
fundamental skills. These skills lead to specific sport skills that can turn into lifetime activities.