In Fifth Grade students continue to transition from “learning to read” to “reading to learn.” The goal for each fifth grader is to become independent and a self-directed learner.

Language Arts
Through the study of novels, fifth graders develop their understanding of character, plot, sequence, prediction, and drawing conclusions. Students work to clarify and communicate understanding of the novels. Different genres are studied including mysteries and novels. They also learn different ways to respond to literature.

Students continue to use the writing process in fifth grade. Students pre-write, create rough drafts, revise/edit, and publish to create original stories, non-fiction, and research projects. Punctuation, capitalization, grammar, and spelling are skills incorportated as students’ writing projects progress.

Math
Standards of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics form the basis of instruction in mathematics. Students focus on the six strands of mathematics: developing algebraic thinking, measurement, probability and statistics, fractions and decimals, geometry, and operations and computations. Manipulative materials are used to introduce new concepts and to guide students from concrete to abstract thinking and symbolic representation. Each classroom is well-equipped with a large selection of manipulative materials such as pattern blocks, Cuisenaire rods, geoboards, color tiles, place value blocks, calculators, and measurement tools.

Science
In fifth grade students are provided a wide variety of learning experiences emphasizing hands-on activities. The Science Process Skills of observing, classifying, comparing, inferring, measuring, predicting, communicating, and interpreting data are directly taught in specific lessons, and then incorporated into each unit of study. Students are encouraged to question, discover, explore, and create as they become scientific thinkers. The Scientific Method is introduced to prepare students for the Science Fair during the second semester.

Social Studies
In fifth grade, students are introduced to the rich history of the United States including: the Bering Land Bridge on which the Native Americans traveled to North America from Asia, the major Tribes of the Americas, the arrival of Europeans, the American Revolution, Government Structure in the New World, Westward Expansion, and the Civil War. Students explore these topics using a hands-on approach.

Religion
At CCCS we firmly believe that religion must be infused in our entire day by stressing Christian values across the curriculum. Each school day begins and ends with group prayer. Fifth grade attends all-school Mass weekly, and takes part in planning the liturgy.

Spanish
Students in fifth grade are taught Spanish on a weekly basis. The main goal is to construct simple conversational sentences, as well as continuing to build vocabulary.

Fine Arts
Students attend music class weekly to learn the joy of music as well as music fundamentals. They perform for special events such as Grandparents Day, the Christmas Program, and the Spring Program. Rhythm instruments are an integral part of the program. They also have the opportunity to participate in our band.

Students receive art instruction weekly. The children use a variety of media and techniques including paper, paint, clay, ceramics, textiles, and more. Students are able to express themselves in creative and original formats. Color study is a main focus throughout the year. Famous artists are studied and their techniques copied to provide a myriad of experiences.

 

*Note: The class schedule is in PDF format. If you do not have Acrobat Reader, get a free copy by clicking on the icon .