5th Grade Curriculum

  • Literacy: Benchmark Literacy
     

    Our curriculum is called Benchmark Literacy.  There are four main components to this program: Reader’s Workshop, Writer’s Workshop, Guided Reading, and Word Study.

    Reader’s Workshop: (There are 10 Units encompassing: Main Idea and Supporting Details, Sequencing, Inferences, Summarizing, Compare and Contrast, Cause and Effect, Conclusions, Author’s Purpose, Fact and Opinion and Making Judgements.)

    Each unit consists of 3 weeks of lessons, with weekly checks for comprehension followed by a unit assessment. Students will be expected to read independently and demonstrate their understanding of the lessons through whole group, small group, and independent work.

    Writer’s Workshop: (There are 5 Units encompassing Memoirs, Historical Fiction, Informational Reports, Persuasive Letters, and Biography.)

    Each unit consists of 6 weeks of writing strategies and skills. Students will be expected to write each day and share occasionally.

    Guided Reading: (There are multiple small books embedded in each 10 Reading Units.) These books are leveled literature and informational texts for small group instruction that match students’ instructional reading levels, providing the right balance of support and challenge.

    At Home Reading (Razzle Dazzle Reading): All 5th-grade students are expected to read 120 minutes at home each week. This should be recorded daily by the parent/guardian in the agenda

    Literacy Homework: Students may have occasional work to be completed at home. Be sure to check your child’s agenda

     

    MATH:  

    Everyday Mathematics
    Everyday Mathematics offers students a broad background in mathematics. Some approaches in this program may differ from those you used as a student.  However, they are based on research results, field-test experiences, and the mathematics that students will need in the twenty-first century. The following are some program highlights:


    - a problem-solving approach that uses mathematics in everyday situations
    - partner and small group activities that promote cooperative learning
    - concepts and skills introduced and reviewed throughout the school year, promoting retention through a
      variety of exposures
    - concepts and skills developed through hands-on activities
    - opportunities to discuss and communicate mathematically
    - frequent practice using games as an alternative to tedious drills
    - opportunities for home and school communication


    Fifth Grade Emphasizes the following content:
    Unit 1:  Area & Volume
    Unit 2:  Whole Number Place Value and Operations
    Unit 3:  Fractions Concepts, Addition & Subtraction
    Unit 4:  Decimal Concepts, Coordinate Grids
    Unit 5:  Operations with Fractions
    Unit 6:  Investigations in Measurement; Decimal Multiplication & Division
    Unit 7:  Multiplication of Mixed Numbers; Geometry; Graphs
    Unit 8: Applications of Measurement, Computation & Graphing

    Mastering the multiplication facts is mandatory.  Each child should be able to do 50 basic multiplication facts in 1 minute.  He/she will need to use flashcards and rely on memorization.  Practicing daily is so helpful.


     

    SOCIAL STUDIES:

    We focus on American History and Daily Geography Review. Expect to see a study packet coming home during the week, typically on Wednesday or Thursday. Weekly quizzes are also given.

     

    SCIENCE:

    1. Daily Science - with weekly quizzes 

    2. FOSS (Full Option Science System)

          Units Covered 

           Living Systems, Earth and Sun, Mixtures & Solutions