St. Philip the Apostle School - Curriculum Guide

Grade Five

 

RELIGION
Fifth graders will learn through stories, activities, Scripture, prayer, discussion and reflection about their Catholic faith.  Catholic values are discussed and integrated not only in Religion, but in all  learning. The focus is on:

   · God, Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit
   · planning, assisting in liturgy and other forms of  worship
   ·  the sacraments
   ·  service
   ·  liturgical seasons
   ·  church history
   ·  morality and decision making
   ·  local and diocesan church structure

LANGUAGE ARTS/READING
The Language Arts Program includes reading, writing, speaking, listening, and the study of literature.  The components of the program emphasize the development of those skills that allow students to read with fluency, comprehend and interpret written materials, communicate well and listen and speak effectively. The skills acquired and understood are applied and reinforced in all content areas. The textbook used for reading is Heath : Rare a Hen’s Teeth along with selected novels.

READING/LITERATURE
Children through the series experience authentic literature in the form of poetry, folktales, nonfiction, fiction, biographies, fantasies and plays.  Reading fluency will develop and improve as students are presented with the following skills:

   · understanding cause and effect
   · recognize & recite narrative story poems
   · sequencing events of a story
   · analyzing details
   · using context clues
   · interpret figurative language
   · identify descriptive language
   · understanding literary devices
   · analyze theme, plot, setting

WRITING
Fifth grade students use writing to convey meaning.

Students will:
   · write legibly using cursive
   · write multiple sequential paragraphs on a given topic
   · apply grammar and mechanics
         parts of speech
         tenses
         punctuation
         sentence structure
   · construct an outline
   · use the writing process including pre-writing, writing, revising,  peer editing, and final draft
   · write in multiple forms
       narrative, persuasive, expository & descriptive essays
       poetry 
 
LISTENING/SPEAKING
Fifth grade students will listen for understanding, follow directions and respond appropriately to the speaker. Students will use acquired language and vocabulary to express opinions. 

They will:
   · present material orally
   · make presentations to individuals and small groups
   · participate in small & large group discussion
   · express ideas clearly when speaking
   · read fluently with expression
   · evaluate group discussion

TECHNOLOGY & REFERENCE SKILLS
Fifth grade students will study, retain and use information from a variety of sources. 

Students will:
    · retrieve materials from multiple sources
    · define a research topic through key word searches
    · identify, create and use a spreadsheet
    · use peripherals to produce a product
    · identify need for Acceptable Use Policy
    · create a multimedia presentation citing
       sources

MATHEMATICS
Fifth grade students acquire a knowledge of  mathematics and the ability to apply math skills to solve problems through the use of the textbook, Math in Action, as well as extended activities, and hands on experiences.

Students will:
  · identify place value
  · use fractions and decimals in the four operations  
  · solve multiple step word problems
  · use ratio, percent and probability
  · use estimation and rounding to solve problems
  · determine appropriate formulas to measure & compare
  · construct figures and shapes
  · identify & use commutative &  associative properties
  · interpret data

SCIENCE
Students use concrete, hands-on experiences to  understand science in the physical and natural world around them. They learn through observing, predicting, questioning and explaining. 

Students will:
  · describe adaptations to environment
  · identify and create solutions  to design problems
  · describe characteristics of inherited or learned behavior
  · describe processes that affect states of matter
  · describe features and effects of various forces on the earth and its resources
  ·  identify the effect of speed, mass and distance on motion
  ·  identify effects of science on society

 

SOCIAL STUDIES
Fifth grade students prepare for their role as informed citizens in a democratic society.

The focus will be:
 · geography/map skills
 · explorers and explorations
 · American Colonies
 · American Revolution /New government
 · Industrial Revolution
 · Westward Movement/Native Americans
 · Civil War

PHYSICAL EDUCATION
In fifth, students learn and explore factors that affect a healthy lifestyle.

Students will:
  · develop and maintain muscle strength, cardio-respiratory endurance and flexibility. 
  · use rules, safety and strategies of sports and games
  · demonstrate sportsmanship and participation in sports and games

ART
In fifth grade, students will have the opportunity to express themselves in various art forms.

Students will:
  · use elements and principles of art to express ideas
  · interpret artistic products and experiences
  · explore new experiences artistically

MUSIC
In fifth grade, students will have the opportunity to participate in music activities and to develop an appreciation for music.

Students will:

    · sing in groups
    · recognize that music/sound/movement reflect culture
    · distinguish various types of musical instruments and elements
    · learn a simple musical instrument

REPORTING

A report of student progress will be distributed approximately half way through each quarter.

Parent-teacher conferences will be scheduled in early November, but can be requested at any time.

Students will receive a report card at each of the four marking periods.

HOMEWORK
Fifth grade students will be assigned homework as needed for practice and reinforcement as well as for the completion of special projects.

 

PARENTS CAN HELP BY
  · Modeling active participation in weekly liturgy, daily prayer and service
  ·  Being supportive of teachers and policies  
  ·  Showing an interest in homework, while encouraging student independence.
  · Limiting extracurricular activities which Interfere with schoolwork.

     Staying in touch with the school