Reading
Students read a variety of novels in fifth grade that expose them to vivid descriptive language and complex vocabulary. While reading, students develop the skills of identifying plot points, themes and symbols. As students read each book, they engage in conversations, complete comprehension questions, and answer writing prompts. The students also study Greek mythology in conjunction with their study of ancient Greece in social studies. During a unit on poetry, students analyze an author’s use of figurative language and voice to infer meaning in a poem. Nonfiction texts that connect to content in other curricular areas are also read.
Writing
In fifth grade, students continue to utilize the writing traits of ideas, organization, voice, word choice, sentence fluency, conventions, and presentation to improve their writing. Spelling is taught using the Words Their Way program. Students apply hands-on strategies of categorizing and sorting words to learn spelling patterns and vocabulary. They also study Latin and Greek roots. Grammar is taught using the Framing Your Thoughts program. Students learn to identify direct and indirect objects and use possessive pronouns to enhance their writing. In fifth grade, students learn to independently write multi-paragraph essays that are properly organized, include relevant topic and concluding sentences, and utilize transition words and phrases effectively. Student-teacher conferencing is done with each writing piece, and students learn to incorporate feedback to develop and strengthen their writing through editing and revising.
We use the Illustrative Mathematics (IM) curriculum for fifth grade math.
The big ideas in Grade 5 math include: developing fluency with addition and subtraction of fractions, developing understanding of multiplication and division of fractions in limited cases (unit fractions divided by whole numbers and whole numbers divided by unit fractions), extending division to two-digit divisors, developing understanding of operations with decimals to hundredths, developing fluency with whole number and decimal operations, and developing understanding of volume. ~Illustrative Mathematics
Science instruction takes place in the science lab where students are learning concepts through hands-on experiments and engagement. The year begins with a study of properties of matter. Students learn to distinguish between the three states of matter and differentiate between physical and chemical properties. Students learn the structure of an atom and are able to determine the number of protons, neutrons, and electrons in a given element on the Periodic Table. Students also complete a geology unit. They learn to identify minerals by their physical properties, explain the steps of the rock cycle and classify rocks as igneous, metamorphic, or sedimentary. A large part of the fifth grade science experience is participation in the Science Fair. Fifth grade students begin by examining the steps of the Scientific Method and then apply their knowledge to independently conduct a scientific inquiry project.
In fifth grade social studies, students learn about ancient civilization. Students begin with a study of early humankind, learning how hominins evolved from nomadic hunter-gatherers to citizens of the first established societies in Mesopotamia. Next, students learn about ancient Greece and study the city-states, government, and important figures from the time. Next, they learn about ancient Rome and analyze the rise and fall of the empire. Students learn about ancient Rome’s changing government, impressive inventions, and military conquests. During the unit on ancient China, students study influential dynasties, their religious beliefs, and the importance of the Silk Road. As they study each civilization, students read and interpret maps and analyze primary and secondary sources.
Hebrew
Students continue to develop conversational skills, as they are expected to speak in Hebrew throughout class. The iTalAm program provides videos and activities for students to learn more about Israeli culture and Hebrew vocabulary, reading comprehension, and grammar. Students write about texts they read and act out short stories/skits using the new vocabulary they have learned to strengthen conversational skills. Students have multiple creative writing assignments and use conjunctions and adverbs to create complex sentences.
Jewish Studies
Torah: During Torah studies, fifth grade students explore the book of Shemot (Exodus), which covers the main events in the life of Moshe (Moses) and follows the exodus of the Israelites from Egypt. Students are assigned a special project about ancient Egypt to help them better understand Egyptian culture, which complements the teaching of ancient European and Asian civilizations in social studies.
Holidays: In Jewish Studies, students deepen their understanding of Jewish holidays and their historical, natural/agricultural, and faith-based foundation. They learn how our customs and traditions enrich and strengthen them as individuals within our Jewish community. Prayers and blessings related to the holidays are learned and Hebrew stories connected to the Jewish holidays are studied.
Israel: Students develop a meaningful relationship with Israel through personal connections with language, people, places, and events. As an ancient land and modern state, we teach our students that Israel is a home for diverse and vibrant expressions of Judaism. Our students engage with Israel at all grade levels and feel a deep connection to their homeland.
Prayer: Students experience community prayer once a week. Music is used to enhance students’ spiritual experience connecting their hearts and minds. Students learn the keva (structure) of the Shacharit (morning prayer service) and explore pathways to deepen kavana (intentionality). Students also participate in a Torah service and discuss the weekly reading as well as other sacred texts.
The goal of our music program is for students to become skillful and enthusiastic music makers, encouraging music literacy, participation and performance. Through classical and contemporary music, students learn to sing in-tune with expression and confidence while gaining confidence on stage. Fifth grade students continue to play the keyboard, learning to read the music and play chord progressions..
Students work with a variety of drawing tools and multiple types of paints and papers in sophisticated ways. Students learn techniques for drawing, painting, printmaking, and collage. Within each grade level, elements of art such as line, shape, form, color, texture, value, and space are taught. Emphasis is put on the creative process rather than the finished product. Art history is an important component of our curriculum; students study different artists and art movements from past to present. Some movements that may be included are: Impressionism, Abstract, Folk, and Pop Art.
Across the curriculum, fifth grade students have multiple opportunities to develop their communication skills. For the science fair, students spend time practicing speaking clearly, using appropriate eye contact, and engaging their audience all in preparation for presenting their scientific inquiry projects to their peers, parents, and judges. In Jewish studies, as the culmination of their study of ancient Egypt, students complete a research project on a particular area of Egyptian culture and present their work to their classmates and families.
Fifth graders participate in sports education, teamwork, physical fitness activities and in game strategy in class. In addition to gross and fine motor coordination, stretching and agility, the students are taught age-appropriate sports skills and team communication through drills as well as sports strategy. Units include soccer, capture the flag, floor hockey, basketball, tumbling, and track and field. Social team building and sportsmanship skills are woven into game-like scenarios to teach students not only the skills to play multiple sports, but the interpersonal skills to function in a fast paced team environment.
Students begin to explore strategies for searching the internet and evaluating the results, learning how Google search works, and examining reasons why websites are “free” or not. Students also review non-fiction text elements, avoiding plagiarism, and recording accurate citations in coordination with their Jewish Studies research project on Ancient Egypt. Fifth grade students also hear book talks and read-alouds to continue reinforcing a love of stories.
Students learn executive function skills that are essential for academic success. They are introduced to strategies to help them manage their workloads, while at the same time, developing healthy working habits that can be used in the classroom and beyond. Students learn strategies in the areas of attention, flexibility, inhibitory control, task initiation, working memory, metacognition, materials management, time management, and planning and prioritizing.