FIFTH GRADE
Language Arts
The language arts program includes listening, speaking, reading and writing skills.
Emphasis is placed on the Six Traits of Writing Program, which strengthens students’ ability to express themselves in written form in all areas of the curriculum.
Students in the fifth grade will study the following areas in the language arts:
Grammar
Eight parts of speech, punctuation, and capitalizing
Proofreading and note-taking skills
Spelling and grammar are taught in the context of reading and writing as well as in frequent practice
Writing
Use the Six Traits of Writing process
Students use prewriting, drafting, responding, revising, edition and publishing skills
Students will write narratives, respond to literature, and write essays that demonstrate their knowledge of subjects, events and perspectives.
Spelling
Weekly unit of 20-30 spelling words
Dictated sentences
Literature
The literature curriculum for the fifth grade students includes reading fiction, non-fiction, poetry, drama and essays from anthology. Students will also read novels and will be assigned research projects and book reports throughout the year.
Mathematics
The math program offers several methodologies that focus on the students learning styles. It also includes an intensive diagnostic and retention program.
Students will understand, compute and solve problems with large and very small numbers, including fractions and decimals. In addition, students will learn geometry, probability, and algebraic concepts.
Social Studies
The social studies curriculum for grade five presents the story of the development of the nation, with emphasis on the period up to 1850, focusing on the creation of a new nation, peopled by immigrants from all parts of the globe. The topic areas include Native Americans, explorers, colonization, the colonies, the War for Independence, the Western Expansion, slavery and the beginnings of the Civil War.
Science
The science text is divided into 3 sections: Life Science (System of Living Things), Earth Science (Weather and Space) and Physical Science (Matter and Energy). We will have guided learning practices as well as laboratory practice activities to reinforce and assess learning.
Religion
The students will reflect on scripture and its meaning. They will learn to understand the history of the church. The fifth grade class will share in leading some of the school liturgies as a part of understanding that the Eucharistic Liturgy (the mass) is a communal celebration.
Safe Environment for Children
The Diocese of Oakland’s Safe Environment for Children Project was developed using the Guidelines for Safe Environment Programs from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishop’s Office of Child Youth Protection. These guidelines state that: “Training programs for children and young people should include age appropriate materials pertaining to personal safety. This includes information about improper touching and relationships. Children are not expected to be fully knowledgeable about child abuse or of the laws governing care of children but they need to know when they should seek assistance from a trusted adult.”
The Safe Environment for Children Project requires that a personal safety curriculum implemented for students in grades K through 12, in both Catholic schools and parish religious education programs.
Learning Objectives:
Grades Four-Six
To promote knowledge about body integrity.
To raise awareness that all human beings, male and female, are created in the image and likeness of God.
To present the concept that some touching is not appropriate.
To help children understand child sexual abuse.
To empower children so that they may feel comfortable saying “no” in a potentially abusive situation.
To expand children’s image of God to include the image of God as a source of comfort.
To help children identify trusted adults they can go to disclose situations in their lives that make them feel unsafe.
Computers
Computer technology is integrated in all areas of the curriculum. The fifth grade will follow the ISTE standards and the national standards.
Classroom Rules
Stay in your seat until teacher gives permission
Speak only when teacher gives permission
Follow directions given by teacher
Speak softly
Consequences
Verbal warning
Detention
Continued misbehavior will require a meeting with teacher and parents and principal/ vice principal
Homework Policy
Homework is assigned Monday through Thursday of each week and due the following day. Special Assignments and projects are given more time consideration.
Students are expected to complete and turn in all assignments when due. Students will be given a deficiency notice when homework assignments are not turned in.
Make- Up Policy
Due to illness or other emergencies, make up work will be arranged at the discretion of the teacher.
Assessment Procedures
Students are given tests as material has been completed and a need for checking mastery arises. In addition to tests, quizzes are given in between tests to check knowledge of specific skills. There are announced an unannounced quizzes, based on review work.
Students are tested on material taught to assess and measure mastery. In addition to tests, quizzes are given to all students to assess their knowledge of skills. Corrected work will be sent home every Wednesday in the family folder. Papers with a grade of C- or lower must be returned the following day with a parent’s signature.
Grading Policy
100- 95% A
94-90% A-
89-87% B+
86-83% B
82-80% B-
79-77% C+
76-73% C
72-70% C-
69-67% D+
66-63% D
62-60% D-
59% & below F