Language Arts –Mrs. Scoglietti

Storytown, Harcourt, 2009
Harcourt Language, Harcourt, 2002

Fifth grade Language Arts instruction centers on the oral and written communication of students. A variety of approaches to reading, writing and spelling instruction may happen in the classroom at any given time.  These include shared writing, interactive writing, guided writing, learning the Writing Process, Literature Circles, basal readers, novels, and a rich variety of resources that challenge your child to expand and improve his/her communication skills and views of the world around him/her.  Sequence of events, cause and effect, making judgments, drawing conclusions, relating to unit themes, comparing several kinds of stories, and reading tables, maps and graphs are just some of the skills learned.  Independent reading of 300 pages of an assigned genre is required each month.  Documentation of this independent reading must be signed by a parent or guardian on the first school day of each month.

The teacher’s role is one of facilitator, helping students discover what they want to say and how to express it with clarity. Rich topics from a variety of books and articles, both fiction and non-fiction, help children learn how to read, question, make notes, meet, talk, and discuss.  Grammar is incorporated as a useful and necessary tool in conjunction with writing.  Spelling supports the reading vocabulary of the basal, as well as the words used in their writing.   Grading is derived from spelling and comprehension tests, formal unit tests, rubrics, projects, and participation.  As writing is a developmental skill, not all writing is formally graded.

Social Studies - Mrs. Walters
United States History, Harcourt, 2010

The students will learn to read and use maps, globes, graphs, diagrams, and photographs.  They will utilize both primary and secondary sources to connect the people and events of the past to the present.  They will analyze how the abundance of America's natural resources provided the impetus for the United States to develop as a world power.  Students will recognize that the United States maintains close economic and political ties with other lands.  Students will progress through each unit using the text.  The lessons are supplemented with an Activity Workbook and primary and secondary source materials.  A social studies spiral is required for note taking, vocabulary (terms), class work and selected homework assignments.  Tests will reflect the material covered by the text as well as topics and examples reviewed in class.  Trimester grades are determined by participation, homework, chapter tests and cumulative tests.

Math -  Mrs. Walters
Math, Macmillan/McGraw-Hill, 2005

Students will develop mastery of basic computational skills, especially addition, subtraction, multiplication and division of both whole numbers and decimals.  Additional challenges will include work in the areas of fractions and geometry.  Students will progress through each unit using the text.  All lessons are supplemented with a workbook, in-class examples and problem solving-based group work.  A math spiral is required for note taking, vocabulary (terms), class work and selected homework assignments.  Homework is assigned from the Practice Workbook, student text, or worksheets.  Tests will reflect material covered by the text as well as topics and examples reviewed in class.  Trimester grades are determined by participation, homework, chapter tests and cumulative tests.

Science – Mrs. Nader
Scott Foresman Science, The Diamond Edition Pearson Education, 2008

The fifth grade science curriculum focuses on four main areas of science: life science, Earth science, physical science, and the science of space and technology. Hands on learning in the form of experiments enhance the curriculum. Students participate in labs, classroom discussions and Science Focus. The lessons are supplemented with an Activity Workbook and primary and secondary source materials.  A science spiral is required for note taking, vocabulary (terms), class work and selected homework assignments. Grades will be determined by student participation, effort, lab work, spiral assignments, activity workbook assignments, as well as lesson and unit assessments.

Religion – Mrs. Nader
Christ Our Life – Loyola Press, 2009
Family Life, Benziger, 2010

The fifth grade program focuses on the sacraments, especially the Eucharist, as the center of Christian life. The curriculum is designed to help students grow in their appreciation of the Church as a worshipping community and of Christ’s action among us in the Eucharistic liturgy as well as the sacraments.  Students are challenged to give worship to God through prayer, loving service, and celebration of the liturgical seasons. The text will be supplemented with additional activities as well as additional resources. Students participate in the First/Fifth grade Prayer Partner program as well as regular attendance at Mass. Students also participate in a variety of service projects throughout the year. The Second Step curriculum is integrated into the fifth grade religion program as well. This program focuses on improving interpersonal relationships through empathy training and anger management.

The fifth grade curriculum also uses the Benziger Family Life program. Lessons from the text will be integrated into lessons throughout the school year with the exception of puberty and human reproduction. These lessons will be taught in gender specific groups in the Spring and advance notice will be given to parents.