Fifth Grade
LANGUAGE ARTS
Fifth Grade students learn an appreciation of literature from a reading program that includes short stories, novels, newspaper articles and poetry. Fifth Graders are expected to read independently throughout the year. A computer program called The Accelerated Reader integrates computer technology with reading enrichment to increase reading comprehension and keep track of students’ progress. Many writing assignments relate directly to the reading, science or social studies curriculum. Throughout the year students experience tasks across the whole writing spectrum (e.g.: letters, reports, descriptive accounts, journals, poetry). Composition and grammar are emphasized. Students participate in peer editing and learn to effectively revise their writing. English grammar is studied and reinforced throughout the year, complementing skills being learned in Latin.
MATHEMATICS
The math curriculum is a balance between conceptual knowledge, procedural knowledge, and problem solving. Number sense, fractions, decimals, measurements, graphing, percents and probability are studied, including an introduction to algebraic concepts. Manipulatives such as fraction bars and base ten blocks as well as real life math applications, supplement the use of a text and aid conceptual understanding. Advanced topics and individual acceleration provide the appropriate level of challenge and mastery for each student.
SOCIAL STUDIES
The United States is the central theme for the Fifth Grade social studies curriculum. In history, the students investigate U.S. History from its revolutionary beginnings to the Civil War and Reconstruction. In geography, the students analyze the features of each of the major regions in the U.S., and in current events, particular emphasis is placed on local and national news stories.
SCIENCE
Topics within the areas of life, physical, and earth science are presented, including insects, plants, birds, the solar system, electricity and magnetism, air pressure and oceans. The lab work is hands-on, including activities such as dissecting flowers and owl pellets, and/or building models and simple motors. Every Fifth Grade student participates in a Middle School Science Fair or challenge project that is completed during class. (Parents are not permitted to help students at home.)
INTERDISCIPLINARY STUDY
All Fifth and Sixth Graders participate in an overnight interdisciplinary trip to Stokes State Forest. An environmental education program, including problem solving and cooperative learning, is provided by the staff of the School of Conservation from Montclair State College and by the Fifth and Sixth Grade teachers.
FIFTH AND SIXTH GRADE ENRICHMENT SUBJECTS
LATIN
Latin is introduced in Fifth Grade and continued in Sixth for all students. Goals include preparation for the formal study of a modern foreign language in Seventh Grade; improvement in understanding of English grammar, enhancement of students’ English vocabulary through the study of Latin roots; and the development of specific study skills which can carry over to the entire curriculum.
ART
Art classes meet two times a week, for one semester. Exploration of the elements of design (line, color, texture, shape, shading) and principles of design (rhythm, balance, repetition, contrast) are woven into the creative framework of the art curriculum. A wide range of media is explored with the student including clay, tempera, photography, wood construction, papier-mâché, collage, etc. Students maintain an art journal throughout the course.
WOODWORKING
Woodworking courses meet twice a week for one semester in a safe, well-appointed woodworking shop. Students are introduced to a variety of hand tools, and they learn about measurement, design and joinery. Projects include constructions such as birdhouses, sailboats and bookends.
MUSIC
Music classes meet twice a week. In both the Fifth and Sixth Grade, music theory, history, and performance are emphasized equally. Students improve the skills of note reading, counting, listening and conducting and continue to study the concepts of rhythm, tonality, harmony and musical terms. The lives and works of selected composers are studied with emphasis on their influence in western music history. The techniques of choral singing are further developed and refined at this level.
COMPUTERS
Computer classes meet twice a week and additional time is available for special projects. Classes meet in the state-of-the-art, Internet-connected computer lab. Varied computer skills are taught throughout the year, including keyboarding, word-processing, spreadsheets and presentations. Internet research skills are introduced through projects done for other academic classes.
HEALTH
Weekly health classes for Fifth and Sixth Graders are taught by a health educator. Health education focuses on human relationships and substance abuse resistance. The human relationships section addresses the social and emotional changes that take place during the middle school years. Substance abuse resistance education provides students with the information and decision-making skills to discern safe behaviors from those which are self-destructive.
PHYSICAL EDUCATION
Physical education classes meet four days a week. Individual skills and social development are highlighted through motor activities. Teamwork, sportsmanship and fitness through team sports are stressed. Physical fitness is developed and evaluated through a physical fitness unit. Interscholastic sports include soccer, basketball, baseball and softball.
FIFTH/SIXTH GRADE UNIT
Near the end of the second semester, students participate in an interdisciplinary unit of study focusing on a specific topic. This time affords the opportunity for research and group work across disciplines.
