5th Grade Curriculum

Language Arts and Writing
Fifth graders explore a variety of reading and writing styles. Students read for meaning and methodically learn to read expository texts in preparation for middle school. Students have an extensive program that helps them develop skills in:

  • Reading a variety of genres
  • Strengthening comprehension skills
  • Completing book projects
  • Understanding an author’s purpose
  • Poetry reading and writing
  • Grammar usage and punctuation
  • Parts of speech
  • Editing
  • Cursive handwriting

Social Studies
Students learn map skills and delve into learning about the five regions of the United States. By the end of the year they will have learned all the states and the capitals. Fifth graders are exposed to current events through the Time for Kids publication. Students spend time in the first months of school learning about a country and preparing for International Night.

Science
Fifth grade science is always off to an exciting start as the class learns about marine biology with a hands on demonstration at the Gulf of Maine Research Center. Fifth graders learn about Earth systems, the life process, kinds of matter and are introduced to basic physics and astronomy. In addition to this and other learning, students also participate in lab each week and have the opportunity to conduct research as well as work on reading and writing skills.

Religion
The Religion curriculum provides 5th graders with a deeper understanding of the Sacraments. Other learning includes:

  • The Ten Commandments
  • The Liturgical Seasons
  • Why we are unique
  • Why God loves us

The Fifth graders assist in Mass preparations on a rotating schedule, serving as readers, bringing up the gifts, and participating in altar server training. They also assist their kindergarten prayer partners each week, modeling Mass behavior. The Circle of Grace curriculum is taught to provide a holistic approach to the safety, well-being, and spiritual formation of children and youth.

Math
Students continue to work in the Sadlier Progress in Mathematics program and follow a Math Menu structure to:

  • Demonstrate understanding of the place value system
  • Use the four operations with whole and decimals/fractions
  • Use a coordinate graph including axis, origin scale, and use it to mark and read position using coordinate pairs
  • Understand geometry
  • Select and apply appropriate standard units (metric and customary), tools and strategies to estimate and measure length, weight, capacity, temperature, rotation, and angles, with accuracy
  • Problem solving
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