Fifth Grade Curriculum

Language/Reading- Ashleigh Dieudonne

Vocabulary, reading skills and comprehension are an integral part of this curriculum.  It is essential that the student be able to interpret and evaluate the written word, draw inferences and conclusions, and answer essay questions of literal, inferential and evaluative natures.  Grammar and spelling activities are used to develop fluent writing and speaking skills.  Instruction for creative writing  is holistic involving the use of interesting words and phrase patterns. 
Reflective writing on a regular basis is encouraged.

History-Robert Tate

Description: The students will examine the civilizations developed in Mesopotamia , Egypt , The Indus River Valley, China, Greece , and Rome .  They will complete lessons w/regards to explorers of the new and ancient world.    They will understand major development in those civilizations, including the economic influences on the political organizations and cultural and religious contributions of early humans from the beginnings throughout the development of the Roman and Greek Empires. Students will appreciate the significance of geography in the development of civilizations; the major figures that helped establish early societies, and the lasting influences of ideas, teachings, and belief systems that have endured until the present. The students will also be able to define the 5 elements of geography and be able to locate cities, states and countries on maps and globes.

Goals: Students will develop and exercise a core of history and social studies thinking skills. These include:

1. Historical Comprehension

2. Geographical and Economic Literacy

3. Historical Research, Analysis, and Interpretation

4. Historical Issues - Analysis and Decision Making

5. Civics and Government

Math-Cheryl Holsten

Philosophy – Louisiana Standards

In mathematics classrooms in Louisiana, each student actively participates in a learning environment guided by a positive capable teacher.  The student values mathematics and is confident and competent in his or her ability to use mathematics in an ever-changing world.  The student develops mathematical understanding through individual and group instruction that includes investigating, discovering, communicating, and reasoning.  Assessment, an integral part of the teaching and learning process, is carefully integrated with instructional practices.

I firmly believe in this philosophy and practice it daily in a positive atmosphere. 

5^th grade curriculum – SRA 6th

Course Description – The student will learn and remember the foundational skills of arithmetic- addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division of whole numbers, decimals, and fractions.  This course goes beyond the topics of arithmetic to include foundational topics of geometry, measurement, algebra, and graph reading.  Exponents are introduced.  A mini-unit on Roman Numerals is taught. Word problems are used on a weekly basis to help expand critical thinking abilities.

Performance or measured objectives:

1. Demonstrate knowledge through board work.
2. Demonstrate math concepts using manipulatives in the classroom.
3. Demonstrate foundational skills in small groups for cooperative learning.
4. Demonstrate knowledge learned from lessons through quizzes and chapter tests.

Activities:

1. Hands-on math related activities
2. Daily homework assignments
3. Quizzes
4. Tests
5. Class participation
6. Memory math
7. Math activities and projects

Science- Jodi Sciortino

We will have many opportunities for hands on exploration throughout the course of the year. Labs are a component of our science class, as a way of applying what the students have learned to real-life situations. Class participation means students must take an active role in his or her learning.

Key indicators:
-Involvement in the discussion or activity
-Staying on task
-Prepared for class with textbook, notebook, and assignment pad
-Copy homework from the board
-Make positive contributions to our learning environment

Tests, quizzes, projects, homework, class work, and an exam will be averaged for a final quarter grade. Extra credit will be added to a low quiz. It is not added to a percentage, but to a specific quiz.

Test papers will be sent home on Wednesdays in the blue Kehoe-France folder to keep you updated on your child’s progress. Please review them and sign.

Homework slips will be sent home for homework not turned in. For every homework slip issued, a point is deducted from the child’s daily grade.

Projected Schedule for 5th grade:
1st 9 weeks
Life Science – Unit A Systems in Living Things
2nd 9 weeks
Life Science – Unit D Populations and Ecosystems
3rd 9 weeks
Earth Science – Unit B The Solar System and Beyond
4th 9 weeks
Earth Science – Unit E The Solid Earth
Physical Science – Unit C Matter and Energy