Reading The fifth grade uses a literature-based program to teach reading. Literature from a variety of genres is shared. Response journals and discussion groups help to promote the development of critical thinking skills, questioning skills, and an appreciation of literature. Reading skills are taught via mini- lessons related to the literature selections, and through the use of the S.R.A. Program.

Spelling Spelling lessons are presented each week. The word list is introduced as a pre-test. Various activities are presented as a means of practice. At the end of a one-week period, the week's list of words is tested.

Writing Students will experience and practice several formats of written expression. Poetry, friendly and business letters, persuasive writing, direction writing, reporting , essays, as well as a personal choice of genre, will be focused on. Writing skills will be taught in context, and applied to the students' written work.

Mathematics The D.C. Heath Connections, textbook is used in fifth grade. It was written to correspond to the National Council of Teachers of Math standards of learning. Our studies focus on the following skills: a brief review of addition and subtraction; multiplication and division of whole numbers, decimals and fractions; graphing and statistics; measurement and geometry; ratio, proportion, and probability; percent; area and volume. Problem solving strategies and open-ended problems are incorporated at every level of instruction.

Social Studies The fifth grade focuses on the study of United States History from its origin to 1815. Students will develop an understanding of the causes and effects of events from the following time periods: Age of Exploration, Early Colonization, the American Revolution, the writing of the Constitution, and the early 1800's.
We will also develop our geography skills using manipulative maps and atlases. Skills we address will include: a review of states and capitols; latitude and longitude; map keys and symbols; directional terms; boundaries; and major geographical features of the United States, Europe and Africa.
Students will practice research techniques, essay writing, note taking, and outlining. This is to improve upon their abilities to derive key content from written materials.

Science Our science studies focus on the human body systems, nutrition, cellular studies, geology, vertebrates, electricity, energy, motion, matter, chemistry, and environmental issues. The students will experience these topics through a hands-on investigative approach which will be supplemented by the test. We will use Puddle Question books, AIMS and PALMS programs, Insight kits, and multimedia approaches. Our health component is made up of D.A.R.E.; Here's Looking at You 2000, The Michigan Model of Health, and The Great Body Shop programs.

Homework Homework is an important part of a child's education. It teaches responsibility, reinforces skills taught in class, accountability for assignments, perseverance, self-discipline, personal study skills and habits, and time management. Student should expect up to one hour of homework each school night. This may fluctuate at times. Homework may be assigned over the weekend, however, not on a regular basis.
Assignment books are provided for each student. These are an important organizational tool for the student. They also are an excellent resource for home-school communication. In order to assure success, parents play a crucial role in the checking and signing of the assignment book each night.