5TH GRADE CURRICULUM

Language Arts

Enjoying literature involves all aspects of reading. Students continue to develop their skills in recognizing key words in context, cause-effect relationships, drawing conclusions, identifying facts and opinions, recognizing sequence of events, summarizing, and recognizing main ideas and supporting details. Grammar skills develop with the student’s understanding of all eight parts of speech and sentence structure. In conjunction with the grammar skills, writing involves applying those skills to many different forms. Additionally, spelling is focused on throughout each unit with an emphasis on spelling patterns. Finally, four book studies are conducted throughout the year including The War with Grandpa by Robert Kimmel Smith, and Number the Stars by Lois Lowry.
 
 

Math

The emphasis on problem solving continues from previous learning. Students are called upon to apply mathematical tools and techniques to real mathematical situations through word problems. Students work with whole number concepts and computations, mental computation, patterns and functions, measurement, and statistics and probability. Work with fractions, mixed numbers, decimals, and geometry is significantly expanded. Students are introduced to percentages and negative numbers.

 

Religion

Understanding that they are saved by grace through faith in Jesus, these students can more easily verbalize the everyday struggles between sinful and sanctified natures. Their personal knowledge of the Old Testament and how it prophesizes about the Savior expands and gives them more insight into the fulfillment of God’s promises. They understand that God is an omniscient God who stays by their sides and helps them in many ways. They gain a value for the Bible and understanding of the work of the Holy Spirit. They continue to gain an appreciation for Martin Luther and his teachings.

 

Science

Students learn about chemicals, atoms, and molecules. They explore the concept of energy, physics, solar power, and food webs. The spend time on understanding the ecosystem, biology, and the weather. Hands-on investigations help the students see the connection between learning and doing and online with web-generated re-enforcement. They also explore how science plays a part in their everyday lives as well as applying science concepts to solve problems in the world today.

 

Social Studies

Students learn about he relationship between the Western Hemisphere and the people of the Eastern Hemisphere recognizing the events that lead up to the exploration of North America and the settlement of the United States. The historic events, individuals, and the impact of the contributions from the groups that settled this nation are all studied. The students also study the Constitution and other documents related to our government. Learning more about maps and developing more map skills enable the students to see the relationship between the United States and other nations of the world.
 

Art

Children will continue to build on their artistic abilities as they learn the history of each artist studied. Students will begin to build their art vocabulary as they continue to build on the skills learned. They will use the skills they have developed to make reproductions of the artist we study throughout the year. Students will begin to see God’s hand in the art world.

 

Technology

Computer class builds on what is learned in the previous years. Students will learn about the Google platform through: Google Drive, Google Classroom, Google Sheets and Google Slides. Keyboarding skills will continue to be practiced through Typing Club. Students will learn about digital citizenship and how to stay safe on the internet. Lessons in program coding will be taught through Scratch.
 

Music
The students are exposed to materials for the development of music concepts. The concepts are taught in conjunction with the Quaver music curriculum, using a variety of skills-based activities, movement activities, instrumental parts to read, and web-based lessons. Music concepts include notation, instruments, music theory, vocal lessons, and connections to music throughout our culture. The 5th grade students meet with 3rd-4th grade classes for Choir twice a month and performs at least once a quarter at various events including chapel and a local retirement center.
 

Physical Education

Students will continue to build on their knowledge of fitness. Cardio-respiratory function is introduced. Components of a healthy lifestyle such as nutrition and the dangers of substance abuse will be addressed. The 5th grader’s reaction times are increasing agility, balance and control are improving. Problem solving and cooperative activities play an important role as 5th graders prepare for more involvement in extracurricular activities and sports.


Chess (elective Grades 5-8)

It’s not about Kings, Queens and Rooks, but rather quadrants and coordinates, thinking strategically, and foreseeing consequences. It’s about lines and angles, weighing options and making decisions. Chess is an ideal teaching and learning tool. Research shows there is a strong correlation between learning to play chess and academic achievement. Chess teaches higher level thinking skills such as visualization, analyzation and thinking critically. Chess class will be a mix of fun, competition and learning. Students develop confidence and focus and gain valuable academic skills while having fun
 

Current Events at PWC (elective Grades 5-8)

Students in this elective are introduced to journalism. They are the school’s news source when it comes to PWC sports, special events and K-8 classroom activities. Newscasts are created through the work of a crew of anchors, reporters and camera operators and shown to the school each month.
 

Drama (elective Grades 5-8)

This elective offers basic introduction to drama terms and techniques. Instructional periods include time to put into practice the skills addressed, including stage production and instruction in behind-the-scenes. Several small productions occur throughout the year.
 
Texts:
One in Christ – Concordia Publishing House, 2010
English Standard Version Bible
Saxon-Math Intermediate 5 – Saxon Publishers, 2008
Reading Wonders, 2014, McGraw-Hill
Social Studies — The United States, MacMillan/McGraw-Hill, 2009
Science — Harcourt, 2005
Physical Education for Elementary School Children – Kirchner/Glenn – William C. Brown Publishers, 1989
Art First Nations — Zuk & Bergland, 2001

Meet the Masters – Meet the Masters

Quaver Music – online music curriculum

Typing Club – online keyboarding

Scratch – online coding