Curriculum Information
Check this page to read about what we are up to in the classroom.
Math
All proficient mathematicians have common practices. These we call our 'Math Practice Standards' and they are:
1- Make sense of problems and persevere in solving them.
2- Attend to precision
3- Reason and explain
4- Model math problems and use tools appropriately
5- See structure and generalize
Throughout all of our math units, we will be focusing on these practices as we discuss and explore the different content.
Throughout the month of October, we will be working on understanding what it means to be a proficient math student. The math practices are embedded in every unit and lesson throughout the year. It is important for the children to be able to explain how these practices can help them achieve their math learning goals. We will be working through Unit 2, which includes developing addition, subtraction, and multiplication skills with whole numbers and decimals. Some tasks in the second unit will include reading, writing, and comparing decimals to the thousandths, as well as using an understanding of place value to round decimals. In addition to working in whole and small groups, the children will also continue to work through the Fraction Nation computer program.
All proficient mathematicians have common practices. These we call our 'Math Practice Standards' and they are:
1- Make sense of problems and persevere in solving them.
2- Attend to precision
3- Reason and explain
4- Model math problems and use tools appropriately
5- See structure and generalize
Throughout all of our math units, we will be focusing on these practices as we discuss and explore the different content.
Throughout the month of October, we will be working on understanding what it means to be a proficient math student. The math practices are embedded in every unit and lesson throughout the year. It is important for the children to be able to explain how these practices can help them achieve their math learning goals. We will be working through Unit 2, which includes developing addition, subtraction, and multiplication skills with whole numbers and decimals. Some tasks in the second unit will include reading, writing, and comparing decimals to the thousandths, as well as using an understanding of place value to round decimals. In addition to working in whole and small groups, the children will also continue to work through the Fraction Nation computer program.
Writing
In our first writing unit, we will focus on what it means to write a great story. The fifth grade writers will start by getting ideas from their own real-life experiences, just like many published authors do. While planning out their stories, the students will learn that narrative writers need to orient their reader at the beginning of a piece and provide a conclusion at the end. As they start to draft stories, they'll try to show (not tell) what is happening by using dialogue, sensory details, or a character's thoughts and responses to an event. As the fifth graders continue to write, they'll start to ask themselves, "What is this story really about?" This will prompt revisions to bring out the true meaning of a story. For example, a story about riding a roller coaster for the first time might really be about overcoming fears or trying new things. After revising and editing, we will be excited to share these stories and all of our hard work with families.
In our first writing unit, we will focus on what it means to write a great story. The fifth grade writers will start by getting ideas from their own real-life experiences, just like many published authors do. While planning out their stories, the students will learn that narrative writers need to orient their reader at the beginning of a piece and provide a conclusion at the end. As they start to draft stories, they'll try to show (not tell) what is happening by using dialogue, sensory details, or a character's thoughts and responses to an event. As the fifth graders continue to write, they'll start to ask themselves, "What is this story really about?" This will prompt revisions to bring out the true meaning of a story. For example, a story about riding a roller coaster for the first time might really be about overcoming fears or trying new things. After revising and editing, we will be excited to share these stories and all of our hard work with families.
Reading
Students are currently working on interpreting a variety of elements of literature. Thematic Book Clubs help fifth graders understand that theme is the author’s most important message. Stories within the same genre of literature can have predictable structures and themes. Students will also know that summarizing is a strategy that readers use in order to identify theme. While they write well about their reading they will ask themselves: How do authors convey their theme? What strategies do readers use in order to understand theme? Why do we compare and contrast stories within the same genre?
Students are currently working on interpreting a variety of elements of literature. Thematic Book Clubs help fifth graders understand that theme is the author’s most important message. Stories within the same genre of literature can have predictable structures and themes. Students will also know that summarizing is a strategy that readers use in order to identify theme. While they write well about their reading they will ask themselves: How do authors convey their theme? What strategies do readers use in order to understand theme? Why do we compare and contrast stories within the same genre?
Social Studies
During the first social studies unit, students learn why it is important to learn about history. They also create classroom rules and discuss the link between their rules and how the United States Constitution and Bill of Rights insures specific rights and freedoms. In addition, students will learn what Constitution Day (September 17) is and why it is important, as well as how the Constitution and Bill of Rights reflect principles of American democracy.
Important Words: constitution, government, citizen, rights
Science
Ecosystems-
Fifth graders will focus their science investigations throughout the year around a central theme of “systems”. The Ecosystem Interactions Unit will provide students an opportunity to explore relationships that exist on Earth through classroom investigations of a model ecosystem.
During the first social studies unit, students learn why it is important to learn about history. They also create classroom rules and discuss the link between their rules and how the United States Constitution and Bill of Rights insures specific rights and freedoms. In addition, students will learn what Constitution Day (September 17) is and why it is important, as well as how the Constitution and Bill of Rights reflect principles of American democracy.
Important Words: constitution, government, citizen, rights
Science
Ecosystems-
Fifth graders will focus their science investigations throughout the year around a central theme of “systems”. The Ecosystem Interactions Unit will provide students an opportunity to explore relationships that exist on Earth through classroom investigations of a model ecosystem.