Curricular Expectations

Reading:

·        The reading component includes work in the areas of vocabulary development, comprehension, fluency, and skills application.

·        Trade books may be used to supplement the literature program.

·        Homework in reading may consist of completion of comprehension questions, vocabulary practice, and independent reading.

English:

·        Students will be formally evaluated in writing several times during the school year.  The students will complete the bulk of the writing process at school.  Students may type their final copy.  Tentatively, some of the writings we may do include descriptive writing, personal narrative, research report, informational writing, persuasive writing, responding to text, and retelling/summary.

·        Students will receive a new spelling list almost every week.  Homework in spelling is usually given three to four times a week, with nightly review recommended for the test.

·        Our grammar program consists of types of sentences and the various parts of speech.

Science:

·        Our fifth grade science curriculum covers several units of study:  Adaptations of Living Things, Ecosystems, Weather and Climate, and Family Living.

·        Students will work individually and cooperatively on experiments and projects throughout the year.  The experiments, as well as teacher/student-generated notes will form the bulk of the science notebook.  The notebook is a tool that students should use for nightly review.

Mathematics:

·        In addition to skills acquired in each chapter, tests of basic facts will be administered on a regular basis.

·        Please practice basic facts in addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division at home to increase speed and accuracy.

·        Generally speaking, students should receive homework in mathematics four to five nights a week.

Social Studies:

·        Our fifth grade social studies curriculum includes:  Explorers and American history up to the end of the Civil War.

·        Students will keep notes in a social studies notebook.  The notebook should be reviewed nightly.