Classrooms

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• Sixth Grade

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Updated: 6/10/2008

In keeping with one of the central themes being United States History, the Reading/Language Arts program deals primarily with American authors and U.S. settings.  The students read a variety of genres including historical novels, journals, biographies, fantasies, legends, and newspapers.  The instructor reads aloud to the students to improve their listening skills and the students also participate in reading groups.  The students are required to complete multiple book reports and study poetry.  They are encouraged to make their own journals.  For example, the students are asked to write a journal as if they were a part of the Underground Railroad and map out the route they took to freedom and their adventures along the way.  Bringing science and language arts together, the students journal their scientific findings when they go to Yellowstone.  The students give oral presentations on the people in literature they’re introduced to complete with costume, maps, food and artifacts from the period.

 Critical thinking and problem solving are the focus of the fifth grade Math program.  The children will learn how to solve multi-step word problems, solve for an unknown by translating word statements into an algebraic equation, experiment, collect and use data, and apply logical reasoning to deduce answers from problems.  The basic math facts in fifth grade include the reinforcement of addition, subtraction, and multiplication, as well as place value, decimals, fractions, geometry and whole numbers.  In addition, they master math vocabulary in the following areas: math facts, weights and measurement, estimation, comparing and ordering, estimation and use of data, place values, rounding, decimals, and fractions.

 The Science program is greatly enhanced by the working weather station on the roof of the school. The students get the unique opportunity to perform a full weather report each morning with cloud observations and forecast for the day.  Another unique aspect of the fifth grade science program is the field trip they take each spring to Yellowstone National Park.  This trip is a week long science expedition, lead by rangers and scientists.  The class prepares for the trip by studying geology, botany, classification, landforms, mapping, ecosystems, weather patterns, and other things earth science related.  Also part of the plant and animal studies are dissection, art projects including 3-D models, and reports on animals.

 Maps are a large part of the Social Studies and History curriculum in the fifth grade because of the focus on the United States.  The U.S. state borders are often along rivers, mountains and oceans, and many historical events also took place in these areas.  The students do map work with compasses and make their own relief map.  They create a Geography note book throughout the year, which includes a map and information about each state.  In addition, they are required to do state reports and U.S. national park visual reports.  Historical events and figures of the United States are taught through literature and various activities already described.  The children participate in role playing of U.S. History, do weekly U.S. studies, and read the newspaper.  From the newspaper, the students learn and discuss many aspects of Civics and Government, including what makes this country a republic and what role the government plays in our lives.  This is a great exercise in critical thinking and helps prepare the children for their world.

 The fifth grade year encompasses cross curricular activities where art is included in many forms in the activities they do.  Examples of fifth grade Creative Outlet include dying Ukrainian Easter eggs and creating American crafts such as knitting, bookmaking, wheat weaving, papermaking, felting, spinning, and quilting. 

 Technology use is a big part of the daily classroom routine in the fifth grade.  For example, the students check various internet sites during the day for weather information, and use the laptop station to visit a site offers virtual interactive tours of the U.S. National Parks.  They also use electronic tools to help develop ideas and organize thinking, and one to help with written expression.

 In Religion, the focus is on the Seven Sacraments.  The students also enjoy learning about different religious symbols in art, and the meaning and practices behind them throughout Christian history.