Math
Curriculum for Mathematics is based on the CCSS for Math. In addition to Math in Focus, fifth grade students will be introduced to an online math supplemental & enrichment program. Students will master whole numbers up to 10,000,000, as well as whole number multi-digit multiplication and division. They will study addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, estimation and rounding of fractions and mixed numbers, as well as expressing them as decimals.
Through Algebra, fifth graders will learn how to recognize, write and evaluate simple algebraic expressions, and will be able to apply their knowledge to real world situations and problems. Students will learn about area and how to find area within rectangles or triangles. They will also learn about surface area, volume, as well as the properties of triangles and four-sided shapes. Students will master multiplication and division of decimals, and will be able to provide logical reasoning when solving real-world problems. Fifth-graders will be converting metric units and will have a cross-curricular tie to science. They will be able to apply their knowledge to real-world problem solving.
English Language & Arts (ELA): Reading
Our curriculum for ELA Reading & Literature is based on the Common Core State Standards (CCSS) for English Language Arts (ELA). Students will be reading from a variety of genres, including but not limited to, fiction, non-fiction, poetry, and current events. Reader’s Workshop and literature circles will both be used throughout the year, as will magazines, online resources and ties into other areas of the curriculum.
Students will describe and connect the essential ideas, arguments, and perspectives of text, recognize and use new vocabulary, and monitor comprehension through the use of connecting, questioning, summarizing, inferring, visualizing & predicting. Students will critique text using personal reflections and written responses. They will also use online reading comprehension games like Dreamscape. ELA Reading and Literature is incorporated throughout the curriculum and is directly connected with ELA: Language Arts.
English Language & Arts (ELA): Writing
Our curriculum for ELA Writing & Spelling is based on the Common Core State Standards (CCSS) for English Language Arts (ELA). Students will write multi-paragraph expository, persuasive, and personal narrative essays that include an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. Students will apply prewriting strategies to choose a topic and generate ideas, compose well-organized writing, and focus on a central idea for a specific purpose and audience.
Students will use effective voice, word choice and a variety of sentence structures and lengths. Students will write effective introductions, conclusions, add details to support ideas and enhance writing. They will edit writing for clarity and correct grammar, and proofread for spelling, capitalization, and punctuation. In fifth grade, students will actively research and write reports based on current events and historical time periods depending on the subject area. Students will also be using the following texts: Wonders and Spelling Workout. ELA curriculum is incorporated across the curriculum in all subject areas, especially with Literature/ Reading.
Social Studies
Social StudiesStudents will learn about American history, early exploration, the 13 original colonies, and events leading up to the American Revolution, establishing a new government, the Constitution, & the basic structure of our present government. Students will gain a better understanding of the American Revolution by using a problem-solving approach called Storypath. Many of our ELA standards are tied to social studies and a few of our novels are based on the time periods we cover in history. Students complete a Colonial America Research Report and Presentation that covers multiple ELA standards including research, writing and speaking. Fifth graders also focus on current events in the United States and around the world and make connections between our religion and ELA curriculum.
Science
ScienceStudents learn about Earth, Life, & Physical science through hands-on approach, using Full Option Science System (FOSS) Next Generation. Students will begin by investigating the Earth and it’s relationship to the sun, the moon, and other heavenly bodies. They will then move to mixtures and solutions. Students will wrap up the year with an exploration of Living Systems. The best way for students to learn important scientific concepts & develop the ability to think is to actively construct ideas through their own inquiries, investigations and analysis. Much of our science curriculum is incorporated into other areas of curriculum, including a tie into Food and Nutrition in P.E. as well as Spanish and literature as well. Students will be completing many hands-on projects at home and at school.
Religion
Curriculum for Religion is based on the Office of Catholic Schools (OCS) standards for Religion. Students will gain a deeper understanding of the sacraments and how the Catholic Church celebrates Christ’s saving action in our lives. Themes in the fifth grade curriculum include: Creation, God, Jesus is a Sacrament; The Church is a Sacrament, Christian Morality, the Eucharist, and Salvation History. Stewardship projects are also incorporated into our religion curriculum. A significant component of the education at OLG is the focus on Catholic Social Teaching.
The ACRE Assessment: Since the late 1970’s NCEA has offered assessment instruments designed to strengthen catechetical/religious education programs. The ACRE (Assessment of Children/Youth Religious Education) helps schools, evaluate the faith knowledge and attitudes of students in Catholic schools. As an integrated assessment tool, ACRE provides faith knowledge questions (cognitive domain) and questions related to religious beliefs, attitudes, practices, and perceptions (affective domain). This test, administered in May, evaluates the strength of a school’s overall religion program and provides national scores for comparison and processes for tracking religious education program data over time.
