Students grow through use of
literature-based stories with an emphasis on vocabulary building. Book reports,
access and uses of a variety of types of books, and the Accelerated Reading Program
enhances the student's ability to read and comprehend what he or she reads.
This stems into writing, grammar, and
spelling. An individualized spelling program allows the student to learn words at
their own page and to learn them for life. Increased emphasis on parts of speech
and sentence structure allow students to communicate their thoughts with greater
clarity. The writing process is studied at greater depth and combined with new
library skills to complete a research project.
Cursive writing is used throughout all
assignments with neatness and proper formation of letter emphasized.
Accelerated
Reader
Students explore place value as well as
basic function of whole numbers, fractions, and decimals. This provides a solid
foundation for the introduction in this grade of algebra, graphing, estimating, problem
solving, as well as ratio and probability. Exposure to problem solving and
measurement using English and Metric units continues.
A general science curriculum continues
with the study of:
Hands-on activities, experiments, and
observation are woven into lessons.
Fifth grade social studies focuses on U.S.
history. Study covers the growth and development of the United States from the
1800's to the present times. Students also explore our country's physical and
cultural aspects as well as our relationship with Central and South America.
Students continue study of the Sacraments
and prayer. Memorization of common prayers as well as development of their own
prayer life are emphasized. Students are expected to understand the parts that make
up the Mass. Stewarship projects are explored by individuals and as a class.
Various Commandments are emphasized within religious lessons. Students attend Mass
twice a week.
Emphasis is placed on learning how to do
spreadsheets and databases. With exposure to a variety of software, students often
explore word processing and multimedia.
Students take part in stewardship field
trips off campus such as a field trip to the Embassy Theatre to hear the Fort Wayne
Philharmonic in concert. Other trips are scheduled throughout the year to reinforce
classroom lessons.
Art is taught using Discipline Based Art
Education (DBAE) which includes art history, art production, development of the ability to
describe and express your own feelings about a piece of art, development of the ability to
criticize a piece of art constructively. Each grade level "scaffolds" or
builds on the grade level before it. Vocabulary and techniques used increase in
difficulty with the cognitive abilities of that grade level.
In grade five, students produce more
freehand drawings. Individual expression is encouraged. All projects reinforce
the art theories knowledge base (perspective, color, shading, texture, 2-D art, 3-D art,
and line) and add some new ones: different media and sizes of paper. For example,
one lesson might be based on abstract expressionism created by using oil pastels on
18" x 24" paper.
Study of books takes the next step toward
independent research of resource books. Divisions of the Dewey Decimal system are
discussed. Lessons expand into further exploration of resource materials including
encyclopedia on CD-ROM, biography, atlas, and almanac. The meaning of
"copyright" is explored for understanding. Also, an incentive program for
regular reading is introduced.
Continuing to build on their musiciansiip
knowledge base, students learn to sing and read two and three part harmony.
Compositions are created using simple rhythm. Music theory study includes
recognition of musical symbols, key signatures and scales. More styles of music are
studied.
Activities are planned to help children to
develop appropriate motor skills beginning with fundamental skills. These skills
lead to specific sport skills that can turn into lifetime activities.
