Fifth Grade Curriculum

The general objectives for students in the fifth grade are to:

• develop mental, emotional, and physical stamina
• see learning as a constant, rewarding, and enjoyable companion for life
• take responsibility for one’s actions both academically and socially
• see problem-solving as a challenge and its reward as knowledge gained
• display respectful conduct towards each other, others’ property, and their elders

The specific objectives for fifth grade students are:

Reading:

• read rapidly, rhythmically, and expressively
• evaluate, analyze, and paraphrase material
• recognize the relationship of facts
• articulate and write comprehension questions
• familiarize students with characters in Greek mythology

Spelling:

• increase vocabulary and spelling abilities
• apply Carden controls with ease and confidence
• further develop skill in sentence analysis and outlining

Writing and Composition:

• use writing processes of prewriting, writing a draft, revising, editing, and publishing
• apply mechanics of language
• demonstrate awareness of the structure of composition, outlining, plot analysis, episoding, and summarizing

Penmanship:

• display pride in all written work through neat and accurate penmanship

Poetry:

• use and write poetry to discover the beauty of rhythmic reading, tone inflection, mental image, and memorization, and as a tool of creative self expression

Mathematics:

• master basic operations with seven to eight place numerals, operations with fractions, decimal fractions, percentages, ratios, properties, exponents, Roman numerals, units of measure (English and metric), conversion of Fahrenheit and Celsius
• emphasize and develop ability to perform mental math

History:

• understand the causes and development of the colonization of the Western Hemisphere
• study Colonial America, the First and Second Continental Congress, and the Revolutionary through Civil Wars

Science:

• become familiar with the names and lives of famous scientists
• participate in lab experiences which require the student to be familiar with scientific procedure, recording of data, and conclusions reached

Art and Art Appreciation:

• develop facility with different art media
• attain familiarity with significant historical artworks
• achieve confidence in personal artistic endeavors

Music:

• value music by actively listening, singing, and playing an instrument
• develop appreciation for the various styles of music
• participate in class and school wide performances

French:

• complete second half of French Is Fun text to strengthen proficency
• continue to explore and appreciate French culture

Physical Education:

• perform the California Physical Fitness Test
• participate in class activities designed to develop skill and coordination
• demonstrate good sportsmanship and encourage class and teammates
• participate in team sports

Computer

• become proficient with keyboarding (40-50 wpm)
• learn Microsoft Word program
• learn PowerPoint for presentations
• learn Excel for spreadsheets, charts and graphs
• complete a multimedia project
• use math programs that support the classroom program
• click here to view computer classes

Outdoor Education

Fifth graders enjoy a week-long trip to Astrocamp, a field science camp in Idyllwild, California.

We encourage you to learn more about our curriculum by grade level:

• Back to main curriculum page
• Kindergarten
• First Grade
• Second Grade
• Third Grade
• Fourth Grade
• Fifth Grade
• Sixth Grade
• Seventh Grade
• Eighth Grade
• Outdoor Education
• Athletics
• Computers
• Art

If you are not familiar with Miss Carden and the Carden Method, we encourage you to review the information we have prepared.