Grade Five program

Grade Five is an exciting, challenging year for students. Our main goal is to foster student success and self-esteem by providing supportive classroom environments and enriching learning experiences. Our integrated curriculum helps students develop skills needed for success in school and in the future. We expect students to be responsible for their own behavior and learning. We help them to do so by providing experiences that develop organizational skills and self-reliance. Class studies and activities provide many opportunities for creative thinking and collaboration. We support every child in his efforts toward personal and academic growth.

Language Arts

The Grade Five Language Arts program focuses on helping students explore their interests, expand their vocabularies, and develop a life-long love of reading. Instruction integrates reading, writing, listening, speaking, viewing, and thinking. We use high interest, challenging fiction and non-fiction novels. Through discussion and research, students develop effective reading strategies in order to become critical and creative thinkers. Special emphasis is on developing effective reading strategies.

The Writing Process (Pre-Writing, Drafting, Revising, Editing, and Publishing) is integrated into all subject areas. Frequent writing opportunities in many genres (e.g. research, journals, letters, poetry) form the core of the program. Within this discipline, grammar, spelling, and vocabulary are addressed with an on-going focus on the "Reading-Writing Connection."

There are ESL (English as a Second Language) classes available for non-English speaking students.

Mathematics

Using the Everyday Math series developed by the University of Chicago, eight general concepts are continuously taught and reviewed throughout the year. Concepts include: numeration and order; measurement and measures; mental arithmetic and number systems; algorithms and procedures; data and chance; geometry and spatial sense; patterns, functions, and sequences; algebra and the use of variables.

Students engage in hands-on experiences with manipulatives, use high-level thinking skills, participate in cooperative groups, and investigate and apply mathematics to their world. Opportunities are provided for skills and concepts taught in previous grades to be reinforced, applied, and expanded.

Science

The Full Option Science System or FOSS is our research-based science program developed by the Lawrence Hall of Science, University of California at Berkeley. Based on the belief that the scientific enterprise consists of what we know (content) and how we come to know it (process), the FOSS curriculum helps students actively construct ideas through their own inquiries, investigations, and analyses. The program provides effective, stimulating and enriching learning experiences.

In Grade 5, units studied include:

• Food and Nutrition
• Levers and Pulleys
• Solar Energy
• Models and Designs

Social Studies

Through cooperative group work, discussions, presentations, and simulations, students develop their research reading and writing skills. The overall theme for the year is "The Americas" and studies focus on one major topic per quarter. Studies include:

• The Age of Exploration
• Native American Indians
• North America
• Latin America.

During our social studies simulations, the students learn what life was like as a member of a Galleon crew, an Indian tribe, or a tour group as they study about the culture, history, and geography of the Americas.

Religion

Families are asked to choose from one of three courses of religion: Catholic, Christian, and Multi-Faith. Catholic and Christian classes focus on learning prayers and beliefs and students regularly attend masses and/or services. The Multi-Faith class focuses on the beliefs of five main religions: Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Hinduism, and Buddhism.

Respect, Honesty, Responsibility, and Self-Discipline are just a few of the many virtues that transcend all religions and are studied in all classes.

Specials

Elementary students are exposed to an enriching variety of special subjects which enhance the student's educational experience. Students take classes in computers, two and three-dimensional art, physical education, swimming, vocal and instrumental music, and library skills.

Students may also participate in a wide variety of extra-curricular activities ranging from aikido and basketball to soccer and swimming. Please watch for flyers and information in the school newsletter telling you how to sign up for these activities.

Japanese Language Program

The Japanese Language Program is designed to help each student become more proficient in spoken and written Japanese. The program focuses not only on Reading, Writing, Speaking, and Listening but on culture as well, with all courses providing special activities to enhance the student's understanding of Japan. Japanese classes aim to give students a practical knowledge of the language as well as prepare students for Japanese study at the I.B. level.

Japanese language instruction is given to elementary students from Grade 2 to 6. Classes are divided into three levels: Beginning, Intermediate, and Advanced. Students are placed according to ability.

Grading and Reporting Student Progress

Report cards are sent home quarterly and conferences are scheduled twice each year, during the first and third quarters. In the third quarter, the conferences are student-led. Additional conferences can be scheduled with your son's teacher as needed. Please phone, fax, or send a note to schedule a conference.