Overview of Fifth Grade Curriculum
Language Arts, including English, Handwriting, Spelling and Reading: Bob Jones University Press Publications: In all areas of the language arts program, fifth graders continue to build on and refine skills introduced in earlier grades. Great emphasis is placed on the writing process and use of correct grammar and sentence structure within a variety of writing styles. The particular skills that are taught and/or reviewed include identification of sentences and sentence parts, the correct usage of punctuation, capitalization and quotation of facts, an understanding of synonyms, antonyms and homonyms, dictionary and thesaurus skills, writing letters of various types, making an outline, writing a library research paper, writing book reports, refining creative writing skills, recognizing and diagramming all eight parts of speech, recognizing and diagramming complements and word usage. Correct cursive penmanship is practiced through word exercises, original composition and sentence dictation. Weekly spelling and vocabulary word lists help students refine their spelling skills as well as increase their oral and written vocabulary. As students read from an extensive selection of classic literature and character building stories, they improve their performance in oral reading, comprehension, and speed-reading.
Mathematics A Beka Publishers: Mathematics for grade five is a success oriented program that builds on prior learning and on specific skills presented in kindergarten through fourth grade. Great emphasis is placed on problem solving. Students are called upon to apply mathematical tools and techniques to real mathematical situations through word problems. In an integrated fashion, the following concepts are presented:
• Whole number concepts and computation
• Mental computation
• Patterns and functions
• Measurement
• Statistics and probability
• Continued work with fractions
• Continued work with decimals
• Continued work with geometry
• Proper and improper fractions
• Percentages
• Negative numbers
A Beka curriculum is used to build confidence and speed in computation work.
History and Geography---A-Beka Publications: During the fifth grade year, students study Old World history and geography. They learn geographical facts including developing an understanding of the following terms: rivers; capitals; mountains; climate; and deserts. In chronological order students travel through time and experience the following events that have led to the development of the world as we know it:
• Fertile Crescent: Cradle of civilization
• Ancient Middle East (followed by a discussion of the Middle East today)
• Countries of Central and Southern Asia
• Countries of the Far East
• Egypt: The Gift of the Nile
• Africa Long Ago
• Africa in Modern Times
• Ancient Greece: Home of Beauty
• Rome: ruler of the Ancient World
• Christianity: The Greatest force in History
• England and the British Isles
• Other Countries of Western Europe
• Countries of Eastern Europe
• Australia: Land Down Under and Beyond
Science-Bob Jones University Press: Fifth grade students are led from the known to the unknown with the teaching of important science concepts in the context of things they can see and know. The objective of this type of an approach is to help students really understand basic principles of science rather than merely to teach them science vocabulary. The text presents the world as the creation of God and glorifies Him as its Sustainer and Upholder. Students are introduced to great scientists and naturalists who believed in the Biblical account of Creation. Specific units of study are listed below:
Earth Science:
• Earth
o Layers of the earth
o Soil
o Minerals
o Rocks
o Fossils
o Layers of the atmosphere
o Weather
• Space
o Space technology
Life Science:
• Living things
o Dinosaurs
o Biomes
o Ecosystems
• Human body:
o Respiratory system
o Circulatory system
Physical Science:
• Energy
o Heat
o Sound
o Light
• Matter
o Measuring matter
o Physical changes
o Atoms and molecules
o Mixtures
Bible-Association of Christian Schools International: Christ and My Choices: The fifth graders study of Bible focuses on studying the Old Testament in depth. After an overview of Old Testament, the students discuss the lives of individual personalities of the Old Testament in chronological order. Finally, they focus on the choices, good and bad, that these individuals made. At this point, the children are ready to apply what they have learned to choices they will need to make in their own lives.
Enrichment Classes:
*Computer Introduction and Instruction: Curriculum skillfully integrates classroom studies with computer skills. Students at all grade levels learn about keyboarding, desktop publishing, data base management, spreadsheets, multimedia presentations and all other components of the Virginia Standards of Learning in the area of technology.
*Music: In weekly music classes, students learn the fundamentals of rhythm and music theory.
*Physical Education: Our physical education teacher helps the students develop large motor skills and knowledge of games with rules.
*Library: All elementary students have the opportunity to visit the school library each week for a literacy lesson. They are also able to borrow books on a weekly basis.
*Spanish: Students learn conversational Spanish in a fun and interactive way through the internet language program Rosetta Stone.
*Art: Students have an art class in addition to the art that is integrated the daily program. Students learn about different techniques and about working with different media, as well as receiving an introduction to Art History. They are introduced to famous artists and see how Bible stories and concepts have been illustrated through the centuries with art.
*Chapel: The entire elementary school joins together in the church chapel for a short service each Wednesday morning. This is a time or worship, prayer and testimonies. Classes take turns presenting the weekly lessons. Christ Chapel pastors are frequent visitors.
We also offer private music lessons at an additional fee.
