Grade 5
Art
Fifth graders apply advanced techniques in drawing, painting and sculpture to express complex ideas. They learn to plan projects from concept to completion, experimenting with design, composition and symbolism. Students explore how art can communicate perspectives about identity, community and culture. Reflection and critique help them grow as independent and thoughtful artists.
English Language Arts
Fifth graders continue to read more challenging materials. They are expected to clearly summarize what they have learned from reading and discussions and give evidence and details from their materials to support that. Students determine the theme of a story, play or poem and tell how the characters respond to challenges. They read to answer questions or solve a problem with information from several books, articles or online sources. In writing, they use the Reading and Writing Companion as they continue to develop skills to gather, organize, interpret and present information.
Math
Fifth grade math challenges students to work fully with fractions and more with decimals, including adding and subtracting decimals. Algebraic thinking increases with the use of rules and tables, as well as evaluating expressions and solving equations. Properties are introduced as well as inequalities. Geometry includes nets and volumes but also graphing positive ordered pairs on coordinate planes. Students begin looking at probability through mean, median and range. We love to see continued support at home with mastering multiplication and division facts.
Music
Fifth graders demonstrate independence as musicians by performing, composing and analyzing music. They explore elements of music while studying a variety of musical styles and instruments. Students connect music to cultural traditions and personal identity, understanding how it reflects human experience. Connections are made to life skills learned through music and performance, such as developing confidence, discipline and appreciation for collaboration.
Physical Education
Students use movement and teamwork skills in a variety of full games and fitness activities. They apply strategies, rules and leadership skills while practicing good sportsmanship. Lessons encourage students to set fitness goals, monitor progress and make choices that support a healthy lifestyle. By year’s end, students are prepared to participate confidently in a lifetime of physical activity.
Science
Fifth graders build strong foundations for middle school science through exploration, experimentation and modeling. Students study Earth’s rotation, shadows and the relationship between the sun and our planet. Fifth grade introduces chemistry concepts as students explore how materials combine and separate. They investigate plant and animal systems to understand how organisms obtain energy, respond to their environment and interact within ecosystems.
Social-Emotional Learning
Fifth graders build leadership and goal-setting skills to prepare for middle school. They learn to model kindness, take responsibility for their choices and guide others positively. Lessons teach stress management strategies and help students balance effort, rest and perseverance. Students leave elementary school with strong foundations in empathy, self-awareness, and community leadership.
Social Studies
What really happened at the Boston Massacre? Who lived in the Americas before Columbus? And what was debated at the Constitutional Convention? These are just a few of the questions that students will explore in 5th grade as they begin the study of early American history. Students also learn about core concepts in the Bill of Rights, the separation of powers and economic decision-making systems.