Fifth-Grade Curriculum
Religion
The Sacraments series by
Spirit of Truth emphasizes the sacraments and their importance in our lives. We study the virtues and how to live a virtuous life. Fifth graders also have the opportunity to altar serve and cantor at weekly school and parish masses.
Reading
A literature-based program is used to help students become successful readers. Systematic instruction helps students develop a variety of strategies and skills, which allows them to apply meaning to what they read. Students also participate in the Accelerated Reader program. Novels are taught using the comprehension strand of Project Read. Research, vocabulary, fluency skills, as well as dictionary skills are taught. Several genres of books are covered. Students will participate in independent reading, whole-class novel study, and small group book clubs throughout the year.
English/Writing
Basic grammar is covered using the Houghton Mifflin
ENGLISH textbook. Grammar concepts include sentence structure and parts of speech. Focusing on the writing process and traits of writing, students will have opportunities to write freely, as well as composing more formal writing projects, including stories, five-paragraph essays, reports, and poetry. Punctuation and capitalization rules are taught, practiced, and enforced.
Spelling
Zaner Bloser’s
Spelling Connections focuses on words fifth graders need to master. Spelling tests are weekly and correct spelling is encouraged in all content areas.
Social Studies
Harcourt’s
Social Studies: The United States introduces students to the people and events that have shaped the United States. Our focus is American History from Native American settlements in the Americas to colonization by European explorers to the American Revolution and the establishment of a new country.
Math
Our curriculum enables students to work towards mastery of concepts as they are developed from year to year. In class we use Savvas enVision
text as we learn and grow in developing new concepts. Hands on and online activities will be used to supplement learning and develop skills.
Technology
Technology is incorporated into all aspects of our curriculum. Students create documents, presentations and projects using programs such as Google and United Streaming.
Science
Life science, physical science and space science are studied as part of fifth-grade science classes. Students learn about many related topics including adaptations, ecology, matter, motion and energy, and astronomy. We use Macmillan McGraw-Hill’s
Science, A Closer Look, Mystery Science, and other supplemental videos and experiment activities.
Enrichment
Spanish
All St. Francis students learn Spanish. Fifth-grade students continue building vocabulary and beginning reading, writing, and conversation skills. They also learn about the Hispanic culture and Catholic faith with short prayers, songs and traditions.
Specials
In addition to academic classes, children have weekly art, band, technology, physical education, virtue formation, and library classes.
Computer Lab/Technology: Once a week, students have a technology class to practice keyboarding skills and learn proficiency skills for technology application.
Fifth-Grade Camp
This is a fun-filled time with an emphasis on environmental education. The YMCA Storer Camp is located near Jackson, Michigan.
Field Trips
Our class field trips vary from year to year. In the past, we have seen plays, visited museums, and participated in lessons taught at St. Joseph Mercy Hospital.
Recess/Lunch
Every day, fifth graders enjoy a lunch period followed by a mid-day recess. Students also have an afternoon recess.
Things to Know
- Our fifth-grade teachers are certified by the State of Michigan. They team-teach in areas of math and language arts. They appreciate the opportunity to share their faith and expertise with their students.
- St. Francis School is accredited by the Michigan Association of Non-Public Schools (MANS) and is a member of the National Catholic Education Association (NCEA).
- The Northwest Evaluation Association (NWEA) provides the assessment tools used by St. Francis School. Students in grades 3 through 8 are assessed three times a year to measure individual progress at their respective grade level.
- Test scores are posted
here.
- Our web-based communication programs, Google Classroom and FACTS, allow parents and students access to information about class assignments and grades.
- At school, fifth graders are expected to practice greater responsibility.
- Children are expected to listen attentively and to follow both oral and written instructions.
- Students learn to use their study time wisely to complete assignments by due dates.
- Children are required to take good care of belongings and supplies.
What Parents Say...
“Fifth grade is a great year of transition from elementary school to middle school. The fifth grade teachers promote personal growth and self-responsibility through a well planned curriculum. We feel that our children are well prepared for middle school after fifth grade at St. Francis.”
“Fifth grade at St. Francis has been a wonderful experience for our daughter and for us. We are so impressed with the teacher’s wonderful ways of connecting with the students in a manner that gains their respect and encourages active participation in the learning process. In addition to the great classroom instruction in Computer Lab, and the life lessons and curriculum at Storer Camp are valuable enhancements that make the year so well-rounded. We have been impressed with the amount of technology that the fifth grade at St. Francis has utilized in conjunction with other lessons. It has been so important to us that our children are learning a strong curriculum in a faith-based environment. Our children learn through the stewardship projects that they are a part of a larger community where it’s important that we look after one another.”
