Fifth Grade

Language Arts

Great writing is the expression of great thinking. Stating ideas clearly in writing is a key element in Literacy, but this skill takes constant practice to master. In English, students will have opportunities to express their thoughts into different kinds of writing assignments such as, simple and compound sentences, descriptions, comparisons and contrasts, stories and personal experiences.

In Reading, students will improve their comprehension and critical thinking skills by identifying elements of narrative nonfiction and fiction including character, plot, setting and sequence of events. They will analyze cause and effect relationships, practice making predictions, and improve their storytelling abilities.

Reading selected works allows students to build a foundation of communication skills they will apply by writing reports, creating dramatizations, and organizing information.

Mathematics

Operations and algebraic thinking will serve as the foundation for students to perform more complex mathematical functions. They will also work with fractions and decimals, apply formulas to set data and measurements, and learn the fundamentals of geometric principles.

Social Studies

Students will be active participants, experiencing the history of the United States through innovating teaching practices that include dramatic role-playing, creative simulations, dynamic group projects, and writing activities. Some topics include: the Geography of the United States, Native American Indians and Their Lands as well as Cultural Regions, How and Why Europeans Came to the New World, Routes of Explorations, Early English Settlements, Comparing the Colonies, and Facing Slavery.

Fifth grade outside classroom learning

Science

In Science, students will create projects and conduct experiments to discover and understand the ideas behind living things, natural forces and Earth’s resources. They will explore concepts such as the anatomy of humans, animals and plants; the chemical reactions of different substances and the relationship between Earth’s unique geography and weather.

Faith Formation

Fifth graders embark on a journey to become disciples of Jesus Christ. Students will learn that we meet Jesus in the Sacraments, pray as Jesus taught us, celebrate that He is present in the Sacraments, choose to love and serve as He did, share the Church’s mission by giving witness, and live out the Sacraments by being faithful and inviting others to follow Jesus.

Music

Fifth grade musicians discover the independence of individual work ethic as well as the collaborative success of the ensemble. In Beginning Band, students learn more than just how to play their instruments; their participation also lays the groundwork for marketable 21st century skills such as, discipline, creativity, and the ability to work cooperatively with peers. Fifth grade musicians will also form meaningful assessments and insights into the music they perform and that of their peers.

Art

Fifth grade artists use artistic investigation to generate innovative ideas for their art-making experiences. They begin their mastery of the elements of art while integrating the principles of design into their artworks. Artists learn about linear perspective and observational drawing, assemble a found object sculpture, and study photography. Fifth grade artists explore how art can be used to inform and change beliefs, values or behaviors of an individual or society.

Physical Education

We want for every Valiant to know instinctively that exercise and fitness is a necessary and vital component to their lives. Our physical fitness program challenges our students and teachers. Twice a week, the whole school spreads out for exercise; everyone participates in activities ranging from kickball, running, off-campus walking, hacky sack, break dancing, volleyball, salsa dancing or yoga.