PALOS COMMUNITY CONSOLIDATED SCHOOL DISTRICT 118

GRADE FIVE CURRICULUM

The Palos District 118 Teaching for Understanding Framework has established learning benchmarks, which are those essential concepts, processes, and content that students should know and be able to do at the end of each grade. 

District 118 teachers and administrators have developed these benchmarks based on the Illinois State Standards, national standards, and updated research.

Our community's standards and grade level expectations are often higher than those suggested by our Illinois State Board of Education.  Such expectations are incorporated within and continue to produce excellence in our students and staff as indicated on state testing.  We are, of course, always looking to continually improve.

While District 118 emphasizes "the basics," our Board-adopted curriculum uses the basics to establish a foundation for students' understanding of the major concepts in each of the content areas.

Reading/Language Arts

The reading/language arts program is designed to balance instruction in reading skills and strategies with instruction in interpretation and oral and written response to literature.  The use of a variety of fiction and nonfiction literature, as well as electronic media, helps develop in-depth understanding of topics and also helps teachers meet the diverse needs of students.  Students will use the 2006 Harcourt Trophies language arts core program.

Reading

Fifth grade literature is composed of:

• historical fiction

• fantasy

• biographies

• electronic text

• nonfiction

• realistic fiction

• poetry

Strategies and skills incorporated in the fifth grade reading program include:

• increasing vocabulary

• decoding words and using context clues to construct meaning

• using a variety of resources including glossaries, dictionaries, and thesaurus

• setting reading purpose and reading rate to suit materials

• identifying main idea and supporting details

• drawing conclusions and making predictions

• sequencing story order and events

• summarizing and making generalizations

• comparing and contrasting the information within a selection

• using tables, maps, charts, and electronic text to improve comprehension

• identifying characters, setting, plot, conflict, climax, point of view, theme, resolution and techniques

Writing

Fifth grade students use writing to express themselves.  Fifth grade students will:

• use correct grammar, spelling, punctuation, capitalization, and structure throughout the school day

• edit and revise for final draft publication

Fifth grade students will develop well organized and coherent writing in projects such as:

• narrative essays

• expository essays

• persuasive essays

• poetry writing

• journal writing

Listening

Fifth grade students will listen respectfully to oral presentations and in discussion groups and also for directions and information.

Speaking

Fifth grade students will develop their speaking ability through participating in or leading group discussions.  They will prepare and deliver presentations maintaining the following:  eye contact, speaking clearly, and speaking loudly.

Spelling

Fifth grade students will improve their spelling skills in written work through tests and their daily writing.  Special attention will be placed on frequently misspelled words, spelling patterns and rules.

Information Fluency Skills/Technology

Technology skills, taught to students in the classroom and media center, are integrated throughout the curriculum to support and enhance learning.

Mathematics

Mathematics skills, strategies and concepts are taught through a variety of resources including textbooks, calculators, and manipulatives for "hands on" experiences.  Thinking skills are developed as students learn different problem solving strategies.

Fifth grade students will be taught the following:

• Place value of whole numbers to the billions and decimals to the thousandths

• Multiplication and division of whole numbers

• Compare and order whole numbers, decimals, and fractions with common denominators

• Addition, subtraction, multiplication and division of decimals

• Converting improper fractions to mixed numbers and vice versa

• Add and subtract common denominator fractions

• Word problems using a variety of strategies

• Rounding

• Ratios

• Median, mean, mode, and range of a set of numbers

• Organize, formulate and interpret data using various charts and graphs

• Calculate and compare the probability of events

• Order pairs in quadrant one

• Measurement in standard and metric units

• Perimeter, area, and circumference

• Properties of two and three dimensional geometric figures

• Calculate simple algebraic equations

Science

Science is a content area consisting of a variety of topics.  Inquiry into topics is pursued using textbooks, nonfiction literature, "hands on" experimentation and the scientific inquiry method.  The teaching and learning emphasis go beyond the coverage of facts to understanding concepts related to topics being studied.

Fifth grade students will develop an understanding of concepts through the following topics:

Rendezvous with a Comet

• Communication fosters success.

• Interdependence requires cooperation.

Microscopic Life

• Survival depends on interdependence.

• Living things change.

Electricity

• Interactions create change.

Social Studies

Social Studies is a content area.  District 118 uses concepts to focus the study of topics and promote in-depth understanding.  The primary purpose of social studies is to help young people develop the ability to make informed and reasoned decisions for themselves and the public good.

Fifth grade students will develop an understanding of concepts through the following topics:

• Exploration in U.S. History

• Colonization

• The American Revolution

• Forming a Government for a New Nation

• Map and Globe Skills integrated throughout the above topics

Fine Arts

The Fine Arts teachers in District #118 have constructed a comprehensive, integrated, sequential curriculum to develop the whole child.  Through "hands on" interaction, students will develop criticism skills, an aesthetic appreciation of the Arts, and study the historical perspectives that help shape our society.

Art

In fifth grade, students will explore a variety of more sophisticated materials and techniques.  Students will:

• experiment with tools.

• use elements and principles of art to express ideas.

• talk about and share products and experiences.

• interpret artistic products and experiences.

• artistically explore to solve problems.

Music

In fifth grade, students will recognize how music and movement reflect various cultures.  Students will:

• explore how musical elements influence compositions.

• learn by singing, moving, playing, reading, writing, and creating.

• interpret musical compositions and literature through moving, drawing, playing, and/or listening.

• participate in a musical theater activity.

Band

In fifth grade, all students have the opportunity to participate in the beginning band program.  Those students who choose to do so will:

• become familiar with their individual instrument.

• increase proficiency with symbolic notation.

• improve ensemble skills.

Physical Education

The physical education program is planned around the growth and development of the child.  It provides a wide range of activities consistent with the requirements of our state goals.  In fifth grade students will:

• continue physical skill development through lead-up games.

• develop strategies for team building.

• self test for personal fitness.

• improve socialization skills.

• form an appreciation of leisure time activities.

• engage in dance performances.

Suggestions for Supporting Your Child's Learning at Home

Read with your child daily and discuss what you have read together.

• Engage in daily conversations relating to a variety of topics including moral issues and values, family history, current events, etc.

• Provide your child with a variety of cultural experiences.

• Instruct you child in social and personal etiquette.

• Regularly review basic math facts.

• Allow your child to be responsible for starting and finishing activities including homework, projects, household chores, etc.

• Communicate the importance of quality work by looking over and discussing your child's school work.

• Check your child's assignment notebook daily.