Lower School
Fifth Grade
Fifth grade is full of many hands-on learning activities across all subjects -- from experiencing the perils of our forefathers in social studies simulations to stepping into the shoes of an engineer to building a structure that could withstand a hurricane. In both science and math, the students are constantly presented with real-life problems that require critical thinking skills and encourage them to foster a love for learning.
Students complete a webquest through the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York while reading The Mixed-up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler, and they create their own course of study while reading Surviving the Applewhites. During this year, students learn to write with detail and description, projects include an extensive research report on a Native American tribe culminating with student-created podcasts, writing their own tall tale, and composing their own scripts for original WeVideos. As students gain a rich body of knowledge of their country’s history, they also delve into their own family history and celebrate their roots with a Heritage Luncheon.
As the elders of the lower school, the fifth graders have many new privileges and responsibilities. The students are matched with their own kindergarten buddies, and they enjoy their monthly visits where they bond and learn the importance of responsibility and friendship. The fifth grade also celebrates the end of the year at a class campout at the All Saints’ Church campground in Big Sur. Ultimately, throughout the year, the students are constantly being challenged and prepared for their upcoming transition to middle school.
Core Curriculum
List of 5 items.
-
Language Arts
In fifth grade, language arts skills are emphasized throughout all subject areas, and are further strengthened with specific lessons and activities. Students use the Word Wisdom vocabulary program to build listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills. In fifth grade, there is a focus on the 6+1 Traits of Writing program, which teaches the key elements that comprise quality writing. Fifth graders are constantly challenged to write accurately and creatively through an array of prompts inspired by picture books, which engage students’ imaginations in highly visual ways. Students continue to build their reading skills through small-group literature circles and discussions. Throughout the year, students read class literature novels that center around the themes of growing up, teamwork, and individuality. In addition, students are encouraged to read books independently that expose them to a variety of genres. -
Math
Continuing mastery of addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division of whole numbers is a goal of fifth grade math. Students learn key algebraic and geometric concepts, including perimeter, area, ratio, and volume. They’re also sharpening their skills in manipulating decimals and fractions to solve a wide variety of problems. Students are additionally shown the complexities behind even the simplest of problems, and how there is usually more than one way to approach and solve word problems and puzzles. Ultimately, students are constantly being challenged to use their critical thinking skills to work through math problems with real-life applications. -
Science
The primary focus of fifth grade science is Life Lab, a garden-based, hands-on science program. Students work in an outdoor and indoor garden laboratory, and are constantly observing the world around them. At the beginning of the year, students adopt and study their own garden plots as they investigate soil, seeds, plant structure, photosynthesis, and plant-animal interdependence. Other major emphases in fifth grade science include meteorology, nutrition, astronomy, and chemistry. Students use an inquiry model in their approach to learning the scientific method, and are continually given practical applications throughout each science unit. -
Spanish
Students are enrolled in Spanish. Class instruction is held in the target language. The focus in lower grades is placed on developing oral communication and conversation skills. Songs, stories, games, poems, and props are used to encourage children to participate actively in speaking the language. T.P.R. (Total Physical Response) Storytelling, a method that permits immediate comprehension of the input as students listen to and mimic the phrases in the target language, is used in grades 1 - 5. Students enact dialogues and readings, focus on conversational skills and expand their knowledge of Hispanic countries through poetry, songs, and readings.Fifth grade world language students review and expand the language skills developed in Early Childhood through fourth grades. There is a continued emphasis placed on speaking, reading, and writing. Total physical response storytelling (TPRS) continues to be used. Verb conjugations in the present tense of both regular and irregular verbs are introduced. -
Social Studies
Through the study of United States history, students are exposed to a wide variety of concepts, including geography, history, government, economics, anthropology, and sociology. The year begins with a study of Native Americans throughout America, and transitions to the early explorers of the eastern United States. From there, students transition to an in-depth study of the colonies, which is paired with a unit on family history. Next, the War for Independence stems our discussion regarding the formation of our early government. Finally, we end the year by delving into Westward expansion. Throughout all of the units, students participate in a wide variety of hands-on projects that also develop their research, technology, writing, and speaking skills.
Specialty Classes
A year in fifth grade
List of 10 members.
All Saints Day School
All Saints Day School, in Carmel, CA, is the only independent, private school on the Monterey Peninsula that focuses solely on educating students in Preschool through Grade 8, and has been doing so, with a reputation for excellence, since 1961.
NOTICE OF NONDISCRIMINATION POLICY
All Saints Day School admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin, or sex in the administration of its educational and employment policies, admissions policies, financial aid programs, and athletic and other school-administered programs.
NOTICE OF NONDISCRIMINATION POLICY
All Saints Day School admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin, or sex in the administration of its educational and employment policies, admissions policies, financial aid programs, and athletic and other school-administered programs.