Group 4 Curriculum -  Fifth and Sixth Grade

Math: This class uses the New Ways in Numbers text. Each student works independently through the text at his or her own pace. Topics covered include place value, addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, measurement, fractions, geometry, Roman numerals and decimals. The teacher presents mini-lessons throughout the week in a small group setting to introduce and reinforce new concepts. Students are challenged throughout the week with problem solving and brain teasers. Thirty minutes of homework per night (no more than three pages) is the norm and will serve to solidify the new concepts taught.

Writing: We use the Write Source series of books, which guide young writers through the most important aspects of the writing process. Grammar, punctuation, the drafting process, paragraph formation and nonfiction writing are covered, with particular emphasis on composing research reports. Grammar homework from the Skills Book is assigned each Tuesday to be completed and turned in the next day. Students keep a Writer’s Notebook throughout the year to help them organize thoughts, work through the writing process and hone their skills across all genres of writing.

Handwriting:T his class uses the Universal Publishing Handwriting workbooks that allow the students to work at their own pace, improving both their manuscript and cursive writing. Although a review for most, this handwriting course is designed to build the necessary skills that will allow the students to use both forms of handwriting effortlessly and instinctively. We focus on proper writing posture, pencil grip, letter formation and spacing. Homework is assigned nearly every week and most often consists of workbook pages.

Science: Group 4 studies characteristics of living things, simple organisms, human biology and ecology. Each unit is taught over a two-month period. Students complete various lab activities to reinforce the material covered. Reading homework is assigned most weeks, in conjunction with written work that is discussed as a group to reinforce the principles covered in the chapters. Students also participate in the Science Fair in the spring. Research projects and Science in the News, a current events activity, round out the curriculum.

History: World History From Prehistoric Time Through the Middle Ages is a clear and concise text with a great deal of emphasis on research methods; students complete several research projects for this class. In addition, reading and written homework is assigned each week to be handed in the following week. While the chapters are short, the questions do require time and thought and should not be rushed. All questions (except for multiple-choice) should be answered in complete sentences on separate paper.

Spanish: We use the En Sus Marcas text book. This class builds confidence in conversation skills as students discuss a wide array of topics. Students expand their vocabulary and learn verb conjugations for –ar, –er, and –ir verbs. Students also learn about Spanish culture as we study various Spanish-speaking countries.

Art: Students work on artwork for the annual school auction, the SquareOne art fundraiser and the all-school art show in May. Students use different media and are encouraged to keep a sketchbook during the year. We study art from various regions of the world that connect with areas we cover in history, geography and Spanish.