Academics – Fifth Grade

Fifth grade is an exciting year as students begin to define themselves as individuals and make connections between learning and the world in which they live. Our curriculum includes a rigorous academic agenda, as well as emphasis on character and spiritual development. Lessons are taught with an understanding of different learning styles. Our fifth grade classroom is a place where all students can learn to be successful.

American History provides inspiration not only for social studies, but also in the areas of literature and language. Studying the men and women, who founded our country; give students opportunities for research, writing, and public speaking. There is an electric excitement in the classroom the day the fifth graders ‘become’ a famous person from the Revolutionary War period. Sign of the Beaver, Johnny Tremain, and Old Yeller are some of the literature books we read that not only bring history to life, but also challenge the students to think critically as they respond to each book in a variety of ways.

Understanding the scientific method is an important piece of our science curriculum. Students learn about the scientific method through an engaging Interact activity which involves solving a mystery. This knowledge provides a foundation for the students’ individual science fair projects. We cover a variety of subjects in the physical, earth, and life sciences. Hands-on-activities supplement what is learned from
the textbook.

In math, fifth graders review all the arithmetic operations. Knowledge of these operations provides the foundation for working with integers, adding and subtracting with negative numbers, multiplying and dividing fractions, ratios, beginning algebra and geometry, and working with a coordinate plane.

The textbooks we use are approved by the state of California and meet California State Standards. However, we seek to exceed those standards by providing a variety of educational experiences. UCSB Chemistry Lab, Ronald Reagan Library, Santa Barbara Botanic Gardens, and the Santa Barbara Symphony are some of the places we visit to enhance learning. Trips to local parks and beaches give students the chance to observe the natural world, sketch those observations, and write about the experience.

In every area of study, we seek to apply God’s Word. Our Bible curriculum uses both Old and New Testament people as examples of making godly choices and the consequences of those that go against God’s will. Fifth graders also make discoveries about the character of God as they read Scripture daily. As students think about characters in the Bible and the character of God, they are encouraged to see the reality of God in history, creation, the world of numbers, and in their own lives. Integration of faith into all aspects of life is an important goal for fifth graders.

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