Christ and My Choices includes three strands of instruction that include: 1) an overview of the Old Testament, 2) an in-depth study of the lives of various Bible characters presented in chronological order, and 3) an overview of the choices made by these characters (good and bad) which serve as examples for students as they learn what goes into making their own choices. Fifth graders memorize selected Bible verses that coincide with the weekly lessons. Students participate on Fridays in weekly chapels. MATHEMATICS (Houghton Mifflin)
Fifth grade curriculum emphasizes problem-solving as well as computational skills. Students continue their study of addition, subtraction, multiplication and division. Areas of study for fifth graders include: 1) comparing and ordering numbers, 2) identifying and using decimals, 3) estimating, 4) identifying and using fractions, 5) using integers and rational numbers, 6) solving algebraic equations, 7) identifying geometric principles & figures, 8) calculating ratio, proportion and percent, 9) data analysis & graphing,
10) solving equations and determining equalities, 11) using various forms of measurement, and 12) determining probability outcomes.
READING (Open Court and Selected Novels)
Sound of the Sea introduces students to a variety of literary works and genres. Students participate in a variety of activities designed to promote comprehension and analysis. Several novels are read throughout the year to supplement the text. Class discussions and activities promote critical thinking skills.
LANGUAGE (A Beka)
Students utilize the God’s Gift of Language-B workbook on a weekly basis. Activities are designed to teach the proper use of nouns, verbs, adjectives, adverbs, pronouns, prepositions, conjunctions, interjections, sentence structure, punctuation, and research skills.
COMPOSITION/WRITING (Write Reflections and Institute for Excellence in Writing)
Write Reflections focuses on expository compositions. Fifth graders learn to organize their writing utilizing main ideas and details. Emphasis is placed on adding a variety of elements to their writing including descriptive adjectives and adverbs. Narrative writing, persuasive writing and poetry are also introduced.
SPELLING (ACSI)
Weekly lessons require students to complete a variety of activities that emphasize sound-letter relationships, visual memory, and meanings. Weekly tests are given.
HANDWRITING (Zaner-Bloser)
Students continue with cursive handwriting as they complete weekly handwriting lessons that emphasize neatness, correct letter formation, slant, and proper joining of letters. Opportunities are given to further practice proper penmanship in the completion of compositions and reports.
SCIENCE (A Beka)
Students use the Investigating God’s World text to study the earth, light, the sea, the water cycle, energy and engines, the solar system, and weather. A hands-on approach is used whenever possible, and students conduct simple experiments that utilize the scientific method. Field trips are taken to the Exploratorium Science museum in San Francisco, and classroom field trips are offered through the Explorit Science Center in Davis.
SOCIAL STUDIES (A Beka)
The History of the United States text gives a general overview of our nation’s history from the Age of Exploration to the Vietnam War. Fifth graders are taught Christian principles and learn about the Christian heritage of our great nation. A variety of activities promote a love of history and pride in being a citizen of the United States. Students have an opportunity to participate in a 9-day tour of important historical sites on the East coast during Easter break. The study of geography is also incorporated through the text and with supplemental workbooks. Students complete a research paper on the president of their choice, and complete numerous projects related to the states.
SPANISH
Once a week students participate in a Spanish class.
PHYSICAL EDUCATION
Students participate thirty minutes a day in physical education activities five days per week and emphasis is placed on cooperation and good sportsmanship.
ART
Art projects are completed throughout the year as time permits.
MUSIC
Students participate in singing at weekly chapel and during Open House performances. Fifth graders are encouraged to participate in band; which is offered daily throughout the year. Band concerts and other special performances allow them to show their skills to parents and friends.
ENRICHMENT
Students participate weekly in Spanish, library, and chapel. Other special events include an Open House program, a Grandparents’ Day program and a Fifth Grade Family Camping Trip to the coast during the year. Students and their parents also have an opportunity to participate in a nine-day east coast tour during Easter vacation.Class field trips include trips to Apple Hill, Exploratorium, Alcatraz Island, a Civil War Reenactment, live action plays, and classroom adventure field trips through Explorit Science Center
