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GILMOUR ACADEMY LOWER SCHOOL C U R R I C U L U M S P E C T RU M FIFTH GRADE
Educating the Mind and Heart Gilmour Academy 34001 Cedar Road Gates Mills, Ohio 44040 (440) 473-8160 PHONE (440) 473-8157 FAX
Brother Robert Lavelle, C.S.C. Headmaster Dr. Monica M. Veto Director of Lower School and Montessori Preschool Program
MATH The fifth-grade math class meets daily to build an understanding of the concept of parts, including fractions, decimals, and percents. Students learn to use the operations of addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division to solve varied problems. Manipulatives such as building blocks, fraction strips, rulers, and hundreds blocks are used for hands-on development of concepts. Number sense and quantitative reasoning are the foundation from which students communicate their understanding via written reflections, project presentations, and collaborative efforts. Technology is incorporated as students learn to apply formulas in Excel spreadsheets, manipulate polygons in Geometer’s Sketchpad, and web mathematical concepts using Inspiration. As mathematically-minded individuals, students are encouraged to use a variety of strategies as they solve word problems. Visual representations such as diagrams, charts, and graphs are used to show how they work through a problem to find the answer.
SCIENCE We begin the year by exploring the structure and function of a basic cell, the fundamental building block of all life. We find that life can consist of creatures with only one cell and those with many cells. We examine the various functions cells perform for our bodies – growth, protection from invaders, and the distribution and production of resources. We use microscopes to get a closer look at single-celled organisms. We discuss how viruses bypass our cellular defenses and make us sick, and gain a deepening understanding of the various inter-relationships necessary for life on earth. We also investigate the relationships of aggregates of cells, animals and plants, and how an ecosystem performs a balancing act between the needs of hundreds of
Megan Marrie Director of Lower School Admissions (440) 473-8165
thousands of players, some in direct competition with one another. We use our own family, Mammalia, to illustrate how a single body structure can adapt to play a part in every ecosystem in the world. Students give names to the largest ecosystems, called biomes, and use that information to guide their study of evolution, the unifying concept of biology.
LANGUAGE ARTS Through the integration of language arts and social studies, students apply their critical thinking skills; cultivate their desire to read, research, and write with purpose; and gain confidence as communicators. The focus of reading is devoted to characterizing, comparing and contrasting, analyzing, interpreting, synthesizing, and thinking critically and literally. The genre of fifth-grade language arts includes fiction and nonfiction, historical fiction, mysteries, poetry, and biographies. Reading narratives of historical characters introduce students to the vocabulary and dialect of historical times. This genre of reading provides a foundation for incorporating and developing voice into written compositions. The emphasis on primary source reading provides students with opportunities for synthesis and authentic writing. Reading choice is offered through Reading Workshop. The Six Trait + 1 writing program, which consists of ideas, organization, word choice, sentence fluency, voice, conventions plus presentation is used throughout the year to develop writing skills. Students develop written work for meaning through letters, creative cartooning, informational reports, and persuasive documentaries. They develop and complete informational reports by learning the correct MLA format for bibliographies. During the writing process, emphasis is placed on recognizing sentence variety and conscientiously identifying the parts of speech to strengthen student awareness of sentence fluency.
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LOWER SCHOOL CURRICULUM SPECTRUM • FIFTH GRADE SOCIAL STUDIES The fifth-grade humanities program prepares students to be informed and civic-minded citizens through the study of United States history. Students focus on map skills, geography, Native Americans, America’s colonization, Revolutionary War patriots, slavery, the material culture of Colonial times, and Westward Expansion. Research skills, using print and electronic sources, are employed to investigate various topics in history. Distinguishing between primary and secondary sources is also emphasized. Ever-evolving research skills, such as comparing points of agreement and disagreement among sources, are evident in the students research and writing reports. Students read literature, rich in American history, to gain an in-depth understanding of historic times. Through experiential learning, students study dance, manners, and militia drills, which bring to life the settings of books. Reflections on the strong moral issue of slavery are perpetuated through writing and visual images. An annual excursion to Williamsburg provides an opportunity for students to make connections to their studies.
MUSIC Performance on a percussion, woodwind, or brass band instrument marks the work of the fifth-grade music class. Students explore a repertoire of music representing diverse genres and cultures with appropriate dynamics, expression, and tempo for the work being performed. They learn to apply their lips and mouth correctly to each instrument and study the fingerings and the corresponding notes. Students also read, write, and perform rhythm patterns in 2/4, 3/4 and 4/4 meter using sixteenth through whole notes including dotted half-note and syncopated rhythms. They identify and perform key signatures, time signatures, dynamic markings, and tempos and study the use of similar elements such as form, rhythm, and melody in music and the terms related to form. The class attends a Cleveland Orchestra concert to study audience behavior appropriate for the context and style of music performed. By performing in two concerts, students learn to respond to the conductor’s cues, listen, and blend with the group.
ART The fifth graders continue the discussion begun in the fourth grade of human culture as a concept, this time focusing on the role of art in the generation of our mass media. They determine where to find the elements, both technical and conceptual, in the images that bombard and influence us every day. Art history is examined in some detail as it applies to movements in the media, a prelude to the year to come. Hands-on explorations illuminate the practice of creating mass-produced images, identifying both the audiences and purposes for student creations.
RELIGION Students examine the nature and practice of prayer to help them deepen their spirituality and develop an individual
sense of faith. They also examine the concept of celebrating one’s faith through the study of the seven Sacraments of the Church. Throughout the year, students experience the meaning and importance of the different Liturgical seasons through daily prayer, reflective thinking, and celebrations of the Liturgy. Students continue to become familiar with other religions.
SPANISH Fifth graders become proficient in the language by talking about personal possessions that are vocabulary-building exercises. An emphasis on reading is encouraged through authentic bilingual literature, such as bilingual books and magazines. Writing is introduced at this level and vocabulary is augmented through learning games. A native speaker or visitor from a Spanish-speaking country is invited to share their experience with the class. Creating paper pen pal butterflies to send to the children in the butterfly sanctuary towns in Mexico is part of the cultural connection project sponsored by the Journey North Program. This program also provides information for the presentation of bilingual science lessons concerning weather, seasons, and migration. In the spring, all levels of Spanish compete in a foreign language poster contest whose theme is determined by the Upper School.
PHYSICAL EDUCATION In grades 5 and 6, students participate in four 30-minute periods plus two 25-minute recess exercise periods per week where they engage in team games and physical activities, and in one 90-minute physical education class. Phys Ed rotates among sports, strength and conditioning exercises, swimming, and ice skating each for one quarter during the school year. Students develop skills in volleyball, basketball, floor hockey, lacrosse, T-ball, and baseball. In their strength and conditioning program, students work at stations using equipment such as run out bands, rock and flex, and others. These activities improve agility, speed, endurance, balance, hand-eye coordination, and upper and lower body strength. Their progress is documented and analyzed. In ice skating, students progress to more advanced techniques including methods for power skating and hockey. Skills taught include the hockey stop, moving backward to forward on a two-foot turn on a circle clockwise and counterclockwise, the T-stop, bunny hop, forward spiral and forward lunge, and a one-foot upright spin. They are encouraged to skate for long periods without stopping to improve stamina and energy, and taught through a progression of skills to develop proper technique which will, hopefully, lead to a lifetime interest in skating. At the end of the skating unit, students complete a short program that encourages creativity, self-expression, and skill performance. Fifth-grade swimmers focus on stroke refinement and endurance. By the time they complete Lower School, students will be able to swim freestyle and backstroke for a minimum of 100 yards, breaststroke for a minimum of 50 yards, and tread water for 10 minutes without resting.