Fifth Grade

hensiveness; and they begin to look for and recognize inconsistencies in information sources. They also become increasingly independent and successful in locating materials and using information. The skill of reading for information is strongly developed, with lessons that emphasize highlighting keywords, citing sources, and paraphrasing. Genre book talks, as well as those highlighting books new to the LMC, continue. The ISearch Model is deeply entrenched in a non-fiction unit, which allows students to explore their particular interests. All of their skills are reinforced, and the focus on translating notes into original work is emphasized. Students have the opportunity to practice diverse note-taking skills based on their learning styles.

Fourth grade students continue to develop their skills through assigned projects, experimentation with different software, and a balance of individual and group work. They undertake more challenging projects in multimedia presentations, Internet and online database research, spreadsheet and graph work, and word processing and graphics. Fourth graders also have regularly scheduled keyboarding practice, in addition to their computer periods. They also work more independently at this level. Students use a wider range of electronic databases and the Internet more routinely, and their research is guided by the I-Search information skills.

By this level of the program, students are also asked to become more sophisticated in their critical evaluation of different computer tools and resources. Internet safety is again introduced with all apps and with an introduction specific to social media and how to use it responsibly. Students work more extensively with Web 2.0 technologies.

Examples of past projects: • Students took part in an interactive simulation to tie into their Colonial studies. They analyzed their decisions as they encountered native people based on the Quaker

“SPICES” testimonies (simplicity, peace, integrity, community, equality, stewardship). • Students created a book trailer highlighting a book using images, text, and music. • In an interdisciplinary unit, students created a stop-motion animation based on historical events in a social studies unit.

Language Arts

Fifth grade is a culminating step in the transition from learning to read to reading to learn. Students use active reading skills when engaged in fiction and non-fiction texts. These skills include: summarizing material, self-monitoring, inferential thinking, using specific details from the text to support responses, and identifying and discussing literary elements. Fifth graders read both assigned materials and books that they choose.

Students are expected to communicate clearly, in both written and oral form, and to demonstrate their ability to draw inferences from both concrete and abstract materials. Our program also focuses on the development of a student’s vocabulary and word-attack skills in order to decode and understand the meaning of new words.

Fifth graders develop their writing skills by adding depth and breadth to its substance while still applying correct sentence structure and demonstrating an increased understanding of formal grammar as it applies to effective writing. Students use their writing skills to inform, to persuade, to entertain, and to express personal ideas. There is a continuing emphasis on peer review and active participation in classroom discussions, and particular emphasis on using newly acquired vocabulary in a variety of contexts and across academic disciplines.

Mathematics

In fifth grade, students explore relationships between numbers, focusing on place value and our base-ten system. The students continue to develop their fact fluency and their ability to multiply and divide large numbers. Fifth graders study various ways to represent values less than one: decimals, fractions, and percents. Through different problem-solving strategies such as bar models, tables, and computational algorithms, they develop strategies to find solutions in all three categories, enabling them to move more freely from one form of notation to another and to better select the method most relevant to a given situation.

Students develop a variety of computational and estimation strategies for multiplication and division, such as using reasoning based on multiples, approximating and adjusting, or breaking large problems down into smaller, simpler ones. They also use estimation to check the validity of their answers.

Fifth grade geometry study includes finding the area of triangles and finding unknown angle measurements using angles on a line, angles around a point, and vertical angles. Algebra is introduced in fifth grade. Students learn the difference between an expression and an equation, what a variable is, how to simplify equations, and how to solve for the value of an unknown variable.

Throughout the year, students explore problems in-depth, devising their own strategies, using a variety of concrete materials, and often searching for multiple solutions. They work individually as well as in a variety of groupings as they express their thinking verbally, in writing, and through visual representation.

Science

Fifth grade students learn how to evaluate data and evidence in order to make and substantiate claims that address scientific questions. These skills support the development of conceptual understanding and foster the ability to use knowledge to make predictions and explain phenomena. Students also engage in problem-solving activities that encourage them to develop new ideas based on previous learning.

tal problems, their causes, and potential solutions. The unit stresses data collection and analysis, as well as reading for pertinent information. Fifth grade life science focuses on living systems, which include cells and the human respiratory, circulatory, digestive, and excretory systems. Form and function are stressed, so students can understand why their bodies work the way they do. This is followed with a short unit on puberty and the female and male reproductive systems. At the same time that the physical aspects of these topics are addressed in science class, the home base classes discuss the emotional and social issues associated with growing up.

The students investigate substances, some of their properties, and the way they interact in a chemistry unit. Physical vs. chemical changes are introduced, as well as identifying acids and bases. Students spend a large part of their time during this unit making observations, and using their data to develop claims with evidence and reasoning.

Social Studies

Fifth grade social science is focused on particular aspects of United States history, with frequent comparative study of the history, culture, and geography of other countries around the world. Students examine how people have handled struggle and conflict, and how people stand up for what they believe and promote change in the face of injustice. Fifth graders study historical events and conflicts, making connections globally and to current events when relevant. Topics include branches of government, cultures of Western Africa, immigration, and the civil rights movement. The learning process emphasizes critical thinking, problem solving, working efficiently and respectfully within a group, and informed decision making. There is an emphasis on skill development, including note taking, map skills, and research skills. Throughout the year, fifth graders produce research projects in a variety of styles, lengths, and manners of presentation.

Spanish

By the end of fifth grade, students are increasingly proficient in their receptive and expressive language skills. They are able to communicate feelings and personal information in complete sentences, and to describe objects and events using verbs, adjectives, and nouns. With their exposure to the sounds in the Spanish language, they are more comfortable writing familiar words and phrases as well as phonetically writing and spelling words. Students continue to expand their cultural understanding, with a focus on Cuban history, music, art, and literature.

Computer Science

Fifth grade computer science represents the culmination of a six-year, progressive course of study. In fifth grade, students transfer their programming skills from Scratch into a LEGO robotics environment. They build cars with touch sensors and light sensors and design programs that incorporate iteration/ looping and multitasking functionality. Scratch continues to be used to write programs to solve math problems. Students also begin to program Scratch in Spanish by converting the programming environment into Spanish. Students continue to explore the “why” behind technology. How are various data forms stored in binary? What is the derivation of the number 1024 in the computer world?

Performing Arts

There is special emphasis on the musical theatre, as fifth graders prepare for their own musical production in the spring. By the end of fifth grade, students are able to read, write, and perform melodies and accompaniments through singing and playing classroom instruments (including recorder). They are able to perform with independence and an understanding of a range of musical concepts, symbols, and terms. At this point in the program, many students have defined their own musical preferences, and take a more focused interest in musical expression and style. Fifth graders have the option of participating in band and/or Kids Choir.

Physical Education

Fifth graders continue to participate in team sports, an approach that provides leadership opportunities and helps develop efficient locomotion skills. The mechanics of bouncing, dribbling, throwing, striking, and kicking are emphasized. Working with stationary and moving targets, students can improve visual tracking skills, while integrating balance, force, and time. Sportsmanship, cooperation, and responsibility are an integral part of the program. Fitness testing and participation in strength building and cardio-respiratory activities help students to develop the habits and mindset for a healthy lifestyle.

Visual Arts

The projects presented in 5th Grade are planned in conjunction with cross-discipline areas of study. This program is designed to guide students to new visual expression territories that will facilitate their transition to middle school. Students are exposed to surveys of past and contemporary relevant interdisciplinary works and reflective writings. They learn to analyze their own work and the work of others, including learning how to meet targets. Students participate in discussions regarding the relationship between visual expression, creativity, and responsibility, and are introduced to the potential of digital technology as an important tool of visual expression and inquiry. Technical objectives are achieved in the fields of drawing, two- and threedimensional design, painting, digital photography and photomontage. Key works investigate overarching interdisciplinary themes, and personal journals are used to record important ideas, reflections, and future goals in areas of interest.

Library Media Center/Information Literacy

Fifth graders continue to become more independent in their information-seeking skills, and in their understanding of the importance of following the I-Search model and making a plan when given a research assignment. By the end of fifth grade, students have had considerable practice formulating good research questions, locating and using information to solve problems independently, and organizing and presenting that information in an appropriate and interesting way. They are usu-

ally able to differentiate between fact and opinion in sources, to recognize inconsistencies in sources, and to evaluate the currency, authenticity, and objectivity of sources. All of these skills are integrated within each discipline through a variety of research projects. Fifth graders continue to explore different literary genres, and they write their own book reviews. Students create an e-portfolio which highlights their work. Based on their favorite picture books, fifth graders make selections to share with their buddies in the WFS early years program.

Fifth grade represents the culmination of a six-year, progressive course of study, supported by additional technology experiences in the homebase classroom and by participation in the one-to-one laptop program. During this year, students become prepared for the transition to middle school. Students refine their skills of critical evaluation of programs, presentations, and Internet resources. Their study goes beyond the acquisition of basic skills, to sophisticated application of technology for a purpose and higher-level thinking toward problem solving and creative expression. Students continue with regularly scheduled keyboarding practice. Their word processing documents are now multi-page products, created through a variety of tools and commands. Their graphics skills include applying a variety of tools to manipulate both original and inserted images. Using a variety of multimedia tools, they design multimedia presentations that include multiple slides, imported graphics, and sound. Their Internet skills include identifying different components in web sites, citing referenced websites, and identifying and modifying keywords to use search engines effectively (and an early understanding of how search engines work). Students use a variety of Web 2.0 tools. Additional online electronic databases are introduced, and I-Search information skills continue to play a significant role in research activities.

Examples of past projects: • Students created an i-Movie as a culmination of their

Social Studies research and presented their i-Movies to the whole lower school at Gathering. Past topics have been on water conservation and Africa. • Students created a website designed to be their student portfolio.

Quaker matters. Come see why.

Wilmington Friends School 101 School Road Wilmington, DE 19803 www.wilmingtonfriends.org

Program Highlights

• Preschool – 12th grade, co-ed • Character education, mindfulness, stewardship, and social justice (including a commitment to diversity and financial aid) are part of founding mission

• Twice nationally recognized 1:1 student device program expanded to include students in every grade: Mac-

Books for grades 4 to 12 and iPads for grades PS to 3.

• Welcoming community for families of all religious and spiritual traditions (95% of families who choose Friends

School are not Quaker.) • Global education curriculum, including International Baccalaureate and

School Year Abroad

• Spanish, grades PK-12; Chinese and

French, grades 6-12 • Programming, STEM curriculum, and robotics, K-12

• Singapore Math approach, grades K-8 • Campus models environmental stewardship, including solar panels, LEED

Gold certified facilities and a “net-zero”

Global Learning Center • Competitive athletics, grades 7-12 • Visual and performing arts through advanced college-prep level • Advanced and independent studies • Individualized, expert college guidance • After-school program, PS-grade 6

Lower School Campus Preschool — Grade 5

• STEM and traditional science labs • Computer class lab, After-School Program computer lab • Laptop and iPad carts • Two gyms • Three outdoor playgrounds, two additional outdoor paved play areas • One turf and one grass athletic field (also used by school sports teams) • Library Media Center with computer lab, open every school day • Meeting Room/auditorium • Facilities architecturally designed for music (including practice rooms) and art (including ceramics studio) • Approximately 30 acres, including wooded areas and a Natural Classroom • Two buildings totaling 68,000 square feet

Middle/Upper School Campus Grades 6-12

• Five athletic fields, six tennis courts, three full-size gyms, fitness room • Two art studios and kiln room • 500-seat Theater, choir and band classrooms and practice rooms • Library Learning Commons with solo, small and large group areas • Meeting Room • Approximately 25 acres, including open green space • One connected building, 184,500 square feet

Portrait of a WFS Graduate

In 2017-18 a committee of faculty and staff collaborated with students, alumni, and parents to develop the skills and habits of mind of a Friends school graduate. These characteristics are both aspirational and evident at each division. They, in combination with the mission, guide teaching and learning in our daily work with students.

Graduates, whether from lower school, middle school or upper school, are those who: • Seek truth • Value justice and peace with a conscious responsibility for the good of all • Model creative, independent thinking • Exercise self awareness and intentionality • Skillfully communicate and collaborate

For more information, contact:

Office of Admissions and Financial Aid 302.576.2930 admissions@wilmingtonfriends.org