Fifth Grade is an exciting year at Saint Joan of Arc!  Fifth Graders tend to be obedient, good natured, and fun. They possess a surprising scope of interests. They are capable of increasing independence. At this age children are developing communication skills and becoming more mature. Their listening and responding skills improve and they increase problem-solving abilities. This is the year we begin to prepare for Junior High, and to participate in the school sports where everyone who tries out makes a team and gets to play, We introduce the DARE program increasing their coping mechanisms. We have the additional responsibility of having kindergarten buddies, who we help to make comfortable with the school routine. All in all it’s a fun and exciting year.

Religion

The Christ be our Life catechetical program by Loyola Publishers presents core elements of faith essential in religious formation and instruction. It provides content based on Scripture and the Catechism of the Catholic Church. Harcourt Religion Publishers web site (www.harcourtreligion.com) serves the entire community in this effort. Each lesson leads the children from personal faith reflection, to shared faith, connecting with the life of Christ in the Church and participating in the faith activities of the church community. This text stresses worship of God in community through the study of Jesus and the sacraments—and periodic lessons on Church, Blessed Trinity, Morality, Saints, Feasts and Seasons are also presented in the text. Students will have homework in Religion, and service projects are strongly recommended. Parents and students are encouraged to work together on Religion homework, so that we share in  the privilege and responsibility of nurturing the faith lives of the children.

Reading

The major goal for our fifth grade Reading Program is to develop independent readers who will read for learning and enjoyment throughout their lives. We use Harcourt Brace Publishers’ Storytown 2008. Our students can access their Storytown reader, leveled readers, strategic intervention readers, and workbooks online at www.thinkcentral.com. There are four levels of Reading in fifth grade. Every quarter three accelerated reader books will have to be read and a test on them will follow.

English

The title for our English Series is “ENGLISH” from Houghton Mifflin. Special emphasis is given to composition skills throughout the year. Listening skills, critical thinking skills, creative writing activities, and traditional grammar and usage skills are integral components of the English program. Students are expected to apply the skills acquired in English to written assignments in all content areas. Much of the English work will be done during class time. Students may have a practice sheet for homework.

Spelling

“SPELLING CONNECTIONS” is published by Zaner-Bloser. Students are introduced to the week’s list of words on Monday. Exercises that reinforce dictionary and vocabulary skills are assigned. The exercises from the unit will be done either in class or given for a daily homework assignment. Spelling tests consist of the list words and occasionally the challenge words from the unit will be used. These words are located in the back of the text. As with English skills, it is expected that students transfer their spelling skills to all written work through careful proofreading of assignments.

Book Reports

Book reports are assigned in READING. The school library is filled with excellent books for the children to use. All fifth grade students are strongly encouraged to read the books on the ACCELERATED READER LIST and to participate in the ACCELERATED READING PROGRAM where they can take computer tests on books read. Each child is required to read 3 books on the Accelerated Reading list each Quarter. Books must be on their grade level or above.

Math

Our basic text is HOUGHTON MIFFLIN MATH, copyright 2007.  Students will be engaged in participating in discussions and encouraged to work together learning math skills and sharing strategies.  The textbook will be used basically to develop an understanding of concepts and skills, enriched by the use of manipulatives, visual models, and technology, as well as the traditional written solution to problems.  Additional Math skills can be acquired by using on line web activities (www.eduplace.com/math) and (www.eduplace.com/map)

Social Studies

Our basic text is HOUGHTON MIFFLIN SOCIAL STUDIES, UNITED STATES HISTORY, copyright 2005.  (Parents may find on-line vocabulary games and additional learning activities at  www.eduplace.com/kids/hmss05/). The growth of the United States from Native American times to the present is included in this text.  The students will be guided in study skills and use of a notebook as a study aid while exploring the history of the United States.

Science

Science:  A Closer Look by Macmillan/McGraw Hill is used as our basic text. Three major areas of science will be studied.  In LIFE SCIENCE, the students will learn about organisms and how they are classified, about life cycles, and relationships within ecosystems.  In PHYSICAL SCIENCE, we experiment with, and learn concepts about changing forms of energy.  In EARTH SCIENCE we explore the environment, the changing earth’s crust, and mapping of the solar system.  Experiments and demonstrations that relate to these topics supplement our science text.  Students keep a notebook to write up the purpose, materials, procedures and results of these experiments and demonstrations as well as record class notes.  Major goals are to develop vocabulary, understanding of concepts and scientific reasoning.  Please visit the website (www.macmillanmh.com) for online support activities. 

D.A.R.E..

The D.A.R.E. Program will be presented during the First Semester. All Fifth Graders participate in this valuable experience. The assigned D.A.R.E officer from the Lisle Police Department will meet with our students once a week for one hour. The DRUG ABUSE RESISTANCE EDUCATION develops skills that youngsters can use in situations where they are being challenged to make value judgments. Please support the officer’s efforts by attending the parent programs held during the semester that D.A.R.E. is presented.

Mass

ALL students attend Mass on FRIDAY mornings at 8:15 a.m. This is an important time for all of us. We would like to invite you to join us in the celebration of the Mass on any Friday you are able to attend.

Our children sing and pray together. They are the lectors and leaders of songs. It’s one more way of displaying that we are truly a Catholic School.

Updated 4/2011