St. John Vianney School

Comprehensive Formation in an Authentically Catholic Environment

Fifth Grade
Curriculum Overview

"The doors of the world swing open with
the strong breeze of education"

 
Religion:
Focus is on biblical and spiritual development through introductions to the creed and teachings of the faith. Continual use of songs, prayers, activities and true-to-life experiences encourage growth in the sacraments and moral life.

Science:
Scientific inquiries through the investigation of questions, experiments and use of problem solving techniques.  Units focus on life, physical, earth and space sciences. Instruction relates to technology and society in past and present day expressions. In-depth review of famous scientists. Use of the scientific method and hands-on labs.

Social Studies:

Concepts of major documents, governments at local, state and national levels. Individual's and group's influence shape roles in public policy. Economic systems, goods, services, employment and their relationship to one another. Events, trends, people and movements that helped shape Illinois, the United States and other nations. Multicultural awareness. World geography and its effect society. Participate in Junior Achievement program which focuses on business and economic skills.

Spelling:
Weekly word lists correlating to reading selections.  Dictionary skills developed with the use of writing sentences and definitions.

Vocabulary:
Comprehension of unfamiliar words using root words, synonyms, and antonyms.

Language Arts:

Writing paragraphs with various sentences types. Appropriate use of the eight parts of speech with accurate spelling, capitalization and punctuation. Generate and organize ideas using skills such as outlining, clustering, etc. Produce and format compositions for specified audiences using available technology. Compose a basic research plan with the organization of ideas and use of reference material.

Reading:
Focus is on reading orally with fluency, independent reading on a regular basis to encourage skills such as predicting, inferring, clarifying, cause and effect, sequence of events, compare/contrast, and other structure elements. Recognize different literary forms such as realistic fiction, narrative, biography, and fantasy. Reinforced with monthly book reports and classroom assignments.  Paraphrasing and summarizing material throughout the classroom discussions.  Use of speaking skills for presentations to an audience.

Math:
Compare/order whole numbers, fractions, decimals using concrete materials, drawings and symbols.  Solve 1 & 2 step problems using fractions, decimals, and whole numbers.  Relate two sets of data using rations.  Perimeter, area, weight/mass, volume in customary and metric system.  Currency with operations of addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.  Estimating solutions.  Geometry and numeric patterns.  Collect, organize and analyze data through charts, tallies, tables, graphs, line plots and stem-and-leaf graphs.  Developing algebraic concepts and problem solving skills.  Enhance and develop math vocabulary.

Fine Arts:
Music class held on Wednesdays from 1:30-2:00 p.m.  Art class held on Thursdays from 1:00-1:50.  Focus is on 2-3 dimensional space, sketching, shading, printmaking, weaving, sewing, photography, sculpture.  Demonstration of skills/knowledge through problem solving, observing and designing materials.  History of the arts among various people, places, and times.

Physical Education/Health:
Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 12:30-1:15.  Acquiring movement skills and working towards enhancing physical activity through healthy lifestyle choices.  Participation in team-building skills and independent activities throughout the course.  Recognizing how to prevent and treat illness/injury by promoting communication and decision-making skills.

Computer/Technology:

Computer class is held weekly on Tuesday from 1:00-1:50 with Mrs. Sheehan.  Coursework integrated with technology throughout the school year.



Our Classroom Environment

Procedures, Rule, Guidelines:
Rules and procedures are established within the first week of school.  They are student and teacher created.  The rules are displayed in the front of the classroom at all times.

Homework:
-Clearly posted in the front of the classroom on a daily basis.
-Policies go home within the first week of school.
-Sick students or students on vacation will be allowed to complete assignments upon return to school

Honor Roll:
-There are several ways for accessing opportunities in this area including 1st, 2nd, and Effort.
-Students must consistently maintain positive behavior and complete homework/class work assignments to be considered.



Throughout the year you can help by...
- Maintaining basis facts for addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.
- Allowing your child to read out loud to you for the development of fluency an enjoyment.
- Discussing current events from a local newspaper.
- Encouraging your child to eat healthy snacks such as fruits, vegetables, yogurt, etc. to provide our bodies with the fuel we need to keep going throughout the day.
- Limiting the amount of television viewing. Instead, spend time together as a family at a local museum, go for a walk in the neighborhood or check out some books at your local library!



The Importance of  Prayer:
One of the most important tools we can give our children in the tool of prayer. Prayers allows people to draw closer to God.  Learning to pray is important and opens doors to wonderful things happening in their lives. Please take some time to pray with your child each and every day. Remember, when you pray, God listens!