Fifth Grade
The fifth-grade year is often referred to as the Golden Age of Childhood and is viewed as a year of balance and harmony.
The fifth-grader has grown more accustomed to being an individual; yet, like the third-grader, is about to leave another phase of childhood behind and cross the threshold into adolescence. The curriculum not only continues to build on and integrate established foundations but introduces new elements to prepare the child for the next step forward.
This grade's central theme is the Ancient Cultures of Persia, India, Egypt, and Greece, North American culture, and the school year usually ends with Greek Games/Pentathlon.
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Classroom skills being honed are punctuality, personal and academic responsibility, and developing research skills.
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Main Lesson Subjects
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Math: Read and write greater numbers to the billions; Fractions, mixed numbers, decimals, introduction to percentages; Averages; Intro to Geometry (freehand) - types of lines, angles, polygons, triangles; Tables and Charts; mental math, multi-step word problems.
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Language Arts: continue use and application of parts of Speech, punctuation, and mechanics with complex sentence structure/texts; Indepdendent reading, writing, compostion book reports, grammar and poetry; reaading and writing longer, more complex pieces in cursive, use of pens, continue writing 3-5 paragraph essays independently, using the writing process, continue creative writing and poetry; intro to biographies; introduce outlines and personal letter writing.
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Science: Botany
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History: Ancient civilizations through Greek times, Pentathlon in Spring
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Geography: North American Geography as it relates to vegetation, agriculture, culture, and economics.
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Class Play: Each class will be practicing and performing a class play or presentation tied to the curriculum which is shared with class families.
Special Subjects
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World Language: Continuing Spanish instruction through art projects and developing a deeper understanding of Hispanic culture and artists. Learning new Spanish vocabulary, language structure, and simple sentence patterns. Grammar is taught in the context of oral communication.
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Handwork: Knitting socks using four needles, and woodwork.
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Sculptural Arts: Modeling, Scuplting
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Painting: Painting and Drawing
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Music: Singing in rounds, harmonizing/three-part singing, drumming, and violin.
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Movement: Pentathlon Training
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During the year, your child's teacher will plan field trips to enhance what's being taught in class. Advance notice will be given and we encourage parents to plan to attend whenever possible.
Depending on the needs of an individual child, and the homeschooling plan the family is following, more study may be needed at home to compliment the classes chosen at Spring River. Talk to your teacher or the Program Director for more information. At Spring River, the parents are ultimately in charge of their children's education, and the school is here to supplement and support.
