Cedarcrest Academy Curriculum
Fifth Grade
Reading
• Read fluently with expression.
• Apply phonetic and decoding skills in sounding out words.
• Learn and effectively apply a variety of reading strategies for comprehension:
• Make a mental picture.
• Categorize information.
• Clarify by asking questions.
• Remember critical details.
• Identify the purpose.
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Sequence main idea.
• Retell in your own words.
• Make inferences.
• Make predictions.
• Drawing conclusions, points of view, and author’s purpose.
• Focus on the development and mastery of story elements; characters, setting, plot, climax, resolution, cause and effect, compare and contrast, fact or opinion.
• Study a variety of genre. These include, but are not limited to: fairy tales, fables, novels, short stories, biographies, poems, and historical fiction.
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Memorize selected passages, scripture, and Wordly Wise definitions.
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Interpret a variety of literary genres; including fairy tales, short stories, fables, legends, adventure stories, humorous stories, myths, mythology, fantasy, mystery, historical fiction, realistic fiction, chapter books, novels, expository text, and poetry.
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Determine vice/virtue depicted in story read and how this applies to daily life.
Grammar/Creative Writing
• Write a complete sentence with appropriate subject and predicate, grade
• Mastery of all 4th grade grammar/creative writing benchmarks.
• Write a complete sentence with appropriate subject and predicate, grade level spelling, grammar, punctuation, etc.
• Identify the eight parts of speech: nouns, pronouns, verbs, adjectives, adverbs, prepositions, conjunctions, and interjections.
• Write neatly in complete sentences and answer questions fully (restate question).
• Recognize and use various types of sentences.
• Develop a well-written, three-paragraph essay with topic sentence and details to support that main idea.
• Understand the writing process; prewriting, revision, proofreading, publishing. Students will use a variety of methods to assist in the writing process.
• Types of writing developed and mastered include, but are not limited to; personal narrative, descriptive and expository writing.
Math
• Know all math facts up to 12 with speed and accuracy.
• Place value up to billions.
• Decimals-tenths/hundredths/thousandths, convert to mixed numbers, rounding, comparing.
• Fractions/reducing fractions/adding and subtracting fractions with unlike denominators, multiplication and division with fractions.
• Measurement (linear, mass, volume, temperature, metric, perimeter, area).
• Prime and composite numbers.
• Long division.
• Multiplication by two digits with regrouping.
• Multi-step word problems.
• Solves 4 step “mental math problems” using all 4 operations.
• Data Analysis, Probability, Statistics.
• Technology.
• Geometry (circle, angles, protractors)
Evaluations
• Daily Informal Assessments (teacher observation, class participation, oral quizzes, and group work).
• Weekly quizzes in Math, weekly tests in spelling, biweekly in Wordly Wise
• No more than 2 tests per day, quizzes may be unannounced at any time.
• Test study guides are given in content areas.
• Math, Science, Social Studies, Grammar, Literature tests given approximately every 2 weeks for each subject.
• Tests can include multiple choice, true/false, matching, short answer and occasional “essay” (paragraph).
• Direction sheet for projects and reports are given in advance.
• Semester exams twice a year (December and May) in the core areas of Catholic Formation, Math, Grammar, Literature, Science, History/Geography, and Spanish.
Study Skills and Homework
A successful fifth grader will become a self motivated learner by praising him/her for showing initiative towards their studies and homework. They become reliable, responsible, and independent. Charity, respect for others and hard work also guide their formation. Foundations in study skills that last a lifetime are the following:
• Will be reviewed in August and September and reinforced throughout the school year.
• Build on 4th grade study skills to aid in effective use of time, knowing your child’s learning strengths and weaknesses. The focus is on the acquiring of study skills.
• Stay on task and remain focused on a subject for a period of 40-45 minutes.
• Learn to transition quickly from class to class, and be confident in their growing promptness and responsibility.
• Follow all directions and instructions given by teachers, ask questions, and take initiative; answer thoroughly in complete sentences.
• Excellent organizational skills give a strong foundation for success.
• Have all materials for each class, students store materials in lockers and desks.
• Remember the SQ3R approach for comprehending material: Survey the main headings, turn the headings into a Question, then Read, Recite the answers to the question and Review.
• Write assignments in their assignment book correctly, gather and organize necessary homework materials to take home, preferably working for self-responsibility without teacher reminders.
• Turn in homework on the day it is due. Students are held accountable.
• Establish a routine at home as to when and where homework is to be done everyday. All supplies are at hand to minimize distractions and time off-task.
• Keep a home calendar with important dates and events that apply to school work (due dates, tests, specials, projects, etc.); this will assist in learning skills of time management and long-term planning.
• Keep a standing file folder at home for the student, where important material is kept (subject folders for study guides, graded quizzes and tests, classroom newsletters, special work, information regarding assignments, etc.) for their future review in preparing for tests.
• Develop ability to monitor progress of long term assignments.
• The time of homework will be determined by each student’s individual ability, but expect 1-1/2 hours of homework, including reading and reviewing.
• Students are expected to write down all homework accurately, and complete their homework independently.
• Projects given in Social Studies, Science, Literature and Grammar with adequate notice, guidance, and instruction.
• Classes include Catholic Formation, Math, Grammar, Science and Social Studies, Creative Writing, Literature, Spelling, and 5 specials.
Specials
• Music
• Spanish
• Art
• PE
• Computer
Curriculum by Grade
PreK-3
PreK-4
Kindergarten
First Grade
Second Grade
Third Grade
Fourth Grade
Fifth Grade
Sixth Grade
Seventh Grade
Eighth Grade
Tips for Parents
Parents should be available to assist their child when questions arise. However, it is very important children develop strong, independent work and study skills as the year progresses. Parents are reminded that when students make a mistake this is an opportunity to learn. School work is the child’s responsibility, and a vehicle for growth and maturity. These are gradual processes, and patience and support will prove to be invaluable tools.
Allow your child to take on personal responsibilities with a set structure at home, and accept the rewards and consequences for their actions. (packing backpack and placing it in the same location, lunches and snacks, putting assignments into the correct school folders, returning library books on the assigned days, lay out entire uniform for school before bedtime, and set their own alarm).
The school day starts promptly at 8:15 a.m. Arrive at least 15 minutes early to provide adequate time for your child to prepare for their day (unpack backpack and lunch, organize books, etc.).
Avoid walking your child to their classroom after the first week of school, unless they need assistance carrying something heavy or awkward to the classroom.
Tell your child that you know they are capable of doing well in class and recognize it when they do so.
In terms of discipline, support the efforts of the teacher. If you disagree with the teacher’s discipline measure, please discuss this with the teacher. Do not undermine the teacher’s authority by disagreeing with the teacher in front of your child.
Share with your child that their teachers love and care about them. Let them know their teacher will help them with school lessons and situations that arise at school.
Above and beyond homework, it is extremely important to drill math facts with your child until over-learning takes place (mastered).
When reading to or with your child, stop and ask questions about what they read, and ask them to predict what they think will happen next. Ask about lessons learned from the stories you read; this helps to promote active thinkers not passive listeners.
Selectively minimize television and computer games especially on school days. Always be mindful of the TV programming and electronic games your child is viewing. Promote active outdoor play, arts and crafts for a creative outlet, and encourage use of their imagination in their play with others.
If you experience a situation that you feel needs to be communicated to the school, please come to the teacher, academic coordinator, guidance counselor, principal, or faculty/staff member to discuss.
