Fifth Grade

List of 8 items.

• ELA

  Through reading, writing and discussion, students in fifth grade explore a variety of genres through guided reading and book clubs. There is a focus on literary elements and devices to help students understand and analyze what they are reading. Texts that will be explored include: Number the Stars by Lois Lowry, A Long Walk to Water by Linda Sue Park, The Westing Game by Ellen Raskin, The 39 Clues: The Maze of Bones by Rick Riordan, Schooled by Gordon Korman, The Tale of Despereaux by Kate DiCamillo, and Insignificant Events in the Life of a Cactus by Dusti Bowling. Possible texts that will be explored: Rebound by Kwame Alexander and When You Trap a Tiger by Tae Keller.
  
  

  Within a writing workshop, students work on formal and informal writing. This will include descriptive writing, friendly letters, research-based assignments, poetry, and literary analysis. Lessons focus on good sentence structure and paragraph writing. 
  
  

  Wordly Wise is used for vocabulary instruction.  Grammar lessons focus on the different parts of speech and are reinforced through IXL practice.

• Math

  Students in 5th grade follow NYS Standards, aligned to the enVisions Mathematics textbook series. Students explore many foundational topics, with a primary focus on mathematical operations with whole numbers, decimals, and fractions. Students also explore customary and metric units, graphing, order of operations, and comparison of numbers, with a focus on place value.

• Social Studies

  From the top of the world, starting at the North Pole through the vast Canadian coastline through the five regions of the United States, the heat of sunny Mexico to below the equator to South America. Students will be introduced to the variety of landforms and people that make up the Western World. As we explore we will come to know what makes up the earth geographically and culturally and understand our role in the universe.

• Science

  Fifth grade science is a combination of several science disciplines including Biology, Physical Science, and Earth Science. Topics of study include Matter (Chemistry), Space Science (Earth Science), and Ecosystems (Biology).
  
  

  A variety of learning techniques are utilized to enhance understanding such as hands-on laboratory activities, demonstrations, models, technology simulations, and projects. 
  
  

  Real world applications are explored so that students make connections between what is discussed in the classroom and its application in the natural world. Current events, outdoor data collection and observations, and local field trip excursions are all explored.

• World Language

  Students learn to appreciate cultures different from their own while taking either French or Spanish. In grade 5, students begin to learn more about language structures by writing and performing skits. They will interpret and analyze simple authentic resources. 

• Religion

  The fifth grade curriculum focuses on several aspects of the Catholic faith.  Students learn what prayer is and the different types of prayer. There is also a study of the seven sacraments, their importance to the life of a Christian and how they bring us closer to Jesus. The Mass, with an emphasis on the Eucharist, the center of Christian life, is also studied. The class also includes projects, service and retreat days.

• Physical Education and Health

  Middle School physical education is designed to introduce students to a variety of physical activities and sports. It aims to promote physical fitness, teamwork, and healthy lifestyles. Students participate in activities like team sports, individual sports, and fitness exercises. Through these experiences, they develop fundamental motor skills, improve coordination, and gain an understanding of the importance of regular physical activity.

• Support Services

  The Middle School Student Support Services Team assists students through both pull-out groups focused on reinforcement of classroom material, and push-in services in Math and English Language Arts classes. 
  
  

  In pull-out groups, 3-5 same grade level students work with a SS Teacher to better understand content, reinforce study skills, and develop organizational strategies to support their middle school experience.  
  
  

  Students may also qualify for additional services. Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, and Speech Therapy are provided to students who have documented IEP goals in those areas. These specialists are provided and contracted through the Buffalo Public Schools.
  
  

  Students eligible for Support Services must have current IEP or 504 documentation from their current school.