5th Grade Curriculum

(1415–1820)

Fifth grade history covers the time period from Prince Henry (1415) to The Missouri Compromise of 1820. Students are taken from the tumultuous times of medieval Europe with its barbaric Vikings, chivalrous knights, and bold reformers into the Age of Exploration. Students learn about Prince Henry and his school of navigation as well as the exciting adventures of Christopher Columbus and his discovery of the New World. The students quickly find that despite the growth in the past, men wanted more—more power, more land, more gold, and ultimately more liberty. From the shores of the Old World, they begin to look to the new. Students are captivated by the stories of the early explorers like Columbus, the Spanish explorations, and the permanent European settlements and colonization. They move through these into the American Revolution and finally into the building of a new nation. Through the stories of great men and women, the students come to appreciate the sacrifices and dedication of those who built our great nation.

Spelling, Grammar, and Penmanship

Spelling instruction is phonics-based and follows the Orton-Gillingham approach. Phonemes and spelling rules are taught explicitly in a structured and sequential manner. Fifth graders manipulate a variety of Greek and Latin roots and affixes to build their vocabulary while continuing to utilize the spelling concepts they have learned in earlier years. All these skills aid the students in their growth as fluent readers. Further, the students memorize rules of grammar using the Shurley Grammar curriculum. They then apply what they have learned, delighting in the cleverly crafted writing of our literature selections. Fifth grade students begin the year by proudly displaying their cursive penmanship on all written assignments, and they are encouraged to fine tune their letter formation throughout the year, adding excellence to their written assignments.

Literature and Composition

Using classic literature as a model for good writing, the Writing and Rhetoric curriculum leads the students through a classical method of writing known as progymnasmata. This employs the study of excellent men and women throughout history and what they wrote. While incorporating concepts they are learning in their grammar and spelling studies, the students write essays using a six-paragraph structure called a chreia. To create excitement and to nurture a love of learning through books, teachers and students dive into such books as Blood on the River, Tales from Shakespeare, The Witch of Blackbird Pond, Johnny Tremain, Amos Fortune, and Carry On, Mr. Bowditch. These classic stories integrate what the students are learning in their history studies. The main method students utilize to assimilate the text that they read is the classical practice of oral narration. Students also transfer their oral narrations to written narrations on a regular basis. This practice is foundational in strengthening the students’ abilities in reading comprehension, writing, and rhetoric. In addition, the students gather for special read-aloud times each day. Teachers delight in building wonder and enlarging the moral imaginations of their students through the expressive reading of The Horse and His Boy, The Bronze Bow, and The Last BattleIn addition, students engage with their peers in literature circles each week. The students participate in meaningful conversations with their classmates in a small-group setting about novels such as Pedro’s Journal, Lion to Guard Us, The Sign of the Beaver, The Silver Chair, and Fever 1793.

Library Science

Students in fifth grade learn how to set up their own library accounts and how to independently use the automated catalog. They use the library to find resources for classroom research projects. Students are exposed to the different genres of literature, and they hear reviews of specific titles from each genre. They are encouraged to share their opinions about books during our class discussions and share book recommendations with their classmates. Library skills are reviewed and reinforced.

Curriculum: think!Mathematics

In fifth grade, students strive toward mastery of foundational math topics for real-world application in preparation for algebra in the dialectic years. The curriculum builds on an early understanding of composition and decomposition of numbers along with mastery of basic facts and computation algorithms. Emphasis is placed on problem-solving, skill consolidation, and a deep understanding of fractions, decimals, ratios, model drawing, expressions, equations, and inequalities. Challenging problem-solving is integrated into each chapter to reinforce the application of concepts and skills learned. Mathematics is taught as a language with an emphasis on vocabulary and regular math journaling. Hands-on learning activities are integrated throughout the lessons so that students may practice important concepts and vocabulary. The ultimate goals of the mathematics curriculum are for students to experience success and develop a lifelong love of math.

Within the Bible curriculum, fifth grade students walk through the life of Christ in the four Gospels. The Apostle John’s proclamation, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God and the Word was God” (John 1:1), sets the stage for students to understand the precept of studying God’s word. Students eagerly memorize several Scripture passages, and dramatic reenactment is also used for students to more deeply experience Scripture. In fifth grade, students explore the themes of conflict and liberation and walk through multiple conflicts of Christ’s ministry including the rejection of the Jewish leaders, the ideals of what kind of messiah was expected, and even death itself. Students come to see that Christ liberates his people by his death and resurrection. A study of Dangerous Journey further illustrates these concepts and deepens their understanding of their walk as Christians. Teachers desire for students to know that true liberty is found in Christ alone, and students explore the spiritual concepts of Christ freeing them from the bondage of sin and death, the good news of Christ’s salvation, and living in obedience to Christ and his Word. The ultimate goal of fifth grade biblical teaching is for students to develop a love for their Savior and the Bible.

The room is dark. The teacher, dressed as a sailor of the 1700s, invites students into the classroom with a blow of her ship’s brass whistle. Once inside, a true tale is told of the HMS Association naval disaster and the greatest technological problem of the sixteenth century—how to accurately find one’s longitude. In this manner, fifth grade students launch into a study of navigation, learning about latitude, longitude, compasses, sextants, and triangulation. Fifth grade students learn about the European explorers’ travels to the New World. Thus, history becomes a springboard for the fifth grade science “exploration” of the ocean currents, seafloor features, and physical life zones of Earth’s giant oceans. Using demonstrations, experimentation, and other engaging activities, fifth grade science students investigate Earth’s atmosphere and weather, microscopes and microscopic organisms, and electricity.

Fifth grade students continue their study of Latin by building on the solid foundation of basic noun and verb forms they learned in fourth grade. Though time is mainly spent on learning new tenses of verbs (the imperfect, future, and perfect), students also learn how first and second declension adjectives modify nouns. Students also continue building up a base of key vocabulary words, and they put their grammar knowledge into practice by translating sentences and short stories. Using flash cards and chants, students gain a confident grasp of the language through practice and repetition. Finally, students learn the Vulgate versions of some of their Bible memory passages to experience the historical nature of the Christian faith through their language studies.

In every grade at The Geneva School, music study and performance are vital to developing an aesthetically rich liberal arts education. Fifth grade students experience the music of famous classical composers as well as instruments and stylistic elements from 1500 to 1800 that encompass the Renaissance and the baroque and classical periods. They study the Protestant Reformation in Europe and the colonial period in America. Cross-curricular units include studying the purpose of the instruments used during the Revolutionary War, the history of the harpsichord, and, of course, Charles Wesley, one of the most prolific hymn writers in the 1700s. Fifth grade students perform American folk songs, dances, hymns, and spirituals, all of which further develop their understanding of the role that music plays in our school, history, and the Bible.

All fifth grade students continue to play the soprano recorder. The recorder was one of the primary instruments played during the Renaissance and baroque periods. Through group and self-paced lessons, students use their music reading skills to practice correct fingering, good breath control, and proper tone quality and to learn to play together as an ensemble.

Students engage in activities to create and sing as well as to play the soprano recorder, unpitched percussion, and Orff instrumentation. Students use their developing musicianship skills to read, play, and notate rhythmic and melodic patterns following the Kodaly and Orff methodology.

Performances include Lessons and Carols, the spring concert, and fifth grade’s Brave and Free performance.

In the fifth grade, students develop their drawing skills by working on projects such as still-life arrangements and portraits, which were prominent during the Age of Exploration and the Enlightenment (e.g., baroque, neoclassical, and romantic). Students explore the art and lives of well-known artists during these periods as a way of developing their drawing skills. They study asymmetry and various ways of creatively composing an art piece. Students are encouraged to use a variety of media (watercolors, colored pencils, and collage) as they explore their own strengths and weaknesses while continuing to grow in their understanding of how to successfully use the elements of design.

The drama program not only seeks to enrich each student’s study of history and literature through experience but also seeks to build character through the rehearsal and production process. Students are given responsibilities appropriate to their developmental level and are encouraged to problem-solve and work together as a group to tell their story.

In fifth grade, the students perform Brave and Free, a play encapsulating everything they have learned in their history studies throughout the year. The students are given full responsibility in the running of the performance. Teachers are not available for prompting. Students are encouraged to work together to cover any mistakes that might be made. They are responsible for many props and costume pieces as well as making many entrances and exits without adult assistance.

In fifth grade, students and teachers embrace the importance of a sound mind in a sound body. The Geneva School is committed to providing a curriculum in physical education that allows frequent and diverse opportunities to engage in physical activities necessary to support a healthy mind and body. Fifth grade students develop specific sports skills through practice drills and modified game play. Throughout the year, students learn the basic rules of a variety of sports and games, both individual sports and team sports. Students also build health and fitness through strength and flexibility conditioning with an emphasis on cardiovascular endurance. Fifth graders continue to develop motor proficiency through expressive play and creative movements such as rhythm activities. Prior to George Washington’s Birthday Ball, students learn traditional colonial dances in PE.

Field Trips

• St. Augustine
• Barberville Pioneer Settlement
• Environmental Learning Center
• 3-Day Science Trip to the Florida Gulf Coast
• Emil Buehler Perpetual Trust Planetarium
• Lewis & Clark (Harry P. Leu Gardens)

Culminating Events

• Colonial Day: After studying the early life of colonists and the hardships endured as they came to the New World, students research a colony and give an informative speech about one of the original thirteen colonies, dress in colonial attire, and spend the afternoon eating a meal of thanksgiving for a safe arrival, reliving the chores of a colonist, and playing the games of colonial children.
• Revolutionary War Reenactment: After being drafted into the British Army, French Army, or Continental Army, the students spend the afternoon learning to drill under the instruction of Major Baron von Steuben. They then march to camp and load their (water) guns and reenact the major battles of the Revolutionary War. Lexington and Concord, Bunker Hill, the Crossing of the Delaware, and many more battles are indelibly stamped in their memories.
• George Washington’s Birthday Ball: After receiving an invitation from Martha Washington to attend General George Washington’s birthday ball, students prepare for this exciting event by researching a Founding Father and learning how to dance the Virginia Reel. They dress in gentry colonial attire to attend the ball, deliver a speech, and attend a concert. Finally, they enjoy a grand feast to celebrate George Washington—with Washington in attendance!
• Brave and Free: The end-of-the-year play is a grand adventure that reenacts all the history the students have learned during the year. In a fun and “independent” way, the students lead the audience through the time of the explorers, the colonies, the Revolutionary War, and the making of our government. There are moments of laughter as the students try to figure out how to run a show without any teachers or any fireworks, and there are moments of awe as they step onto the stage and recite the Declaration of Independence. It is truly a marvelous ending to a year steeped in American history.