Fifth Grade
Curriculum

Chooses to read a variety of materials for many purposes.

Self-selects texts at appropriate independent reading level.

Demonstrates a positive view of self as a reader.

Pursues an interest through a variety of reading materials.

Expands reading vocabulary.

Uses multiple strategies (pictures, phonics, context clues, syllabication, grammar) to identify and understand unfamiliar words.

Reads orally with fluency and expression and develops ease as a silent reader.

Applies reading strategies in order to gain meaning.

Previews and sets a purpose for reading.

Uses prior knowledge.

Self-corrects when something does not make sense.

Uses graphic organizers such as charts, cause and effect diagrams, timelines and maps.

Identifies/infers the main idea, details and sequence of ideas.

Analyzes, elaborates on and responds critically to written works.

Makes and supports predictions.

Compares and contrasts written works.

Makes judgments about fact and opinion.

Distinguishes between fiction and nonfiction.

Makes valid inferences about:  main ideas, details, character's feelings, author's purpose, point of view and possible bias.

Uses writing and reading response journals as a means of exploring ideas encountered in reading.

A clearly stated main idea.

An introduction, three or more supporting paragraphs and a conclusion.

Paragraphs fully elaborated with specific examples and supporting details.

Transition words, e.g., such as, for example, finally.

Collecting models of writing and good language.

Brainstorming topics.

Creating questions to guide research.

Using graphic organizers, e.g., clustering/webbing and Venn diagrams.

Using a variety of reference tools.

Notetaking and recording resources.

Topic focus throughout the piece.

Clear, logical organization.

Best word choice to express ideas.

Elimination of repetitive ideas.

Use of a variety of sentence openings and a mixture of simple and compound sentences.

Sentence combining to eliminate fragments and run-ons.

Consistency of verb tense.

Paragraphing.

Interesting openings and closings.

Complete sentences.

Appropriate use of periods, commas, question marks, exclamation points and apostrophes.

Quotation marks in dialogue.

Capitalization of all appropriate words.

Proofreading for standard spelling of all words.

Uses a variety of spelling resources to find the standard spelling of unknown words.

Correct usage of nouns, verbs, linking verbs, adjectives, degrees of adjectives and adverbs.

Uses standard editing marks.

Reviews, practices and uses D'Nealian cursive alphabet.

Learns and uses problem-solving strategies to organize, explain, write and solve problems.

Demonstrates calculator skills in computing numbers.

Identifies needed and extraneous information in story problems.

Adds and subtracts 2-, 3-, and 4-digit numbers.

Multiplies and divides multiples of 10 and 100.

Multiplies and divides facts through 12.

Multiplies and divides 2- and 3-digit numbers by 1- and 2-digit numbers without a calculator.

Uses estimation for whole number and fraction computation.

Solves problems involving order and magnitude of whole numbers less than 100,000.

Solves problems involving whole numbers up to 4 digits.

Identifies the appropriate operation to solve story problems.

Estimates and solves 1- and 2-step problems involving whole numbers and money amounts.

Relates fractions and mixed numbers to pictures and vice versa.

Renames equivalent fractions.

Relates equivalent mixed numbers and improper fractions.

Relates decimals to pictures.

Estimates the magnitude of mixed numbers and decimals.

Adds and subtracts fractions with like denominators.

Estimates sums or differences of mixed numbers and decimals.

Identifies appropriate metric or customary unit of measure for a given situation.

Solves problems involving the conversion of measures of length, time and capacity.

Solves problems involving elapsed time and making change.

Calculates averages up to 5 numbers using a calculator.

Locates points on number lines, scales and grids.

Draws reasonable conclusions from graphs, tables and charts.

Creates graphs from data.

Solves problems involving probability and fairness.

Measures perimeter and area.

Estimates length and area.

Identifies, draws and describes:  geometric shapes and figures; open and closed congruent, similar and symmetric figures; center point, radius, diameter and circumference of a circle.

Draws lines of symmetry.

Measures geometric shapes and angles using a protractor, compass and straight edge.

Develops and understands decision-making, problem-solving, listening/speaking, personal and group interaction skills.

Develops an awareness of current events.

Uses maps, charts, tables and graphs to develop an understanding of natural and cultural features in the world.

Colonization:  develops an understanding of the diverse groups of people who colonized North America.

Constitution:  explains the events that led to the ratification of the Constitution and describes the three major branches of the government and the Bill of Rights.

Revolution:  explains the causes and effects of the Revolutionary War.

Recognizes that the human body is made up of several systems.

Describes the basic structure and function of the respiratory, circulatory, digestive and reproductive systems.

Identifies cells, tissues and organs as the basic units within the body systems.

Understands ways in which body systems are interdependent.

Identifies specific producers, consumers and decomposers in an ecosystem and describes the role of each.

Recognizes the importance of sunlight, water and air in an ecosystem.

Recognizes that organisms adapt to survive in specific environments and the number and varieties of organisms depend on the resources and physical factors of the environment.

Understands succession as a natural process in an ecosystem.

Recognizes that human activity, including scientific discovery, alters the earth's land, oceans and atmosphere and may create unexpected problems or harmful side effects.

Recognizes that matter is made up of atoms containing protons, neutrons and electrons, all of which are too small to see.

Understands that electricity is the movement of electrons within matter and is measured in amperes and volts.

Recognizes that electricity moves in a circuit (either simple, series or parallel) and a complete circuit is necessary in order for electric current to flow and exert force.

Understands that materials which have been electrically charged exert forces on each other.

Explains the role that insulators and conductors play in the movement of heat and electricity.

Observes, records and communicates changes which occur over time.

Classifies objects or organisms according to their properties or characteristics.

Understands the effects of variables in an experiment.

Uses microscopes and telescopes and lenses to gather information about objects and organisms.

Makes comparisons between objects according to a set of criteria.

Makes reasonable predictions/hypotheses based on scientific information.

Learns short- and long-term effects of substance abuse on the mind and body.

Practices decision making and refusal skills.

Identify potentially troublesome situations in which refusal skills should be applied.

Learns the physical and emotional changes that occur during puberty.

Gains knowledge of the major organs and functions of the male and female reproductive system.

Describes the increased importance of good hygiene and nutrition as one enters puberty and throughout life.

Learns to communicate in Spanish or French through oral expression.

Learns the correct pronunciation of specific Spanish or French vocabulary.

Develops listening comprehension skills in Spanish or French.

Learns the nuances of verbal/nonverbal communication in Spanish or French.

Develops cultural awareness and cultural knowledge.

Andy Warhol (pop art)

Pablo Picasso (cubism/abstract)

Salvador Dali (surrealism)

Drawing:  further develops techniques; pays greater attention to detail and drawing fluency.

Painting:  refines approach to two-dimensional challenges through transparent and opaque painting media.

Three-Dimensional Forms:  further explores creative challenges in three- dimensional form.

Experiences other mixed media (possibly print-making, collage and fiber art)

Perceives and responds to qualities of visual art.

Furthers knowledge and use of the elements and principles of design.

Makes informed opinions about visual art and understands the basis for those opinions.

Makes judgments about art using the visual language and the language of art.

Sings songs independently; in tune, accurately, including partner songs and rounds.

Sings expressively, with the appropriate dynamics, phrasing and interpretation.

Reads and writes simple rhythmic and melodic patterns; e.g., dotted quarter and eighth; pentachoral melodies.

Identifies symbols, traditional terms and standard music notation.

Sight-reads simple melodies.

Identifies simple form, e.g., theme and variations.

Listens to and recognizes basic form, styles, meter and tonality.

Uses terminology in describing and analyzing music, e.g., theme and variations.

Devises criteria to evaluate music performance, e.g., ensemble, intonation, balance and blend.

Identifies ways in which other disciplines are interrelated with music.

Sings songs and plays games that explore cultural diversity, e.g., Central European.

Describes in simple terms the relation of music to history, e.g., Mozart and Ives; American Revolution.

Continues basic body management activities of prior years including the use of educational gymnastics.

Refines manipulative skills and their application to sports and games.

Develops complex rhythmic activities involving creative movement and specific dance patterns.

Participates in cooperative and competitive activities to develop interpersonal relationships and good sportsmanship.

Participates in "challenge by choice" activities at a level that represents optimum personal challenge.

Participates in and develops strategies for the improvement of selected fitness components from the Connecticut Physical Fitness Assessment.