Useful+Informmation

**__Reading:__**
Reading is a part of every day learning in fifth grade. Examples of various genres of reading are modeled through the Making Meaning program as well as reading strategies that build comprehension such as asking questions, inferring, synthesizing, making reader/text connections and using background knowledge. Students also learn to read for information through the use of various non-fiction texts. Fifth grade students are expected to complete 30 minutes of independent reading **//every//** night for homework in addition to completing a reading log and reading comprehension exercises.

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Fifth grade students learn about a variety of styles and genres of writing from personal narratives to expository essays. Students are exposed to experts such as Ralph Fletcher as well as various examples of good writing through the Living Like A Writer program. =====

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Fifth grade students should expect to complete about 15-20 minutes of writing each night for homework. Assignments may vary from free writing on a topic of choice in Writer's Notebooks to completing writing pieces that were started in class. Our goal is to foster a love and enjoyment of writing while building students' knowledge of various genres and styles of writing. =====

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__**Mathematics:**__ =====

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Various topics are covered in fifth grade math ranging from multiplication and division strategies to converting fractions, decimals and percents. Students engage in various cooperative inquiry based learning activities that foster a deep understanding of math strategies and skills. =====

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Fifth grade students should expect to complete about 20-30 minutes of math homework each night. Assignments will coincide with topics covered in class as well as fact fluency. =====

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__**Social Studies:**__ ===== Social Studies is a blast in fifth grade! Students learn about early European settlers and Native American tribes during the Colonial Era as well as the American Revolution and the beginning of a new nation. Students learn about historical mysteries such as the Lost Colony of Roanoke as well as the many challenges and hardships Native Americans and early European settlers faced. Topics such as perseverance, perspective, and cultural diversity are covered through a variety of learning experiences.

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__**Science:**__ =====

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Science is so much fun in fifth grade! Students begin the school year by learning about Space Science with a focus on the Earth, Moon and Sun. This is an interactive unit that coincides nicely with the fall Harvest Moon! Fifth graders also learn about Light and Sound as well as Lenses and Mirrors. All science units are inquiry based and engage students in cooperative learning activities. =====