School Programs :: Fifth Grade
Fifth graders experience an expansion of personal responsibilities and privileges thus preparing them for their middle school years. During fifth grade, students are encouraged to define problems, set goals, and learn time-management techniques in an atmosphere that celebrates inquiry and collaboration. LES's continued thematic approach to integrating subject matter provides a powerful experience for students to engage in and manage individual projects. During fifth grade, students are introduced to more complex literary themes and work on extended compositions. Students spend tow periods a week in music, PE and one period in art, the computer lab and developing and extending library research skills. Continued emphasis on building research skills for independent study is a goal for fifth grade. As the oldest class in the school, LES "Character Matters" curriculum emphasizes the importance of good leadership. While providing high quality academic instruction, LES fifth graders also participate in a multi-day outdoor fieldtrip which addresses physical , emotional and leadership development.
A sample of skills by subject matter is described below. Please note these skills are not all inclusive and all Lafayette Elementary School curriculum adheres to BVSD's curriculum standards and goals for 5th grade.
Social Studies: The combination of U.S. history and literature is central to fifth grade academics. Students read historical fiction on the topics of slavery, Civil War, and immigration. A central goal is to deepen understanding of the U.S. government and the importance of the Constitution. Students have the opportunity to share what they have learned through living history presentations, power point presentations and drama.
Science: Investigations is used to cover key concepts in physical, chemical and life sciences by studying environments, land formations and mixture solutions. Each child uses the scientific method to create a controlled experiment presented in the Science Fair.
Writing: Writing compliments social studies and science by integrating periodicals, memoirs, poetry, reports, procedures and biographies. Fifth graders write longer pieces and develop voice and style.
Reading: Fifth graders expand their exploration of genres to include adventure/survival, historical fiction, mystery/fantasy, graphic novels and end the year with Shakespeare. Not only do these texts support broader themes that are interwoven in science and social studies but by reading and understanding a variety of materials students understand how authors achieve a variety of purposes and reach various audiences. Fifth graders not only learn to synthesize information but they analyze and evaluate arguments to develop and defend argumentative positions. Most importantly, as LES fifth graders read fiction about the civil war, immigration and refugees and authors such as Shakespeare, they appreciate literature as a record and expression of the human experience.
Math: Lafayette Elementary mathematics instruction continues to intermix mathematical concepts with everyday, hands-on practice. By introducing mathematical with tactile lessons, students deepen their understanding of the concept. Math class is spent building number sense, understanding concepts of graphs and tables, probability, fractions, 2-D geometry, multiplication and division. By spring, fifth grade curriculum has moved on to 3-D geometry, algebra and computation with fractions and decimals.
Character Traits: Lafayette Elementary School "Character Trait" curriculum reviews positive traits through class discussion, action, integration with curriculum and recognition. The whole school learns about the following attributes. Responsibility (Sept.), Cooperation (Oct.), Generosity (Nov.), Respect (Dec.), Nonviolence (Jan.), Kindness (Feb.), Perseverance (March), Honesty (Apr.), Appreciation (May). Through a multi-year grant, Lafayette Elementary School has a counselor who provides class and small group instruction on conflict resolution and mediation.