Reading Language Arts
In fifth grade, there is an emphasis on reading comprehension by comparing grade level literary and informational texts. The student will continue to read a variety of literary and informational texts focusing on the author’s craft, style, and approach on a topic or concept. Collaborative conversations and writing about their reading continue as an extension to expand the student’s understanding of what they read. The student will continue to expand vocabulary using knowledge of roots, affixes, synonyms, antonyms, and homophones. The student will use the writing process to write in a variety of forms and purposes across content, demonstrating their thinking and understanding about a text. The student will collaborate with diverse teams working respectfully with others, showing engagement, and valuing individual contributions. The students will deliver multimodal presentations and compare/contrast a variety of techniques used in media messages. The student will demonstrate comprehension of the research process by evaluating the relevance, reliability, and credibility of information collected to create a research product.
Math
The fifth grade standards underscore gaining proficiency in operations with fractions, decimals, and multi-digit whole numbers. Students practice advanced arithmetic operations, including addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division of fractions and decimals. They explore volume concepts and properties of two- and three-dimensional shapes. Data interpretation through various graphical representations is also emphasized. These standards are crafted to ensure students develop strong analytical and problem-solving skills, setting the stage for success in middle school mathematics.
Science
Grade five science takes a deeper dive into foundational concepts in physical science, and students begin to make connections between energy and matter. Students explore how energy is transformed, and learn about electricity, sound, and light. They also learn about the composition of matter, and explore how energy can change phases of matter. They apply an understanding of force, matter, and energy when they explore how the Earth’s surface changes. Students continue to develop scientific skills and processes as they pose questions and predict outcomes, plan and conduct investigations, collect and analyze data, construct explanations, and communicate information about the natural world. Mathematics and computational thinking gain importance as students advance in their scientific thinking. Students continue to use the engineering design process to apply their scientific knowledge to solve problems.
Social Studies (Virginia Studies Part II)
The standards for Virginia Studies allow students to develop a greater understanding of Virginia’s rich history, from the contributions and cultures of its Indigenous People and the founding of Jamestown to the present. Geographic, economic, and civic concepts are presented within this historical context. Students will use geographic tools to examine the influence of physical and cultural geography on Virginia history. Students will develop the skills needed to analyze, interpret, and demonstrate knowledge of important events and ideas in our history and will understand the contributions made by people of diverse cultural and ethnic backgrounds. Ideas that form the foundation for political institutions in Virginia and the United States will be included as part of the story of Virginia. In the fifth-grade year, students will study social studies themes around Political growth and western expansion, Civil War and postwar eras, and Virginia 1900 to the present.
Music
The Grade Five General Music program enables students to synthesize information and create music using advanced music knowledge and skills. Students read, write, and compose music with increasingly complex rhythms and meters, develop choral skills, and explore various music styles while employing personal criteria for analyzing musical performances. This curriculum emphasizes improvisation, composition, and research on music topics, while fostering analytical skills through categorizing instruments, understanding the science of sound, and evaluating theme-and-variation forms. It also explores historical, cultural, and community aspects of music, defines intellectual property in the music industry, and examines various music careers. Students enhance their music literacy, sight-read melodies, and demonstrate rhythmic, singing, and instrumental performance skills, with a focus on ensemble cohesion, posture, and expressive playing. Overall, the program encourages innovation, collaboration, and the practical application of music knowledge in various contexts.
Art
In fifth grade, students further develop their ability to think creatively and critically, using the creative process to communicate increasingly sophisticated ideas. They analyze and interpret art from various cultures and historical contexts, discussing how art reflects social, cultural, and individual identities. Students explore contemporary techniques and media, applying their skills to create meaningful works that address personal and community themes. Through a focus on advanced techniques, including shading, proportion, and balance, they produce art that demonstrates a strong understanding of composition, personal expression, and craftsmanship.
Physical Education
In the elementary years, students develop maturity and adaptability in the use of fundamental motor skills and patterns that are then further refined and combined during the middle school years. Elementary students establish basic musculoskeletal vocabulary and use simple concepts as they develop their movements. They become aware of health-related fitness components (aerobic capacity, muscular strength and endurance, flexibility, and body composition), engage in a variety of physical activities, and develop a basic fitness plan. It is expected that elementary students recognize and use rules and procedures, focus on safety, respect similarities and dissimilarities, and cooperate with others. They will also understand the basic nutrition and fitness concepts of energy balance.
Health
The intent of Health Education for elementary school students is to assist students to become health literate, self directed learners with the ability to identify accurate health products and services, and learn how to create and maintain a safe and healthy environment for themselves and their family members.
This is accomplished by demonstrating:
- the knowledge and skills to make healthy decisions that reduce health risks and enhance the health of oneself and others;
- the ability to access, evaluate, and use health information, products, and services that influence health and wellness in a positive manner; and
- the use of appropriate health practices and behaviors to promote a safe and healthy community when alone, with family, at school, and in other group settings.
Family Life Education
The curriculum outlines key developmental goals for fifth-grade students, focusing on human reproduction, puberty, and personal health. Students learn about the structure and function of the endocrine system, human reproductive organs, and the stages of human reproduction. The curriculum also addresses the importance of nutrition, hygiene, and avoiding substance use, as well as developing a positive self-concept and understanding the roles and responsibilities of family members. Additionally, students are taught to recognize and react to uncomfortable or threatening situations, while also exploring media messages related to sexuality and gender stereotypes.
Library
This program of studies outlines key domains and competencies that guide learners in their intellectual, social, and ethical development. The standards are organized into six primary areas: Inquire, Include, Collaborate, Curate, Explore, and Engage.
- Inquire (Domains and Competencies)
Think, Create, Share, Grow: Learners are encouraged to build new knowledge by inquiring, thinking critically, identifying problems, and developing solutions. They engage with new knowledge by investigating questions, creating meaningful products, sharing those products, and responding to feedback. The process involves curiosity, evidence-based inquiry, and continuous growth.
- Include (Diversity and Inclusiveness)
Learners demonstrate awareness and respect for diverse perspectives within the learning community. They consider different viewpoints, engage in informed conversations, and act with empathy towards cultural diversity and global issues. Inclusiveness is central to their learning process, which includes evaluating and incorporating diverse perspectives.
- Collaborate (Working with Others)
Learners work effectively with others to broaden perspectives and achieve common goals. They actively seek collaborative opportunities, use various communication tools, and establish connections to expand their understanding. Collaborative learning is viewed as essential for problem-solving and knowledge creation.
- Curate (Organizing and Sharing Information)
Learners make meaning by collecting, organizing, and sharing personally relevant resources. They recognize when information is needed, assess sources, and make informed choices about which resources to use. This process involves critical thinking and decision-making to build useful and meaningful knowledge.
- Explore (Growth Mindset and Innovation)
Learners are encouraged to develop curiosity and a growth mindset through exploration and reflection. They engage in hands-on activities, solve problems, and innovate, applying new insights and continuing to develop skills through self-reflection and problem-solving cycles.
- Engage (Ethical and Responsible Knowledge Creation)
Learners engage ethically and responsibly in the creation and sharing of knowledge. They adhere to legal and ethical guidelines, reflect on their assumptions, and critically assess the validity and accuracy of information. They share their work with a global audience, ensuring respect for intellectual property and promoting ethical behavior in the learning community.
Each domain emphasizes the importance of curiosity, ethical behavior, collaboration, inclusivity, critical thinking, and continuous reflection as learners engage with knowledge. The program promotes lifelong learning and responsible engagement with information in a global context.