Language Arts
Fifth grade reading has three major components: the study of literature within the reading classroom, independent reading with accountabilities, and optional Book Club.

Within the classroom, students work in varied ways; sometimes books are teacher-led, and many books are read in literature circles, enabling students to make choices within a thematic structure.  Vocabulary work and spelling are drawn from the current book-in-progress, and students receive daily grammar instruction and vocabulary challenges from the Wordly Wise series. Journal writing and other comprehension exercises run concurrently.  Typical literary themes include fantasy/imagination books, tall tales, books about home and hearth, historical fiction, non-fiction, poetry, and classics.  The typical fifth grader reads between six and eight classroom books in the course of the school year.

Students are encouraged to read parallel books and free choice books within the structure of a reading contract.  Students keep a portfolio of independent work at school.

Book Club is a very popular optional activity.  Selected books are sold for a nominal fee, and students, along with their parents, elect to read and attend the discussion of these often unusual or thought-provoking books. Book Clubs are offered monthly after school hours on Tuesdays or Wednesdays.  Book Club is structured by Mrs. Pounds, our librarian, the fifth grade reading teacher, and often other faculty members who help facilitate discussions.

Students freely visit the library and have a scheduled one hour visit once a week when library and research skills are developed.

Mathematics
The fifth grade mathematics program consists of problem solving, computation, and hands-on experiences.  The major areas of concentration taught are: whole numbers, decimals, and fractions; graphing; geometry; measurement in both metric and standard units; probability, ratio, and percent; problem-solving and critical thinking skills.  The main text source is Everyday Mathematics.

Instruction involves visual, auditory, and kinesthetic modalities in order to reach all children.  Our belief is that mathematics is a powerful vehicle for the development of children’s critical thinking, creative thinking, and decision-making abilities.  Manipulatives are used in math class to help children link concrete experiences to pictorial representations and finally to abstract symbols.  Enrichment activities in math occur weekly, and “Super Stars” and “Dynamath” are used to further enrich and stretch students’ thinking.

World Languages
Fifth graders take one term of Chinese, one of Spanish, and one of Latin. In Spanish, students attain proficiency in correct pronunciation and in listening and speaking skills, with some writing and reading.  They are exposed to culture and geography and develop their skills through vocabulary building, idiomatic expressions, skits, and songs.   Students celebrate the holidays observed in Spanish-speaking countries with appropriate songs, games and activities.  They learn about famous people from Spain and from Latin countries.  In Chinese students will experience the many aspects of the Chinese culture through food, special events, language and a close look at how the one and a half billion Chinese people live day to day. In Latin students will be introduced to the people of ancient Rome by examining their language, culture and history. As students explore Roman civilization, they will discover the answer to these questions and more. What was a typical day like for a Roman family? What beliefs and traditions have been handed down over time to our own society? How far did the Roman Empire expand? How does Latin connect to English and other languages?

Science and Science Lab
Summit students explore the areas of life science, physical science, earth science and the systems of the human body during their fifth grade year.  Concepts are taught through labs, activities and group problem-solving.  The students have opportunities to use the scientific method to test hypotheses and to use mathematics in authentic situations.  The history of science is always a part of the discussion, both to stress the genius of discovery and the constant change that is science.  Homework focuses primarily on reading from the textbook – providing a printed and visual reinforcement of our actions in class.  Students are given a foundation in science with a vocabulary and an understanding of major concepts so they can continue to expand their scientific knowledge.

Social Studies
Fifth grade Social Studies continues with U. S. history beginning with Reconstruction and moving up to the present.  We will use timelines, internet activities, role playing, and problem solving in teams or with partners.

 

PERFORMING AND VISUAL ARTS

Art
Building on the fourth grade study of Romanticism, fifth grade is a time to study and experience more “isms” in art, beginning with Impressionism (outdoor study of light in landscape), moving through Expressionism (maturing emotional response to self) and Abstract Expressionism (expressing the self primarily through the basic elements of art.)  Summit’s computer technology used in the art studio makes these experiences more real.

Drama
Through stories, poetry, and improvisational exercises, fifth graders discover the elements of story, use props, solve problems in original ways, and resolve dramatic conflict.  Working effectively in groups and learning to respect and support the ideas of others are important aspects of this activity as well.

Music
Fifth grade students sing songs from our own and other cultures.  Good singing techniques are encouraged.  Major instruments are studied along with rhythm movements that express style.  These skills are used in folk and square dancing.  Fifth graders perform at the Holiday Sing in December.

Pottery
Fifth grade students are taught to make decorative ware and useful objects from clay by experimenting with different techniques. Hand building techniques are combined and surface decoration is explored through positive/negative space, texture, pattern and color.  Projects include: designing a cottage, a hand mirror, a dinner plate, and a wall hanging or planter.

 

SPECIAL CLASSES AND ACTIVITIES

Big Friends/Little Friends
Each fifth grade student is paired with a Senior Kindergarten student.  They come together on appointed Fridays for a half hour of special experiences which include writing stories, reading books, playing board games, and outdoor activities.  A close bond is usually formed as both students learn about building relationships.

Children’s Theater or Adventure Theater
All fifth graders attend performances at the Children’s Theater or Adventure Theater.  Productions change yearly.

Computer
Students learn the components of the computer and proper handling of the mouse and keyboard.  They continue to work in Microsoft Office, learning word processing, drawing and painting, spreadsheets, and database.  They save work daily on a flash drive and work individually or with a partner to complete a three-day project. 

Guidance
Counselors work jointly with teachers, division heads and parents to foster each student’s positive emotional, social, moral and cognitive development, and general well-being.  Counselors contribute to the team by providing guidance activities, individual and small group counseling, family counseling, student observation, and consultation.  Peer mediators are trained to help resolve conflicts in both the fourth and fifth grades.

Keyboarding
Fifth graders build on the touch typing skills learned in fourth grade and emphasize speed and accuracy.  Each student progresses at his or her own rate, thus helping to ensure retention of skills.  In addition to learning a valuable skill, these classes strengthen motor coordination, enhance eye-hand coordination, and increase visual memory.                     

Library
Fifth graders visit the library weekly.  The Middle School librarian helps the students to select books for pleasure, conducts book discussions, and instructs students in the use of  technology.  Students discuss books they enjoy, learn about authors and genres, and listen to good examples of children’s literature.  They do several curriculum-related research reports during the year.  All Middle School students are encouraged to visit the library as often as they wish. They may read magazines, use the computers, and get advice about books.

Physical Education
Students participate in a flexible program of physical activities including fitness exercises, recreational dance, tumbling and gymnastics, games, and sports.  There is a girls’ gymnastics team which meets throughout the school year and competes against other teams. 

Student Exchanges
For over 25 years, Summit has offered a student exchange program in the fifth grade. Students who elect to take part in the program learn first-hand about the importance of accepting personal and cultural differences.  Interested students travel in small groups, accompanied by a Summit staff member, to a destination in the United States or Canada.  Each fifth grader stays in the home of a host family and attends school while serving as an ambassador from our school.  Later in the year, we serve as hosts for a group from the same school.  In recent years, we have exchanged with schools in Oregon, Nebraska, and Canada.

Enrichment
For three days and two nights in the fall, all fifth graders will participate in a group experience focusing on environmental and science education at the Penn Center near Reidsville.