Fifth Grade
The fifth-grade year is often referred to as the Golden Age of Childhood and is viewed as a year of balance and harmony.
The fifth-grader has grown more accustomed to being an individual; yet, like the third-grader, is about to leave another phase of childhood behind and cross the threshold into adolescence. The curriculum not only continues to build on and integrate established foundations but introduces new elements to prepare the child for the next step forward.
This grade's central theme is the Ancient Cultures of Persia, India, Egypt, and Greece, and the school year usually ends with Greek Games/Pentathlon.
Main Lesson Subjects
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Math: Decimals; fractions; averages; metric system; introduction to Geometry
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Language Arts: Parts of Speech: verb tenses, prepositions, conjunctions, compound subject, and predicate sentences; Punctuation: colon, commas, acronyms, abbreviations; composition writing: biographies, research writing;; Ancient Indian, Persian, Mesopotamian, Egyptian and Greek myths
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Science: Botany
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History: Ancient civilizations through Greek times, Pentathlon
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Geography: North American Geography as it relates to vegetation, agriculture, culture, and economics.
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Class Play: Each class will be practicing and performing a class play or presentation tied to the curriculum which is shared with class families.
Special Subjects
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World Language: Continuing Spanish instruction through art projects and developing a deeper understanding of Hispanic culture and artists. Learning new Spanish vocabulary, language structure, and simple sentence patterns. Grammar is taught in the context of oral communication.
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Handwork: Knitting socks using four needles, and woodwork.
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Sculptural Arts: Beeswax & Clay modeling
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Painting: Painting and Drawing
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Music: Singing, drumming, and introduction to instruments
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Movement: Games featuring the individual within the group.
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Nature Immersion: All-weather hikes and immersion in the forest & beach areas.
During the year, your child's teacher will plan field trips to enhance what's being taught in class. Advance notice will be given and we encourage parents to plan to attend whenever possible.
Depending on the needs of an individual child, and the homeschooling plan the family is following, more study may be needed at home to compliment the classes chosen at Spring River. Talk to your teacher or the Program Director for more information. At Spring River, the parents are ultimately in charge of their children's education, and the school is here to supplement and support.
