Literacy Instruction
Reading is taught through the best practices of Orton-Gillingham and guided novel studies in whole-group and small-group lessons. Students are exposed to and instructed through many varieties and genres of books. This is accomplished through in-class readings, independent reading, and novel studies. Self-selected and teacher-selected novels, short stories, poems, and non-fiction text are used throughout the course to provide an engaging plethora of literary types. Students are taught fundamental fiction and non-fiction text reading and writing strategies through analysis of literature and writing techniques used by the author/s. Class projects and integrated studies from other courses are woven into reading skills and strategies instruction. Comprehension is assessed both formally and informally through daily writing prompts, short-answer critical thinking assessments, and independent conferences with the teacher. The primary focus of the reading curriculum is to foster a passion for reading and a love of books.
Vocabulary instruction in reading class comes from mini lessons centered around root and base words. This provides strategic vocabulary instruction through Greek and Latin roots. Skills addressed are word origins and etymologies, synonyms and antonyms, word usage, word forms, critical thinking, multiple meanings, and parts of speech.
Fifth-graders are involved in writing activities almost daily. Following the writing process of generating ideas, drafting, revising, sharing, and publishing, students write creative stories, poetry, research reports, persuasive paragraphs, descriptive paragraphs, compare/contrast essays, and journals. Students learn how to organize their ideas by working with different types of graphic organizers and webs, which enable them to keep their writing focused. Editing skills are practiced weekly.
Students also learn to use the Internet effectively for research projects. Speaking and listening skills are also incorporated in the students’ presentation of book reports, recitation of poetry, and demonstrations of projects. Teachers evaluate written work using rubrics, a standard assessment guide.
Math
Fifth-grade math is taught using Math in Focus - Singapore Math resource. Through objects, drawings, conceptual language, and real-world examples, students make sense of mathematics through guided instruction. Regular "math talks" are used to encourage students to share their methods orally using math vocabulary. This approach allows the students to learn and practice matth skills using the teacher's models as examples for reference. Sunshine Math, Waggle, and Moby Max are used to enhance skill extensions and critical thinking.
Math instruction focuses on the skills listed below:
Number Operations and Algebraic Thinking
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Exhibits solid application of multiplication/division facts
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Understands order of operations
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Effectively applies all four math operations
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Solves for unknown variables in equations using the four operators
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Finding greatest common factor/least common multiple from given numbers
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Identifies prime and composite numbers
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Solves multi-step word problems using all four math operations
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Recognizes and extends number patterns including negative numbers
Fractions, Decimals, Percentages, and Ratios
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Compares and orders unit fractions
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Finds equivalent fractions
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Understands mixed numbers and improper fractions
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Simplifies fractions when needed
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Applies all four operations using fractions
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Converts a fraction to a decimal
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Understands decimal place value to ten thousandths
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Locates and compares decimals using a number line
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Applies all four operations using decimals
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Understands and uses percent
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Uses ratios to compare quantities
Measurement, Geometry, and Data
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Converts metric units of measurement
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Understands and determines volume of solid figures and rectangular prisms
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Interprets and constructs charts, tables and graphs to represent data
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Understands and can use a coordinate grid using all four quadrants
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Identify and classify trisngles
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Classify polygons and their heirachy
Social Studies
Fifth-grade students will study Early America in the social studies unit "A New Nation." Map skills continue to be a focus as students look at the growth of our country from the Age of Exploration through the American Revolution. Students study colonization, the American Revolution, the Declaration of Independence, and the forming of a new nation.
Science
Darlington's science program strives to build strong foundations in scientific methodology and science content. The student's learning experiences include topics from earth, life and physical sciences. Some of the areas of study in fifth grade include: classification of living things, space exploration, oceans, body systems, matter and electricity. Students in fifth grade have the unique opportunity to explore the Georgie coast through an overnight field trip to Skidaway Island. Fifth grade also includes the completion and presentation of a science fair project using the scientific method. Lab skills, lab safety, and the scientific method are taught in each grade level to promote safe and correct laboratory practices. Technology is integrated into the curriculum in a variety of ways.
