Curriculum overview grade 5 2014 2015

The Hewitt School

Curriculum Overview

2014-2015

Grade 5

English Pg. 1 Foreign Language Pg. 2 History Pg. 4 Physical Education Pg. 6 Math Pg. 7 Science Pg. 9 Performing Arts Pg. 11 Visual Arts Pg. 13

1

English 5

Course Description:

In fifth grade English, students read and discuss contemporary novels, poems, and memoirs that represent children’s experiences around the globe, thus deepening their understanding of the disparate voices and stories that define our world. Their study of literature integrates with the fifth grade focus on Global Investigations, and students have the opportunity to discover intersections among the stories they read and their own stories, through writing and project-based learning. As readers, students continue to work on fluency, vocabulary and comprehension, improving their ability to analyze literary elements such as setting, plot, characterization, conflict and theme. In addition, the curriculum fosters independent reading through D.E.A.R. periods and book talks. The writing program emphasizes process writing and journaling as part of a writer’s development of more formal pieces, and students write in many genres, including letters, poetry, fiction, and non-fiction. Students receive regular instruction in spelling, grammar, sentence development and organization.

Topics of Investigation and Rationale:

In English 5, students will embark on a ‘virtual fieldtrip,’ learning about world geography and cultures through various historical fiction novels. In addition to participating in class discussions about these texts, students will be asked to write from the perspective of characters and compose current event summaries of happenings in the stories. In Writers’ Workshop, 5th Graders will study memoir and personal narrative through a variety of mentor texts. Throughout the course of the term students will write short Writer’s Notebook entries in these genres, culminating in an end-of-semester personal memoir project.

In the spring term students will continue to build on these foundations as they read additional historical fiction and gain a deeper understanding of different cultural norms from around the world. They will use their notebooks to practice writing about various themes they pull out from these novels, working toward a final poetry chapbook in which they develop characters and stories inspired by their reading. Students will also explore digital storytelling and have the opportunity to experiment with storytelling via various non-traditional mediums including iPad apps and recording software.

Educational Resources:

Burg, Ann. Serafina’s Promise. New York: Scholastic, 2013. Print.

Ellis, Deborah. The Breadwinner. Berkeley: Groundwood, 2000. Print.

Gentry, J. R. Spelling Connections 6. Columbus: Zaner-Bloser, Inc., 2012. Print.

King, Diana H. Writing Skills Book 1. Cambridge, MA: Educators Publishing Service, 2004. Print.

Lai, Thanhha. Inside Out and Back Again. New York: Harper Collins, 2011. Print.

Ryan, Pam Munoz. Esperanza Rising. New York. Scholastic, 2002. Print.

2

French 5

Course Description:

The objective of fifth grade French is to continue expanding and exploring the French language and culture. Grammatical structures covered at this level include possessive adjectives, interrogative expressions, the verbs “avoir”, “être” “faire” and “aller”, expressions to describe a person, as well as modal verbs. Short listening and reading exercises help develop students’ ear and familiarity with the target language. There are short skits in which students practice speaking the language all while incorporating new vocabulary studied in class. Projects include: “Word of the Day”, in which students select and present a French word of their choice, a short study of Belgium and the city of Brussels, and a research project/pastiche on a French portrait artist based on a those featured at the Metropolitan Museum.

Topics of Investigation and Rationale:

Semester I:

Introduction to an immersion-type of approach – textbook and workbook

Presenting classes and school activities

The city of Brussels and the vocabulary used to describe a city

The imperative, -re verbs, the irregular verbs faire and aller

Playing musical instruments and sports: the difference between jouer à and jouer de

Projects – songs, in-class skits, writing a postcard

Semester II

Presenting your favorite artist or sport

Grammatical structures include possessive adjectives and simple interrogative expressions

Modes of transportation and different ways to come to school

Describing someone’s personality and physique

Project – French portrait artists based on those featured at the Metropolitan Museum and

creating their own portrait based on that painter’s style; inventing their own “super” mode

of transportation

Educational Resources:

Denisot, H: Super Max 2– Méthode de Français/Cahier d’activités – Hachette

http://www.lepointdufle.net/

http://atschool.eduweb.co.uk/rgshiwyc/school/curric/hotpotatoes/

3

Spanish 5

Course Description:

The objective of Spanish 5 is to continue to focus on the development of students’ oral skills as well

as to emphasize and reinforce their reading and writing skills. At this level, students conjugate verbs

in the present tense using all personal pronouns. Short listening and reading exercises help develop

students’ ear and familiarity with the target language. There are short skits in which students practice

speaking the language all while incorporating new vocabulary studied in class. Students will be

working in the textbook ¡Hola, Mundo!, and immersed into a the daily lives of the book’s characters

accompanied by interactive and fun activities. Students will learn about the different cultures and

customs of the Spanish speaking world by doing projects and group presentations.

Topics of Investigation and Rationale:

Semester I:

Introduction to an immersion-type of approach – textbook and workbook

Introducing oneself, expressing likes, dislikes and preferences, leisure activities

Talk about daily activities, learn the present progressive

Talk about birthdays and inviting people, dates, months, and activities

Infinitives of verbs, ser and estar, ir,

Learn about Mexico’s culture, customs, and influence in the US

Visit El Museo del Barrio: Day of the Dead workshop and exhibit

Semester II:

Places we visit and activities we do there, the verb ir, and estar

How I am feeling, body parts, express empathy in respect to someone’s health

Talk about clothing, describe what one is wearing, plurals of nouns and adjectives

Learn to conjugate verbs in the present tense

Project – Spanish portrait artists based on those featured at the Metropolitan Museum and

creating their own portrait based on that painter’s style; inventing their own “super” mode

of transportation

Educational Resources:

¡Hola, mundo! Gómez, María; Míguez, Manuela, Rojano;, José Andrés; Valero Pilar,

Cambridge University Press, New York, NY, 2014

o ¡Hola, mundo! Workbook and CD

http://www.quizlet.com

http://www.studyspanish.com

https://www.duolingo.com

4

History 5: Global Investigations

Course Description:

Fifth grade students take a virtual field trip around the world. They study ways in which people

around the globe are affected by geography, culture, and history. A primary focus is world

geography. Case studies this year take place in North America, the Caribbean, and Asia, as students

learn about Mexico, Haiti, Afghanistan, and Vietnam. Units of study are linked with English class,

and students write regularly. Complementary History Workshop sections offer a variety of activities

such as mapmaking and research tasks to support and enrich learning. Hands-on projects, field trips,

and educational technology all help students answer an essential question, "How are we all

connected?"

Topics of Investigation and Rationale:

This course emphasizes global physical geography and the interaction between peoples and their

environments. We begin with a wide-angle look at population statistics around the world by

imagining the world as a single village of 100 people then next focus in on individual family heritage.

Our Global Connections unit is followed by a study of Borders in the Americas. Students learn the 5

Themes of Geography as they study Mexico. A unit on Afghanistan focuses on Place: How does the

culture and history of a region define place? A unit on Global Challenges brings us to Haiti, where

we examine people’s resiliency in the face of disaster, one among many other aspects of Haitian

culture and history. Finally, our case study of Vietnam allows us to look at immigration and the

many contributions made by Asian Americans. We also examine global concerns that affect us all,

such as access to clean water, food security, shelter, freedom from conflict and violence, and

education.

Assignments and Assessments:

Students are expected to consult MyHewitt regularly for information on assignments, tests, projects,

or other important material. History class includes daily written work and History Workshop

involves many geography and mapping assignments. There is weekly vocabulary or other short

written assignments. Assessments include a Family Heritage project, a Latin America project, a Girls

Education project, and an Asian American research paper. Active participation in class discussions

and group work is strongly encouraged.

Educational Resources:

Bojang, Ali Brownlie. Mexico: Countries Around the World. Capstone Library, Minneapolis, 2012. Guillain, Charlotte. Vietnam: Countries Around the World. Capstone Library, Minneapolis, 2012. Milivojevic; Jovanka, Afghanistan: Countries Around the World. Capstone Library, Minneapolis, 2012.

5

Raum, Elizabeth. Haiti: Countries Around the World. Capstone Library, Minneapolis, 2012. Smith, David J. (Shelagh Armstrong, illus.). If the World Were a Village, 2nd ed. Tonowanda, NY: Kids Can Press, Ltd., 2011.

Other sources include: World Studies: Asia and the Pacific. Pearson: Prentice Hall, 2005.

World Studies: Foundations of Geography. Pearson: Prentice Hall, 2005.

World Cultures, Reading Expeditions series, National Geographic School Publishing, 2003. World

History, Reading Expeditions series, National Geographic School Publishing, 2003. World Regions,

Reading Expeditions series, National Geographic School Publishing, 2003.

http://www.100people.org

http://www.mapping.com/index.shtml

<http://wws.peacecorps.gov/wws/index.cfm>

http://www.sheppardsoftware.com/Geography.htm

6

Physical Education 5

Course Description:

In grade five the physical education curriculum focuses on each student's continuous development of physical fitness attributes, movement skills, and physical literacy. The program features a strengthening curriculum, with development standards that are central to the program. The program involves the application of concepts, skills, and strategies to the ability to perform their best in class exercises like fitness, group activities, and fundamentals of sports. Students are also provided with opportunities to develop leadership skills and work in small groups to solve problems or accomplish tasks. This allows for diverse capabilities and social needs of individual students to be fostered in the physical education program. Through purposeful learning activities, students are guided to refine motor, social, and intellectual skills while expanding physical knowledge in order to promote a fit and active lifestyle.

7

Mathematics 5

Course Description In Grade 5 Mathematics, students build upon skills and ideas developed in the lower grades and begin to dig deeper into new and challenging concepts. Investigating problems both individually and collaboratively, students are at the helm of their own learning. At the forefront of Grade 5 Mathematics is the development of an appreciation and passion for the subject. Cross-curricular connections are made between other Grade 5 subjects, and students are immersed in an exciting and challenging mathematics curriculum.

Topics of Investigation and Rationale Students begin the year with an in-depth investigation of whole numbers. Students will build their number sense and refine their multiplication and division skills. A thorough discussion and investigation of decimals, place value, and operations will follow their work on whole numbers. While solving problems, students are then introduced to different properties of numbers and the order of operations. The second half of the year begins with number theory and includes a close look into prime and composite numbers and patterns that emerge in both. The following topics are decimals, fractions, and mixed numbers. The connections between these three will be explored in-depth. Revisiting the skills of the first semester regarding operations, students will incorporate fractions and decimals into the equations. Throughout the year, students will develop a repertoire of problem solving strategies and will be asked to justify their answers and discuss whether or not their solutions make sense in the given situation. Doing this strengthens the connection between mathematics and their “real lives”. Project throughout the year will incorporate topics and skills learned during the year both in math and in their other classes. There will be time devoted in class for support or enrichment activities. The homework will be a review of what was discussed in class, and in addition, some of the nightly homeworks will be differentiated and include optional challenge questions. These questions can be attempted by all of the students and will be reviewed in class upon the students’ request. There will be math drop-in times available for students who need support on Tuesdays during recess and Thursdays from 3:15pm to 4:00pm.

Educational Resources: Prentice Hall Mathematics Course 1 Textbook

8

Math Workshop 5

Course Description In Grade 5 Mathematics, students build upon skills and ideas developed in the lower grades, and begin to dig deeper into new and challenging concepts. Investigating problems both individually and collaboratively, students are at the helm of their own learning. At the forefront of Grade 5 Mathematics, is the development of an appreciation and passion for the subject. Cross-curricular connections are made between other Grade 5 subjects, and students are immersed in an exciting and challenging math curriculum. There will be an emphasis in class to discuss and practice various problem-solving strategies. There will be time devoted in class for support or enrichment activities.

Topics of Investigation and Rationale Students begin the year with an in-depth investigation of whole numbers. Students will build their number sense and refine their multiplication and division skills. A thorough discussion and investigation of decimals, place value, and operations will follow their work on whole numbers. While solving problems, students are then introduced to different properties of numbers and the order of operations. The second half of the year begins with number theory and includes a close look into prime and composite numbers and patterns that emerge in both. The following topics are decimals, fractions, and mixed numbers. The connections between these three will be explored in-depth. Revisiting the skills of the first semester regarding operations, students will incorporate fractions and decimals into the equations. Throughout the year, students will develop a repertoire of problem solving strategies and will be asked to justify their answers and discuss whether or not their solutions make sense in the given situation. Doing this strengthens the connection between mathematics and their “real lives”. Project throughout the year will incorporate topics and skills learned during the year both in math and in their other classes.

Educational Resources: Prentice Hall Mathematics Course 1 Textbook

9

Science 5:

Course Description:

The fifth grade science curriculum is an introduction to natural history and to scientific reasoning with a special focus on evidence as the central part of the scientific process. This philosophy is carried through units on the human body (with a focus on nutrition and the digestive system), earth science, astronomy, and oceanography. In each unit, students make models and do experiments that test hypotheses – and, do projects to further their expertise on topics of interest. The major experiments and activities include the dissection of an owl pellet, a food diary, mineral and rock identification, the building of a planet model, and the completion of a full-scale science fair project.

Topics of Investigation and Rationale:

The semester begins by dissecting an owl pellet. This exciting work allows students to reconstruct the skeletal remains of prey that the owl has consumed. Subsequent work explores concepts such as energy, nutrition, digestion, ecosystems, and biomes. The first semester concludes with an investigation of geology, mapping, rocks and minerals, and the structure of the earth. In each case students are asked to apply and evaluate evidence.

The second semester introduces plate tectonics and volcanoes. Students gain greater understanding about the forces that shape the landscape. Second semester also features preparation for the science fair. Fifth graders develop controlled experiments to test familiar products. With careful attention to the scientific process, they design and conduct their own experiments and create high-quality lab reports. Throughout the year, students will look at science in the news and changes in their New York City environment.

Educational Resources:

The American Museum of Natural History

Central Park

http://www.sciencenewsforkids.org/

New York Hall of Science

10

Arts Rotation: Grade 5

Course Description:

Students will participate in two arts classes at a time, which will rotate. These classes expose students to a variety of offerings in the performing and visual arts. They are designed to nurture students’ creativity and to develop a sound basis of knowledge in each of the disciplines.

Course in the arts rotation include the following:

Middle School Handbell Choir

Drama 5

Studio Art 5

11

Middle School Handbell Choir

Course Description:

This one semester fifth grade handbell choir is a survey performance ensemble that introduces the handbell choir as a medium for the exploration of instrumental music in rehearsal and performance. The class centers on process, with a large portion of rehearsal devoted to the procedures needed to decipher written sheet music and realize it for performance. The class culminates in two concerts at the end of the semester.

Topics of Investigation and Rationale:

This one semester course approaches music-making from within the discipline of handbells. Students are introduced to the instrument and its basic ringing technique as codified by the AGEHR. Music-reading and rhythm skills are developed in the context of the preparation and realization of written sheet music that begins with whole notes and then gradually decreases note values. All music studied falls within the complexity level “one” as defined by the Handbell Musicians of America, a designation which includes whole, half and quarter notes, little to no extended technique and no accidentals. Students are given one bell to ring; multiple bell techniques are not addressed in the course. The class will prepare two pieces for performance at the end of the semester, which will be performed in front of the larger Hewitt community. Students are assessed daily on the quality of their focus and participation, monthly on their music-reading, rhythm skills and performance technique, and at each performance. Students are also asked to self-assess after each performance.

Educational Resources:

Five-octave set of Schulmerich Handbells

Three-octave set of Yamaha tone chimes

Various sheet music of Level One material

o Manhattan Daily News by Daniel Denver, published by Laurendale Associates

o Ringing for the First Time collection

Compositions and arrangements by the instructor

Notation software: Noteflight (freeware, download)

12

Drama 5

Course Description:

In the fifth grade Drama elective, the students will learn to create and explore the elements of

drama. Students participate in a variety of group and solo activities in class based off the rehearsal

process and performance, demonstrating self- discipline and the ability to work collaboratively. With

improvisational games, sensory work, building a character and story collaboration. Students

participate as theatre actors, using basic theatre vocabulary and acting skills applying it to their final

monologue performance.

Topics of Investigation and Rationale:

The fifth grade drama elective will provide an opportunity for each student to open their

imagination to a world of creativity and exploration. The class will give a voice to their thoughts and

allow them to speak more openly and clearly, to trust their ideas and instincts, to be able to work

collectively with their classmates and not be afraid of their voice. The students will learn the basic

vocabulary of acting and learn how to tell a story through writing and memorized monologue work.

Educational Resources:

Text(s)

Kids Take the Stage - Linka Peterson & Dan O’Connor

The Theatre Machine – Albert T. Viola & Mona Lynn Goone

The Ultimate Improv Book- Edward J. Nevraumont and Nicholas P. Hanson

Lessons for the Stage an approach to acting –Julian S. Schlusberg

Theater Games for the Classroom – Viola Spolin

Great Scenes and Monologues for Children – Ed. Craig Straight & Jack Sharrar

Related Websites

Learn Improv: http://www.learnimprov.com/

Educational Theater Association: http://www.edta.org/adult_html.asp

13

Studio Art 5

Course Description:

Students in middle school art classes explore artistic concepts through a variety of media and

processes, giving a visual expression to their personal ideas and experiences. Students are assessed

based on both behavioral performance (effort, participation, and responsibility) and artistic

performance (demonstrated understanding of concepts, original thinking, quality of

craftsmanship). Central to the art curriculum is the incorporation of other disciplines and the grade

theme of global investigations. Sample projects can include painting, collage, textiles, and sculpture.

Topics of Investigation and Rationale:

Students will learn and demonstrate understanding of two and three-dimensional skills in a variety of

projects. They will also be able to demonstrate original thinking as well as artistic expression

through a variety of child-centered projects. Projects include Tree of Life Paintings (Inspired by tree

of life mythology around the world) Passion Quilts (inspired by African American Jazz Quilts), and

Wood Sculptures (inspired by Charles Oaxacan Folk Art).

Educational Resources:

http://artfiles.art.com/images/nav/artifacts/klimt_tree.swf

http://folkartmuseum.org/textural

Book: Oaxacan Woodcarving: The Magic in the Trees