LANGUAGE ARTS
In Class V language arts, students grow in their commitment to lifelong reading and writing for many purposes. They continue to build on and expand the sequence of skills in reading, writing, grammar, and vocabulary. Assignments are designed to promote clear thinking and expression in both written and oral communications. In vocabulary, attention is given to learning and assimilating meanings from the readings and their study of Greek and Latin roots, and to selecting accurate, effective, and appropriate words in writing and speaking. Students continue to practice their reading comprehension skills while learning new literacy skills. Students are exposed to a variety of literature that is analyzed for character, setting, plot, tone, and theme. Representative titles may include From the Mixed Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler, The Westing Game, The Golden Goblet, The Watsons Go to Birmingham-1963, Love That Dog, and open-choice novels.
MATHEMATICS
The goal of Class V math is to ensure that students have a command of basic mathematics and that they learn how to apply skills to problem solving. Students develop an understanding of concepts and a sense of self-confidence through hands-on activities and exercises. The course work covered in the text has been influenced by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) Standards. Topics covered include data analysis and statistics; geometry concepts, multiplication and division of whole numbers and decimals; patterns; functions and equations; measurement; fraction concepts and operations; ratio and proportion; and financial literacy.
This course is supplemented with additional resource materials and technology tools, both in the form of calculators and computer-based activities. Classes are designed to suit all academic abilities, and attention is given to the individual student.
SOCIAL STUDIES: ORIGIN OF CIVILIZATIONS
This course is designed to explore the factors that led to the growth of civilizations. Students examine the formation of government, the development of systems of writing, technological inventions, and the spread of religion and culture in early civilizations. They learn to envision relationships, judge cause and effect, and compare, contrast, and evaluate the achievements and set-backs of early civilizations. An interdisciplinary approach is encouraged so that students combine their knowledge of history and geography with studies of the art, literature, religions, and cultures of early societies, as well as weekly visits to the Metropolitan Museum of Art. They are encouraged to evaluate and report on current events, particularly in relation to their growing knowledge of past events and forces.
SCIENCE
This course is organized around several different units including: elements and the periodic table, simple and compound machines, forces, and motion and energy. In each unit, the students learn scientific concepts through a variety of resources and methods. Hands-on activities are emphasized and utilized frequently. Students work both independently and in small groups to investigate and solve problems, primarily through laboratory experiments and research. They share information with one another through group discussions and multi-media projects. Time is also spent on scientific note taking.
RELIGIOUS STUDIES
This course examines Catholic beliefs and practices through an in-depth study of liturgy and the sacraments. Scripture, church tradition, and the lives of saints and Christian role models are used to emphasize the Christian heritage of love, generosity, and service. The liturgical year is examined through the study of feasts and symbols. Students are encouraged to become active practitioners of their faith, beliefs, traditions, and celebrations in everyday life.
WORLD LANGUAGES
Class V students begin a four-year study of French, Latin, or Spanish which will culminate in their being ready for level III language study in high school.
FRENCH
This course focuses on developing students’ communicative competency, and proficiency in each of the four language skills: speaking, listening, reading, and writing. Students learn to provide and request basic information, express feelings and emotions, and exchange opinions using the French language. Writing is further emphasized at this level, as students create their own skits and are introduced to more complex written exercises. Dramatizations, small group work and oral presentations are incorporated to encourage a spontaneous and more personal use of the language. At this level, more and more of classroom interactions are conducted in French in order to increase use of the target language in meaningful situations. Additionally, the use of authentic video and audio material and interactive websites expand the students’ experience of the language.
LATIN
This course begins the comprehensive study of the Latin language and Roman culture. Students are introduced to vocabulary, grammar, and culture through the stories they read in Minimus. Understanding of English grammar is reinforced as students develop the reading skills required for accurate translation. One of the major aims of the course is to increase students’ English vocabulary by studying derivatives. The course also offers exposure to Roman history, geography, and other aspects of the civilization in which Latin flourished.
SPANISH
The focus of this course is to increase the students’ Spanish proficiency and communicative competency in the four language skills of listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Students learn to request and provide basic information, express their feelings, and exchange opinions in Spanish. They are introduced to more complex written exercises that include scripting and performing their own skits. Small group work and dramatizations are encouraged to allow for a spontaneous and more personal use of the language. Class interactions are primarily conducted in Spanish in order to increase the use of the target language in meaningful situations. Additionally, the use of authentic video and audio material and interactive website expands the students’ experience of the language.
ART
In Class V art, the students explore a variety of art media and techniques in connection with themes in social studies. Projects help students identify the function of art in the development of cultures, and specific work is done in the style of Sumerian, Egyptian, Greek, Roman, and Chinese art. The course meets once a week in the Carroll Classroom at the Metropolitan Museum of Art where the students have the opportunity to integrate their studio work with visits to the galleries.
MUSIC
This course continues the emphasis on vocal development. Students develop their music and performance skills with increased participation in liturgical services and assemblies. They advance their choral singing techniques by learning songs in two-to-three part harmony, as well as in other languages. The girls also study the basics of music theory and sight-singing.
DRAMA AND SPEECH
Students continue to practice basic skills of projection, poise, articulation, dramatic phrasing, and eye contact through exercises and class presentations. The class gives students the opportunity to develop their public speaking and performance skills, training them to speak with confidence, authority, and ease in front of an audience. Through poetry, fables, monologues, Shakespeare, and original compositions, students practice the creative skill of the spoken word. The class focuses both on individual presentations and collaborative projects, including voice poems, book talks, and scenes. It culminates in an interdisciplinary presentation of a mythology project.
PHYSICAL EDUCATION
Two periods of team sports are held weekly to give Class V students an opportunity for skill practice and skill application in intramural competition in soccer, volleyball, basketball, baseball, softball, and track and field. Students are encouraged to join the Class V/VI sports teams. A dance/fitness class, held in the Commons in the Middle School building, centers on various styles of dance, choreographed routines set to music, and individual physical fitness and coordination.
HEALTH AND GUIDANCE
The health program in Class V focuses primarily on helping students develop a healthy body image and a greater awareness of the influence of the media. This course also gives students an opportunity to further develop communication, friendship, and social problem-solving skills. Other units include basic first aid, nutrition, smoking prevention education, diversity appreciation, human growth and development, and HIV/AIDS.
INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGIES
In Class V, students continue to use the computer across the curriculum. Students are introduced to Keynote presentation software with an integrated religion and technology “7 Sacraments” project. They use Kidspiration to outline ideas in language arts and social studies, and they explore active verbs in foreign languages by creating conversation scenes using ComicLife. Class V students experiment and explore in the Fab Lab, bringing their ideas to life, using design and fabrication tools.