The Fifth Grade: A Journey Through American History

During their fifth grade year, Sonoran Sky students explore the possibilities of becoming responsible citizens and make correlations between their curriculum and everyday experiences. A heavy emphasis on cooperative learning is evident in all areas of fifth grade instruction. Their comprehensive curriculum includes:

• Language Arts (the writing process)
• Spelling
• Reading/Accelerated Reader
• Mathematics
• Social Studies
• Science
• Study Skills (Homework/Organization)
• Field Trips /Special Activities  

Language Arts

Fifth grade focuses on paragraph structure and grammar through the use of personal narratives and expository writing. Students also have the opportunity to work with a professional poet and musician, Grammy award nominee, Mr. Will Clipman, as our Artist-in-Residence, funded by Sonoran Sky PTO. 

Spelling

Weekly spelling homework is assigned, culminating in a weekly spelling test. At various times, a performance grade for applied spelling is also taken. 

Reading/Accelerated Reader

A great deal of emphasis is placed on vocabulary development and comprehension. Fifth graders use a basal reading program, as well as periodic literature units. To foster reading fluency, Renaissance Learning’s Accelerated Reading Program is used to promote reading both in and out of school. 

Math

Along with the textbook series fifth grade students use a spiraling skills program that promotes conceptual, computational, and problem solving proficiency.

Social Studies

United States history is the foundation of the fifth grade social studies curriculum. Students discover American history and learn more about the people and events that have and continue to shape our country. To culminate the year, fifth graders participate in Sing, America, Sing, a patriotic musical, which provides students the opportunity to share all they have learned through drama, song, and dance. 

In addition, fifth graders participate in an extensive economics unit that introduces them to the free enterprise system. Students gain practical skills in personal finance and career preparation.

Science

Through inquiry learning, concepts of the fifth grade curriculum are introduced and explored. These concepts include space, physical science and human body, and awareness of human impact on the environment. 

Study Skills/Organization/Homework

Organization is key to good study skills and the development of responsibility. Each child is responsible for maintaining a well-organized binder for all subject areas. In addition, an assignment agenda (book) has been given to each student. A whiteboard listing assignments and their due dates is located in the classroom and reviewed daily. Even at this grade level, it is helpful for you to review your child’s assignment agenda and binder on a daily basis. Homework is frequently assigned to enhance the academic learning process.

Field Trips/Special Activities

Fifth graders participate in engaging activities that enhance their learning throughout the school year.

• SSky Camp
• Colonial Crafts
• Halle Heart Center
• Sing, America, Sing

SSky Camp

Sky Camp takes place in Prescott, Arizona, during the fall. Their participation in this three-day, two-night field trip at an established camp offers a unique experience for team-building and outdoor education.

Colonial Crafts

As part of the fifth grade curriculum, we want our students to experience the colonial way of life. To achieve this, fifth grade students participate in Colonial Crafts; these crafts may include stencil on fabric, drip candle making, and a needlework project.  

Halle Heart Center

A visit to the Halle Heart Center in Tempe, Arizona, reinforces student learning from their Science curriculum Human Body Unit. This hands-on, highly interactive display focuses on practical daily implications that will lead to a healthy lifestyle.

Sing, America, Sing

To culminate the year, students participate in Sing, America, Sing, a patriotic musical. This provides students an opportunity to share their learning through drama, song, and dance with the Sonoran Sky community. This performance celebrates America 's roots and is one of the highlights of the year.