Program

Fifth Grade

Love of Learning

The fifth grade year is the final year at the Phillips Brooks School and it
is with great pride that we send them on to the next stage of their academic
lives. These students represent the best we have to offer. They demonstrate
strength of character and integrity, kind and caring hearts, and a love of
learning fueled by intrinsic motivation and curiosity.

It is a year rich in friendships, content, learning, and fun. Our students
have mastered many academic skills and they are more confident and competent
in their abilities. They are increasingly able to think abstractly and are
good at problem solving. While 'hands-on' learning is still important to
their growing understanding about the world around them, they are able to
focus well on their written work and are highly productive. They are asked
to take on a leadership role within our community as well. They are mentors
to our kindergarten students and lead the school's recycling program.

The expectations moving into middle school are high and our students are
well prepared for it. Through a diverse and integrated curriculum our
students make connections with learned content and apply them to other areas
of their lives. They are taught effective work habits and organizational
skills as they develop their independence. But, perhaps more importantly,
they value themselves as kind and responsible members of both our local and
global communities and in doing so demonstrate a deep understanding for
others and a willingness to do what is right in spite of the risks.

The day typically begins with a morning meeting. This is where students
gather as a class each morning to greet one another, share news, and warm up
for the day ahead of them.

Depending on the day, children received guided instruction in the areas of
reading, word study, writing, mathematics, science, art, music, physical
education, technology, music, and more. All classrooms are set up in ways
that encourage independence, cooperation, respect, and productivity.

The day typically ends with a reflective time where children think about and
celebrate the school day.

Reading/Literature

Our fifth grade students devour books. The reading curriculum continues to
extend our students' appreciation of literature. Our goal is to develop
reading comprehension skills through purposeful reading of selected texts
and acquiring new vocabulary through reading. Fifth graders reach beyond the
text, form their own interpretations, and apply their understanding in other
areas of the curriculum. A variety of genres with connections to areas of
the curriculum are emphasized, such as fantasy, mystery, historical fiction,
African tales, and poetry. Through literature circles, class discussions and
reading response journals, we examine story elements such as character
development, theme or symbolism, moral dilemma, foreshadowing, and writer's
voice.

For a description of the various developmental reading stages, reference The
Fountas and Pinnell 'Building an Effective Reading Process Over Time.'

Writing

Writing continues to be an integral part of all areas of the curriculum in
fifth grade. Writing is taught in a workshop setting that emphasizes the
writing process including bringing drafts to a published stage regularly.
Students refine their skills and are engaged in a variety of writing
experiences such as personal narratives, essay writing, biography, writing
to persuade, and writing to inform. Writing becomes more focused and
polished as students become more adept and responsible for proofreading
their work. They use the dictionary, thesaurus and computer spell check, and
other text resources. They write research reports about important ideas,
issues, or events. They understand ways to organize informational writing
such creating an outline and graphic organizers.

Word Study

Our fifth grade students strengthen the bond between reading and writing
through purposeful reading, writing, listening and speaking activities.

Parts of our literacy instruction include spelling, vocabulary development,
and grammar.

Grammar

Review basic grammatical rules, parts of speech and sentence
structure

Apply rules of capitalization, grammar and punctuation through
various weekly activities

Identify synonyms, antonyms, and homonyms as well as common figures
of speech

Spelling and Vocabulary Development

Through the use of the Words Their Way© program, a three fold approach is
used to improve spelling and build vocabulary. Students are immersed in oral
language through their literature selections. They are provided with
vocabulary instruction based upon an assessment of their spelling
competence. Finally, they are provided with direct vocabulary instruction.
What does this look like in a fifth grade classroom? We utilize context
clues for learning new words, categorizing, word sorts, determining parts of
speech, and the application of new vocabulary in their writing. Students are
provided with individualized instruction that addresses specific spelling
needs. Students have spelling notebooks to log individual word practice.
Vocabulary instruction includes identifying important words from other
content areas, analogy work, roots and origins, differentiating between
syntactical and semantic understanding.

Speaking and Listening

Children who are effective communicators experience more success in school
and in other areas of their lives. Helping children develop their listening
and speaking skills will prepare them for life. At the Phillips Brooks
School communication skills are taught, modeled, practiced, and improved on
a daily basis across the curriculum.

In fifth grade students will:

Use appropriate volume

Pace speech so that it is understandable

Give reasons for opinions

Listen attentively while making eye contact

Sit quietly using attentive posture in both large and small groups

Show respect for speakers and listener

Ask thoughtful and relevant questions

Respond to questions in a developmentally appropriate manner

Distinguish relevant information, ideas, and opinions form those that are irrelevant

Demonstrate note-taking skills

Mathematics

The fifth grade math curriculum mirrors the same components that our
students have had in previous years, yet provides even more challenges for
this grade level. Equivalent forms of numbers are emphasized as students
explore fractions, decimals, and whole numbers. Through out the school year
students incorporate problem solving, mathematical reasoning, and critical
thinking skills to grow in their understanding.

In fifth grade students will:

Collect, organize and use data in order to make graphs, charts andtables

Compare metric and U.S. customary comparisons

Find partial sums and differences

Add, subtract, multiply, and divide large numbers, decimals, and fractions with like and unlike denominators

Use measuring tools to find area, perimeter, and volume

Explore order of operation, exponents, and negative numbers

Art

The goal of our PBS Art Program is to provide an environment that stimulates
the growth of artistic perception, creative expression, aesthetics and
cultural awareness. Artistic perception is developed as young artists
respond to the world around them and learn to 'see more.' Creative
expression is enhanced by the application of artistic process and skills,
the understanding of elements and principals of art and design, and by using
a variety of media and tools. Students will gain a sense of their personal
aesthetics and learn to communicate opinions and insight, using visual arts
vocabulary, in dialogue with their teacher and other students. The cultural
and historical dimension of our arts program is strengthened by connections
with music, science, social studies and literature. Our young artists enjoy
working on individual projects and collaborating with others, in a positive
environment where process is valued over product.

In fifth grade students will:

Create gestures and contour observational drawings and contourobservational drawings

Create an abstract composition based on real objects

Use perspective in an original work of art to create a landscape

Use negative and positive shapes/forms in a chosen work of art

Communicate values and personal insights through an original work of art

Describe and draw the proportion of face and figure

Draw or paint a self portrait that expresses feeling or mood

Collaborate with other students to design and create a work of art

Create and use a scale drawing to build a simple three dimensionalstructure

Use shading to transform a two-dimensional shape into what appears to be a three dimensional form

Use art related vocabulary with confidence when discussing ones own work and the work of others

Library

Through stories and book talks, the Phillips Brooks School library fosters
an appreciation of traditional and current literature, as students are
exposed to the best of fiction and nonfiction books. Older students begin to
use the library for research-incorporating reference sources, databases, and
the Internet. We organize weekly lessons around themes of cultural literacy,
information literacy, and classroom collaborations. Please visit our virtual
library at http://thepbs.org.

Fifth Graders use the library for research, incorporating reference
materials, primary sources, databases and the Internet. They learn more
about the impact media has on culture, as well as the short story genre and
stories from Colonial America. Time in the library offers the students of
Phillips Brooks an opportunity to enjoy and share books with friends in a
relaxing atmosphere. American Library Association standards are consulted
when planning information literacy goals for this grade level. They may be
seen at: http://thepbs.org/pages/aboutus.html.

Music

The music department at PBS provides students with the opportunity to
develop their inherent musicianship and prepare for life-long participation
in the performing arts. We strive to balance intellectual components with
aesthetic awareness while nurturing skilled, creative and flexible
musicians. Music classes incorporate a broad spectrum of music pedagogy
including the philosophies of Carl Orff and Zoltan Kodaly. Students are
guided through a sequential process of learning, using pentatonic song
material, speech, movement, and ostinati, as well as introducing
instrumental parts through speech and/or body percussion. Performance
practice is an integral part of the music program. Performances allow
students to demonstrate skills, develop confidence in expressing themselves
in front of an audience, foster a positive feeling of an ensemble with their
peers, and experience the joy of performing. PBS graduates are insightful
and creative musicians with a love for music.

In fifth grade, we focus on four main themes. They are Rhythmic Learning,
Melodic Learning, Instrumental Learning, Sound Production, and Beginning
Band.

Chorus

Chorus is open to students in Grades 3-5. The purpose of the chorus is to
promote a love of singing in an ensemble setting. Through a broad
repertoire of music, students develop an understanding of intonation,
diction, proper breathing and expression. We work together to better
understand music theory and history. The students expand their singing
range and, in time, reach an advanced level of proficiency in the standards
of music education. The Chorus performs throughout the year at PBS events,
choral festivals and community events. Chorus members in Fourth and Fifth
Grade also have an opportunity each year to audition for a National
Children's ensemble through the Organization of American Kodaly Educators.

Beginning Band

Throughout the year, all fifth grade students play together as a beginning
band ensemble. We first take time to learn the basics of each instrument.
This includes how to put the instrument together, how to produce a sound,
and learning about the instrument's role in the band. Each student has the
opportunity to play every instrument. This is how they find their interest
and it is an opportunity to see what comes naturally. After we have
explored each instrument, the students choose what they would like to play.

Physical Education

Physical Education at the Phillips Brooks School is based on building both
physical and social skills. Physical skills are gained through a progression
of activities based on skill level. Working with a partner or in a small
group, students develop a sense of community, teamwork and sportsmanship,
while overcoming challenges, increasing skills and playing together. Key to
social development is understanding how to work both independently and in
groups during physical activities. PBS graduates have built good
sportsmanship, which contributes to the development of personal ethics that
leads to making responsible lifelong decisions.

In fifth grade, students continue to develop physical education skills with
particular emphasis placed upon the social skills that will follow them to
middle school. Enjoying play, whether through sport or game, is the focus.
Students meet three times a week for 40 minutes.

In fifth grade students will:

Participate regularly in physical activity that increases breathing and heart rate

Participate in activities with goals for personal improvement

Apply safe practices and follow physical education rules and procedures

Jump for distance using proper takeoff and landing form

Throw a flying disc accurately towards a target and to a partner using a backhand movement pattern

Dribble a ball (by hand or foot) while preventing another person from getting the ball

Participate in physical fitness assessment to measure and record improvement in individual fitness

Science

The science program encourages a curiosity about the world and emphasizes
hands-on experience and observation. We seek to enable students to develop
an intuitive understanding of the concepts of science. The program goal is
to create a safe environment where the student feels encouraged to ask
questions, explore, seek answers, test ideas and enjoy science. We use
inquiry, creative problem solving skills, investigation and experimentation
to explore scientific concepts. Students keep a journal to record important
vocabulary words, questions and data from experiments, conclusions, diagrams
and concepts learned. The fifth grade meets three times per week. PBS
graduates know how to conduct experiments using the scientific method and
have a basic vocabulary and understanding of the concepts in the life, earth
and physical sciences.

In Fifth Grade, we start science class with a question generated by the
students, homeroom experiences or the science teacher. The children discuss
what they know about the subject and predict what they think will happen.
Materials to explore the topic are then passed out and the children
experiment with the materials to try to find a solution to the question. In
the process, new questions often arise for the next science class. At the
end of science we summarize their discoveries.

Subjects covered in fifth grade:

Yosemite - formation, geology, dendrology, history, John Muir

Astronomy - stars, galaxies, black holes and the universe

Chemistry - Periodic Table, compounds, mixtures and solutions

Bridges

Oceanography

Ichthyology

Microbiology

Archaeology

Scientific Exploration Project

Technology

The goal of the technology program is to integrate authentic and age
appropriate technology skills into all areas of the curriculum. Learning is
enhanced through a variety of technological media.

In fifth grade students will:

Use the mouse and/or keyboard effectively to move around thecomputer screen and search for information

Demonstrate proper posture at the keyboard

Continue to develop effective touch-typing keyboarding skills

Use word-processing programs to produce drafts, pictures, tables, graphs, formatting, word art)

Open teacher approved website and search for information

Distinguish between accurate and inaccurate on-line information

Recognize that information is framed by the source's viewpoint and use this information to detect bias on websites

Use spreadsheet software to organize data and create charts, graphs and tables

Use webpage design to create pages with imbedded video, links, and graphics

Correctly cite material downloaded from the Internet

Spanish

The Spanish program strives to create confident language learners who will
continue to expand their knowledge of the language and of the
Spanish-speaking cultures beyond their tenure at PBS. The lessons are
designed to target all four-language skills: listening, speaking, reading
and writing, in a developmentally appropriate way. The lessons are also
tailored to address the needs of students with individual learning styles.
For visual learners, a special emphasis is placed on the use of visual aids
such as posters, pictures, and objects. For students with a solid math-logic
inclination, special emphasis is placed on the review of basic to
intermediate grammar paradigms that focus on the structural components of
the language. For students with a kinesthetic and a musical (aural)
disposition, there are plenty of opportunities to chant and move to the
rhythm of the melodies taught in class by clapping, dancing and following
the songs with musical instruments. Students are also encouraged to use
puppets to engage in dialogues, perform short skits or narrate simple
stories. In addition, learning takes place by engaging in games and
activities that encourage participation and a safe environment for the
students' language skills to strengthen and develop effectively.