Ardmore Curriculum

Grade 5

(See Links to Classroom Pages on the left)

How to have success in 5th grade:

Keep the lines of communication open. Don’t be afraid to call, send notes, or e-mail us with any concerns.
Check your child’s assignment notebook and take-home folder daily. Become familiar with your teacher’s method of filling out the notebook. Your child should be able to explain assignments and procedures
Your child should read at home daily. Studies repeatedly have shown a link between free-time reading and academic success. What your child reads is a decision you can make together. Find something enjoyable for your child.
Study math facts in all four operations. Practice them several times a week. This can be done at odd moments during the day: in the car, while doing chores, on a walk.
Help your child stay organized! He or she must manage many papers in the course of a week. Find a system that works for your child.

HOMEWORK POLICY

We expect homework to be completed when it is due. This is simply preparation for the realities of the working world. Deadlines help your child develop good work habits and responsibility. When work is incomplete and unexcused, we send home a late note. This late note must be signed by you and returned the next day, along with the completed work. Late work will have a negative affect on your child’s grades. If the work is not completed after a reasonable period of time, the grade becomes a "0".

READING

The 5^th grade Reading program utilizes a literature-based approach to reading. Teachers select the books they will use from a common list of titles. While reading, we work on skills such as summarizing, predicting, drawing conclusions, vocabulary development, and phonics. The use of Time for Kids, a weekly newsmagazine, helps to keep the class informed about current events and provides an opportunity for the reading of nonfiction.

LANGUAGE ARTS

Writing instruction follows the writing process model. Students typically do a prewriting activity, compose several drafts, and turn in a final copy. Occasionally we do a "one-draft-only" activity, especially to prepare us for ISAT. Topics vary from teacher to teacher.

SPELLING

Spelling instruction revolves around a weekly lesson, with tests on Fridays. Students are also expected to apply their spelling skills in other assignments.

MATH

Spelling instruction revolves around a weekly lesson, with tests on Fridays. Students are also expected to apply their spelling skills in other assignments.

SCIENCE

5^th graders at Ardmore learn about climate, chemistry, physics, ecosystems, health and anatomy. Hands-on experiments are conducted to reinforce concepts. Health units are in a magazine format; other units are in the textbook.

SOCIAL STUDIES

The focus on 5^th grade is on American history. Units include: Native Americans, explorers, colonization, the Revolution, the Constitution, westward expansion, and the Civil War.

TESTING

ISAT Testing - Reading/Writing/Math
Online practice - Mathematics Sample Questions & Reading Sample Questions
Printable practice materials - Mathematics & Reading

Ardmore Classrooms