Fifth grade is a busy and fun year for students. Students are continuing to work on and refine their executive functioning skills. There is also focus on growing fifth grader's Portrait of a Graduate (POG) skills. Students are working hard to be collaborators, communicators, and goal-driven learners. Additionally, our fifth graders will work to have a deeper understandings of concepts found in the AVID program.

Language Arts:

• Reading: Students will grapple with increasingly complex texts, analyzing themes, author's purpose, and making connections between ideas. Vocabulary development and critical thinking skills are in focus.
• Writing: Students will hone their writing skills across various genres, including persuasive writing, research papers, and narrative stories. They'll learn proper grammar, mechanics, and organization tailored to different writing purposes.
• Speaking and Listening: Students will develop strong communication skills through presentations, debates, and collaborating with peers. Active listening and giving constructive feedback are emphasized.
• Research: Students will become adept at researching topics, critically evaluating sources, and presenting their findings in a clear and organized manner.

Math:

• Number Sense: Students will solidify their understanding of fractions and decimals, including operations and converting between them.
• Operations: Students will master all four operations (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division) with whole numbers, fractions, and decimals.
• Geometry: Students will explore concepts like area, volume, perimeter, and geometric shapes.
• Algebra (Introduction): Students will be introduced to basic algebraic concepts like variables, expressions, and equations.
• Problem-Solving: Students will develop critical thinking skills to solve multi-step problems and apply math concepts to real-world situations.

Science:

• Life Science: Students will delve deeper into plant and animal structures and systems, heredity, and the impact of human actions on ecosystems.
• Earth Science: Students will explore weather patterns, astronomy, and the Earth's resources. They will also conduct experiments and/or research projects.
• Physical Science: Students will explore states of matter, forces and motion, and energy. They will design experiments or build models to demonstrate these concepts.

History & Social Science:

• Virginia History: Students will explore Virginia's role in the westward expansion of the United States and the development of a national government.
• The Civil War and Reconstruction: Students will gain a deeper understanding of the causes, events, and aftermath of the Civil War in Virginia.
• 20th Century Virginia: Students will explore Virginia's role in major historical events of the 20th century, including World War I & II, the Civil Rights Movement, and technological advancements.