Fifth Grade
Welcome to Ms. Craig's class! Here we begin our trajectory into Middle School.
We put in hard work every day, making plans for the future, building our academic foundations,
and confidently turning our dreams into reality.
Curriculum
READING, LANGUAGE ARTS, and WRITING
The Open Court Reading Program continues from Third into Fourth Grade. It is a research-based comprehensive reading, writing, and language arts program, which uses systematic, explicit instruction, this program helps all students master the foundational skills needed not only to move to proficiency, but also to achieve greater goals of reading independently with confidence inside and outside the classroom. The Student Anthology includes a variety of diverse narrative and informative texts to help students understand concepts such as: key ideas and details; writing as a craft; and the integration of background knowledge and ideas. The Grade 4 Student Anthology is available in print and digitally with audio. 4th Grade Themes include: Making a Difference, Science Fair, Our Heritage, Our History, Adaptations in Action, National Treasures, Literature Meets Art.
MATHEMATICS
Students will learn how to add and subtract numbers stretching from the millions down to the thousandths place, as well as fractions and decimal numbers. Students will master multiplying and dividing of multi-digit whole numbers and apply these operations to multi-step, real-world problems that connect to their everyday lives. Students will complete hands on activities that allow them to explore both the metric and standard units of measure. With these skills, students will find the area, perimeter, volume, and mass of different objects. Finally, students will explore different geometric shapes and learn about the properties that make each shape unique. Students will use iPads daily to access and practice core concepts.
SCIENCE
Students will integrate technology, engineering, and various field trips to enhance and teach core concepts of physical and earth science. Students study microbiology, learning the basic structures and functions of cells, as well as how these cells have evolved into the unique and diverse living things we now live among. Students explore the many biomes of the Earth and the different ecosystems within them. Students also use data collection to complete activities that strengthen their understanding of the steps of the Scientific Method. Students will learn about ecosystems, animal and plant adaptations, the solar system, forces and motion, and more. Throughout this, students learn to become stewards of the Earth and learn about our duty to protect, restore and observe our local and global ecosystems.
SOCIAL STUDIES
Fourth Grade students will learn about the history, geography, government, and economics of each region through the Impact Social Studies Curriculum. By interacting with maps, charts, timelines, and primary sources, students will discover what makes each region unique, as well as what connects each region to each other and to the world. Fourth Grade Chapters/Themes include: How Does America Use Its Strengths and Face Its Challenges?; Why Have People Moved to and From the Northeast?; How Has the Southeast Changed Over Time?; How Does the Midwest Reflect the Spirit of America?; How Does the Southwest Reflect Its Diverse Past and Unique Environment?; and What Draws People to the West?
TECHNOLOGY / S.T.E.M.
Quarterly research projects entail science, technology, engineering and math core concepts; specific topics are connected and researched based on areas of study in core subjects and to address common core and Illinois Standards. Students use iPads as their primary school supply for all notes and specific information for studying. Smartboards and projectors are used to access online curriculum, promote digital citizenship, and for oral presentations. Approved Providence St. Mel online databases are accessed, utilized and cited throughout the year. A SMART Board is integrated daily to enhance instruction. 4th and 5th grade students participate in National Engineering Week.