Grades 5 & 6

Religion:
Sacraments are the focus of the fifth grade Religion curriculum. Students study each sacrament separately and do activities particular to that sacrament. The study of the sacraments teaches students to see God’s grace, which is His life and love that is shared with us, and therefore, celebrate a faith relationship with Him. Sixth grade Religion incorporates scripture and the Catechism of the Catholic Church. We learn about God’s story of creation, the mystery of evil and how His caring for us defeats evil. Our covenant with the Lord is to listen to God’s word and obey His law, and by doing this, our Lord promises to be with us always. All students participate in school-wide liturgies as lectors and gift bearers at Mass. Some also sing in the student choir. Children live out their faith by participating in various service projects, such as St. Luke Food Pantry, Kids’ Café, and Erie Dawn for Women.

Language Arts/English:
Students read stories within unit themes while learning the skills of sequencing, generalization, compare and contrast, author’s purpose, and main idea. Students apply skills to mini-projects involving their stories. Fifth and sixth grade English classes include content knowledge in parts of speech, sentence structure, paragraphs, and diagramming. Creative writing, listening, vocabulary, and speaking are also integrated. Our writing curriculum uses four types of writing: descriptive, narrative, persuasive, and expository.

Mathematics:
The fifth and sixth grade math programs present work in the four basic operations using whole numbers, fractions, and decimals. Problem solving skills and strategies are presented and practiced throughout the year. Children write original word problems and challenge classmates to solve them. The use of manipulatives offers hands-on experiences. Students are able to use concrete examples to explain abstract concepts. Counters, fraction discs, and Alge-Tiles are used for this purpose. Playing games such as Algebraic Bingo and Challenge 24 reinforces concepts and skills. Students use the Computer Lab to create graphs and spreadsheets. The students are encouraged to take practice tests from the textbook on computers, and they use programs and Internet sites for drill and practice.

Social Studies:
Fifth grade students study the Western Hemisphere, in particular the countries of Canada, Mexico, Middle America, and South America. Students select and do research on a Province, then place this data into Canadian “pouches,” which students have constructed. Sixth grade studies the Eastern Hemisphere, particularly the beginnings of civilization and the countries of Western Europe, Russia, the Middle East, and North Africa. We also study the roots of the world’s major religions.

Science & Health:
Fifth grade students study Life Science and Physical Science. They dissect and observe owl pellets, participate in the Diocesan Science Fair, observe cells in microscopes, and create health games. Sixth grade students continue their study of Life Science and begin a study of Earth Science. They create a science newsletter in computer class, participate in group activities concerning pollution, participate in the Diocesan Science Fair, and plan and implement a health fair for third graders.