5th Grade

 

In our SAS class, Language Arts are often integrated with other content areas, including Social Studies and Science, and are taught using core literature. Students read a wide range of literature from different times and cultures, in many genres, as well as informational text on grade-level topics. By the end of fifth grade, students are expected to be fluent, independent readers with accuracy that supports their comprehension. They learn academic language and vocabulary and use it in their writing and speaking. Reading and “reader response” writing are assigned every night as part of the homework, and writing is integrated into all of our core subjects, including math.

 

Our fifth-grade math emphasis is on applying knowledge and understanding of numbers and operations in base ten, including using the four math operations with decimals and fractions, algebraic thinking, measurement and data, and geometry. Students often work in collaborative groups in math to apply that knowledge to solve real-world problems.

Our Science program builds on the knowledge gained in earlier grades. It includes the teaching of science content and concepts, (Earth Science, Physical Science, and Life Science) and also integrates this subject matter into other core subjects.

 

Our visual and performing arts program gives our students another opportunity to express their developing sense of who they are, and their varied opinions and feelings. Each year, our students participate in one or more of the arts, including theater, dance, music, and/or visual arts. We also offer an opportunity for our upper-grade students to learn to play an instrument and participate in our orchestra program.

 

Our SAS class includes a Health unit, which focuses on the importance of making healthy food and life choices, physical activity, and avoiding high-risk behaviors. Students develop communication skills, decision-making and goal-setting skills, and refusal techniques, all in preparation for middle school and beyond. In accordance with California State law, our students participate in a minimum of 200 minutes of Physical Education every ten school days. During the fifth grade year, all students participate in the California Fitness Gram, a mandated physical fitness test with the goal of assisting students in establishing lifetime habits of regular physical activity.

 

Our desire is to create a community of responsible lifelong learners by collaborating, communicating as a team, and maintaining consistent expectations. We strive to become an exemplary learning community that supports innovation and is committed to continuous improvement.

 

Ranchito Elementary is a place...

• Where a collaborative community develops curriculum, instructional strategies, and assessment to ensure all students learn.
• That addresses the academic, social, emotional and physical needs of its learners.
• That prepares all students for college and career achievement through a high-quality career/technical education and college-preparatory academic core.

 

Our curriculum is driven by clear performance standards for what students should know and be able to do at each grade level. For each grade level, standards are based on national and state curriculum frameworks in each subject area.

 

We believe, that through the mastery of these standards, the students at Ranchito Elementary will be fully prepared for continued academic success in middle school and beyond.

Teachers will use regular assessments to measure how well students are mastering the standards. We use knowledge about student skills to shape whole class instruction, small group work, and one-on-one tutoring. Using individual student data, instruction can be targeted to better meet individual student needs.