Fifth Grade

Welcome to the Fifth Grade!

Fifth grade is an exciting and fun year. Students are working hard on becoming more independent, in order to prepare them for Middle School.

The fifth grade educational experience is centered on reading and the core curriculum. Focus is placed on development of fluent readers with an emphasis on literature, language, communication, and research and study skills.

Fifth grade science utilizes a hands-on approach to introduce students to investigating weather and climate, cells and body systems, matter and energy, the solar system, biomes, and force and motion.

English instruction reinforces grammar and usage in speaking, writing, and the writing process.

Mathematics instruction focuses on a systematic step-by-step approach to developing mathematic concepts. Skills include multiplication, division, equations, decimals, measurement, integers, fractions, and statistics.

The Social Studies program focuses on American History from early exploration through the Civil War and Reconstruction.

As fifth graders, students will have the opportunity to compete on the Forensics Team, which allows students to develop and perfect their public speaking skills. The Forensics Team competes against other schools in various areas of public speaking.

In the spring of the year, the students will have the opportunity to visit Monticello, the home of Thomas Jefferson. This field trip enhances what has been learned in the classroom. We also participate in Agriculture Day, where students learn how to make homemade bread. As part of our community service project, students are given the necessary items to make a loaf of bread at home which will then be donated to the local food bank.

The end of the fifth grade year is highlighted with a parent-sponsored overnight cabin-camping trip to the Blue Ridge Mountains where students view Crabtree Falls, the longest continuous waterfall east of the Mississippi. The trip continues with a hike up Spy Rock along with a visit to Natural Bridge and its various attractions.

The goal of these programs is to help students build self-confidence and teamwork skills. All aspects of fifth grade help provide for the overall healthy development of each student. Kenston Forest strives to build life skills as well as academic skills.