Fifth Grade

In fifth grade, students step up to become role models for their younger classmates: more independent, more thoughtful, and prepared to take on new academic challenges. It’s a year of building on the strong foundation they’ve developed, and preparing for what comes next.

English Language Arts (ELA) and Reading

Students refine their analytical skills, preparing for the rigors of middle school reading and writing expectations.

• Advanced comprehension: Students practice quoting accurately from a text to explain what the text says explicitly and when making inferences, and analyze how multiple accounts of the same events differ based on the authors’ points of view.
• Sophisticated writing: Writing assignments require a strong voice, clear organization, and the ability to link ideas using transition words and phrases. Students write opinion pieces with logically grouped ideas and informative texts with formatting, illustrations, and multimedia elements.

Mathematics

Fifth grade math finalizes foundational arithmetic with whole numbers and focuses heavily on fluency with fractions and decimals.

• Advanced fractions: A major milestone is adding and subtracting fractions with unlike denominators. Students learn to multiply and divide fractions and mixed numbers.
• Decimal operations: Students expand their understanding of decimals to the thousandths place, and learn to add, subtract, multiply and divide decimals.
• Volume: Geometry focuses heavily on the concept of volume, and relating volume to multiplication and addition to solve real world problems.

Social Studies

The New York State fifth grade social studies framework explores the Western Hemisphere.

• Geography and early societies: Students explore the geography of North and South America and study the complex societies of early peoples, such as the Maya, Aztec, and Inca.
• Comparative studies: We compare the governments, economies, and cultural practices of various nations with the Western Hemisphere today, including Canada, Mexico, and countries in South America.
• Economics and trade: Students look at how countries in the Western Hemisphere interact economically, the impact of trade agreements, and how geography influences economic development.

Science

The New York State Science Learning Standards for Grade 5 focus on deeper understanding of disciplinary core ideas in physical, life, and Earth sciences, with an emphasis on modeling, looking at data analysis, and constructing explanations. Key topics include the particle model of matter, energy flow in ecosystems, and the patterns in the solar system. Units include:

• Making Oobleck: Students make Dr. Seuss’ oobleck to enhance their understanding of matter, energy, and chemical reactions.
• Reach for the Sun: This unit teaches the effects of water and sunlight on plant growth and development, and students design a plant maze.
• Star Light, Star Bright: Students learn about stars, focusing on magnitude and luminosity.

Hebrew Language Arts

In fifth grade, students use Hebrew with increasing fluency and accuracy. They continue strengthening grammar and syntax while expanding vocabulary through engaging texts and discussions.

A focus on critical thinking is woven into language learning, as students explore different ways of expressing ideas and approaching problems. Through speaking, reading, and writing, Hebrew becomes a tool not only for communication, but for deeper reflection and analysis.

Judaic Studies

Fifth grade marks a significant step forward in both the depth of learning and the sophistication of thinking. In Chumash, students study Sefer Shemot, exploring the story of slavery in Egypt, Moshe, and the Exodus. They begin engaging with traditional commentaries, learning to compare perspectives, ask more nuanced questions, and develop their own interpretations of the text.

Students deepen their understanding of Israel through the study of early Zionism and the development of the State, exploring the continuity of Jewish symbols and collective identity across history.

Tefillah becomes more intentional and participatory. Through daily minyan and focused learning, students gain fluency and familiarity with the structure of tefillah, with particular attention to Kabbalat Shabbat in preparation for a key milestone of the year.