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About fifth grade (for parents):

• Grades:  This is the first year the boys receive number-based grades. Click here to see how the teachers grade.
• Curriculum:  The beginning of the year is devoted to microbes (bacteria, protists, fungi, and viruses).  After that, the boys study invertebrate animals (dissections!).  In the winter they study basic chemistry and the history of spaceflight, and in the spring we return to the study of ecology and resources.  A year-long assignment (which continues in 6th grade) is the article summary, which involves reading and summarizing current science news in order to develop critical thinking, analysis, reading, and writing skills.  See more details on the curriculum page.
• Homework:  I keep it predictable.  The first class of the week, he brings in the article he's going to summarize.  The second class, it's textbook questions.  Third class, article summary.  Fourth class, notes on the chapter lesson he read that week, and review for the weekly quiz.  Every week, except when he has a chapter test.
• Text:  He will have a copy of the unit readings in his folder, and there is a copy on this web site.  See the readings.
• Tests:  We have chapter tests every five to seven weeks.  One test is equivalent to about five homework assignments on his grade for the marking period.  I tell him about chapter tests more than a week beforehand, and I send the marked tests home for your signature afterwards.
• Article summaries:  It may look like a research paper to you, but please, don't try to do it for him or tell him what to say.  I am thrilled with a five-sentence article summary that is written in fifth-grade language if it shows thought, understanding, neatness, and effort.  If your son works slowly, have him read his article well in advance (he's supposed to pick it out over the weekend).  If he struggles with reading, encourage him to pick easier articles (I'll help with that too).  
  This and all his written homework should be done with a proper header.  
  If you have any questions, check the article summary guidelines.
  Click here for a short list of Internet science news sites.  
  He can use any kind of magazine or newspaper as well. Click here for a short list (and some links).
• Independence:  "He won't let me help him with his homework any more," - the most frequent thing I hear from fifth grade parents.  Luckily, colleges don't seem to care nearly as much about fifth grade transcripts as we do.  The sixth grade teachers aren't even that concerned.  You'll find out fast if he's not doing his homework, because I  (like the other fifth grade teachers) will send a notice home or call home if I'm concerned.  Give him room to try it on his own.

Questions?  Send me some e-mail!  Click on the address below.

dturner@haverford.org

This page last updated August 15, 2002