Language Arts
In this course, students receive structured lessons through emphasis on the foundation of reading and writing and on the reading and writing process. It also includes speaking, listening, critical thinking skills, vocabulary, and research skills.
Novel Studies-Students will analyze and interpret literary texts from a variety of genres throughout the year (Restart, Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry Holes, Where the Red Fern Grows)
Grammar- Students will learn grammar usage, and mechanics skills that will help them communicate effectively in standard English.
5th focuses on three modes of writing: Narrative, Informational, and Opinion. Within those modes students will learn and practice different forms of writing. Students will also engage in the writing process which includes prewriting, drafting, revising, editing, and publishing. Daily journal assignments will help get students writing and generating ideas to be used in their writing assignments.
Wordly Wise Vocabulary provides direct academic vocabulary instruction to develop the critical link between vocabulary and reading comprehension.
Math
Everyday Mathematics is divided into 8 units, with a progress check at the end of the unit. This research-based course is designed to gain an understanding of mathematical concepts and a solid mathematical foundation. Children construct mathematical understandings and problem-solving strategies by building on their own knowledge and experiences. Everyday Mathematics is a spiral curriculum, learning is spread over time rather than concentrated in shorter periods. Content is revisited repeatedly over months and across grades. This course is made up of 8 units focusing on Area and Volume, Operations and Computation, Data and Chance, Measurement, Geometry, Patterns, Graphing, Fractions and Decimals.
Science
Science Weekly inspires students to investigate and use scientific thinking. Science Weekly uses abundant hands-on activities and articles, both digital and offline, supported by printed periodicals, students get engaged in investigating, asking questions, drawing conclusions, and sharing their findings—all key ingredients for learning that lasts. Science Weekly also builds science literacy skills and engages students with advanced nonfiction literature.
STEAM is also a huge part of life at VFS. STEAM incorporated into the classroom and even at school events. The continual coverage of STEAM topics throughout lessons, People and Careers in Science profiles, and the embedded technology and coding curriculum—builds students’ excitement for further study and science-based careers.
Social Studies
Social Studies Weekly inspires students to engage with the world around them. Social Studies Weekly is a student-friendly core Social Studies curriculum organized thematically to the strands of civics and government, geography, economics, and history. Activities and articles, both digital and offline, supported by printed periodicals, students get engaged in investigating, asking questions, drawing conclusions, and discussing—all key ingredients for learning that lasts. Social Studies Weekly also builds literacy skills and engages students with advanced nonfiction literature.
Core Knowledge is a Social Studies curriculum that incorporates Geography, World History and American history at each grade level. In 5th grade the following topics are introduced or expanded upon: Spatial Sense (Working with maps, Globes, and Other Geographic Tools), Great Lakes of the World, Early American Civilizations, European Exploration,Trade,and the Clash of Cultures, The Renaissance and The Reformation, Russia: Early Growth and Expansion, Westward Expansion Before and After The Civil War, The Civil War: Causes, Conflicts, Consequences, Native Americans: Cultures and Conflicts, U.S.Geography.
Bible
Positive Actions is a bible program that will incorporate 35 weekly lessons that target a Target Truths, Life Principles and Character Trait Activities, Read-Aloud Stories, Scripture Memory, Music Curriculum, and Student Manual Pages. Positive Actions about the many gifts given to us by God. This study teaches that when God gives a command, He also provides a promise. Blessing can follow obedience as God graciously fulfills His Word.
In 5th Grade: Possessing the Land, students will see a pattern of God’s work among His people as He displays His unchanging character. This course surveys the Old Testament and emphasizes key people and events in God’s plan for Israel. The students will be introduced to patriarchs, judges, royalty, and prophets and see God use everyday men and women to accomplish His great work.
Computer Science
Code.org Curriculum With code.org students will learn to program using commands like loops and events. The lessons featured in this course also teach students to meaningfully collaborate with others, investigate different problem-solving techniques, persist in the face of challenging tasks, and learn about internet safety.
Scratch Curriculum Scratch is the world’s largest coding community for children and a coding language with a simple visual interface that allows young people to create digital stories, games, and animations.
Project Lead the Way
Medical Detectives In the Medical Detectives (MD) unit, students play the role of real-life medical detectives as they collect and analyze medical data to diagnose disease. They solve medical mysteries through hands-on projects and labs, measure and interpret vital signs, dissect a sheep brain, investigate disease outbreaks, and explore how a breakdown within the human body can lead to dysfunction.
Design and Modeling (DM) provides students opportunities to apply the design process to creatively solve problems. Students are introduced to the unit problem in the first activity and are asked to make connections to the problem throughout the lessons in the unit. Students learn and utilize methods for communicating design ideas through sketches, solid models, and mathematical models. Students will understand how models can be simulated to represent an authentic situation and generate data for further analysis and observations. Students work in teams to identify design requirements, research the topic, and engage stakeholders. Teams design a toy or game for a child with cerebral palsy, fabricate and test it, and make necessary modifications to optimize the design solution.