In the American educational system, the 5^th Grade curriculum prepares students who have turned 10 by October 1 with the tools necessary to succeed in Middle School.

Student Expectations

All AIS-R Elementary school students are expected to follow the AIS-R EAGLE Honor Code, which defines what it means to be an AIS-R EAGLE:  Ethical, Adaptable, Global, Learning, and Environmental.

Reader's  and Writer's Workshop

The Reader's and Writer's Workshops are student tailored programs.  Students are able to learn how to become better readers and writers while choosing their own books and writing topics.  This has shown to promote more involvement and interest among students.

Within the workshop models, students will be able to practice language and grammar skills.  Each day, students will learn a skill through whole group lessons and discussions.  Following each lesson they will apply that skill in their own reading and writing.

Math

The AIS-R Elementary school uses the Everyday Mathematics program.  Everyday Mathematics connects math to real-world situations through the spiraling practice of basic skills and the use of manipulatives for problem solving and mathematical thinking. This program allows us to use cooperative learning, differentiated instruction, and approaches that meet the needs of multiple intelligences within the class.

With our math program, regular reinforcement of skills will appear multiple times and throughout a course of study. The key principle in regards to spiraling and spacing out skill practice is that proficiency in basic skills are goals that should be achieved long after they are first introduced, giving students needed time for repetition and review.

Science

The units explored in fifth grade science are "Cells", "The Earth and its Moon", "Outer Space", and "States of Matter".  Students will also conduct an experiment for the Science Fair.

Social Studies

The units explored in fifth grade social studies are "Mapping", "U.S. Geography", "The Age of Exploration", "The Colonies", and "The Revolutionary War". Students will conduct research in each unit.

Homework

Homework and other important information are posted daily on Moodle.  Students have a folder to take home each day that will contain any important information from school.  Students have homework Saturday through Tuesday.  Homework should take 45 minutes and includes 20 minutes of reading, and a math worksheet.

Reporting and Assessing

Grade one teachers collect learning data through formative and summative assessments.  Formative assessments may be in the form of homework , class work, anecdotal notes, observations, questioning, discussion, etc.  Summative assessments will take the form of unit or chapter tests, final assessments, final rubrics, performance assessments, etc.  Progress Reports may be sent home up to four times a year and Report Cards are sent home at the end of each quarter.

Special Events

Grade 5 students enjoy many special events throughout the year including UN Week, Splish 'N Splash Day, Science Fair, Walk-A-Thons, field trips and a holiday concert.  Each grade level performs in an assembly at least once a year.  This year our assemblies will be based on our AIS-R EAGLE Honor Code with each grade level responsible for one letter in the code.  Students and teachers work together to create the show with singing, dancing, speaking parts.  Student-made videos are often incorporated into the shows.  Specialist teachers are also involved with the music, the backdrops, props, costumes or other artwork.  The tech teacher is often involved with the video production.  Every student is involved in the creation and performance of these assemblies.  Assemblies are performed in AIS-R’s beautiful Larkin Theater for parents and the elementary school student body.

If you would like to find out even more about or elementary school, please visit our ES Blog at http://blogs.ais-r.edu.sa/jcanar/