The Fifth Grade team builds upon the academic foundations set in the younger grades. The students read more analytically, write more extensively, and reason about more complex mathematical ideas. The fifth grade classrooms have ample collections of books for literature study and the students use the school library and the internet to read nonfiction and to research curriculum topics. In writing workshop, the students refine their writing skills as they write to communicate with a variety of audiences. In math the students use their numeracy skills in challenging problem solving situations and they develop their abilities to use algebraic and geometric reasoning.
Fifth graders study environmental issues extensively. They monitor the water quality of Ravenna Creek and they learn from the Salmon in the School program. They spend a week at the field-based environmental program, IslandWood, on Bainbridge Island. IslandWood blends science, the arts, and technology into a program focused on sustaining the environment.
Intermediate Grade Level Activities:
The Bryant fourth and fifth grade classrooms team up for two major areas of study: Living Voices and Science Fair. Living Voices is a nonprofit educational production company that creates programs to raise awareness of racism and injustice in history. They present seven educational programs on a two-year cycle at Bryant allowing all intermediate students to experience the entire set. The Bryant PTSA sponsors the annual Science Fair. Scientists are recruited from the community who visit the school once a week for ten weeks to guide a group of 4th and 5th grade students in an investigation of a scientific question. Results are proudly presented at the annual Science Fair in April.
Bryant offers numerous opportunities for students to participate in the performance arts including the annual school play, bell choir, chorus, orchestra, and band. Exceptional to Bryant is the speech program. There are three in-school speech competitions and an annual Speech Festival annually.
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5th Grade Winter Trimester - 2010 |
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Written by Steve Garlid
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This winter, Bryant fifth graders will look more closely at the world around them, making connections, and responding to what they see. The practice of observation and response is a thread that binds our learning experiences together both in the core subjects as well as in extra-curricular activities.
Each Bryant fifth grader reads daily, maintains a reading journal, and participates regularly in literature discussion groups. This term’s theme, "Mythology", provides a focus for discussions and reading choices. Use of the Junior Great Books curriculum helps each student examine text deeply, interpret meaning, and develop discussion skills.
Bryant students write daily in each of the core subjects. The reading journal provides a forum where the Bryant fifth grader responds in writing to poetry, short stories or novels. Science and math journals show evidence of careful observation and reflection. Writing journals support the use of prewriting strategies and reflections that support the Units of Study curriculum. At fifth grade level, we put as much emphasis on the writing process as on the polished product.
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Last Updated ( Wednesday, 27 January 2010 )
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Bryant Fifth Grade - Fall 2009 |
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Written by Donna Shy, Fifth Grade Teacher
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In September, Bryant fifth graders start out the school year by attending a four day outdoor education program at IslandWood, a residential facility on Bainbridge Island. The students spend the majority of each day in field study led by the IslandWood faculty. They engage in scientific inquiry in the natural and cultural environment. A major focus is on activities to build a sense of community and fun. We continue to develop community-building activities and environmental investigations over the school year. Each fifth grade classroom focuses on creating a safe, supportive, and encouraging educational setting for students. The fifth graders have opportunities to be of service as buddies to kindergarteners and through Student Council sponsored activities. Some choose to serve on safety patrol. |
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Last Updated ( Thursday, 05 November 2009 )
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Winter Activities in the Fifth Grade (2008-09) |
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Written by Fifth Grade Team
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This winter Bryant 5th graders are busy with many activities, some part of the core curriculum and some enriching student experiences. Reading and literature assignments span numerous genre, fiction and informational. Students read to learn about Ancient Egypt, the setting of “Pharaoh Serket and the Lost Stone of Fire,” a play at Seattle Children’s Theatre. The students will see this play in February. Also, they’re reading books from the mystery genre to compare with this story. Reading supplements the social studies and science curriculum. Reading biographies of notable Americans is part of the fifth grade social studies focus on American history. Students will also read informational material about immigration to the United States. This topic is feature in “The New American,” a Living Voices presentation. All Bryant 4th and 5th graders will see this program in February. |
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Last Updated ( Thursday, 05 November 2009 )
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