Welcome to a new year of Fifth Grade with Mrs. Hamrick!  Fifth grade is a big year for the students because they take part in many activities that are fun and that continue to develop their responsibilities.  For example, students get to take part in being Safety Patrol Officers during morning and afternoon carpool.  Each quarter, we will take a field trip to a place that enriches the concepts we learn in the classroom.  In the first quarter, students will go on an exciting team-building field trip to The Edge in Manassas, Virginia.  This field trip is important for students to build respect and trust in others and to build confidence in themselves, which are all important qualities for this age level.

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Here is what we will be focusing on this quarter in the classroom:

Math- We will dive into place value, adding, subtracting, and multiplying with numbers.  Students will review their multiplication facts through timed tests.  Students will also be engaged in “Math Mysteries” that are open-ended questions which challenge them to think outside the box.

Science- One of my favorite subjects is Science!  Not only do we learn all about God’s creation and how it works, we also get to partake in hands-on learning through lab experiments.  Each chapter will have student guided and directed labs that focus on specific science skills and concepts. Some skills the students learn include classifying, observing, analyzing, predicting, and making inferences.  The major concepts we will study this quarter are the types of living organisms, cells, and other life science themes.

Bible- The Old Testament and our choices are the main focus of our year in fifth grade.  Main characters from the Old Testament and their choices are read and talked about in class to help shape our way of making decisions.  We use God’s Word to memorize His promises each week.

Vocabulary- We use a program called Wordly Wise.  You can find the Wordly Wise website by clicking here.

Current Events-  This is not a main subject, but I believe that it is a very important one.  Every student should have some knowledge of the news today.  Students will have a current events activity or project every so often.  According to research, students are more successful in school when they read newspapers and are engaged in the world around them.

Along with those subjects, the students will have a spelling and vocabulary course.  As for Language Arts, Mrs. Jones will be teaching the students in those areas.  Hope to have an amazing first quarter.  God bless!