Fifth Grade

English Language Arts

English Language Arts students will grow skills in listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Students in Fifth Grade will… 

● read and analyze a wide range of texts, growing understanding and critical thinking skills 

● quote details and examples from a text when drawing inferences and explaining 

● explore how characters change, understand how chapters or stanzas build on each other, and compare how different texts treat the same theme 

● identify main ideas and supporting details, explain relationships between ideas, and compare information and structures (cause/effect, problem/solution) across texts 

● use context clues, Greek and Latin roots, and reference tools to learn/use new vocabulary 

● write and revise well-organized opinion pieces, informational essays, and narratives with strong leads, clear ideas, and purposeful endings 

● apply complex sentence structures, correct verb tenses, and punctuation like commas and quotation marks in writing and speech 

● participate in conversations, build on others’ ideas, ask questions, share thinking clearly 

● gather information from multiple sources, summarize and use it to answer questions or support a topic in writing

Mathematics

KPS math students make sense of problems and persevere in solving them; reason abstractly and quantitatively; construct viable arguments and critique the reasoning of others; model with mathematics; use appropriate tools strategically; attend to precision; look for and make use of structure; and look for and express regularity in repeated reasoning. Students in Fifth Grade will… 

● add and subtract fractions with unlike denominators and solve word problems of this kind 

● multiply fractions; divide fractions in simple cases; and solve related word problems (determine how many 1/3-cup servings are in 2 cups of raisins; determine the size of a share if 3 people share 1/2 pound of chocolate equally) 

● generalize the place-value system to include decimals, and calculate with decimals to the hundredths place (two places after the decimal) 

● understand the concept of volume and solve word problems that involve volume 

● graph points in the coordinate plane (two dimensions) to solve problems 

● multiply whole numbers quickly and accurately (1,638 × 753) and divide whole numbers in simple cases (6,971 ÷ 63)

Science

Through inquiry, collaboration, and sense-making, KPS students use science and engineering to understand the world around them regarding… 

● Earth’s systems 

● structure and properties of matter 

● matter and energy in organisms and ecosystems 

● stars and the solar system 

● engineering design

Social Studies

Individually and collaboratively, students will engage in planned inquiries to understand… 

● how European exploration and colonization resulted in cultural and ecological interactions among peoples 

● how European values and institutions transferred to the colonies and how slavery reshaped life in the Americas 

● causes of the American Revolution and reasons for the American victory 

● current issues with the U.S. Constitution

Specials

Art

The KPS Art program supports creativity, self-expression, and skill development through hands-on learning and exposure to a variety of artistic tools and techniques.

Students follow class expectations while deepening their understanding of advanced color theory and the elements and principles of design. They engage with a wide range of artistic mediums and techniques, refining their skills and creative habits. Students also gain a broader perspective on the role of art across cultures and throughout history.

Music

The KPS Music program offers all students from a rich and engaging experience grounded in Music Learning Theory. Music instruction emphasizes how children naturally learn music in a way similar to how they acquire language.

Students deepen their musical understanding by engaging with more complex rhythmic patterns, tonalities, and ensemble work. They explore instruments, movement, and vocal activities, building skills in musical literacy and performance. Students learn to listen, create, and respond to music in ways that strengthen their appreciation and connection.

Physical Education

The KPS Physical Education (PE) program is designed to help students build essential skills through a wide variety of activities that promote fitness, teamwork, and fun. 

Students expand on foundational skills with advanced fitness tests, skill drills in soccer and basketball, relay races, and strategy games. Teamwork games and varied movement activities help improve agility and coordination. The year concludes with Field Day - an exciting celebration where students showcase their skills, support one another, and enjoy friendly outdoor competition.

STEM

The KPS Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) program provides students with hands-on learning experiences that inspire creativity, curiosity, and critical thinking through real-world exploration.

Students build on foundations with more complex problem-solving tasks, design challenges, and technology-based projects. They apply critical thinking to real-world scenarios, work in teams to develop creative solutions, and explore STEM careers through career-connected learning experiences. The emphasis on innovation, reflection, and perseverance helps prepare students for future academic success and a changing world.