Fifth Grade

As the student leaders of our Lower School, fifth graders leverage lessons from their leadership and decision education classes to enhance the experience of their fellow students. They identify and complete specific “Needs Projects” focused on social, academic, and community interests. Past projects include Men of Math (helping second graders with complex concepts), Fifth Grade Handbook (helping fourth graders transition), and Art Caretakers (care and upkeep of art displays).

Fifth grade English is like learning to dance; individual skills are taught and learned before finally putting them all together in one seamless performance. Everything the boys are taught, including grammar, mechanics, punctuation, sentence structure, paragraph structure, and editing, are funneled into writing. Boys work with manipulatives that guide them through the entire writing process, whether it be a simple paragraph or an entire essay.

In reading, boys are asked to look at passages, chapters, and novels through the eyes of a reader and author. They identify and discuss reading skills, including story predicting, author’s purpose, characterization, vocabulary meaning, and context clues. The learning of the Notice and Note reading strategy scaffolds for the boys a way to write and communicate about what they are reading.

Finally, boys work on their public speaking ability. Through practice and performance they learn the importance of volume, eye contact, pronunciation, preparedness, and body control.

Favorite characters come to life in the Lower School library, where our boys develop a love of reading. While reading and responding to stories, the boys practice a number of important skills, including how to:

• Locate and select a variety of materials for reading pleasure
• Use the library’s resources to satisfy classroom assignments and personal inquiries
• Research topics with understanding of strong sources
• Use information technology responsibly

Throughout their years in Lower School, boys have learned many different algorithms, helping to strengthen their conceptual framework in mathematics. In fifth grade boys complete their mathematical foundation through employing traditional algorithm methods. Fifth grade boys are adding, subtracting, multiplying, and dividing whole numbers, fractions, and decimals; learning area, volume, geometry, percentages, and ratios; solving equations and algebraic expressions; and collecting and analyzing data.

Haverford's math curriculum balances teacher-directed activities, small and large group work, and independent study. Differentiated learning ensures every child has the opportunity to achieve. We encourage creative thinking, give every boy the opportunity to succeed, and to connect math to everyday situations.

Haverford uses the Kódaly approach to teach boys to read increasingly more intricate melodic and rhythmic notation through a rich variety of authentic folk music from America and around the world. Ear training and theory are emphasized utilizing technology. Ensemble opportunities include Centennial Singers, The Haverford Boys Choir, Fantastic Fords Band, String Ensemble, and Chime Choir.

Our Athletic Department and sports programs not only promote athleticism, but also camaraderie, sportsmanship, fair play, and good competition. Areas of focus include:

• cardiovascular endurance
• muscular strength, endurance, and flexibility
• foot-eye and hand-eye coordination
• swimming and pool safety
• cooperative games implementing physical skills

All activities in our curriculum are designed to foster the skills necessary for our boys to be successful in their athletic interests, develop character through sportsmanship and cooperation, and promote participation and enthusiasm.

Science offers active, experiential, and collaborative learning engagement. Whether it’s bird watching at Haverford College, popsicle stick tower construction to learn weight capacity, or building and racing CO2 cars, Boys employ a hands-on, minds-on approach to learning the scientific method. Areas of study include:

• Technology and Design: Robotics and Engineering
• Life Science: Microworlds and Small Wonders
• Earth Science: Earth’s Surface, Earth and Space
• Physical Science: Chemistry That Applies, Forces in Motion

Fifth grade Social Studies is the boys’ first formal approach to the study of history. The units of study include:

• The Stone Age
• Mesopotamia
• Present-Day Middle East
• Ancient Rome
• African-American Culture
• U.S. Constitution

Topics of study fascinate and energize the minds of boys and include:

• life as a caveman
• working as an archeologist
• writing in cuneiform
• speaking in Hebrew, Arabic, and Persian
• life as a gladiator
• Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation

Additionally, boys are introduced to study methods and organizational strategies, including how to read and write with purpose and how to compare and contrast viewpoints.

Performing arts is an integral part of the Lower School experience, beginning in kindergarten with the rehearsal and performance of a show illustrating American symbols. As students progress through Lower School, they engage in signature programs like the second grade African drumming and dance. Each boy receives instruction in music, dance, and performance art as part of The Haverford School curriculum, preparing him for the burgeoning Middle and Upper School theater programs.

This more advanced capability to manipulate materials and analyze data enables fifth grade boys to create a variety of inspiring work in graphite, paint, pastel, and ceramic media. Their artistic endeavors throughout the year incorporate both three-dimensional and two-dimensional creations that are inspired by legendary artists such as Picasso, Matisse, and Escher as well as cultural creations like Olmec heads and Roman ruins. Fifth grade students are challenged to cultivate their verbal skills and artistic awareness as they speak about their own work and discuss the work of others. They are exposed to various historical movements in art in the form of visuals, discussions, and activities that help them to experience styles like Impressionism, Fauvism, and Pop Art.