 Fifth grade students are the leaders on campus. They provide models of behavior and citizenship for our younger students to follow. This grade level is designed to prepare students for the middle school years. A higher level of responsibility is expected to ensure success in the years to come. Fifth grade provides more opportunities for various learning activities than the previous grades. A special relationship with Exxon Mobil allows for field trips, science fairs, and labs that other grade levels are not able to experience. Nine months of rigorous study, research, testing, and presentations culminate in the anxiously anticipated graduation day.
Bible
A teacher-created curriculum is used during the fall semester to help students discover the “Fruits of the Spirit” in depth and understand how to apply those characteristics in their own lives. Weekly memory verses help students “hide God’s Word” in their hearts. The spring semester is spent studying a “Purity” series developed by our teachers and the school’s registered nurse. Students discover ways in which to keep their minds, bodies and hearts pure, not only in the teenage years, but in the adult years as well. Weekly Chapel services provide an opportunity for all elementary students, faculty, staff and parents to enjoy a time of praise and worship.
Reading
The reading curriculum is teacher-created and is challenging as well as enjoyable. Higher level thinking skills are needed to evaluate and respond to various genres of literature. Students are expected to be able to compare/contrast, make predictions, note important details and support judgments in their readings. Book reports and various projects enrich the lessons. Students are evaluated monthly using the STAR assessment program and reading progress is tracked. Students are required to read outside of class and to take Accelerated Reader tests on a regular basis. Weekly visits to the school’s library keep students well supplied with good books. Students are placed in classes that best meet their individual needs.
English
The Houghton Mifflin English series is used to help students hone their grammar, usage and mechanics skills, preparing them for the more intense middle school years. Higher level concepts are taught such as subject and object pronouns, double subjects, and negatives. Irregular verbs, linking verbs, and plural possessive nouns are taught in-depth. The curriculum publisher provides an educational website for students, teachers and parents to use for additional practice and for extending classroom lessons.
Writing
The Houghton Mifflin English curriculum is used to enhance writing skills. Students are specifically taught the various genres of writing. Fifth grade students are expected to be able to write a personal narrative, a story, detailed instructions, a research report, an opinion essay, and a persuasive essay. Different professional models from the curriculum show students examples of well written composition in these areas. The skill of writing outlines and bibliographies will serve our students well as they enter the upper grades. Storybook Weaver software allows students to create stories with colorful illustrations. Frequent journal writing encourages students to be comfortable with writing informal thoughts, feelings and responses on a regular basis.
Spelling
The Houghton Mifflin Spelling and Vocabulary series emphasizes spelling patterns, phonics, vocabulary and editing. Houghton Mifflin provides an educational website for students, teachers and parents to reinforce concepts learned in the classroom and to further extend lessons. The Neuhaus Scientific spelling method is used to enhance the teaching of the reliable spelling patterns and words that are exceptions to the rules. Daily practice and weekly tests help ensure mastery of this subject.
Math
The Houghton Mifflin Math Expressions curriculum provides an excellent balance between computation skills and analysis. Students are expected not only to derive answers, but to justify them as well. Math Expressions focuses on Math Talk, Quick Practice, Student Leaders, Building Concepts and Helping Community. Students hone their addition, subtraction, multiplication and division skills. Students are expected to utilize higher level thinking using real-world story problems that require multiple steps. Hands-on manipulatives and math boards help students understand concepts more fully. Fifth grade students develop their foundation for middle school and high school math courses.
Science
The Scott Foresman curriculum focuses on life, physical and earth science. A unit on the human body concludes the year. Students experience science with a teacher who loves to share it from a Christian perspective. Labs and hands-on activities help make science a favorite among our fifth grade students. A spring science fair sponsored by Exxon Mobil is one of the many ways our fifth graders are challenged to show their research from throughout the year.
Social Studies
The MacMillan/McGraw-Hill curriculum focuses on the history of the United States. A unit on Native Americans is always a favorite. Students learn about the 13 original colonies and America’s founding fathers. An in-depth look at World Wars, the Great Depression and the Civil Rights Movement conclude the year. Several field trips to historical sites provide additional enrichment.
Music
NCS uses the Musicplay curriculum for fifth grade. This curriculum does an excellent job of integrating music and other arts and disciplines outside the arts. Fifth grade students spend time in review of concepts from previous years while building on new concepts as well. Fifth graders learn how to play various notes on their own recorders. Listening to masterpieces from famous composers helps students acquire an appreciation of music. Fifth grade music students perform in the Christmas program and at fifth grade graduation.
Orchestra (elective)
This program is conducted by the NCS high school orchestra teacher using the Suzuki method. Students may choose between the violin, viola, cello or bass. Students learn to play by ear and progress to actually reading music by the end of the year. Students are given the opportunity to perform at the annual Christmas concert and at the Community Open House. Additional off-campus community service performances are offered. An instrument rental fee applies. Purchase of music books is required as well.
Art
Art is integrated into the regular classroom curriculum. Bible lessons are taught using student artwork. Seasonal art projects allow students to be creative on a regular basis. Students enjoy making Christmas crafts during the holiday season. Special projects include Rodeo Art drawings for the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo and a family heritage art project for Multicultural Week.
Physical Education
The elementary Physical Education program was developed by SPARK (Sports, Play and Active Recreation for Kids) and is taught by two highly-qualified coaches who have many years of teaching and coaching experience. P.E. classes are designed to develop skills that enhance learning in the classroom. All students participate in 30 minutes of P.E. daily. Classes are taught in the school’s gymnasium and are highly structured in nature. Our belief is that daily physical activity is essential for good health and well-being. Students continue to hone large-motor and fine-motor skills through various games and activities.
Health
Through the use of the Healthy and Wise curriculum from Caprock Press students in each grade level 1-5 study the same topics throughout the year. Lessons change from one year to the next. Major topics include: Sports, Exercise, Nutrition, Food, Health Research/Updates, Body Basics, Safety/Health Awareness, Relationships and Social/Mental Health. Groups of our fifth grade students utilize the curriculum to design specific lessons, discussion questions, quizzes, projects, etc. for our teachers to present in their classrooms.
Computer/Technology
Reinforcement of keyboarding skills continues with the use of Mavis Beacon Teaches Typing. These skills are assessed on a regular basis. Students become more adept at using the Microsoft Office suite. Storybook Weaver software allows students to write original creative stories with brightly colored illustrations. Students participate in the Gen Yes program where they work in groups to develop technology projects that will benefit the school. Classroom computers, a fully equipped computer lab, Smart Boards, projectors and accessible individual Tablet PC’s enhance the learning experience.
Junior Achievement
NCS participates in the Junior Achievement Program. Trained community volunteers present five lessons during the fall semester. The curriculum examines how businesses operate in the U.S. and explores various economic issues that impact those businesses. Lessons are designed around TEKS (Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills). This program utilizes technology enhancements.
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