Page 4 - GRADE 5 Curriculum Guide

CLARION CURRICULUM

WHAT we study
As children become more aware of a widening world, they can begin to explore their own past and present
and how history shapes the present. Regardless of age, a “study” is by definition broad so that children may
find areas of special interest, but also because this is how human beings encounter phenomena in the real
world – as complex, entangled dilemmas.

Each grade level has a set of Learning Goals: end points in each core subject area. These learning goals
incorporate goals aligned to emotional growth, social justice, action and advocacy. Tracking student prior
knowledge and experiences and eliciting their questions and wonderings about what they are learning about
through their study and the Common Core Standards forms the platform for teachers to develop opportunities
for students that are meaningful, relevant, significant and challenging.

Foundation Skills: How students apply core skills to everyday tasks: Literacy, Numeracy, Scientific Literacy,
ICT Literacy, Financial Literacy, Cultural and Civil literacy.

HOW we study
Children want to feel like part of the community, and when they feel connected to a community, they are likely
to invest effort in it especially when they are expected to participate in its functioning from day to day. In order
to achieve this type of classroom culture, the first weeks of school are crucial and become the foundation for
routines and expectations throughout the year.
Children will be engaged in learning that provides opportunities for them to:
• Closely observe, experience, analyze, and make sense of the world around them.
• Build intellectual curiosity and develop skills to gain new understandings.
• Build equitable communities in which they participate, learn and advocate for one another and what
they believe.
• Think critically to analyze issues and design solutions to solve problems that are current and relevant
to themselves, their communities and the world.
• See themselves and each other as whole people and active members of society.
• See the interdependent relationships of human created systems and Earth systems.
• Reflect on their learning and draw connections between new ideas and prior experiences.

Enhanced Skills: How students approach complex challenges: Critical thinking/problem solving, creativity,
communication, and collaboration.

HOW we know
Our students will be challenged to high expectations as they engage with the world as collaborative,
productive and responsible members of a global community. By igniting curiosity, they will be willing to take
risks, be active participants in their own learning, demonstrate flexibility of thinking, make connections in their
learning across the core subjects, synthesize and confidently articulate their understanding.

Students will be guided to demonstrate their understanding of the big ideas and questions underlying and
guiding their study by demonstrating the following:
• How to ask questions – thick and thin questions (who, what, when, where, why, how?)
• How to find out answers to questions (use 5 senses, books, experts, visits)
• How to sort the information found (group into categories, lists, Venn diagrams)
• How to analyze the information found (findings and hypotheses for findings)
• How to present the new understandings (poster, skit, block building, painting, book)
• How to work independently and collaborate/work together

Character Skills: How students approach their changing environment: Curiosity, initiative, persistence/grit,
adaptability, leadership, and empathy.

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