About 5th Grade

LANGUAGE ARTS

The Language Arts program in the Hudson schools is based on the assumption that the components of language/reading, writing, spelling, speaking, listening and thinking are best learned when integrated into meaningful activities that bring all of these components into play. To prepare our students for a world in which effective communication is essential, our program helps students realize their potential through learning experiences which emphasize process, along with skills application. Additionally, teachers meet individual students' needs by using a variety of materials and teaching strategies, including the use of technology. Our goal is to create lifelong learners who read, write, speak, and think effectively.

MATHEMATICS

The National Council of Teachers of Mathematics established a commission in 1986 to develop standards of school mathematics. These standards are now widely disseminated and are impacting how mathematics is taught in the nation's schools. These standards recommend that the scope of topics studied be expanded to include more experience with statistics, probability, measurement and ideas commonly utilized in our technological world. The focus is on having students experience mathematics in a more relevant and useful manner, including a greater emphasis on problem solving.

In implementing the NCTM standards, the Hudson City Schools have adopted the Dale Seymour Publications Investigations in Number, Data, and Space series in kindergarten through fifth grade. This series, partially sponsored by the National Science Foundation, has been designed to implement the goals and objectives outlined in the NCTM standards. Specifically, this new program focuses on having students apply mathematics to everyday problem solving situations. This focus encourages students to become more involved in reading, writing, and talking in the language of mathematics. Students are encouraged to think through active involvement, and thus become problem solvers by discovering and applying the power and utility of mathematics.

This approach to the teaching of mathematics places greater emphasis on the following:
 Use of manipulative thinking

Students working cooperatively in groups

• Discussion of mathematics

• Questioning

• Justification of thinking

• Unity within mathematics

• Problem solving approach to instruction

• Integrating mathematics into other curricular areas

• Use of calculators and computers

This program de-emphasizes:

• Rote practice
• Rote memorization of rules
• One answer and one method 

SCIENCE

The goal of the Science curriculum is to provide a depth of understanding of scientific concepts and processes. The curriculum seeks to accomplish this through experiences with the materials and processes of the natural world through direct observations and experimentation. Instruction is focused on the essential key concepts of science, on the inter-relatedness between scientific disciplines, and on the connections between science and other subject areas.

Children delve into the scientific process by asking questions, making observations, predicting outcomes, testing their hypotheses, carrying out experiments, researching topics, recording results, and drawing conclusions. Teachers take into account students' existing knowledge of science concepts, while aiding them in recognizing and altering scientific misconceptions. Throughout this process, exploration, dialogue and discourse amongst participants is encouraged and emphasized. This philosophy is in keeping with the National Science Education Standards released in 1996.

SOCIAL STUDIES

The Social Studies program combines the best of both traditional and inquiry-oriented materials. Its major objective is the practical teaching of social studies concepts along with reading, writing, and thinking skills. Factual material is presented through a chronological narrative to help pupils establish a framework in which they can relate both ideas and events. By using original source materials, a mainstay of the inquiry approach, a flavor of authenticity captures pupil interest. Students will use technology to make the social studies curriculum a hands-on experience.

Fifth grade Social Studies will focus on the physical, cultural, and regional aspects of North America (United States, Canada and Mexico). Students in fifth grade will study the history, cultures, geography, economics, government, citizenship rights and responsibilities, and significant individuals of North America. Students will use a variety of materials including Explore Our Land (We the People series) as well as other print and non-print materials. Technology will provide students the opportunity to "visit" many of the places they will study.

ART

Children's art work reflects their inner emotions, thoughts and innate creativity levels. Art is a vehicle to express these ideas. The students at East Woods receive art instruction for 55 minutes per week. They study a variety of subjects and work with many exciting materials. Art History, a variety of cultures and many famous artists are included in the curriculum.

PHYSICAL EDUCATION

The Physical Education program at East Woods School provides a unique educational experience for students in Hudson. Our program provides instruction geared specifically toward the physical, mental and emotional development of the students.

We are proud to offer a swimming program that is available to only a handful of elementary schools statewide. This program covers an eleven week period throughout the school year. With the assistance of community volunteers we are able to educate students within the entire spectrum of skill levels. After completion of this program the students will enjoy a feeling of wellness and appreciation that will be carried with them for a lifetime.