FIFTH GRADE
CURRICULUM

Amplify Core Knowledge Language Arts (CKLA) is a language arts program for grades PreK–5 that combines a multi-sensory approach to phonics with rich texts carefully sequenced to build content knowledge—all in support of students simultaneously learning to read and reading to learn.

Every day in grades K–2, Amplify CKLA students complete one full lesson that builds foundational literacy skills, as well as one full lesson that builds background knowledge. In grades 3–5, students start to master the skills of reading, further opening up their worlds.

• Unit 1: In My Own Words: Personal Narratives
• Unit 2: Early Americas: Maya, Aztec, and Inca
• Unit 3: Visions in Verse: Poetry
• Unit 4: A Knight’s Tale: Don Quixote
• Unit 5: The Deep Blue World: Oceans
• Unit 6: Cultures and Histories: Native Americans
• Unit 7: Novel Study: The Science of Breakable Things
• Unit 8: Arts and Culture: The Renaissance
• Unit 9: Building Up the World: Global Architecture

Families can support the use of Take Home pages at home. One of the strongest ways families can support literacy is by reading aloud regularly.

Families can:

• Read books connected to CKLA knowledge topics
• Discuss vocabulary and ideas from stories
• Ask students to retell what they learned
• Encourage conversations about characters, themes, and information

The goal is not just reading words — it is building language, comprehension, and knowledge.

Families can support this by:

• Asking students what they learned in class
• Encouraging students to explain concepts in their own words
• Having conversations during meals, car rides, or routines
• Connecting school topics to real-life experiences

Examples:

• “Tell me one interesting thing you learned today.”
• “What new vocabulary word did you hear? Tell me more about this word.”
• “What was the main idea of your lesson? What do you hope to learn more about tomorrow?”

• Unit 1: Properties and Reactions
• Unit 2: Ecosystems: Flow of Matter and Energy
• Unit 3: Earth’s Water and Interconnected Systems

• 4ENG: Earth and Space Systems
• 4LNG: Matter and Energy in an Ecosystem
• 4PNG: Structure and Properties of Matter

PLTW Launch is built around exploration and problem-solving. Families can support this by:

• Encouraging students to ask questions
  Wondering aloud together (“How do you think that works?”)
• Allowing students to test ideas and make mistakes
• Celebrating creativity and effort, not just correct answers

Helpful phrases:

• “What problem were you trying to solve?”
• “What did you discover?”
• “What would you try differently next time?”

Students in PLTW Launch often use an engineering or design process to solve problems.

Families can ask:

• “What was the challenge?”
• “What solutions did you brainstorm?”
• “How did you improve your design?”
• “What did you learn from testing?”

Physical Education is an important part of every student’s FHPS educational experience in grades Junior Kindergarten through 6th grade. Through regular participation in physical activity, students develop movement skills, build healthy habits, strengthen social-emotional skills, and learn the value of teamwork, perseverance, and personal responsibility. Research shows that physical activity supports overall academic success by improving focus, memory, problem-solving, and learning. Our Physical Education special area class provides opportunities for all students to develop the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed to lead active, healthy lifestyles while supporting their physical, cognitive, and emotional growth.

• Demonstrates refined motor skills and applies them in structured activities and sports
• Uses strategies and tactics in physical activities and sports settings
• Develops personal fitness goals and participates in activities to improve overall fitness

Music is an important part of every student’s educational experience in grades Junior Kindergarten through 6th grade. Through singing, performing, listening, creating, and responding to music, students develop musical skills, creativity, self-expression, and an appreciation for diverse musical traditions and cultures. Music education supports the development of collaboration, discipline, perseverance, and confidence while strengthening listening, communication, and critical-thinking skills. Research shows that participation in music can enhance cognitive development, memory, and academic learning. Our music special area class provides opportunities for all students to explore and experience music in meaningful ways, supporting their artistic, social, emotional, and intellectual growth.

• Sings on pitch
  Performs rhythm patterns independently.
• Plays a piece consisting of the pitches D, E, F#, G, A, B, C’, and D’ on the recorder with fluency and beginnings of gentle tone
• Composes and arranges instrumental pieces within structured guidelines
• Identifies and uses symbols for dynamics, articulation, and tempo changes

Art is an important part of every student’s educational experience in grades Junior Kindergarten through 6th grade. Through creating, exploring, and responding to art, students develop creativity, critical thinking, problem-solving, and self-expression. Students learn artistic techniques, use a variety of materials and tools, and build an understanding of artistic concepts while exploring diverse cultures, perspectives, and forms of artistic expression. Art education encourages imagination, perseverance, and confidence while helping students communicate ideas and emotions in meaningful ways. Our art special area class supports the development of the whole child by fostering creativity, collaboration, and appreciation for the arts as an essential part of lifelong learning.

• Demonstrates purposeful use of elements of art and principles of design (e.g., line, shape, color, emphasis, pattern)
• Builds skills with a variety of art materials and makes independent choices