Grades 5/6

The fifth and sixth grade Neighborhood operates on a two-year curriculum cycle, in which all students study the same thematic subject matter at varying academic levels. Teachers meet the various needs of students through multi-age classes in Religion, science, and social studies. This multi-age configuration helps teachers and students create a learning environment that welcomes all students to learn and experience while meeting standards.

The curriculum does not change when classes are taught to multi-age groups. Multi-age homerooms give students an opportunity to interact with more people, leading to more meaningful interactions and friendships across the grade levels. Also, multi-age classrooms will give students new opportunities to grow spiritually and emotionally. Teachers work to meet students’ individual needs through a variety of teaching methods.

Students work in grade-levels groups in math, language arts, and Spanish in order to meet standards. In language arts, teachers integrate reading, writing, and grammatical skills into literature-based units. Hands-on, inquiry-based learning forms the foundation for the Math and Science curriculum, which emphasizes real world experiences.

The first cycle of social studies, religion, and language arts curriculum consists of text-based learning of Hebrew Scriptures and the Ancient Civilizations of Mesopotamia, Egypt, India, China, Greece, Rome, and the Americas.

The second cycle focuses on Early American History, Minnesota History, and the sacraments. When focusing on American History, topics cover the nation’s founding, Revolutionary War, westward expansion, and the democratic electoral process. Students learn about Minnesota history with a special concentration on the Dakota and Ojibwe cultures and the fur trade.

The fifth and sixth grade students have the opportunity to join one of several Friday afternoon clubs, or enrichment activities, ranging from cooking, to strategy games, to knitting. Clubs allow students to participate in activities they enjoy or learn something new. Students enjoy working in smaller groups and spending time with teachers, parents, and staff who volunteer their time to participate in these wonderful activities.