Fifth Grade
Fifth Grade prepares nine and ten-year-olds for the challenges of upper school with an emphasis on learning strategies – how to outline, organize, and manage long-term projects with independence. Students investigate animals and plants as energy systems, exploring photosynthesis, watersheds, and freshwater ecology through hands-on creek studies. In earth and space science, they examine states of matter, the Law of Conservation of Mass, and chemical reactions, even launching a weather balloon to bring concepts to life. With student voices leading, whole-child growth supported, and community connections woven throughout, Fifth Grade marks a confident step toward middle school.
About Fifth Grade
Because educating the whole child is such an important aspect of Wheeling Country Day School, students are both challenged and rewarded with the opportunity to assist their community and become better citizens for tomorrow.
They represent the school sponsoring various fundraisers for charity and as campus guides. Fifth graders mentor younger children in the school with special programs designed to create leadership skills. They follow classes throughout the year and talk to them on topics ranging from decision making to responsibility.
Unique themes integrate content areas, and students use the library and computers as resources for both regular topics and special research work. Cooperative group skills become a focus with the students working together on small, short-range projects and on yearlong ventures.
The language arts program includes a rigorous study of grammar and structure as well as vocabulary and reading comprehension. Students read award-winning selections of children’s literature and classic literature for classroom activities and as choices for book reports. Writing is an integral part of the language arts program. Various content areas incorporate paragraphs, essays, and letters.
Mathematics continues to emphasize both problem solving and computational skills. Building on the fundamental algorithms, the children extend their study to include equation solutions and functions. The objective of the science program is to have the children gain a thorough understanding of the scientific method of investigation, culminating with a “science fair” project.
The social studies program focuses on historical people, places, and events that had a profound effect upon society, both American and the world. The study of geography strengthens knowledge of cultural awareness and regional diversity, culminating with the comprehensive, World Culture Day project. An end-of-year, three-day trip to places of historical interest pulls together the study of American history.
The 5th-grade class embraces creative and engaging ways of communication. Students participate in a Poetry Slam with their own written poems to practice public speaking. They also perform in the Holiday Show in December.
These initiatives encourage students to explore various forms of communication and presentation, enhancing their creativity, self-expression, and public speaking abilities.
The class offers exciting opportunities for leadership and real-world experience through internships. These opportunities provide hands-on learning, allowing students to apply their skills and knowledge in practical situations. Guest speakers help bring real-world insights into the classroom, inspiring and engaging students in a broader understanding of career paths and leadership roles.
In addition to the traditional subject areas, students participate in fine arts, physical education, foreign language, and technology classes. An emphasis on the fine arts has been a part of the school since its inception. Biweekly classes in art and music are highlights in the children’s experiences. In Deep Dive, students participate in lego robotics and even get to launch a weather balloon. Children learn to use both the library and the computer as valuable resources for information.
Character development instruction highlighting respect, responsibility, trustworthiness, fairness, caring, and citizenship complements the academic offerings. Each teacher weaves this special program into the class’s regular curriculum.
Fifth Grade Teachers & Staff
Katie Wallace
Fifth Grade
