Fifth Grade Complete: Semester 2 - Additional Student Workbook

With a strong emphasis on applying subject concepts and skills in context, this complete, literature-based curriculum meets grade level standards in Language Arts, Math, Social Studies, Science, Physical Development and Fitness, Fine Arts, and Character Development/Bible. This curriculum also includes some additional instruction in areas such as keyboarding and sign language. See each semester’s description for an overview of individual subject’s skill goals.

Particularly in science, the information and skills introduced at this grade are impressive. For instance, children will learn body systems, cellular structure, scientific classifications, and more. Since children vary in abilities in math and language arts skills, allow yourself freedom to tailor material to your specific child’s needs. Suggesting a 4-day-per-week lesson plans with a fifth day for additional activities, this level transitions children toward more self-directed learning (and so is a little bit more “pick up and go”). Still, you’ll want to have some weekly prep time. Take special note of the materials used weekly (over 30). Then, there are over 130 additional items needed per semester. Most items are things found in a typical home, but some science items may prove particularly challenging, such as a beef liver, stethoscope, a drum, batting tee, a basic microscope, and a spirometer.

Math continues using manipulatives in individual activities, practical application, and practice with worksheets or individual activities. Math coverage is broad and may move more slowly in comparison with some programs. For example, in Semester 1, decimals are introduced in context with the subject of money. Semester 2 studies fractions in more depth, ending with an initial lesson on converting fractions to percentages. Yet, probability, statistics, graphs, and data interpretation skills are included. In language arts, students will complete short assignments, research, keep a journal to encourage expression, and more. Handwriting assignments use a traditional style (Uses a 2 for capital Q). Dictionary use and grammar diagramming begin in earnest. Science introduces the topics of life cycle stages, body systems, weather, invertebrates, and scientific classifications. Bible memory passages (using NIV, NLT, and NCV) range from individual verses to full chapters from the Old and New Testaments.

The full-year set provides flash cards, items for games, a palm-sized spiral journal, and daily work materials for one student. Appendixes content appears to repeat from previous levels. These include math fact practice pages, finger spelling, grading rubrics (for oral presentation, poetry recitation, and writing), recipes, songs, a U.S. and world map, and more. Personally, I find the semester 3” binders cumbersome and would immediately switch each unit to smaller binders.

Purchase the student refills for additional students. The consumable student pages use a text print size that appears smaller than the norm; the font reminds me of Comic Sans. Pages include writing space with ¼ inch writing lines, a potential issue for some students. As with the program’s other levels, you’ll need teacher prep time and should expect to be involved in the learning. Only pages with the panda symbol are reproducible for home school use only.

If you’re seeking a strongly interactive, engaging, literature-based curriculum that encourages thinking skills, this may be the curriculum for you. ~ Ruth

  All-inclusive. Biblical worldview. Literature-based. User-friendly. Homeschool-oriented. Unit Studies. This attractive, colorful, well-constructed, activity-based curriculum provides a 36-week school year: four lesson days and one open day weekly. Subjects include Language Arts, Mathematics, Social Studies, Science, Physical Development/Fitness, Fine Arts, and Character Development/Bible. Centered on literature selections, this program can utilize the library or purchased titles. Teacher Binders include a thematic overview, detailed lesson plans, literature suggestions (and discussion questions), subject-specific assignments, and a single copy of all student pages, 3-hole punched for easy removability. Additional student workbooks can be purchased either in a binder or as refill pages.

Each semester provides a checklist to rank your child as “developing,” “proficient,” or “advanced” in each skill. End-of-year Wrap Up units allow students to synthesize skills while enabling parents to evaluate growth. To gauge your student’s starting level in this program, check the skills listed on our sample PDF handouts.

When you first open the Teacher Binder, you’ll find themes/units and also a list of subjects covered and skills taught. Instructional notes for teachers/parents are straight-forward and practical and tend toward specific skills (handwriting guidelines, calendar time, etc.). Detailed lesson plans are provided with 3-15 lessons per unit (younger levels have more units with fewer lessons per unit). Lessons include a list of skills, materials needed, calendar activities; then, step-by-step direction for each subject covered that day. Most of the daily lesson time is spent on language arts and math, but Bible, social studies, science, physical education/fitness, music, and art are incorporated into those studies on a weekly basis. The plans use bullet points and are almost scripted, so it’s easy for anyone to just pick up and do once required materials have been gathered. The general feel of the lessons is Charlotte Mason and teacher-student interactive, but one or two worksheets (clean, attractive, and inviting) are part of every lesson. Math activities usually include a mix of hands-on activities along with a worksheet. In lower grades books are read aloud but as the child moves into chapter books, partial book assignments are given. The Teacher Manual includes questions for discussion based on the reading assignment. Each day includes other activities that utilize drawing, writing, arts & crafts, memorizing, physical fun, singing songs, nature walks and much more. In the back of each binder, you’ll find an appendix with resource material applicable to the grade level and needed for the lessons. These include rhymes/songs, game boards/pieces, templates, maps, memory verses, grading rubrics, recipes, a literature list, and much more.

Bundles include the Teacher Binder(s), a 12-month blank calendar, several sets of flashcards, games, and several other manipulative resources. You can purchase the Full Year Bundle which includes the teacher manuals for both semesters and the manipulative resources used for the year or purchase a Semester Bundle which includes one teacher manual and the manipulative resources that are used for that semester. Teacher Binders include all the plans and one set of student pages. Extra Student Pages are available in either a Binder (Additional Student Workbook) or as a loose leaf three-hole punched Refill.

All in all, this solid program is so user-friendly, covers a full range of academic concepts and skills, ensures lots of quality and fun school-time with your children, and introduces many engaging children’s books. ~ Megan/Janice