Daycroft’s Elementary Grades 5-6 Curriculum

Language Arts

Writing is a major focus in all areas of the Daycroft curriculum in grades 5-6. There is also an increased focus on research and technology. Your child uses a variety of tools to complete individual and group projects. In addition, he or she develops the ability to plan and execute short-term and long-term assignments, both in class and independently. At this level, your child has a laptop computer for use across the curriculum in grades 5-6. He or she practices keyboarding, developing presentations, and writing and editing assignments on the computer.

Mathematics

Daycroft continues with the Macmillan/McGraw-Hill math series in grades 5-6. Our focus at this level is to move your child from concrete to abstract learning. Teachers tailor the math program and units according to the needs of students. Algebra and geometry are increasingly emphasized through additional strands. Each grade has a layered program for additional skills based on ability. Your child moves from weekly to nightly homework in preparation for middle school.

Science and Cultural Studies

Your child participates in hands-on investigation and hypothesis-based learning, along with research and writing, in grades 5-6. Cultural studies rotate on a two-year cycle. One year focuses on explorers, Canada, ancient civilizations of South America and Asia, mapping skills, alternative energy research, rocks, and micro worlds. The second year emphasizes colonization, the Revolutionary War, government, motion, sound, light, electricity, magnetism, and the history of NASA and space exploration. Every third year, students participate in a science fair. Programs such as Feeder Watch, Journey North, and JASON (Wetlands Study) are introduced. The iEarn program connects Daycroft students with children around the world through common projects.

“Daycroft is fun and friendly. It’s also an environmentally friendly school. My class is working to make Daycroft a green school.”

—Peter, Grade 5

Social Development and Leadership

In grades 5-6, Daycroft strongly emphasizes the Montessori philosophy as it relates to mentoring and leadership. At this level, your child may serve on the school’s Student Council, working to achieve both small group goals and a large yearly goal. Students in grades 5-6 also run the school’s Safety Patrol program for morning and afternoon pick-up. In addition, our school’s Kindergarten Buddy program allows 5th and 6th graders to serve as mentors to Daycroft’s younger children.

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