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Fifth Grade

         The physiological changes that 10- and 11-year-olds typically undergo create many challenges. Not only are their bodies changing, but the way they view the world is also different. They may be more emotionally sensitive or feel awkward in response to the physical changes in their bodies. Children in fifth grade may also seem more self-absorbed, requiring more external structure than before. During this transition in your child's life, he or she may need more emotional and structural support to stay on track for academic success.

         The Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) has used national curriculum standards and what research tells us about child development to establish standards for children attending our schools. These standards include expectations for student learning in all content areas from mathematics to health to art. The purpose of this booklet is to provide you with an overview of the standards for fifth grade in the four major content areas: mathematics, English/ language arts, science, and social studies. Each academic area incorporates technology because we consider the use of technology to be a natural part of our school day.

         It is important that you, the parent(s), understand the standards that guide the education of your child. The standards are made real through student work that demonstrates your child's understanding and knowledge of the expectations. Please log on to the DoDEA website, www.dodea.edu, for the complete standards. If you have concerns about your child's academic progress, talk with the classroom teacher or school counselor. In partnering with you, DoDEA seeks to help every student succeed in academic content areas. Here are some suggestions on how to help your child meet the DoDEA standards:

Take Time
         Ten-year-olds love to share what they know and show examples of their work to others, while 11-year-olds may be more self-absorbed, moody, and sensitive. Ten-year-olds generally enjoy family and friends, but 11-year-olds may be oppositional, testing the limits at home and school. Because of the many physical and emotional changes your child is experiencing, it is very important that you take time to show support by being involved in his or her life. Set up a daily time when the two or three of you can talk. Focus on helping.

your child feel good about accomplishments. If he or she is involved in out-of-school or in-school activities, be interested and volunteer to help. Your child needs to be aware of your active support.

Review Schoolwork
         Ten-year-olds are generally highly productive and conscientious about school assignments and homework. Eleven-year-olds generally need help with time-management skills and fulfilling homework requirements. Your child should take the lead in seeing that homework is accomplished. Children who are responsible for completing homework assignments learn to be self-reliant and self-motivated.

         By this age your child should have a daily study routine established. As a parent, remind your child of his or her responsibilities and suggest ways that help is available. If your child continues to struggle after making a sincere effort, offer your assistance. You may wish to speak with the school counselor about a daily monitoring sheet if homework completion remains an issue. In addition, if your child regularly experiences difficulties with understanding homework, consult with the classroom teacher or school counselor.

Encourage Curiosity and Creativity Through Technology
         Is your child progressing educationally by memorizing facts, or is your child naturally curious, developing an internal interest in learning more about the world? Children are more interested in learning if they are actively involved in the process.

         Technology can help learners take a more active role in learning. With the use of technology, your child can explore the world and get instantaneous feedback about discoveries. Projects done on the computer challenge creativity and develop skills and problem-solving tactics. Guide your child to discover the advantages of using technology to develop a creative mind. Be sure to monitor computer activity, however, so that curiosity doesn't lead to accessing inappropriate Internet sites.

         In addition to technology, your child needs other ways to develop a creative mind. Hobbies and projects give children the opportunity to think abstractly and create new discoveries.

Motivate Your Child with Praise
         How do you feel when you do something you perceive as really good and no one recognizes your efforts? Your child, just like you, needs support and encouragement for his or her efforts. Regular praise will boost your child's self-confidence and provide motivation to do the best job possible.

         Notice specific accomplishments, no matter how small, and praise your child regularly both publicly and privately. You will soon see a big difference in your child's self-image.

Help Your Child Learn Good Study Habits
         First, help your child be prepared. Having the right materials available to work with is important. If your child seems overwhelmed with the amount of homework, show how the work can be broken down into smaller parts. At this age, your child may have more long-term projects or assignments. Help your child review the project and record due dates on a calendar to avoid procrastination. A homework log to keep track of daily assignments is a great organizational tool. If your child has difficulty with concentration, suggest short breaks every hour. Organizing work and preparing for future tests is also very important. You have a lot to offer your child without actually doing the work. Remember, the responsibility of completing the homework belongs to your child - not you.

Help Your Child Learn to Study for Tests
         Tests become harder and more detailed as students move up in grade levels. Helping your child learn the skills of how to study for a test will affect academic success at all grades. Guide your child in the use of the following study techniques which are correlated to academic success:

         Review textbook chapters by looking at headings and subheadings, pictures, graphs, tables, and the summary at the end of the chapter.

         Use index cards to note important information. Use these cards to study for tests.

         Review class notes and homework. Use a highlighter to underline important points.

         Review study questions if available. Study questions may be distributed by the classroom teacher or located at the end of a textbook chapter.

         Have your child make a list of sample questions to study. Ask your child these questions to determine comprehension and test readiness.

         Go over important notes several times for memory retention. If your child has difficulties retaining information, try to make the information more relevant.

Establish Long-Term Goals
         Your child needs to see the relationship between effort in school and future success. If your child would like to be an engineer, find a professional engineer who can talk with him or her about the necessary educational preparation. Discuss different job opportunities. Help your child establish long-term goals, such as having the appropriate grades and courses to enter a good college. As your child discovers the importance of educational goals, studying should become a higher priority.

Physical Activity, Nutrition, and Safety Tips
         As a parent, you have an important role in shaping your children's physical activity, nutrition, and safety attitudes and behaviors. Help keep them safe, healthy, and ready to learn. Here are some things you can do.

         Encourage your children to find fun activities to do with family members or on their own that simply involve more activity (walking, playing chase, dancing). It is recommended that children participate in at least 60 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity most days of the week.

         Plan your children's snack choices. Dress up fruits and vegetables for maximum appeal. Prepare celery with peanut butter or carrots with low-fat dip. Encourage your children to experiment with simple snack recipes.

         Create a safe home and community environment. Be sure your children wear the protective equipment made for the sport they are playing, such as shin pads, wrist guards, eye protection, and helmets.