📘 Dougherty Academy – Fifth Grade Syllabus
Core Academics
- Reading & Writing:
Advanced novel studies, essay structure, persuasive writing, research projects, grammar refinement, and vocabulary expansion. - Math:
Fractions, decimals, percentages, pre-algebra concepts, geometry, measurement, and critical problem-solving. - Science:
Human body systems, ecosystems, energy and matter, and hands-on STEM labs. - Social Studies:
U.S. history from exploration to early America, geography, and civics foundations.
Language & Character Development
- Spanish:
Conversational fluency, sentence writing, grammar practice, and cultural traditions. - ASL (American Sign Language):
Fluent communication through storytelling, expressive signing, and group presentations. - Religion:
Scripture study, Christian virtues, prayer, and reflection on moral lessons. - Character Education:
Integrity, leadership, empathy, service, and decision-making.
Arts & Music
- Art:
Realism, design, perspective, color theory, and personal art portfolios. - Music:
Sight reading, ensemble singing, rhythm, and music appreciation. - Ballet:
Choreography, performance preparation, and posture mastery. - Music Theory:
Scales, chords, composition basics, and rhythm analysis. - Piano / Violin / Viola:
Ensemble practice, performance pieces, and intermediate-level musicianship.
Physical & Practical Life Skills
- Physical Education:
Fitness development, teamwork, sports, and endurance training. - Golf:
Swing improvement, precision, and etiquette. - Gardening / Homesteading:
Environmental stewardship, sustainability, and food growth cycles. - Cooking:
Nutritional awareness, food safety, and meal creation. - Technology:
Word processing, research, coding, and multimedia presentations.
Free printable below
🗓 Dougherty Academy – Fifth Grade 36-Week School Plan
Quarter 1 (Weeks 1–9): Review & Readiness
- Reading & Writing: Review grammar, paragraph structure, and begin novel studies with discussion comprehension.
- Math: Review multiplication/division, introduce fractions and decimals, and problem-solving strategies.
- Science: Introduction to the scientific method, ecosystems, and energy transfer.
- Social Studies: U.S. geography, explorers, and early American settlements.
- Art: Color blending, perspective basics, and sketch journaling.
- Music & Ballet: Coordination, rhythm, and performance preparation.
- Music Theory / Piano / Violin / Viola: Scales, rhythm drills, and ensemble pieces.
- Spanish & ASL: Greetings, basic conversations, numbers, and daily phrases.
- Religion & Character Ed: Gratitude, humility, and building classroom community.
- P.E. & Golf: Warm-ups, teamwork, and form improvement.
- Gardening / Homesteading: Composting, seed planting, and sustainability basics.
- Cooking: Kitchen tools, nutrition, and simple recipes.
- Technology: Typing, research safety, and presentation tools.
Quarter 2 (Weeks 10–18): Building Depth
- Reading & Writing: Essay writing, descriptive language, and poetry.
- Math: Fractions, decimals, percentages, and graphing.
- Science: Human body systems and physical science projects.
- Social Studies: Colonial America, government beginnings, and civic values.
- Art: Mixed-media and design techniques.
- Music & Ballet: Harmony, choreography, and stage presence.
- Music Theory: Scales, notation, and chord progressions.
- Spanish & ASL: Vocabulary expansion and conversational activities.
- Religion: Virtues, moral choices, and faith through service.
- Character Ed: Perseverance and responsibility.
- P.E. & Golf: Strength, agility, and sportsmanship.
- Gardening / Homesteading: Soil care and seasonal crops.
- Cooking: Baking and cultural foods.
- Technology: Coding foundations and multimedia projects.
Quarter 3 (Weeks 19–27): Application & Creativity
- Reading & Writing: Research projects, persuasive essays, and public speaking.
- Math: Geometry, measurement, and multi-step problems.
- Science: Energy, matter, and STEM design projects.
- Social Studies: Revolutionary War and U.S. Constitution.
- Art: Abstract art and visual storytelling.
- Music & Ballet: Rhythm mastery and performance coordination.
- Music Theory / Piano / Violin / Viola: Duets, performance rehearsals, and composition practice.
- Spanish & ASL: Expressive storytelling and sentence fluency.
- Religion & Character Ed: Service projects and leadership reflection.
- P.E. & Golf: Endurance and coordination challenges.
- Gardening / Homesteading: Composting, harvesting, and plant journaling.
- Cooking: Ingredient measurement and meal planning.
- Technology: Digital creativity and research presentations.
Quarter 4 (Weeks 28–36): Mastery & Leadership
- Reading & Writing: Novel analysis, speeches, and reflective essays.
- Math: Algebra readiness, review of concepts, and applied problem-solving.
- Science: Space systems, STEM challenges, and year-end experiments.
- Social Studies: Expansion, democracy, and U.S. growth.
- Art & Music: Final portfolio, recital, and performance showcase.
- Ballet & Music Theory: Final choreography and note-reading review.
- Piano / Violin / Viola: Final recital preparation.
- Spanish & ASL: Conversational fluency and performance skits.
- Religion & Character Ed: Leadership, gratitude, and personal reflection.
- P.E. & Golf: Mini tournament and teamwork celebration.
- Gardening / Homesteading: Sustainability and farm-to-table cooking.
- Cooking: End-of-year celebration meal.
- Technology: Final digital portfolio presentation.
End-of-Year Reflection
By Week 36, students have matured as thinkers, creators, and leaders. They’ve learned to balance independence with collaboration, applying academic knowledge to real-world experiences. The Fifth Grade year marks the bridge between foundational learning and confident middle school readiness — a year of purpose, perseverance, and pride at Dougherty Academy.
Printable below
🗂️ Dougherty Academy Fifth Grade Portfolio
Celebrating Mastery, Maturity, and Purpose
By fifth grade, Dougherty Academy students are stepping into leadership. They’ve built confidence in academics, independence in learning, and maturity in character. The Fifth Grade Portfolio captures this transformation — a record of growth, creativity, and preparation for middle school success.
📚 Academic Mastery
Students demonstrate comprehension, organization, and critical thinking across all subjects. Include:
- Reading & Writing: Novel studies, persuasive essays, research reports, and creative writing samples.
- Math: Fraction, decimal, and pre-algebra worksheets, geometry projects, and problem-solving activities.
- Science: STEM lab notes, experiments, and reports on the human body, space, or ecosystems.
- Social Studies: U.S. history projects, state reports, maps, and timelines.
🎨 The Arts & Performance
Art and music showcase imagination and discipline. Include:
- Art: Realistic drawings, color theory work, and portfolio reflections.
- Music Theory: Worksheets, rhythm studies, and early composition projects.
- Piano / Violin / Viola: Practice charts, recital programs, or certificates.
- Ballet: Photos or written reflections from choreography and performances.
🌿 Practical & Life Skills
Students connect academic learning to real-world responsibility. Add:
- Gardening / Homesteading: Growth journals, sustainability notes, or harvest photos.
- Cooking: Recipes, nutrition reflections, or meal planning sheets.
- Technology: Research reports, coding projects, or multimedia slideshows.
- Religion & Character Education: Faith reflections, service logs, and gratitude journals.
💬 Languages & Communication
Encouraging cultural awareness and expression:
- Spanish: Conversational worksheets, cultural research, or mini projects.
- ASL: Phrases, dialogues, or performance signing photos.
🏅 Physical & Character Growth
- P.E. & Golf: Skill evaluations, sports reflections, and photos from practice.
- Character Education: Leadership journals, teamwork reflections, and service examples.
💖 End-of-Year Reflection
Include:
- “My Greatest Accomplishment in Fifth Grade”
- “What I Learned About Leadership”
- Awards, certificates, and personal photos.
🌟 A Year of Leadership and Legacy
The Fifth Grade Portfolio is a proud summary of achievement — academically, creatively, and spiritually. It highlights each student’s strengths, dedication, and readiness to take on middle school with faith and confidence.
Below find printable for 5th grade
Dougherty Academy 