Dear Students,
You will start the year with a unit on United States Geography. You are encouraged to learn the different regions of the U. S. and challenged to learn the fifty state capital cities. You will compete in Geography Jeopardy Games with categories such as State Nicknames, State Flags, State Birds and Flowers, Historic Places and Amazing Facts.

The fifth grade P.L.U.S. students will focus on a Native American as another unit of study. You will read several books about Native Americans. Students will become familiar with Chief Jake Swamp and his book, Giving Thanks. Chief Swamp lives only an hour away on the Akwesasne Reservation.
Students will also become familiar with another Native American author from upstate New York who resides near Albany, Joseph Bruchac.
Bruchac’s books provide students with life as a Native American child.
Mrs. Dawn Merna, P.L.U.S. Parent Volunteer at Kennedy School, teaches the fifth grade P.L.U.S. students at how to make authentic dream catchers originating with the Ojibwa tribe after the students read the book The Dreamcatcher and study the legends that surround it.

Students will then study the artwork of Thomas Locker in his books which feature landscapes. Students will gain a sense of respect for the artist Thomas Locker as he paints from inspirations from nature.
The Fifth Grade P.L.U.S. students are asked to sketch favorite scenes from nature. Each one selects a favorite sketch to paint and the student ventures into the art of working with acrylic paints on canvas. When the fifth grade P.L.U.S. students complete their acrylic paintings, they are placed on display publicly for family and friends to enjoy.

Each spring the Fifth Grade P.L.U.S. groups compete in the National Thinking Cap Quiz Bowl.

Fifth Grade P.L.U.S. students sharpen their thinking skills by learning to solve analogies. Then you will create your own!