Fifth Grade at St. Peter's
The Program
Fifth grade is a time for preparation for the transition into middle school. Throughout the year, there is an emphasis on personal responsibility for all school work and school behavior. In Religion, studying and living the Beatitudes provide guidelines on how students show respect for God, others, and themselves. Across all subject areas—Math, Language Arts, Science, History, and Religion—fifth graders learn to consider and share other perspectives, think critically about historical and current events, solve problems in multiple ways, and communicate their ideas clearly.
Teacher
MS. LeeAnn Crisman
LeeAnn Crisman is a 3rd generation native San Franciscan. She began her journey to becoming an educator in high school at Abraham Lincoln High School through their Teacher Academy. After finishing her degree in Child Development at San Francisco State University, she taught pre-kindergarten for several years. LeeAnn is a recent graduate of University of San Francisco Urban Education and Social Justice teaching program. Throughout her education there were so many experiences that led her to this moment as a teacher. When she is not in the classroom you can find her hiking with her dog Lucky, baking or reading a book (Harry Potter happens to be her favorite series!) with an iced coffee. LeeAnn hopes that each student that comes into her classroom is inspired. She often thinks of this quote by Robert Heinlein, " When one teaches, two learn." She truly believes that the students have taught her far more than she ever will teach them.
Activities and Field Trips
United States Government
Students examine the origins of the present system of US government and make connections between our history and the present day. Fifth graders learn how the three branches of government have a system of checks and balances and take part in a student Congress, where they simulate the process of passing a law. Students understand that they can take an active role in their community and their government.
literature circles
As part of the Language Arts curriculum, students participate in Literature Circles. They read novels, discuss what they've discovered and predicted, while building vocabulary, making text-to-life connections, and researching information to support a claim.
Science Explorations
Students actively investigate scientific principles through the use of FOSS Science. In one unit, students enjoy hands-on small group Investigations to explore properties of mixtures and solutions, while another unit challenges students to understand human body systems. In science, regular connections are made with math, history, and language arts. Fifth graders also take part in an annual field trip to the Academy of Sciences.
