READING
Expanded comprehension, parts of speech and conventions of print, expanded study of literary elements, sustained silent reading for 30 to 45 minutes a day, critical analysis of a book, continued and expanded exploration of different genres, familiarity with resources, indices, dictionary skills, thesaurus, spellers, responding to literature verbally and in writing

WRITING

Content. Exposure to writing humor, plays, research and book reports, biography, autobiography, use of synthesis, planning, composing and revision, increased depth of understanding and use of literary elements, record-keeping, bibliographies, editing

Spelling. Increase list of conventionally spelled words, expand understanding of word patterns, temporary spelling mostly for longer, more difficult words

Handwriting. Neat, legible print and cursive

Publishing. Magic Pencil, Pencil Press, class books, individual pieces, school newsletter, professional publications

Measurement: standard linear, area, perimeter, introduction to volume and capacity. Numbers: place value to millions, 2 or more digit whole number operations (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division), prime numbers, fractions, decimals, percent, mastery of basic facts, estimation. Graphing: line, bar, circle, averaging, rounding. Geometry: easily able to focus on properties and characteristics, probability and statistics, patterns and functions, logic

U.S. study: settling of America, revolutionary and civil wars, community service, mediation, cooperative group skills, current events, map skills, land forms

Environmental science: conservation, recycling, composting. Life science: the human body, anatomy, sex education, snails. Earth science: weather, earth movements, water cycle. Physical science: mixtures and solutions, levers and pulleys, powders and crystals, science fair projects. Scientific process: hypothesis, observation, experimentation, data collection, comparing, analyzing, synthesizing, scientific research

Increased development of basic skills: drawing (pencil, charcoal, pastels, etc.), painting (watercolor, tempera, acrylics), sculpting (clay, play dough, sculpey), textured art (sewing, weaving, embroidery, applique), design, composition & technique, space, light, still life, landscapes, portraiture, introduction to basic art history, study of artists and styles, dramatic production, scripting, staging, set design, costuming, oral presentation, improvisation

Nationalities and geographic locations, culture and history, time, special occasions and holidays, favorite sports, seasons of the year, professions, sentence structure: verbs, prepositions, adjectives, introduction to written and oral language skills, legends, fables, traditions introduced, songs, poems and verse, games and drama activities

Songs with wider range, in major and minor keys, the concept of form in music, beginning with rondo form, written notation: absolute note names in treble clef, longer rhythmic dictation, instrument improvisation and an introduction to pieces arranged for them, work with 3/4 meter