Ready for Middle School and Beyond

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Ready for Middle School and Beyond

Welcome to 5th grade at Downers Grove Christian School! In this exciting and transitional year, students are guided toward greater independence in learning and personal responsibility, setting them up for success in middle school and beyond. Under the caring guidance of our dedicated 5th-grade teacher students strengthen both academic and spiritual foundations in a nurturing, faith-centered classroom.

As fifth graders stretch their academic muscles, they also learn about being independent in their classroom and in their personal choices. We aim to provide a loving and structured environment in which students can practice their independent learning skills with a focus on making wise choices academically, personally, and spiritually. Together, we emphasize teamwork and the importance of treating one another with gentleness, kindness, and empathy, building a respectful classroom culture where students feel supported and valued.

Academic Exploration and Project-Based Learning

In 5th grade, students dive deeper into subjects like Math, Language Arts, Science, and History through engaging projects and experiential learning. They develop research and critical thinking skills through initiatives such as the Reading Fair, Science Labs, Writing Workshops, and the Tower of Books Challenge. Highlights include:

Spiritual Heroes Project – Exploring the lives of inspiring Christian leaders.

5-Paragraph Research Project – Developing skills in structured research and essay writing.

Speeches and Presentations – Gaining confidence in public speaking and articulation.

Enriching Activities and Skill Building

Fifth graders also enjoy enriching classes in Computer Science, Spanish, Physical Education, Art, and Music, including an introduction to Beginning Band. These subjects allow students to explore their creative sides, stay active, and develop new skills while preparing them for the broader learning experiences in middle school.

In all activities, students practice both independent work and collaborative teamwork, learning to support and encourage one another as they grow in character and faith.

CLASS VERSE: SO THAT YOU MAY BECOME BLAMELESS AND PURE, CHILDREN OF GOD WITHOUT FAULT IN A WARPED AND CROOKED GENERATION. THEN YOU WILL SHINE AMONG THEM LIKE STARS IN THE SKY. PHILIPPIANS 2:15