Level 3
​Level 3: Grades 5 and 6 "The Falcons"
Students in the upper elementary years are in a transitional phase of development. They are defining themselves as individuals and realizing the rewards and responsibilities of being members of a group. Their language abilities expand dramatically and their physical transition to adolescence begins. Our Level 3 program supports the healthy development of these students by providing active learning opportunities and creating inclusive classrooms.
Language Arts
Level 3 students have multiple opportunities throughout the day to read, and to practice and develop reading skills. The programs and techniques used include literature circles, independent reading, non-fiction reading and read-aloud.
In literature circles, students read fiction and non-fiction with a small group at similar reading levels. Students also regularly enage in independent reading. By giving students choice in reading materials, we give students an opportunity to foster their interest in reading while practicing reading skills. Reading non-fiction is also essential to our program because of our project-based approach to learning. Through independent or group project work, students develop expertise in an area of study and must read to acquire knowledge. In a previous year, for example, students studied geography and each student was responsible for learning about a specific country. To create their country presentations, students needed to use non-fiction text resources. Teachers help students understand these texts by teaching reading strategies.
Read aloud, or story time, is an interactive, whole-class endeavor using both fiction and non-fiction. Read aloud provides a shared experience with literature and an opportunity to teach students comprehension strategies in an engaging way.
Writing at Level 3 involves extensive practice with the writing process in both assigned writing and free writing. We focus on the six traits of writing: Ideas and content, organization, sentence fluency, conventions, word choice and voice. Writing skills are introducted in the form of a mini-lesson once or twice a week. Students are then given time to practice working on that skill. These lessons can be as simple as learning a song that teaches one of the traits or it could be performing 'surgery' on an essay - cutting it into pieces and then arranging the sentences in an order that makes the most sense and sounds the best. By giving students opportunities to write on topics of their choice throughout the week, we give students practice, help them develop their writing 'voice' and foster a love of and interest in writing. Students keep a personal writing journal for this type of writing.
Social Studies & Science
Science and social studies are integrated through class-wide projects; some science concepts are studied independently through experiments and other hands-on activities. Areas of study are drawn from state and national standards for social studies and science education including the study of heritage, culture, states of matter and others. Social studies and science units provide rich opportunities for Out & Abouts, including visits to such places as the Clean Water Services and Fernhill Wetlands.
Mathematics
Level 3 students have a one-hour math class every day in grade-level groups using the Eureka Math Squared program.
In 5th grade math, students build on the elementary foundations of addition, subtraction, multiplication and division to explore more complex topics such as decimal and fraction operations and multi-step problem solving. These skills are applied to real-world scenarios involving converting units of measure and working with data and graphs.
In 6th grade, the focus shifts from mastery of operations to developing abstract reasoning, algebraic thinking and proportional understanding. This transition lays the groundwork for more advanced middle school math, including pre-algebra and geometry.
Science
Physical Activity
We take a comprehensive view of physical activity (PA) at our school, planning our schedule and program with the goal of promoting the habits of regular physical activity in all students. Physical education classes, outdoor recess and Out & Abouts, which often include walking or activity, are all part of our physical activity program.
Students in Level 3 have PA class twice a week for 60 minutes. Students play both cooperative and competitive games designed to teach motor skills as well as promote teamwork and sportsmanship. Students often have a choice of activities during a single class (e.g., one group may be playing soccer while the other is playing kickball).
Art
Level 3 Art: Mastering the Craft
​Level 3 students dive deeper into the world of art, honing their technical skills and expanding their artistic repertoire. More emphasis is placed on finishing experiments. Students are encouraged to develop their critical thinking and more informed artistic choices, and to express themselves with originality.
Outdoor School
Level 3 students attend Outdoor School every other year at no cost to students, thanks to state funding. FGCS teachers participate in Outdoor School alongside their students, but activities are primarily led by Outdoor School staff and trained high school camp counselors. Students are housed in cabins with camp counselors serving as cabin supervisors. FGCS students usually attend Outdoor School at camps on the Oregon coast.
