Grade 5

Investigating change, perspective, and interdependence—locally and globally.

Grade 5 is a year of expanded horizons. Students begin to see how ideas, environments, cultures, and systems influence one another across space and time. Through guided inquiry, reflection, and real-world exploration, learners build strong academic skills while developing the tools to think critically, communicate clearly, and act thoughtfully.

At Aldabra Academy, students follow interdisciplinary “Learning Adventures” that foster independence, engagement, and deep understanding. Lessons are rooted in the National Geographic Learning Framework, cultivating curiosity, empathy, and a sense of responsibility for the world—all within the flexible rhythm of a predominantly asynchronous model.

What to Expect:

• 🌿 Nature-Based Learning Prompts

Students engage with local and global ecosystems through observation, journaling, mapping, and data collection. They study landforms, water systems, weather, and natural resources—linking environmental patterns to human activity and stewardship.

• 🧠 Core Skill Development (Literacy, Numeracy, Social-Emotional)

Grade 5 students refine their ability to read for purpose and detail, compare texts, write persuasive and narrative pieces, and conduct short research projects. Grammar, paragraph organization, and editing skills are reinforced through meaningful practice.

In math, students tackle larger numbers, long multiplication and division, decimals, fractions, measurement, and geometry. Concepts are applied through real-world problems, nature-based challenges, and visual tools that support abstract thinking.

• 🎒 Mini Learning Adventures

Each unit centers around a guiding question and leads to student-created products that demonstrate learning across subjects. Sample adventures include:

• “How does water shape the land—and our lives?”

• “What does responsible citizenship look like across cultures?”

• “How do people and ecosystems adapt to change?”

Students create maps, reports, infographics, visual journals, interviews, and digital presentations to showcase learning.

• 💬 Storytelling and Sharing

Learners are encouraged to present their ideas through writing, voice, images, or mixed media. Whether explaining a process, sharing a personal insight, or presenting research findings, students develop authentic communication skills that grow with each project.

• ❤️ A Flexible Pace with Meaningful Accountability

Grade 5 learners take on more planning responsibility and begin managing larger, multi-step assignments. Weekly checklists, pacing tools, and self-reflection activities help build executive functioning while maintaining flexibility for individual needs and family schedules.

• ✨ Parent Support Every Step of the Way & Live Weekly Support Sessions

Families receive easy-to-follow weekly guides, printable activity pages, curated video lessons, and optional enrichment ideas. To foster connection and support, students can attend optional weekly “drop-in” sessions—relaxed, small-group gatherings where they can ask questions, receive help, or share their work. Parents play an essential role in supporting learning routines, tracking progress, and celebrating effort.