What's Happening in November for Fifth Grade?

5th Grade – November Curriculum Overview

Theme: Gratitude, Heritage, Giving

November in 5th grade is all about exploring gratitude and heritage—at home, in our community, and in the wider world. Students will connect with family stories, practice kindness, and dive into geometry and astronomy through hands-on, creative projects.

Weekly Focus

• Week 14 (Nov 3–6): Family Stories
  • Language Arts: Write or retell a favorite family story. Start a gratitude journal.
  • Social Studies: Interview a relative or create a simple family tree.
  • Spelling: geometry, polygon, triangle, rectangle, square, pentagon, hexagon, octagon, angle, vertex
• Week 15 (Nov 10–13): Service & Kindness
  • Language Arts: Write thank-you letters to community helpers.
  • Math: Explore shapes in art and architecture.
  • Spelling: astronomy, planet, orbit, rotation, revolution, axis, equator, hemisphere, eclipse, constellation
• Week 16 (Nov 17–20): Local History
  • Social Studies: Research a local historical site or tradition.
  • Science: Observe the night sky; start a constellation sketchbook.
  • Spelling: telescope, observatory, satellite, meteor, asteroid, comet, galaxy, universe, nebula, gravity
• Week 17 (Nov 24–27): Giving Thanks
  • Language Arts: Write a poem or letter about gratitude.
  • Art: Create a gratitude tree or collage.
  • Spelling: Review and apply all November words in creative writing.

Fun Fridays

• Gratitude tree craft
• Visit a local historical site (virtual or in-person)
• Family games and light learning before Thanksgiving

Recommended Resources

• Khan Academy – Geometry
• Nat Geo Kids – Astronomy
• CommonLit – Reading Passages
• Ducksters – World History

Reflection

November is a time for 5th graders to discover their roots, give thanks, and celebrate the gifts of family and community. Through stories, science, and creative projects, students will deepen their sense of gratitude and heritage.

What's Happening in November for PreK?

PreK – November Curriculum Overview

Welcome to November in PreK! This month centers on heritage, giving thanks, and celebrating family traditions. Activities are hands-on, comforting, and designed to help children connect with their families and the world around them. Choose what fits your child and enjoy the warmth of the season together!

Weekly Subjects

• Language Arts (Mon–Thu)
  • Week 13: Listen to and retell “Bear Says Thanks” or another gratitude story. Act out the story with toys or puppets.
  • Week 14: Family Stories—Share a favorite family tradition or holiday memory; draw a picture of your family together.
  • Week 15: Letter Exploration—Trace and build the letters H, T, and N using playdough, nature objects, or craft sticks.
  • Week 16: Thankful Book—Make a simple “I am thankful for…” book with drawings or photos.
• Math (Mon–Thu)
  • Week 13: Counting—Count family members, place settings, or leaves collected on a walk.
  • Week 14: Sorting—Sort utensils, napkins, or food items by type or color while helping set the table.
  • Week 15: Patterns—Create patterns with fall foods (cranberries, corn, beans) or colored beads.
  • Week 16: Measuring—Help measure ingredients for a simple recipe or compare the sizes of fruits and vegetables.
• Science & Nature (Mon–Thu)
  • Week 13: Nature Thankfulness—Go on a gratitude walk and name things in nature you are thankful for.
  • Week 14: Animal Habits—Learn how animals get ready for winter; make a cozy nest or den for toy animals.
  • Week 15: Weather Watch—Talk about chilly mornings, frost, or rain; draw what you see from your window.
  • Week 16: Harvest Time—Explore fruits and vegetables; taste something new or visit a local market.
• Social-Emotional & Practical Life (Mon–Thu)
  • Week 13: Gratitude Practice—Say “thank you” to family members and friends; make thank-you cards.
  • Week 14: Family Helpers—Help with a household task like folding napkins, sweeping, or baking.
  • Week 15: Feelings—Talk about feeling cozy, loved, or excited for special days; use drawings or stories.
  • Week 16: Sharing—Practice sharing food or toys with others; talk about giving and kindness.
• Art & Music (Mon–Thu)
  • Week 13: Handprint turkeys or gratitude trees with painted leaves.
  • Week 14: Family collage—use photos or magazine cutouts to make a family tree or group portrait.
  • Week 15: Sing “Over the River and Through the Wood” and play with rhythm instruments.
  • Week 16: Cooking or pretend play kitchen—make a simple snack or play with food toys.
• Movement & Outdoor Play (Mon–Thu)
  • Each Week: Daily outdoor play, raking and jumping in leaves, animal walks (waddle like a turkey, scamper like a squirrel), and nature walks.

Recommended Free Resources

• Storyline Online – Free video read-alouds by actors.
• PBS Kids – Educational games, shows, and activities.
• Starfall – Free early literacy and math activities.
• Cosmic Kids Yoga – Yoga and mindfulness videos for young children.
• Nature Scavenger Hunt Printables

November is a time for gratitude, family, and honoring traditions. Choose the activities that fit your family, and celebrate each moment of togetherness!

October Hearth Circle: The Month of Transformation

🎃 OCTOBER 2025: THE MONTH OF TRANSFORMATION  🎃

💖 Monthly Mantra 💖  

(use to light candle/chalice)

With open hearts, we welcome change,  

Embracing the lessons each new season brings.  

We honor the cycles of letting go and becoming,  

Trusting that transformation is part of our journey.  

We celebrate our growth,  

Respect the wisdom found in endings and beginnings,  

And walk forward with courage and hope.

🕯️ Extinguishing the Chalice 🕯️

As we extinguish this chalice, we remember that transformation begins within.  

May we release what no longer serves us  

And step boldly into the changes that shape our lives.

🥳 Friday Fun Days 🥳

Oct 3: Leaf art or nature weaving—create something new from fallen leaves and natural materials 

Oct 10: Personal growth vision board—cut and collage images or words that show your hopes for change

Oct 17: Pumpkin exploration—cook, carve, or paint pumpkins; talk about cycles of growth and renewal  

Oct 24: Shadow stories—share family stories of change, transformation, or overcoming challenges  

Oct 31: Ancestor altar or remembrance craft—honor those who came before and the transformations they inspired