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
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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
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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
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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
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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.