Top Ten Things Your Child Should Learn by Fifth Grade

1. Manners and etiquette in the classroom is and absolute must. Push in your chair, don't talk when somene else is, personal space etc.

2. Number facts both for both division and multiplication. And I mean know them like the back of your hand, no counting on fingers. Nothing guarantees more success in middle school math then a solid basis in the number facts.

3. Spelling. I don't care if there is spell check, you will always find yourelf in a position where you must write the words yourself and not type them. Nothing looks sloppier and less intelligent that poor spelling.

4. How to use the Library. This is a skill-yes skill-that is invaluable to every successful student. I've worked in some elementary school libraries and it often falls upon the librarian to perform so many administrative tasks that he or she barely has the time to read to the students. Kids need to learn and understand the cataloguing system and how to use it. The key thing they need to learn here is how much information is out there and how to seek out that information in and efficient way.

5. Physical Education is important! Far too mny kids are overweight at this young age and in most cases it can be avoided. But instead of Dodge Ball or emphasis on team sports the gym classes should be running aerobics classes and things like kick boxing or tai bo. Basketball and Soccer should be there also as they involve a lot of physical activiy. The kids need to learn and enjoy moving in their bodies and the importance of staying fit. These days there are a great deal of afterschool sports teams they can play on and they should be encouraged as well both for the fitness and the social beneits.

6. Public Speaking. A huge difference I noticed from when I was in elementary school and now is the amount of presentations or public speaking the kids are required to do. I did very little of it and consequently had a great fear of it. In my kids schools(they each went to two different elmentary schools-both public) my kids started formal presentations as early as first grade. And not just once in a while, quite frequently! Let me tell you both my outgoing one and my shyer one have no problem getting up in front of the class and presenting a report, project or being in a play. Well done and right from the beginning!

7. Read, Read, Read! The reading requirements just keep getting tougher and moved up into the earlier grades. In addition middle school and high school classes assume a level of reading has been achieved when setting up the curriculum. If the skill is not there, the student will continue to struggle in many subjects. The only way to succeed here is to get them to love to read. If they are strugglng get them help right away. It won't clear up on its own. Read to them often and let them see you reading too. Practice sight recognition of key words using flash cards. The teachers will identify the age and level appropriate words for you to use.

8. Community Service. Through things like scouting programs and school activities emphasize the benefits for everyone of participating in community service. Help rebuild the playground, run a food drive, plant a memory garden at the school, whatever is needed. Kids shine in these situations and it will teach them to always contribute and give back and to be more appreciative of what they have.

9. Learn to appreciate Nature. Visit parks, beaches anything outside and appreciate what is natural to the area. As we get older time is not always there to "stop and smell the roses". If they learn about it now it is more likely they will explore it more later. I love a school with an outdoor classroom!

10. Ecology and the Environment. Kids need to be exposed early on to the concepts of balance in nature and the repercussions of an upset in the natural balance of their ecosystem. This will help them gain a sense of respect for the planet and an awareness of how we should care for it.



Obviously kids should and will learn a lot more than this, but I feel these ten points are really improtant to continues success in secondary schools and onward.