In fifth grade, we teach Reading, English and Spelling. However, in fifth grade there is a change from a basal reading series to trade books. We also teach Science and the curriculum includes units on plants, space, energy and the ocean. The ocean unit is a favorite of the students because they create an ocean envrionment in their classroom. We also teach Math, and the students are actively involved in instruction and practice. A variety of math games and activities are used to reinforce skills. We teach Religion and Social Studies. In Social Studies, the students make French and Spanish explorers come alive in the classroom. During their study of Native Americans, they work in groups and write their own Indian myth and create a Kachina doll to go with it. They also study the stock market and each student gets to choose a stock and keep track of its activity on a spreadsheet. A highlight of the fifth grade year is the year-end overnight retreat at Camp Gray. This retreat focuses on the idea that God created our world and we must respect God's gift to us.