During the study of each unit, proper mathematics terminology is stressed. Since the students are grouped by ability, the standard group has the opportunity to master basic skills that may be weak, while the enriched group is extended laterally to further enrich the application and understanding of more complex mathematics concepts. Students in Fourth Grade are placed in a standard or enriched group based on ability. The possibility always exists for movement from one group to another in an effort to most effectively meet each student's needs. Basic concepts, exploration, and discovery involves extensive use of manipulatives.
Students then move from the concrete to more abstract mathematics applications.
Mathematics is taught 45 minutes daily using a combination of methods of instruction. New skills are taught using a variety of visual and manipulative materials. The students work in large and small groups on both oral and written activities. A textbook and workbooks are utilized for homework and practice activities. The Fifth Grade Mathematics curriculum approaches the learning of mathematics from an exploratory stance which involves cooperative as well as individual investigations and is rich in the use of manipulatives.