Through an integrated curriculum, our fifth graders see that subjects are connected. Stories, poems, essays, skits, and diaries are written on various themes from our social studies subjects which cover the Vikings and the Age of Exploration through the Civil War. Historical novels complement these as well. Special math activities involve consumer skills such as checking accounts and shopping at our own fifth grade mall.

Favorite highlights of our year are our field trips to Valley Forge, Graeme Park, Historic Philadelphia, the Hagley Mills in Wilmington, and Gettysburg. Guest speakers bring to life our studies of the Vikings, colonial times, and the Civil War. Fifth graders especially enjoy Colonial Action Week in February. During this week, students turn into colonial kids and become immersed in colonial life. Activities include stenciling, tin punching, quilting, colonial games, and cooking. A special event is our colonial banquet where fifth graders dressed in colonial attire dine on authentic colonial dishes.

While our fifth graders' academic growth is extensive, they also grow in responsibility by their contributions both inside and outside of our school community. They are waiters everyday at lunch, they put up and take down the school's American Flag everyday, and they read to the kindergarten and first grade once a week. Additionally, they participate in several community service projects, and most are on the editorial board of the Literary Lantern, Meadowbrook's literary magazine.

Fifth grade at Meadowbrook School is a memorable year, rich in learning and fun as we nurture the academic, social, and emotional growth of our students.