5th Grade

At the International School of Tokyo, we teach fifth graders a rich curriculum in both English and Japanese, preparing them for academic growth and global citizenship. Our subjects include:

1. English Language Arts

  • Reading novels, biographies, and informational texts to develop advanced comprehension skills.
  • Writing multi-paragraph essays, research papers, and creative stories with an emphasis on editing and revision.
  • Expanding vocabulary and mastering grammar concepts, including complex sentence structures.
  • Engaging in group discussions, debates, and oral presentations to refine communication skills.

2. Japanese Language Arts

  • Reading and analyzing more advanced Japanese texts, including historical and cultural materials.
  • Writing essays, book reports, and creative pieces with expanded kanji knowledge.
  • Enhancing conversational fluency with a focus on both formal and casual Japanese.
  • Deepening understanding of Japanese literature and traditions through thematic studies.

3. Mathematics

  • Mastering fractions, decimals, percentages, and their applications in real-life scenarios.
  • Exploring geometry concepts, including angles, area, and volume.
  • Introducing basic algebra and problem-solving strategies.
  • Encouraging bilingual mathematical reasoning to bridge English and Japanese terminology.

4. Science

  • Studying ecosystems, energy, and the interdependence of living organisms.
  • Exploring Earth science topics such as the water cycle, weather patterns, and renewable resources.
  • Introducing fundamental physics concepts like electricity and magnetism.
  • Conducting hands-on experiments and analyzing results in both languages.

5. Social Studies

  • Exploring Japanese history, including key events and cultural influences.
  • Studying world history and geography with a focus on global interconnections.
  • Learning about government systems, economics, and civic responsibilities.
  • Encouraging research and presentation skills through individual and group projects.

6. Art

  • Creating projects inspired by Japanese and global art styles, such as origami, painting, and sculpture.
  • Experimenting with new techniques and mixed media to foster creativity.
  • Learning about famous artists and the historical significance of their work.

7. Music

  • Practicing vocal and instrumental music, including Japanese and international pieces.
  • Studying advanced music theory, including notation, tempo, and harmony.
  • Participating in group ensembles and school-wide performances.

8. Physical Education

  • Building endurance, strength, and teamwork through sports and fitness activities.
  • Learning about health and wellness, including the importance of physical activity and nutrition.
  • Participating in traditional Japanese games and international sports.

9. Cultural Studies

  • Deepening knowledge of Japanese customs, festivals, and traditions.
  • Exploring global cultures through food, art, and language exchanges.
  • Encouraging cross-cultural respect and awareness through classroom activities and events.

10. Technology and Media

  • Developing skills in research, multimedia creation, and basic programming.
  • Learning to use technology responsibly and effectively for academic purposes.
  • Creating digital projects that integrate skills from other subjects.

11. Extracurricular Activities

  • Offering opportunities for personal growth through clubs like debate, robotics, and drama.
  • Encouraging leadership and teamwork through school events and competitions.

At the International School of Tokyo, our fifth-grade program is designed to foster intellectual curiosity, cultural appreciation, and bilingual fluency, preparing students for the challenges of middle school and beyond.