United States 5th Grade Curriculum - Arts/Crafts/Music

Music

Fifth grade music curriculum typically expands on the concepts learned in previous grades, focusing on more complex rhythms, melodies, harmonies, form, and expressive qualities. Students learn to convert Kodaly rhythm syllables to traditional counting and sing scales with solfege. They also develop their understanding of musical dynamics and incorporate them into performances. Some curriculums explore the history and cultural context of music, such as analyzing music inspired by the Civil Rights Era. Carnegie Hall's Music Educators Toolbox offers a variety of music lessons and activities for this grade level. There are also many music games suitable for 5th graders, such as "Bean Bag Toss" and variations of musical chairs. A comprehensive music curriculum for fifth grade can be found at My Music Journal.

Arts and Crafts

Fifth grade art education focuses on developing students' understanding and application of visual arts principles. Students learn to use perspective, apply color theory and design, understand additive and subtractive sculpture, and draw from observation. Lessons often incorporate various elements of art, such as form, line, shape, color, texture, and value. Many free online resources and lesson plans are available for elementary art education, including those from KinderArt, Arttango, and the National Gallery of Art. Some art curricula also incorporate art history and appreciation, allowing students to study famous artists and artistic movements.