Fifth Grade

BUILDING A FOUNDATION IN FIFTH GRADE

With 40 years of teaching experience and a seat at the table when All Saints first opened its doors, Ms. Sherri Criscuolo brings a wealth of wisdom and a "glass half full" philosophy to Grade Five. To Ms. Criscuolo, education is about more than just subjects—it is about building a foundation that allows students to make good choices and solve problems throughout their lives.

Purposeful Routines for Success

Fifth grade is a "turnaround spot" where students begin to prepare for the responsibilities of middle school and adulthood. Ms. Criscuolo fosters this growth through a highly structured environment:

• The Power of the Planner: Every student keeps a laminated schedule and a planner. Ms. Criscuolo teaches them that planners aren't just for homework—they are tools for managing life, from soccer practice to family events, reducing stress through preparation.

• Monday Morning Meetings: The week begins with a look at the school agenda and classroom goals, ensuring students always know what to expect.

• No "Busy Work": Every assignment in Grade Five has a purpose. Ms. Criscuolo believes that if a student can teach a concept to someone else, the knowledge is truly solidified.

Mastering the Shift from "Learning to Read" to "Understanding"

In Fifth Grade, the focus shifts from oral reading to deep comprehension.

• Literature & Storytelling: Ms. Criscuolo is famous for her read-alouds, using different voices to bring books to life. Her goal is for students to not just read the words, but to be able to retell the story in their own words.

• Bilingual Support: For students who speak Spanish at home, Ms. Criscuolo uses tools like iPads for translation and provides bilingual worksheets. She works closely with the school's ESL specialist to ensure language is a bridge, not a barrier, to learning.

• Fluid Math Groups: Math is centered on multi-step problem solving. Students are grouped by level, but these groups are fluid—students move between them as they master different concepts, ensuring they are always being challenged at the right pace.

Creative Learning & "Multiple Intelligences"

Ms. Criscuolo believes in reaching every child through their specific strengths, whether that is through music, art, or technology.

• Classroom Traditions: Students love "hands-on history," such as making colonial-era pomanders (orange and clove air fresheners) or creating "Lenten Newspapers" to report on the life of Jesus.

• Educational Melodies: From multiplication properties to grammar rules, Ms. Criscuolo uses catchy songs and videos (including favorites like Schoolhouse Rock) to help concepts stick for years to come.

• Intentional Technology: While she uses tools like IXL and Generation Genius, Ms. Criscuolo views technology as a tool for creation. Students build Google Slides for vocabulary and electronic flashcards that pair words with images to deepen their connection to the English language.

Faith as a Connection

At the center of the classroom is the school’s mission of prayer and service. Whether it is collecting items for the Ronald McDonald House or connecting literature characters to the question "What would Jesus do?", faith is treated as a living, breathing part of the day.

"If they know they can trust you with their ups and downs, then you’ve got them in the palm of your hand. If you don't get to know your kids, you won't find success with them." — Ms. Criscuolo