From the classroom to the garden, our fifth graders are growing in every way—academically, emotionally, and as members of a thriving community. Whether they’re crafting art with meaning, planting seeds of change, or imagining a better world through ancient texts, one thing is clear: it’s a great day to be in fifth grade at AJA.
Morning: From Egypt to Austin
The day begins with a deep dive into our Judaics studies, where Passover preparations are in full swing. This year, students aren’t just learning about the Haggadah—they’re making it personal. By creating their own Haggadah “companions,” students explored the Four Questions, Four Children, Ten Plagues, and more through the lens of their passions. Imagine the four children as soccer positions, or the ten plagues reimagined in anime style! These creative interpretations help students truly connect with the ancient story of liberation. Next up? A unit on Zionism, where students will explore their personal visions for the modern state of Israel.
Mid-Morning Movement: PE and Play
Next, it’s time to get moving! AJA fifth graders are gearing up for a fun and active spring season. From pool time to learning tennis skills and prepping for the track season, students are diving into fitness. Along the way, they’re learning about the benefits of physical activity, health-related fitness, and how our bodies respond to exercise. Whether it’s running laps or learning a new serve, the goal is the same: a strong body and a healthy heart.
Creative Blocks: Quilts and Conversations
Back in the classroom, creativity takes shape—literally! In art, students are crafting quilt squares inspired by Freedom Quilts from the Underground Railroad. Each square is a work of beauty and symbolism, representing modern-day issues and messages of hope, all through geometric design. Meanwhile, in Hebrew Language Arts, students are practicing daily routine vocabulary in conversations like “What time do I wake up?” and “What time does school start?”—perfectly relevant to a day in their own lives.
Literary Lunchtime: Seedfolks and Social Change
Reading time brings a moment of reflection and connection as students dive into Seedfolks by Paul Fleischman. This powerful novel mirrors their own garden work, telling the story of neighbors transforming a vacant lot into a community garden. As they read, students explore big themes like unity, perseverance, and challenging stereotypes—then channel those lessons into original poetry inspired by the characters.
Afternoon Adventures: Soil, Seeds, and Systems
The school day winds down in the garden, where the fifth graders are leading the charge. From teaching younger students how to plant, to tending an aquaponics system (hello, tilapia!), to building benches and compost piles—they’re hands-on and heart-in. Even after a hungry herd of deer set back their progress, the students didn’t give up. Instead, they’ve rallied, re-planted, and are more determined than ever. As one student put it, “We’re growing more than just plants—we’re growing stronger.”
Wrapping Up: Revolutionary Ideas
Before the final bell, fifth graders wrap up their Social Studies unit on the Declaration of Independence by writing creative declarations of their own—everything from independence from homework to taking breaks from YouTube. With a strong foundation laid, they’re now beginning to explore the U.S. Constitution and the big ideas that shaped our country’s government.
From the classroom to the garden, our fifth graders are growing in every way—academically, emotionally, and as members of a thriving community. Whether they’re crafting art with meaning, planting seeds of change, or imagining a better world through ancient texts, one thing is clear: it’s a great day to be in fifth grade at AJA.
