Fifth grade is a fairly significant year. There is so much growth - emotionally, intellectually, and physically. Academically, there is an emphasis on both refining and adding to knowledge. Simply put, there's a lot going on.
As a fifth grade teacher, it has been a struggle to figure out how to "drive home" some of the more abstract skills of growing up. It frustrates me when a child technically earns an A, but it is clear there was little effort placed on anything other than getting the work done. My time on this planet continues to show me that doing things "right" is only a piece of the complicated puzzle that forms a successful life. So I consistently stress the importance of taking pride in what you do and how you present yourself. I share examples of pride-worthy work and actions, as well as the "why" behind it all. But, you know...people are people, and those newer to this planet don't have the gift of experience or perspective. Getting someone to do something "for their own good" isn't great motivation for a child. Enter "Pride-Worthy Work."
Any work that is done well, with obvious care and attention to detail, receives a small sticker. Students put that sticker in a designated spot on our door. The BLOCK with the most stickers at the end of each quarter, and the INDIVIDUAL in each block with the most stickers, will receive a special reward from me.Â
The message I want to get across is this: every little thing matters. Taking the extra second to write a little neater, to check your work after it's completed, to place your papers neatly in the correct location so you can find them easily and they don't get damaged...those are all subtle cues to your brain that this (assignment, project, whatever) is important. When you view something as important, you give it a little more care. When you care more, you perform better overall. It all matters. And hopefully, this message stays with them and prideful work becomes a habit.
And with the first quarter almost done..when I tell you these kids showed up, they showed up. I am pretty hard on them. No name, directions not followed, turned in late, crumpled or torn paper, careless mistakes, sloppy writing...if it wasn't "pride-worthy," they weren't earning one. As of today, students have turned in 621 pieces of prideful work this quarter. Not too shabby!
I'm so proud of your kids and the way they have tackled this first quarter of a challenging year full of change and growth. The best is yet to come!