Subject Information
Reading/Language
Last year our district adopted Wit and Wisdom for grades 3-6. This program really teaches students higher level thinking skills. Students will read several novels and write for a variety of purposes. We will also learn about decoding words, morphemes or word parts, and focus on spelling patterns.
Math
Engage New York is a math series that helps students learn basic skills and put that knowledge into practice. It is extremely important that students have memorized their basic facts in addition/subtraction and multiplication/division. This will greatly improve their chance of success. Please remember that it is important to be exposed to a variety of ways to solve problems. You are always welcome to solve a problem in any way as long as you show your work.
Science
We are incorporating the Next Generation Science Standards this year. Our district will be using Inspire science to help students learn information covering various topics. Students will learn information on topics such as energy, Earth, and structures. I supplement with a program called Mystery Science, which is highly engaging for students. Students are encouraged to ask questions and formulate written responses as part of the process we follow.
Social Studies
Illinois has also adopted new standards for Social Studies. Our state is the main component that we will be learning about. We dive into the history, geography, and civics of Illinois. We also learn about economics and civics at the federal level.
IAR
We will be taking the IAR test, which supports the Illinois State Standards. This testing will take place in April and will be completed on the computer. You can find more information at www.isbe.com.
Homework
The main homework for this class consists of reading a book/article of choice for 20 minutes each night. Students will also need to study basic multiplication facts 1-10 each night for 10-15 minutes. A great way to reach that goal is to quiz your child in the car and/or download a free app on a phone or tablet. Memorization of the basic facts is crucial to your child's success. There will be very few worksheets sent home for homework. About once a week students will receive a short math worksheet to review things we have previously learned. Many students tend to think of this as having no homework, so please do encourage reading and fact memorization at home as much as possible.
Newsletter
A weekly newsletter will be updated on the main page of this website each week. I will send the link and other important info through Class Dojo.
Trimesters/Standards Based Reporting
Reports will be on Skyward 3 times a year since we follow a trimester schedule at the elementary level. Students will receive a grade of B (Beginning), M (Meets), or E (Exceeds) for various topics. This is an opportunity to know exactly which areas your child does well in and which areas in which they need more help. Please let me know if you have trouble understanding any of the information when it is sent home.
Thank you for taking the time to review this information! Please do not hesitate to contact me with any questions or concerns.
Sincerely,
Kristi Maloney
346-6265