This page provides a little more information on how our classroom runs and the way we do things. The students will learn more about and become more familiar with these things when we meet in person!
Reading - Students will participate in daily silent reading and reading lessons. These will allow them to read books of their choice at their reading level. In the reading lessons, they will often move in small groups working on practicing different skills focusing on different texts as well as small group instruction lead by myself. Also, expect different book clubs to start where students get to read a book together. Together we will work through literature learning new vocabulary words and focusing on comprehension!
Writing - This year the students will be digging deeper to make their writing come alive to their readers. We will be focusing on the proper way to write different genres and go through the entire writing process from brain storming to publishing. We will do some '"free write times" to allow students to work on their creativity as writers as well as mini lessons focusing on specific skills. I run a tight ship when it comes to short response questions, so we will cover the 4 THINGS YOU MUST ALWAYS HAVE IN A SHORT RESPONSE ANSWER. - This will become second nature.
Math - During our math block, the students will learn and review math skills that will be needed in their daily lives. This block of time may include whole group, small group, and individual work. We will utilize a math workbook and notebook to keep track of new math vocabulary and provide examples of how to work out problems. Students will have daily math problems for homework.
Social Studies - Students will be on an online book through Savvas. This will be their workbook and textbook combined. During the day, we will be reading and discussing each lesson. During our reading centers, students will have the opportunity to complete different activities through this online textbook. These are lessons and activities that are directly related to what they learned in class. If a student falls behind, they will have access to these from home.
Science - In 5th grade we will, hopefully, be doing a lot of hands on science projects and integration technology. We will be working with some general science standards as well as engineering standards. Science notebooks will help keep track of observations, ideas, and results.
As a teacher, I believe in and strive to implement positive and
negative reinforcement for behaviors in my class. If there is a
behavior that a student is struggling with, we will work
together to find solutions and grow from it.
MY GOAL IS TO MAKE SURE THAT WITH EVERY
CONSEQUENCE GIVEN, LEARNING HAPPENS.
All behavior is a form of communication, so with most problem behavior a social or emotional skill is missing and it would be a disservice for me not to help your student learn the skills needed to be successful.
Depending on the individual student and their skills we will have
one of the following types of consequences:
- Problem Solving - Where we work together to learn what a
solution would be.
- Natural - Where students feel the natural consequences of
their negative choices.
-Imposed - Where students are given consequences from a
regulated adult.
I believe in these strategies because they allow us to get to the function of the behavior and appropriately address the issues so they do not continue.
You will always receive communication from me about what is happening with your student in class - POSITIVE AND NEGATIVE.
We are a team, so we will also work together to come up with plans that best help your student.
We will be having a classroom economy this year where students can earn money based off of different jobs. They will learn the process of paying bills and keeping a budget. We will even go through the process of paying for insurances. This is something that we do to help teach the students about some basic economic principles and it is a big tool with classroom management. It tends to be a lot of fun as well!
These will be key to our success in fifth grade! We will fill them out every day before we leave school to help us stay organized and remind us of our homework. This also lets you know at home, what should be coming home. PLEASE, CHECK THEM.
Homework - 5TH GRADE IS A BIG STEP UP. Homework is given to allow students to develop newly learned skills, keep progressing in their current skills and help them prepare for their future. Math and reading will be the main nightly homework, but there will be some nights that they will have assignments in other subject areas. Some days will have less homework than others. On average, students will spend 60 minutes of homework a night (30 minutes of reading included).
Please encourage your child to complete homework as it is assigned on their own. If a child needs support, please provide appropriate support. If you would like resources on how to do this more effectively, I would love for you to contact me! This will help them better prepare for quizzes and tests and help them create better study habits. Staying organized is key in homework!
Homework should be turned in the morning that it is due upon arrival (when there is homework to be turned in, it will be posted on our morning board).
Grades are made up of homework, quizzes and tests.
Grading scale:
90-100% = A
80-89% = B
70-79% = C
60-69% = D
59% and below = F
Grading Criteria:
Completion of work on a daily basis
Effort
Accuracy in completion of work
Follow both oral and written directions
Demonstrates good study skills
Proper use of time
Responsibility and self-discipline toward academic tasks and property
Respect for both adults and peers in both work and play
Projects:
Projects will have their own individual rubrics that students will have access to before the project begins and this will be used to grade them.
Snacks - We will have a snack time around 11:00 each day. Students may bring a store-bought, individually packaged snack to eat. Try to make them healthy! If you or your child has any questions about what is allowed, please do not hesitate to ask questions!
Water - Students may bring refillable water bottles to keep at their desks. These should include a straw and leak-proof lid. Please, only send water in these bottles. These must go home every night to be washed. If the student does not have one, I have some extras I can supply.