About Our Classroom

CLASSROOM EXPECTATIONS

During the first week of school, our class collaborated to create a classroom contract, which includes a list of expectations that aligns with what our group feels is an effective classroom. Students signed the contract as a form of agreement. This way, we all feel connected to the expectations! Below is a photo of our agreed upon Classroom Treatment Agreement:

HOMEWORK

READING 

Students are expected to read a minimum of 20 minutes each night. This is so important, as it aids in fluency, comprehension, stamina, and vocabulary development. CLICK HERE to learn about the benefits of reading outside of school. Students may occasionally complete reading responses to go along with the books they read at home. 

SPELLING

We will have a spelling test every Friday. Please encourage your child to practice these words at home in order to prepare for each test. 

MATH

Your child will likely have some math problems to complete each night. We will work through many practice problems together in class to assist in understanding their homework problems. 

OTHER SUBJECTS

Students may occasionally have homework in other subjects, such as grammar, social studies, science, or writing. 

Fifth grade is a crucial year for developing a stronger sense of time management, as middle school is just around the corner. Students will likely have some class time to work on assignments. I may assign something that is not due for several days, so it is very important that students record each assignment's due date. This provides each child with an opportunity to make important decisions on planning the completion of their assignments and the management of their time, therefore developing these important life skills. Please check your child's assignment notebook to make sure they are completing their assignments each night.

MONDAY FOLDERS/MAIL

Every Monday, students will bring home their Monday Folders with graded papers and other important materials (such as order forms or permission slips). Please look over the folder's contents with your child, and sign and date the paper inside. Students should bring their Monday Folders back to school on Tuesday to be checked off. 

CLASSROOM ECONOMY

Our classroom utilizes a classroom economy in order to practice responsibility and understand the importance of budgeting and spending. Students will pay "rent" for their desks and will be given the opportunity to apply for and hold a classroom job, for which they will receive a weekly salary. Students may choose to spend their classroom currency at our bi-weekly store or end-of-semester class auction. To reinforce accountability, students may be charged a small fine in the case of a missing assignment or no-name paper, though they may also receive bonuses for things such as having an organized desk or book bin. 

WATER/SNACKS

Water Bottles:

Students are welcome to bring a water bottle to school, though it must have a lid and may only contain clear water. 

Daily Snacks:

We will have snack time, so students may bring a small snack to school if they wish. Please try to choose healthy snacks and avoid snacks that leave behind "dust," such as Takis, Cheetos, or Doritos. This helps keep our classroom materials clean so they last all year. :)

Birthday Treats: 

Students may choose to bring a treat to celebrate their birthday or half-birthday (if their birthday is over summer break)! These snacks must be pre-packaged (such as doughnuts, cupcakes, or cookies), and there should be enough for every student to have one so we can all celebrate together. Please avoid any treats with nuts.