Learning
Common Core Standards and State Testing
The subjects of Math, Reading, and Science will be state tested in the 5th grade. Exact dates as to when are to be determined. We will be teaching the common core standards in Math and Language Arts (reading/writing/grammar). The state test this spring will be the Smarter Balanced test. This will be given to test proficiency at the state level of these common core standards. Grading: Grades will be based on whether or not students are proficient at the standards taught across all subject areas: 4 ADVANCED: Work at this level exceeds the standard. 3 PROFICIENT: Work at this level meets the standard. 2 *DEVELOPING: Work at this level shows basic, but some mastery. 1 *BEGINNING: Work at this level needs considerable development before reflecting the proficient level of performance. *Any homework scored as a 2 or 1 can be corrected and returned for a change of score. HOMEWORK: Homework is to practice and/or apply the standards learned. If an assignment seems very challenging or is taking too much time, please let me know. I do not want homework to exceed an hour, which includes reading. Please contact me if you are having any specific homework concerns. Homework is turned in as students enter the classroom and unpack. It should be finished BEFORE ARRIVING. The morning time before announcements is for morning work, not for finishing homework. Students should turn in any missing work as soon as it is completed. Studying: Fifth grade is a great time to learn the skill of studying. Students will learn a variety of methods of studying that including kinesthetic, auditory, and visual techniques in order to take into consideration various learning styles. Students should study the weekly spelling words and reading vocabulary words. They are also encouraged to take their notebooks home to help with homework and studying for all subjects as needed. Technology: The fifth grade is excited to use iPads across the subject areas. We will be using them each day to enhance learning and to strengthen technology skills. *MORE INFORMATION WILL BE SENT HOME, INCLUDING THE TECHNOLOGY AGREEMENT. |
Curriculum
Reading: We have a great Reading/ Language Arts curriculum that will be the tool we will use to teach the Common Core Standards: Journeys!
Reading is a process, a skill, and a vital tool for learning. Children become better readers by reading. Developing thoughtful and independent readers who choose to read and enjoy reading is a goal for the year! The students will be in their Walk to Read classrooms where they read the weekly selection in the Journeys textbook. They will learn vocabulary words, reading skills, comprehension skills and grammar in this setting. During this Walk to Read time, students will also be receiving small group instruction at their appropriate level. Students will be further applying the skills learned. The students are placed in these flexible leveled groups, which means they may see a different fifth grade teacher during this time of day and they may not be at the same level all year. (We reevaluate student placement at the end of each quarter. ) Students need to schedule reading each night. Please know that there is not a required number of minutes. Students will just log what they read and the books they are reading. The love of reading is what is most important. Writing: We use a workshop approach to writing in which children will develop their skills through a variety of writing experiences. Students will develop their skills through a variety of experiences and will focus on informational, opinion, narratives, and research writings. Students will be using I-pads and keyboards to facilitate and enhance the writing process. Math: The Math common core standards will be taught throughout the year. Concepts will be taught through small group instruction, direct instruction, and problem solving with our Math Expressions curriculum and other supplemental curriculums. Social Studies: The emphasis of study for fifth grade is on the United States. The students will study geography, exploration, settlement, conflicts, and government of the United States. We will use a variety of curriculum materials. Students will have the opportunity to develop their researching skills and presentation skills. Science: Science is taught using a hands-on approach as well as a research approach using the new NGSS standards. 5th grade topics include Relationships of Earth's Systems, Matter, Water on Earth, Stars and the Sun, Gravity, Energy in Ecology, Engineering and Scientific Inquiry. We will be using our science program called Interactive Science (Pearson). |
Other Information
Communication – E-mail is often the easiest and most convenient way for me to communicate with you. You may also send me a private comment/message on my website’s homepage.
Behavior Expectations – Throughout the year we will spend a lot of time and effort learning, reviewing, and practicing how to follow Woodward’s three behavior expectations – BE SAFE, BE RESPECTFUL, BE RESPONSIBLE. Cell Phones – I recognize that a cell phone is often a necessary means of communication after school between parent and child. If a cell phone is brought to school it must remain turned off and within the student’s backpack until they have exited the building after school. All phone correspondence between students and parents during the school day must be made via the office or classroom phone. V.I.P. Student – Each student will have a week set aside to share about him/herself. They will receive a letter explaining this privilege the week before they are to be V.I.P. After School – Please make sure your child knows where to go after school. If your student will be taking different transportation home than usual, please send a note to me and to the office. Bus drivers will need a note if your child is planning on going on a different bus. WE ARE A NUT-FREE CLASSROOM Before school- If your child has eaten peanuts/nuts before coming to school, please be sure your child’s hands and face have been thoroughly washed before entering the school. Lunch- Nuts/nut products may be eaten at lunch in the cafeteria as nut free tables have been set up in the cafeteria. Again, all students will wipe their hands when they come back into the classroom from lunch. Birthdays – On your child’s birthday, or the closest school day to his/her birthday (or half birthday if in the summer), he/she will be celebrated in our classroom. However, We will not have birthday treats in our classroom. This keeps the sugar levels low and avoids all allergy/dietary restriction issues. Snack – In the morning, our class will have a brief snack time. I encourage the students to pack their own healthy and simple snack. Remember: No nuts of any kind are allowed in our classroom. Water Bottles – Students will be permitted to have a water bottle at their desk. Please remind your child to bring their water bottle home frequently to be washed. Please do not send any other types of drinks – water only. |