Fifth Grade Curriculum
Reading
We will continue to use a curriculum map based on Common Core. Every unit will focus on several reading skills, such as making inferences, identifying the different parts of the plot, and recognizing the main idea of a passage. In addition, students will be expected to draw conclusions by reading and analyzing several different texts.
Students will also be expected to read either non-fiction books or novels during SSR (silent sustained reading) for 30 minutes a day during school hours. Students will meet with me to confer about their reading during this time.
Writing
In writing this year, the students will be practicing a variety of skills through Writer’s Workshop. As a class, we will analyze different texts to understand the different components of good writing. Then students will practice these components in their notebook.
Math
Our Math program will continue to be Everyday Math. This program is based on a spiraling curriculum that will focus on computation, problem-solving skills, and reasoning skills. In addition to Everyday Math, the class will be using the Math Fact Fixer program as a way to gain fluency with both basic multiplication and division facts.
We will continue to use a curriculum map based on Common Core. Every unit will focus on several reading skills, such as making inferences, identifying the different parts of the plot, and recognizing the main idea of a passage. In addition, students will be expected to draw conclusions by reading and analyzing several different texts.
Students will also be expected to read either non-fiction books or novels during SSR (silent sustained reading) for 30 minutes a day during school hours. Students will meet with me to confer about their reading during this time.
Writing
In writing this year, the students will be practicing a variety of skills through Writer’s Workshop. As a class, we will analyze different texts to understand the different components of good writing. Then students will practice these components in their notebook.
Math
Our Math program will continue to be Everyday Math. This program is based on a spiraling curriculum that will focus on computation, problem-solving skills, and reasoning skills. In addition to Everyday Math, the class will be using the Math Fact Fixer program as a way to gain fluency with both basic multiplication and division facts.
Classroom policies
Morning Work:
To help students organize themselves and become more independent, every student follows a morning routine. We take attendance, lunch count, collect notes and lunch money, complete morning work, and prepare for our math class all before 8:00 am. Therefore students benefit greatly from being on time. Students are let in the classroom at 7:45, but should be in the classroom by 7:55 at the absolute latest.
Homework:
In order to reinforce and apply concepts and skills learned at school, please expect homework every night. Homework should be about 50 minutes every night including reading for 25 minutes. Research has shown that homework has to be purposeful, completed independently and appropriate for their grade level to be effective. Please see the following websites for more information:
Weekly Sheets and Graded Work:
Every Friday, your child will receive a weekly sheet. The weekly sheet will give you an update on your child, including any missing homework for that week. A parent and/or guardian should look over the weekly sheet and sign it every week. In addition, your child will bring home any graded work on Fridays. Only graded papers with a grade lower than a B should be signed, but all graded work should be sent back on Monday for a portfolio project.
Fun Fridays:
If your child completes his or her homework for the week, then he or she is able to enjoy Fun Fridays. On Fun Fridays, they have the opportunity to have an extra recess for 15 minutes. Students will be told in advance if they cannot participate in Fun Friday.
Birthdays:
On your child’s birthday you can send pencils and/or stickers, but your child cannot bring in any food for the class or distribute birthday invitations. This is a district policy. Thanks for your cooperation.
Healthy Snack:
Students are encouraged to bring a healthy snack to eat during the morning. In addition, they are strongly encouraged to bring a bottle of water that has a lid. After P.E. and recess, many students will be very hot and a bottle of water prevents long water fountain lines.
Outside Activities:
Please note that if your child is in an activity, such as band, which takes away from classroom time, he or she is responsible for making up the work. Your child may want to contact a friend from class, see the assignment board, or talk to me at the end of the day.
Absences:
If your child is absent whether due to illness or planned outings, please call the main Hoffman line and let the office know. If your child is sick with a short term illness, please do not worry about homework and let your child rest. If your child is ill for a significant length of time and you would like homework, please send me an email before 11 am. It is very difficult for me to gather up their homework and have it ready for pick up if you call or email me later in the day. If you are going on vacation and want the homework ahead of time, please let me know as soon as possible. I will try my best, but your child will have to make up some of the work when you get back.
To help students organize themselves and become more independent, every student follows a morning routine. We take attendance, lunch count, collect notes and lunch money, complete morning work, and prepare for our math class all before 8:00 am. Therefore students benefit greatly from being on time. Students are let in the classroom at 7:45, but should be in the classroom by 7:55 at the absolute latest.
Homework:
In order to reinforce and apply concepts and skills learned at school, please expect homework every night. Homework should be about 50 minutes every night including reading for 25 minutes. Research has shown that homework has to be purposeful, completed independently and appropriate for their grade level to be effective. Please see the following websites for more information:
- http://www.ascd.org/publications/educational-leadership/mar07/vol64/num06/The-Case-For-and-Against-Homework.aspx
- http://time.com/4466390/homework-debate-research/?scrlybrkr
Weekly Sheets and Graded Work:
Every Friday, your child will receive a weekly sheet. The weekly sheet will give you an update on your child, including any missing homework for that week. A parent and/or guardian should look over the weekly sheet and sign it every week. In addition, your child will bring home any graded work on Fridays. Only graded papers with a grade lower than a B should be signed, but all graded work should be sent back on Monday for a portfolio project.
Fun Fridays:
If your child completes his or her homework for the week, then he or she is able to enjoy Fun Fridays. On Fun Fridays, they have the opportunity to have an extra recess for 15 minutes. Students will be told in advance if they cannot participate in Fun Friday.
Birthdays:
On your child’s birthday you can send pencils and/or stickers, but your child cannot bring in any food for the class or distribute birthday invitations. This is a district policy. Thanks for your cooperation.
Healthy Snack:
Students are encouraged to bring a healthy snack to eat during the morning. In addition, they are strongly encouraged to bring a bottle of water that has a lid. After P.E. and recess, many students will be very hot and a bottle of water prevents long water fountain lines.
Outside Activities:
Please note that if your child is in an activity, such as band, which takes away from classroom time, he or she is responsible for making up the work. Your child may want to contact a friend from class, see the assignment board, or talk to me at the end of the day.
Absences:
If your child is absent whether due to illness or planned outings, please call the main Hoffman line and let the office know. If your child is sick with a short term illness, please do not worry about homework and let your child rest. If your child is ill for a significant length of time and you would like homework, please send me an email before 11 am. It is very difficult for me to gather up their homework and have it ready for pick up if you call or email me later in the day. If you are going on vacation and want the homework ahead of time, please let me know as soon as possible. I will try my best, but your child will have to make up some of the work when you get back.
Top 10 Reading Strategies for Parents
- Make a planned time to read everyday. Treat it as something important that is honored every day.
- Turn off the T.V. or other electronic distractions. There can be another time for this, but not during Reading Time!
- Set an example for your child. Let them see you reading every day… a book, magazine, sports page, recipe book….etc. Show them that reading matters!
- Share your reactions to things you have read and encourage your child to do it too.
- Read with your child.
- Go to the library because librarians are masters at finding GREAT books.
- Talk about the book.
- When your child comes to a word they don’t know: help them use their context clues, break the word apart or use a dictionary.
- On gift-giving occasions, give books and magazines based on your child's current interests.
- Treat your children to an evening of laughter and entertainment featuring books!