Welcome to CURRICULUM NIGHT 2017

1. Welcome to CURRICULUMNIGHT 2017

2. Welcome to Room 2006! • Wow, we have had an amazing start to our school year! First, here is a little bit about myself… • My Interests: reading, coaching, learning, cooking (and eating!), The White Sox, UNC Tar Heels, teaching, and most of all – family • My wife is/was a teacher… …of fifth grade… …in this district!! • Our beautiful boy, Wesley, is 4 years old TODAY… …and his little brother, Ben, will be 2 soon!!

3. Mathematics • Common Core alignment, Pearson, TenMarks.com • Focused assignments and study guide for each unit • Students will be accommodated or given challenge work as a result • Mastery assessments (Exit Quizzes) along the way • Connection to “real world” concepts and examples • Trying to perfect our basic math facts • Topics we will cover this year: • number theory, estimation and computation, geometry, division, fractions, decimals, percents, addition and subtraction of fractions, exponents, negative numbers, area, volume, capacity, probability

4. Language Arts & Reading • 6 Writing Traits writing process • Expository, persuasive, and narrative writing pieces • Typically as part of our end-of-unit reflection week • Curriculum is focused on integrating topics and subject areas, along with skill-based mini lessons • Expanding vocabulary, increasing reading fluency/overall comprehension, and using reading as a tool for writing • Leveled novel studies – use both fiction and nonfiction text • ‘Balanced Literacy’ approach, with Wonders resource now available to teachers and students

5. Vocabulary • Weekly-created lists based on Words On The Vine • 10 words/2 weeks • Greek or Latin roots • Study options available • Students will have in-class time every day, but can also take home for extra help • Quiz on 2nd Friday (20 pts), with knowledge of roots, affixes, and parts of speech the emphasis for studying • Students can begin looking up definitions the first day!

6. Social Studies • An integrated focus with each unit, using small reading groups to study related nonfiction text • Topics covered this year, in order: • Exploration and American settlement • Thirteen colonies • Revolutionary War • Constitution • We will take a problem/project-based approach to our historical learning this year!!! Critical thinking is a must!!

7. Science • Similar integrated system as with our Social Studies time • Topics covered this year, in order: • Animal Classification • Ecosystems • Plants • Science Fair…Mid-April, maybe sooner  • Solar System • For every fact found, there should be at least two more questions/fascinations to be had! Again, critical thinking is a must this year!!

8. Homework • Students are expected to turn in their homework the day it is due • Written on monthly and weekly calendar • Recess time can be used, but I would rather avoid that (they’re kids, they need that run-around time each day!!!) • Parent note or email for late work/early homework if needed • “Remind” texts from me as well as their assignment notebook • Most homework will be a result of your student not using class time wisely (not as harsh as that sounds)

9. Expectations • Only ONE rule:“ Don’t talk while someone else is.” • The higher they are set, the higher the level of achievement. • What should be done, and not what shouldn’t be done • Student centered and created • Stay posted all year, frequent reminders • Yorkville School District policies (review student handbook) • Open door policy/safe environment

10. Staying Updated!! • Class website – home page and subject areas • http://mrjohnsonsfifthgradeclass.weebly.com/ • “Remind” app/texts • Text ‘@mrjfifth’ to (517) 618-0581 or 81010 • Calendar on class website homepage • Bottom of the homepage, updated all throughout the year!!! • My contact information • Email: ajohnson@y115.org Phone: (630) 553-5513, ext. 3426

11. Thank You!