Religion

1. Religion In fifth grade we focus on the 7 Sacraments, prayer, parts of the Bible, mini Bible study, community service (raising money for Courage Camp—a camp for disable students in the summer), the Presentation Sisters, and much more.

2. Reading We are trying to approach reading with themes such as Trust, Folklore, Tall Tales, Space, Structures, and more. This is done by reading stories from the reading books or doing research from many different types of resources such as the Internet and library books. We read to the students on a daily basis and try to allow for silent reading time during the course of the week.

3. Language We have been using a program called Daily Oral Language. This has been a very effective way of improving the grammar and proofreading skill of students. Incorrect sentences, addresses, parts of a letter, etc., are put on the board. Students then look for the errors and must justify the changes that they want to make. The themes in reading are integrated into the language program as much as possible.

4. Science continues to be discovery based as well as hands on integrated very closely with the other subject areas. In fifth grade, we also study the Respiratory System in Growing Healthy. Science

5. Spelling Accurate spelling is required for all subjects. On any assignment, especially when the words are on the page, a point is taken off for each misspelled word. Spelling lists are given on Fridays, and the usual assignments which is due on Thursdays. Every Monday , a pretest is given. If they receive a 100% on the pretest, they do not take the test on Friday. We encourage you to help your child study the words. Practice tests at home can be done orally or written on paper. It is sometimes difficult to study spelling alone.

6. Social Studies US History is the main focus of fifth grade. We also study maps, latitude, longitude, and complete a salt/flour map. This subject will be taught by Mrs. Larson.

7. Math Hands on Math activities have been the main focus of the way we have tried to change teaching methods in this area. Life long learning by the students is the goal of mathematics. They must be able to see the connection of Math in the world we all live in. This class is also taught by Mrs. Larson.

8. The students will be switching with Mrs. Larson for Social Studies and Math. • The key to their success will be organization.

9. Community Service The fifth graders will be completing a community service project from August through May of this school year. Through the Partners in Education Program with Wells Fargo Bank, we will have an opportunity to open a savings account. The money received from aluminum cans will be deposited in this account to help Courage Camp (a very worthwhile camp for physically handicapped children) held in June each summer. Along with the collected cans, we also encourage saving pennies to be brought for our account. This is not a mandatory request but rather an invitation to participate on a voluntary basis.

10. A New Theme Each Month. Monthly Projects Book Club Due on the First day of The New Month.

11. Again my contact is mailto:kathykulm@k12.sd.us Thank you for your time and have a great evening.