Welcome to Curriculum Night

1. Welcome to Curriculum Night The Fifth Grade Team

2. Writing • Writer’s Workshop focused on Narrative, Informational, and Opinion Writing • 1 hr. block of time (minimum) • The workshop consists of efficient and effective mini-lessons, conferences, small-group strategy sessions, and sharing. • Mini-lessons are about 10 minutes and focus on ideas and strategies for writing within each genre (narrative, informative/explanatory, opinion, and research). • Students are expected to write for 50 minutes everyday. • Grammar instruction will be integrated in Writer’s Workshop. • The goal is for students to enjoy and be comfortable with writing…and ultimately, do it well!

3. Reading • Teaching comprehension strategies to enhance understanding • Questioning, Connections, Inferring, Visualizing, Synthesizing, and Determining Importance • Skills • Reviewing skills such as Main Idea, Compare/Contrast, Summarizing, etc. • Introduction of new Common Core skills • Interactive Reading Notebook • Note-taking, Summarizing, Vocabulary Work, Journaling, etc. • Interactive Notebooks checked at least twice per quarter • Literary elements will be taught through the use of short texts, novels, read-alouds, picture books, and self-selected books

4. Word Study • Word Study is an alternative to traditional spelling instruction. • It is based on learning word patterns and is designed to build word knowledge that can be applied to both reading and spelling. • Word study instruction is guided by a student’s spelling development, determined by a developmental inventory. • Spelling patterns and generalizations are discovered by students through word sorts. • Students will receive word sorts and activities to complete to go along with the sort. • Assessments will be given in the form of a word sort. • Students will also be held accountable for spelling correctly the words on the high-frequency list already distributed.

5. Math • Rigorous Math curriculum in 5th grade – students must be able to compute, model, and explain the Math they are doing • Pre-tests before each set of standards/ same test taken as the post test at the conclusion of the unit • Students grouped into flexible differentiated groups based on pre-test (groups change as needed) • Hands-on Math manipulatives used whenever possible • Differentiated activities based on readiness and performance • Students should utilize their spiral notebook when completing homework or studying for tests • Weekly spiral Math quiz – weekly spiral Math morning work used to review all standards in preparation for the quiz • Khan Academy – reinforces the 5th grade standards while remediating and/or accelerating mathematical understanding • Math journaling used frequently– designed to make students apply and demonstrate a deep understanding of concepts

6. Science • Units of Study • Cells & Microorganisms • Classification • Genetics • Electricity & Magnetism • Chemical & Physical Changes • Earth – Constructive & Deconstructive Processes • Interactive Science Notebook • All testable material (notes, handouts, diagrams, charts, etc.) • Students are encouraged to study their interactive notebooks and study guide nightly the week of a test • Science Experiments • Allow students to have hands-on experiences with science curriculum • Volunteer opportunities to help with experiments throughout the year

7. Social Studies • History: students will cover Civil War to present day. • Government/Civics: students will explore citizenship and the US Constitution ,focusing on the changes that took place due to historical events • Geography: students will study location to better understand historical events. • Economy: students will cover economics to illustrate historical events. • Interactive notebook utilized – • Students are encouraged to study the notebook, study guides, and textbook nightly the week of a test.

8. Grading System • Total Points • All grades may or may not be • out of 100 points • Reflection Points • For major tests and at discretion of teacher • Other extra credit will not be offered • Grades are indicative of student performance in each subject area • No participation or completion grades are given • Students may qualify for either of the following : • Honor Roll is 90 or better in all academic subjects • Merit Roll is 80 or better in all academic subjects • A = 90 - 100 • B = 80 - 89 • C = 71 -79 • D = 70 • F = 69 and below

9. National Jr. Beta Club • Mission: To promote the ideals of academic achievement, character, service, and leadership. • Members are required to participate in 6 hours of service projects. • Begins 2nd semester (January) • Must have all A’s on the 1st and 2nd quarter report cards to qualify. May receive one B on subsequent report cards. • Invitations will be sent home with report cards in January • Dues are $25 – includes National & School dues and a t-shirt • Monthly meetings February – May after school in Mrs. Sinco’s room (room 324). Day of the week TBD

10. Homework • Daily homework should be written in agenda by your child • Math – standards-based homework 4x per week • Reading – 30 minutes of reading each night • Word Study– practice activities at home in preparation for assessment • Social Studies/Science – homework will vary depending on tests and projects • No homework on Fridays or over extended breaks • Please contact your teacher if your child is taking more than 50 minutes to complete the above homework

11. Bring Your Own Learning Device • Bring Your own Learning Device (BYLD) • BYLD is designed to provide Internet access at the fingertips of students • Students utilize the device for various Internet resources (Khan Academy, Webquests, CRCT Practice Tests, etc.) • Students may have digital books to read on their device • Students will access the BYLD network which does contain the same filters as those on desktop and laptop computers at school • Students will need to have the signed permission form in order to be able to bring in a device (can be found on the Forms page of the Avery website) • Students are responsible for their own devices – staff does not troubleshoot or fix devices • Devices are locked in a cabinet when the class leaves the room (lunch, recess, specials, etc.) • Devices may be taken home each night or left in the locked cabinet at school • Students are not permitted to play games, take pictures, or listen to music on the devices while at school • No apps are required though students may utilize educational apps at appropriate times (multiplication flash cards, content related apps, etc.)

12. Communication • Email – preferred method of communication. Please feel free to email at any time with questions/concerns. • Phone calls – call the front office and leave a message. Call will be returned within 24 hours • Website – updated at least weekly • Please use Avery’s transportation form for transportation changes • Conferences – offered twice a year or as needed

13. Ticket Out the Door • If you have any questions, please use the “Ticket out the Door” • Place the ticket in the location designated for your child’s teacher • We will answer you as soon as possible! We are so glad you could make it, and we look forward to working with you and your child this year!!