Welcome to our class

1. Welcome to our class I believe that each and every child can “get smarter” with effort and effective strategies! I won’t give up on your child, and I won’t allow them to give up on themselves.

2. Helpful Hints Show that you Value Education…Your child’s education is extremely important now and for their future success. Teach them to be responsible and accountable for their schoolwork and behavior. Model Reading………………. Ask Questions …Ask, “What did you do at recess today?” not “ How was your day?” ( Specific questions get better answers) Check Homework… Have them show you their assignment books and finished homework, then initial. Return… Notices ASAP Read school website.. We’re going “green” Absences………………………. Write a note Bus changes………. Write a note Vacation Homework Policy….. We do not send homework on vacation

3. Expectations & Discipline Students should always try to do their best!! best Philosophy- Respect, Effort, Responsibility Rules and Consequences The most important classroom rules and their consequences were created and agreed upon by students. Tickets and Prizes

4. Academics & Homework Subjects- Math, reading, spelling, writing- 5x week Science and social studies- 2x week Morning Work- From 8:10 A.M. to 8:30 A.M. Students work independently on math and language activities that support our curriculum Homework 60-75 minutes (school/system guidelines) - Spelling, language, math daily - Daily language Practice dueweekly - Spelling tests weekly - Social studies 2-3 times per week -15+ minutes of reading daily -Practice math facts and handwritingdaily (as needed) -Long term assignments- advance notification given

5. Reading, Writing, & Spelling This is our sixth year using Houghton Mifflin for an integrated program of Reading, Writing, & Spelling. Reading- A wonderful anthology of fiction and nonfiction stories and poetry covering all the genres. Reading strategies, comprehension questions, leveled readers, groups, etc. Writing- Weekly guided writing assignments -Explained, discussed and started in class -Most of rough draft and final copy finished as homework Use Exemplar & Guidelines’ worksheets! -Grammar lessons (Daily from Reading workbook) -Daily Language Practice- worksheets weekly Spelling- Tests based on vocabularyfrom their readingselections, Each Week -Spelling homework (Daily from their reading workbook)

6. Science Units - Animals & Ecosystems Weather Technology & Engineering Simple Machines MCAS Prep- Review & Practice Room 200 students have adopted a Panda Bear Room 202 students have adopted a Grizzly Bear Homework – not given daily. Long term assignments- with advance notice. MCAS prep homework given periodically.

7. Organization • Help is on the way It’s the BINDER SYSTEM!! Everything (but the kitchen sink and textbooks) should be in their binders

8. SocialSkills and Development It’s my goal to have a safe classroom where every child feels included. The new Second Step Program will help improve students’ social skills.

9. How to Help with Homework • Provide a consistent quiet place for your child to do their homework • Know your child’s work habits- Do they need to start homework right after school, or can they play first and finish homework later? • Have your child show you their finished homework. It should match their assignment notebook. Please initial daily that you have seen their finished homework. Homework is mostly practice, your child should not be struggling. If they are, notify the teacher. • Remember, homework includes at least 15 minutes of reading for pleasure*, 15 minutes of math facts practice**, and cursive practice**, too. _________________________________________________________________________ *Reading for pleasure means good fiction or non-fiction **Based on your child’s needs

10. Thanks forlearning more about our class