Language Arts and Writing
The goal of the language arts curriculum is to improve skills through
written and verbal expression. Skills focusing on improving sentence
structure, proper use of punctuation, and the parts of speech, will be
taught in large and/or small group settings. Writing will be taught by
following the process approach- brainstorming, drafting, revising, editing, and
publishing. We will also be focusing on narrative, persuasive, and
expository forms of writing, in addition to working with poetry, and
journal writing.
Reading
The goal of the reading curriculum is to gain an appreciation of quality literature. We will read different types of literature including fantasy, fiction, nonfiction, biographies, and poetry to reinforce fluency, and comprehension. Our classroom reading will alternate regularly between individual, partner, and whole group approaches.
Spelling and Vocabulary
Students will be taught a variety of spelling and vocabulary skills throughout the year. They will not only spend time in large and small groups reviewing spelling rules and high-frequency, misspelled words, but will also be responsible for spelling and defining weekly, curriculum related
vocabulary words.
Math
The components of the 5th grade math program are similar to those your child has experienced in previous years. The goal of the math curriculum is to assist and encourage students to utilize diverse and creative problem solving techniques. The units of study will include multiplication, division, fractions, and geometry. The recall of multiplication facts is a building block for higher-level math. It is extremely important that the students know their multiplication facts. Please help your child study their multiplication facts, as we would like to have mastery achieved by the end of September.
Social Studies
The social studies curriculum will be covering geography, Native Americans, Explorers, Colonial Life, Revolutionary War, Westward Expansion, and the Civil War.
Science
Hands-on activities and labs will enhance and encourage the children's understanding of our scientific world. The units covered will include Structures of Life, Sound and Light, and the Solar System.
Homework
Homework serves as reinforcement for skills and concepts taught in class. It also assists with developing good study habits, independence, and responsibility. Therefore, it will become standard practice that your child will be given homework almost every evening. Homework is expected to be turned in during morning time on the assigned due date. If a student is unable to turn in an assignment, a late grade of -10% will be deducted each day the assignment is late, until it is turned it in.
Assignment Notebooks
To assist your child in developing strong skills in prioritizing, time management, and test preparation, your student will be required to fill out a daily assignment notebook. A bulletin board of the assignments, as well as a master copy of the Student Planner will be available to the students at all times. In order to ensure that your child gets in habit right away, I will require a parent signature in the assignment notebook each night for the duration of the year. Please reinforce to your child that it is their responsibility to fill out their assignment notebook and to obtain a parent signature each night.
Grading
Please be aware that not every assignment your child brings home will be recorded as a grade in my grade book. I believe that practice assignments are still beneficial to learning, even if a grade is not taken. You may view your child’s grades and progress via the Parent Portal located on the D46 website. In addition, the following is a breakdown of the grading scale for Frederick School:
A=100-90%
B=89-80%
C=79-70%
D=69-60%
F=59% or below
Monday Folders
Communication between home and school is vital to your child's success in the classroom. I will be using Monday Folders as a tool to keep you informed of academic growth and general behavior. Included in the Monday Folder will be items such as graded papers and other school related information.
Please take the time to go over the papers and information with your child. The folder must be signed and returned to school by Wednesday of the same week the folder is sent home.
FS-Staff-Shared
Comments