Fifth Grade Curriculum

Reading: Fifth Grade has quite a selection of literature novels that we have obtained through the years. These books were chosen not only for their literary value, but also to tie in with Social Studies and Science curriculum. We will read and discuss these books in depth and align with a standard. We will also correlate many writing activities with them.

Accelerated Reader will be used only as an incentive program this year in fifth grade. Student will still be rewarded at the end of year if, the school goal is meet, which is 150 points. Students will also be rewarded in class. Students are encouraged to read at home for at least 20 minutes daily.

Reading Rewards

100,000 words Bag of Popcorn250,000 words Extra Large Candy Bar500,000 words Sit Where You Want (including teacher’s desk)750,000 words Pizza Lunch

1,000,000 words Name in Morning Announcements and Marquee1,500,000 words Dinner and Movies with your Teacher!!!!

Choral Reading: Students will also be graded on Choral Reading. They will read and memorize a famous poem at different times throughout the year. The students will work cooperatively to present orally for the class. They will be graded on gestures, props, clarity, and creativity. We believe it is important to learn peer cooperation and public speaking while in school.

Choral Reading RubricClarity (precision, volume, diction) 1 2 3 4 5

Audience (eye contact, gestures) 1 2 3 4 5

Preparation (everyone involved, rehearsed) 1 2 3 4 5

Creativity (props, costume, voice expressions) 1 2 3 4 5

Unison Speaking (clear, not mumble) 1 2 3 4 5

Memorized 1 2 3 4 5 total score_______

Writing: The students will learn the process of writing through Writer’s Workshop. This activity helps the student to become a successful author within our classroom. They will be graded and placed in their portfolios for the end of the year. We also do many other writing activities throughout the year that go along with other subjects or themes.Students will also be writing poetry throughout the year. They will learn different poetry writing styles and authors. These writings will also be saved for the portfolio.

Grammar: Daily grammar mini-lessons will reinforce punctuation skills as well as parts of speech. Student will also be creating a grammar notebook throughout the year as a reference tool.

Spelling: This year students will be focusing on Greek and Latin root words. We will be working on origin of the word instead of

memorization. There will be no spelling tests this year. The spelling grade will be based on activities and writing projects.

Math: The math curriculum is very difficult in fifth grade. It is important that students have their multiplication facts memorized (it is the basis for almost all problems). The students will be using a math journal to take notes each day on the lesson objective given. Students will have daily assignments in their workbooks. If an assignment isn’t finished in class, it becomes their homework for the night. The math grade will be determined by performance tasks, chapter tests, and assignments given in class. Social Studies: Fifth Grade Social Studies consists of the study of U.S. History and Geography. Historic novels are used in

conjunction with our text to expand on the literary experience. We also use different Interact Simulations that puts the child in the era of the time we are studying. It is a great way for the students to experience what it was like during that time period. Projects are required throughout the year dealing with the time periods in history, such as; Native Americans, Early European Explorers, Colonial Times, Revolutionary War. Also, a state report will be required this year. The students are assessed by in and out of class assignments and performance tasks.

Science: Students will be learning about; human body, plants, water cycle, space, matter, and an overview of fourth grade science curriculum. This year we will be flexible as a result of new science standards. We plan on using many fun and exciting science experiments to help the students understand the concepts and enjoy the excitement of science (these experiments are time consuming and will require discipline and self-control from the students). In order to do these experiments, we will rely on parent support for supplies and classroom help. The science

grade will be reflective of the activities and class assignments.

Special Note: All students are assigned books by a bar code. They are responsible for taking care of these books and having them at school on a daily basis, especially if they are taken home to complete an assignment. They will be collected at the end of the year and be held financially responsible if something happens to their assigned book.

Items Needed for Fifth Grade: Students will need a backpack and one pencil box (or bag) with pencils, crayons, markers, highlighters or colored pencils. Four writing composition books

Classroom Rules

We believe the following rules help all the children to have a comfortable environment that promotes maximum learning.

Rule #1: Follow directions quickly

Rule #2: Raise your hand for permission to speak

Rule #3: Raise your hand for permission to leave your seat.

Rule #4: Make smart decisions.

Rule #5: Keep your teacher happy!!!!

Students’ BehaviorStudents will begin each day on the

behavior chart, Ready to Learn. They will move accordingly to their behavior up and down the chart with their clothespins. The goal is to reach the top of the chart daily. If rules are broken then the student will move their clothes pin down the chart. If “teachers choice” is reached, you will receive a phone call from your child in class. Each day is a new start for

the student. We hope this will make for a successful learning environment and you will support our effort.

Homework Policy` Any work unfinished by a student in class

becomes homework. It is important that your child return his or her homework the NEXT DAY, along with any schoolbooks. If a child is absent, he or she will be given sufficient time to make up the missed work.

Any help from home encouraging the completion of homework would be appreciated.

Grading: Homework, as well as class work, will be

corrected as soon as possible. These corrected papers will be returned on Mondays. Some of your child’s work may remain in the classroom to be placed in their portfolio or to be used as a wall display. Students may RE-DO corrected classwork or tests for a better grade, but must be turned in by that Friday (sent home Monday and must be returned that Friday).

Communication: Along with their corrected work, we will include

any important announcements from the office, a weekly newsletter (with classroom needs and important dates) and/or special project information. PLEASE look through these papers and use them as

an opportunity to see what areas you might be able to help your child at home.

Each child will receive a red folder and an agenda for nightly communication. The folder will contain daily assignments for parent review and any unfinished work (to be completed). The agendas will have the daily assignments listed. Please have your child return these items back daily.

We also use the Remind App for daily communication. This is just another great form of communication. Not only can we send whole class messages, but also we are able to communicate with parents personally (similar to a texting format). We have attached the directions to app and hope you take the opportunity to download it.Late Work: Students are given one week to turn in late assignments. The assignment will be docked points for tardiness.

Progress Reports: A progress report will be sent home every four weeks as a way to keep you informed of your child’s growth in the classroom. You may also view your child’s grade on Aeries. This allows you to check your child’s progress more often (We do ask that you allow us a week to get grades into the system). Please feel free to contact us with any questions.

Monday8-8:30 Math Review

8:30-9:30 Math9:30-10:20 Science10:20-10:35 Recess10:35-12:20 Reading12:20-1:00 Lunch1:00-1:45 P.E.1:45-2:30 Writing2:30 Dismissal

Tuesday

8-8:30 Math Review8:30-9:30 Math9:30-10:20 S.Studies10:20-10:35 Recess10:35-12:20 Reading12:20-1:00 Lunch1:00-2:00 Writing

2:00-2:30 Pep/Tutorial2:30 Dismissal

Wednesday

(Block Day)

8-8:30 Math Review8:30-10:20 Math10:20-10:35 Recess10:35-12:20 S.Studies12:20-1:00 Lunch1:10 Dismissal

Thursday

(Block Day)

8-8:30 Math Review8:30-10:20 Reading10:20-10:35 Recess10:35-12:20 Science12:20-1:00 Lunch1:00-2:00 Writing2:00-2:30

Pep/Tutorial2:30 Dismissal

Friday

8-8:30 Math Review8:30-9:30 Math Review9:30-10:20 Writing10:20-10:35 Recess10:35-11:45 Reading11:45-12:20 Art 12:20-1:00 Lunch1:00-1:45 P.E.1:45-2:30 Art

Fifth Grade Schedule

Field Trips Fifth Grade will take two field trips during the year. We will let you know as soon as possible the dates for these trips.

Classroom Parent VolunteersWe welcome parent volunteers!! We will have a sign-up sheet available during Back to School Night.