Welcome to 5th Grade!

Mrs. Thal – Room 19

5th grade = lots of changes!

• New school, 2 teachers

• Physical, emotional, social changes

• Tougher curriculum, higher expectations

• Number grades

• Middle school around the corner!

Goals for 5th grade

• Develop a good work ethic, in addition to good study and organizational skills

• Teach students to work more independently• Increase responsibility/accountability• Expand thinking and problem-solving skills• Reinforce principles of “good character”• Connect subject matter to “real life”

Math Curriculum“Math is like gym for your brain!”

We’ll be using a Common Core Coach Performance workbook, in conjunction with other supplemental materials, to address each of the standards of the Common Core:

• Operations and Algebraic Thinking

– Write and interpret numerical expressions.

– Analyze patterns and relationships.

• Number and Operations in Base Ten

– Understand the place value system.

– Perform operations with multi-digit whole numbers and with decimals to hundredths.

• Number and Operations—Fractions

– Use equivalent fractions as a strategy to add and subtract fractions.

– Apply and extend previous understandings of multiplication and division to multiply and divide fractions.

Math Curriculum• Measurement and Data

– Convert like measurement units within a given measurement system.

– Represent and interpret data.

– Geometric measurement: understand concepts of volume and relate volume to multiplication and to addition.

• Geometry

– Graph points on the coordinate plane to solve real-world and mathematical problems.

– Classify two-dimensional figures into categories based on their properties.

• Extra help is available at recess, and sometimes after school if given advanced notice.

• Students must know their times tables!!

• Khanacademy.org, Mathtv.com, and YouTube have excellent video tutorials on every math topic.

• Numerous websites offer extra practice – links are on my website.

Science CurriculumWe’ll be using FOSS and Carolina science kits, in conjunction with supplemental materials, to learn about the following:

• Solar Energy• Ecosystems• Landforms• Microworlds

– Any notes taken in class are posted on my website

– Students are expected to follow safety rules in the lab

– Begin writing formal lab reports

Health Curriculum

• We’ll be using the “Your Health” text books, in conjunction with supplemental materials, to learn about the following:– Dealing with Feelings– Keeping Fit and Healthy– Food and Nutrition– Alcohol/Drugs/Tobacco

Health Curriculum

• Character Education is also part of the students’ Health grade – Students will be keeping a Journal– Sample prompt:

• How do you react when you’re asked to do something you don’t want to do? Are there better ways to handle the situation?

• Incentives given for acts of good character• “Classroom Rules” designed to enforce the

principles of good character– respect, responsibility, fairness, compassion,

trustworthiness, honesty, self-discipline, citizenship

Grading• The following areas are factored into a student’s

overall grade:– Tests – students given about a weeks notice (will

coordinate with Ms. Altilio to ensure 2 major tests are not given on same day, e.g., Science and Social Studies)

– Quizzes – there’s a difference between a quiz and a test! 2-3 days notice given for quizzes

– Homework – Class participation - easiest grade! – Portfolio, Labs (Science)– Journals (Health)– Projects – Some done in class, some started in class,

some done at home

Grading• Tests/Quizzes/Projects posted on a calendar on

my website• Will be posting online what days

quizzes/tests/project grades were returned and sent home– Please sign and return any grades that are below a 70

(other papers may be kept home)• Students need to study! • Grades tend to fluctuate from marking period to

marking period

Homework

• Homework grade:– Assignments checked that they are completed;

answers reviewed in class– Most homework will come from Math (Study Island

Homework will be included)• Homework always posted on board, copied into

assignment pads– Also posted on my website (not guaranteed

everyday)– Please check students’ assignment pads

• 1 “No Homework” and 2 “Late” passes given per marking period – Use for emergencies

Miscellaneous• If student misses work in class due to Band,

Enrichment, absent, etc., they are responsible for making up the work.

• If there are circumstances going on at home that you think may impact your student’s performance in school, please let me know.

• When sending in money for anything (including lunch cards) please put in an envelope, marked with child’s name, my name, and purpose.

• We have 2 parties per year – Halloween and right before Winter Break. I will have sign ups available on Sign-Up Genius.– Please send in food that has a food label– If your child has specific allergy, you may send in food for

them separately– No birthday treats

Miscellaneous• If anyone has board games they are not using,

please consider donating them to our classroom.

• Classroom Rewards System - “An Apple From the Teacher” – collect 10 and pick a prize from the basket.

• Supplies

Finally…

• If you need to reach me:– rthal@hazlet.org

• Please write down your email address if you would like me to contact you that way

– Send a note in with student– Call school and leave a message

• Questions?

Thank you for coming! Here’s to a great year!