The Daily 5
In fifth grade we complete the Daily 5 each day. The students rotate through stations where they read with partners, read to themselves, read with the teacher, listen to reading, and respond to many different types of text. This program allows students to work independently and in group settings , while mastering many different reading skills such as comprehension, fluency, accuracy, and text structure and elements.
Math
We cover many different concepts in math this year. Some include long division, prime factorization, decimals, fractions, percentages, measurements, and geometry.
Many of these concepts are difficult and can be time consuming. Please make sure you are working with your child at home to reinforce these concepts.
Grading Policy
Most of the time, students are given class time to complete assignments. Any work that is not finished within that time is homework. Sometimes assignments will be given completely as homework, but this usually just applies to projects.
Assignments are expected to be completed and turned in on time. If they are not, students will lose 10% off of their grades for each day it is late and lose recess until it is turned in. After a week, if the assignment is still not turned in, the grade becomes a 0.
Any assignment that is a 69% or lower can be redone for a new averaged grade.
Agendas
Students are given 10-15 minutes each morning to fill out their agenda containing the days assignments. This is a great organizational tool for them. It also allows you as a parent to see what is happening on a daily basis in our classroom and what your child has for homework. At the end of each day I ask the students to mark off completed assignments and make sure to take home any homework. I ask that you please look through this daily and sign it. This is also a great way to communicate with me because I check them first thing in the morning!
Writing
We work on writing daily in fifth grade. Writer's Workshop consists of students learning a "mini-lesson" that focuses on a specific writing skill. The students are then expected to apply that lesson to their writing. During this time students also conference with peers and the teacher to revise and edit their work.
Social Studies/Science
In social studies we cover Native Americans, European Explorations, European struggles in North America, Colonial Life, The American Revolution, and creating our government.
In science we will be learning about forces and motion, body systems, heredity, and Earth systems. We have an excellent new science Techbook called Discovery Education. This allows students to be engaged and explore these concepts at school and home as well!
Behavior Expectations
Our classroom rules our based on our districts success skills that include personal best, positive communication, integrity, respect, and responsibility. We use a clip chart to keep track of students behavior. Each day the kids begin on green which means they are ready to learn. They can "clip up" or "clip down", depending on the behavior choices they make for the day. Each clip comes with a reward or consequence.
Outstanding: Student is exceeding behavior expectations. This earns them a small reward and certificate. After 3 outstanding clips, they earn a special prize.
Good Choices: Student is exceeding behavior expectations and earns a small reward.
Ready to Learn: Students start here each day. This means they are making good behavior choices.
Slow Down: Student is warned to correct behavior. 10 minutes is lost off of recess.
Think About It: Student loses all of recess and receives a note/phone call home.
Parent Contact: Student loses all of recess, parent is contacted, and Mrs. Bailey is involved.