Class Info
During the course of this year, we will be learning many, exciting things! From reading and analyzing a variety of fiction and non-fiction texts to studying our science topics in hands-on experiments to looking for multiple strategies to tackle our math inquiries, we will be busy!
In our classroom students are engaged throughout the day in problem-solving, critical thinking, analysis, evaluation, and synthesis of information. Students not only regularly share their own insights and strategies of solving problems, but are also asked to respond to their peers' insights and strategies as well. Students share their ideas in their written work, verbally, as well as in presentations utilizing technology.
To promote an atmosphere of mutual trust and safety necessary for sharing and attempting challenging activities, we do many team- and class-building activities as well as modeling of how to respond to, communicate, and collaborate with our peers and teachers. The goal is for all students to challenge themselves and be supported in doing so!
Additionally we focus a great deal on having/developing a growth mindset in our classroom. Students with a growth mindset "understand that their talents and abilities can be developed through effort, good teaching and persistence. They...believe everyone can get smarter if they work at it." We all certainly have our own strengths and weaknesses, but we spend a lot of time working on viewing challenges as puzzles to solve rather than insurmountable mountains we cannot climb. Through hard work and effort, we can grow in boundless ways!
I am looking forward to getting to know your child and your family over the course of the year! Please see below for more information on what we are currently studying!
In Literacy, we just finished reading "Real-Life Superheroes" about four historical figures. Our next book is entitled "The Great Migration." We will be studying all of our informational literacy targets through the lens of these books this trimester. In writing, students are working on writing an info-explanatory paper on a real-life superhero of their own choosing.
During Unit 4 of Math this trimester, the target we are studying is:
5.NBT.5
Fluently multiply multi-digit whole numbers using the standard algorithm (traditional)
In Science this unit, we are studying Gravity, the Earth, Moon, and Stars.
Our target for this unit is:
-Represent data in graphical displays to reveal patterns of daily changes in length and direction of shadows, day and night, and the seasonal appearance of some stars in the night sky.
In Social Studies this semester, we are studying the government and civics. Our targets are:
-Describe how a citizen can show patriotism.
-Explain why liberty is an important right.
-Explain the meaning of the Pledge of Allegiance.
Students will demonstrate their mastery of Science and Social Studies targets on various classroom projects, experiments, and assessments.
Homework
Assignments are written down on the board daily and students are expected to fill out their assignment books from the board. All important assignments, tests, upcoming events and due dates are listed here daily.
Please check in with your child to see that all assignments listed have been completed by the date that they are due.
Communication
Please see class emails and/or check this website for information specific to our classroom. If any questions or concerns come up please email or call at extension 3015.
Book Orders
Scholastic book orders are distributed to all interested students once a month. You may purchase books online by using our class code (For more information, click here), or by filling out the paper order form. If you are ordering from multiple catalogs, only one check to made out to Scholastic is necessary.
Approved Snack List
District 96 has posted an Approved Snack List on each school's homepage. Please refer to this list when packing snacks to be eaten in the classroom or when providing birthday treats. All snacks and treats must come from the Approved Snack List. Birthday treats will be checked by the school nurse. Treats that are not from the Approved Snack List will not be brought to the classroom. Treats for classroom parties must be from the Approved Snack List as well and will also be checked by the school nurse.
If you have any questions, please contact Mrs. Strom, school nurse. Thank you in advance for your cooperation in creating a safe environment for all of our students.
Curriculum Information
Reading:
Our primary resource is the ReadyGen curriculum.
Book Reports will be assigned roughly the first day of every other month. Students will spin to see which genre of book they are to read for the month and they are responsible for choosing a book at their level to read. If a student decides to read a book from home or the public library, I ask that he/she bring the book in so that I can ensure it is at their appropriate level.
Writing:
Each trimester, we focus on various types of writing. Throughout the year, we will study narrative, opinion, and info-explanatory writing.
Math:
We follow the Common Core standards. Our primary resource is the Bridges Curriculum with supplemental material from a variety of other programs.
Social Studies:
Our main areas of study are: Government and Civics, Economics, History and Geography.
Science:
Our Science units for the year are Ecosystems, Earth Systems, Changes in Matter, and Earth, Moon, and Stars.