There are many exciting and fun things to learn during the fifth grade. Here is a list of the items we will cover during the year.

MATH

A major focus of the math class will be on problem solving skills. Students

will be given a variety of problems to solve using many different means.

Developing their thinking and reasoning skills are a must. Other areas covered

will be:

 place value

 adding and subtracting

 multiplication and division

 decimals

 algebra

 graphing

 geometry

 measurement

 ratios and percents

 fractions

 problem solving and explaining their thinking

Many times throughout the year a new math game may be introduced to your children. These games are designed to provide repetition and practice of the new skills they are learning. Game materials can be checked out of the room for use at home. I strongly encourage you and your family to play them on a regular basis. These games will help the students develop stronger skills and can be both fun and challenging.

In addition to the material covered in the curriculum, it is very important for the students to continually practice their basic skills in addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. Following is a list of suggestions for practicing these basic facts at home:

 On a regular basis, review in short periods of time addition,

subtraction, multiplication, and divisions facts. Using fact

triangle cards, games, short oral drill sessions, standard

flash cards, or patterns on the multiplication fact table should

help them with their review.

 Give your child 5 minute math type problems that can be

solved in the car, at the dinner table, etc.

 Make up number stories for your child to solve that involve

multi-digit addition and subtraction. Practice this while you

wait at the dentist office, drive to soccer practice, or travel in

the car to the grocery store.

 Roll two dice and find the sum (addition) or product

(multiplication) of the two numbers

 Play mental math games: (adding or subtracting numbers in

your head)

LANGUAGE ARTS

Reading

I will be using several formats to cover the concepts the students need to learn:

 whole group instruction

 small group instruction

 guided reading

 reading logs

 literature circles

 independent reading

 independent projects

Students will be asked to read, evaluate, and think critically about the literature we read. Comprehension, developing vocabulary skills, learning reading strategies, and making a connection with the literature read are the major areas that will be focused on throughout the course of the year.

Writing

The students will be doing a variety of writing tasks as they strive to become better writers. I will use several instructional techniques to cover the topics the students need to learn:

 whole group instruction

 small group instruction

 grammar skills practice

 free writing

In an effort to enhance the writing instruction, we will be using The Lucy Calkins model. This model helps define a common vocabulary as well as provide the students with a common understanding of how to assess their own writing.

Spelling

The focus of our spelling will be discovering and using spelling patterns on a daily basis. I expect the children to pay attention to the rules of spelling so that they can begin to correct some of their invented spelling. Recognizing errors and using a variety of ways to correct them will also be emphasized. On Fridays, the children will be introduced to the spelling patterns for the week. During the week, we will complete practice activities that will introduce them to new words that also follow the pattern. Homework throughout the week should help them practice the skills they will need to take the test the following Thursday. Practicing their eight spelling words and eight additional words of their choice should be part of their nightly routine.

SCIENCE

Students will participate in both informational reading and experiments. The development of good study skill will be essential in the area of science. Developing critical thinking skills and learning to record observations in an accurate and complete manner will be the focus of all units. The topics covered will include:

 ecology

 light and sound

 matter and energy

 motion and design

 space

HEALTH

The students will cover a variety of topics in a discussion format.

 emotions

 alcohol and other drugs

 first aid

 advertising

 nutrition

 human growth and development (including AIDS awareness)

SOCIAL STUDIES

Students will participate in information readings and discussions. At times, long-range projects may be assigned. The major focus for Social Studies is to understand the “story of the United States” and how our history lead to the country we have today. Students will be required to know specific names and dates as well as demonstrate an understanding of general themes occurring during these time periods. Topics that will be covered include:

 life in the colonies

 winning independence – The American Revolution

 government

 westward movement

 Civil War and slavery

 growth of industries and cities

 current events

SOCIAL SKILLS

While this is not a class that is held daily, the ideas are stressed and practiced as necessary. Mastering these skills is necessary to succeed in the environment we live in today.

 giving and receiving praise

 coaching others

 working as a team

 group management skills

 setting personal goals

Fifth grade is an excellent year to begin the development of strong study habits. Review of the existing and new material presented is one of the most important tools for success. As a general rule, I will review orally with my students at the start of each new lesson. However, classroom review is not enough. The children must realize that reviewing at home is also necessary. For his reason, I ask that the children take home their spelling pretests each night to review for the Thursdays test. On Tuesdays and Thursdays, they should bring home their Science and Social Studies notes for curriculum review. Fifteen minutes each night should be an adequate time to review the materials and keep the information fresh in their minds.

Please encourage your child to take their studies seriously by following the above-mentioned guidelines.