5th Grade
2009/2010 Mr. Smith
5th Grade Math, Science and
Welcome to 5th grade!
Changes are many in 5th grade. The students are moving away from the familiarity of having one teacher and being in a self contained classroom to having three teachers in as many rooms. And that's not counting the "Specials" teachers! Many students require a few weeks to adjust.
I am happy to be working with you and your children. My mission statement for this year is as follows:
My mission is to instill in each student a sense of self-worth and a feeling of importance, both as an individual and as a member of my class. I will create a positive environment where my students will not only enjoy learning, but will gain a sense of self-confidence. I will demonstrate compassion to my students and treat each child with respect. My mission is to have my students possess a belief in themselves and carry this belief beyond my classroom and into every aspect of their lives. I will set a high standard of academic achievement and social responsibility. I will then equip each of my students with the skills and knowledge that will allow them to work to their potential and meet the set standards. I will strive to meet the unique needs of each student both emotionally and academically.
As a Christian teacher, above all it is my mission to model the life of Jesus Christ. I will instruct my students with His example in mind. I will take advantage of all opportunities to discuss with my students the Gospel, as presented in the Bible. I will be a servant to those in need. I aspire to have an attitude like that of Christ Jesus (Philippians 2:5) in teaching and serving.
Academics
Students must remember to bring the correct books, notebooks and homework to each class. All students are required to have an assignment notebook and a take home folder. Please check to see that your child is bringing them home nightly. Assignments are clearly displayed in each class and time is given for students to copy them into their assignment books.
Students now follow 36 minute periods in many classes. All work must be completed within this time frame or be finished as homework.
Homework that is not done or incomplete must be finished and returned to me with a parent signature. All grades below 70% (75% for spelling) must be signed by a parent and returned to me. This is considered homework!
Math 5- F.C.A. uses the Saxon math program. This is an intensive program that has already benefited the students who have used over the past few years. There is a new lesson/concept presented daily. This is followed by practice done as a whole class. The students then complete 30 problems that not only cover the lesson of the day, but may include problems on material learned in previous lessons. Any unfinished problems are assigned as homework. The student's homework should not show only answers, but include all work used in finding the answers.
We correct homework at the beginning of each class. The homework is then returned to the student and may be corrected and turned in to me. If all corrections are accurate the student will receive a 100% for that homework.
We will engage in several hands on activities with math manipulatives and tools. We do not use calculators in fifth grade.
Homework counts as ¼ of the report card grade. Tests count as ¾.
Despite the fact that it involves bringing home the book most nights, my advice to all students is to bring the math homework home even if it has been completed in school. Parents are encouraged to review their child’s work. All homework questions in the book are followed by a lesson number in parenthesis. This guides you to the lesson where the material was originally presented, making it easier to review any material the student may have forgotten.
Science 5- We are using the ACSI science program. This includes daily lessons and frequent activities involving life, earth and physical science. Science experiments and observations support as well as complement the curriculum.
There are three science projects to be assigned this year. Details will be sent home 2-3 weeks before the due date.
Science grades are based on completed homework, quizzes, tests and the three projects. The graded weight of these depends on how many of each are completed during the semester.
Language Arts 5- The Reading portion of the Language Arts program consists of Literature Focus Units, Reader’s Theater and Literature Circles. We will read a minimum of six novels in class. These texts will cover a variety of genres. Most are Newberry award winners. Novels will be used to teach the elements of literature (plot, setting, theme...) and to increase reading comprehension and fluency.
In addition to the novels read in class each student is responsible for reading six books at home. Six book reports of varying styles will be due each month. The first, a traditional written/typed report, is due at the end of October. Specifics for each subsequent report will be given a minimum of two weeks prior to the due date.
The English portion of the program focuses on grammar and writing structure. Many 5th graders need refreshers on what makes a complete sentence before moving on to the paragraph structure. The first semester always includes many reminders of punctuation placement, capitalization, and avoiding sentence fragments.
The Writing portion of Language Arts includes the writing done in all academic subjects, informal journal writing, and a structured writing program that begins during the second half of the year, replacing grammar.
Extra help- I am available for extra help by request. Students must come to extra help with specific questions. Extra help is not a tutoring session.
In Christ,
Mr. Smith