Mrs. Ellerbusch/Ms. Dobler/Ms. House
5th Grade
Curriculum includes:
Reading: Reading genres include fiction, non-fiction, and other literature. Reading is taught through whole group, small group, and individualized instruction. Genres to be explored this year include historical fiction, poetry, fantasy, and non-fiction with a strong emphasis on reading for content. Daily Analogies will be used to increase vocabulary and hone problem solving/test taking skills. AR (Accelerated Reader) is part of the silent/independent reading program. A non-fiction newspaper, Kind News, will also be used in class.
Reading Strategies: “An active reader …” predicts, asks questions, visualizes, makes connections (text to self, text to text, text to world), makes inferences, synthesizes, and re-reads for understanding.
Writing: Using the 6-Trait Writing process and Step-Up to Writing, our compositions will embrace the genres being studied in reading, as well as parallel what we are studying in Social Studies. DOL, (Daily Oral Language), is a daily program that reinforces and teaches editing, spelling, and conventions. We will also journal throughout the year. The student will either respond (at least one full page) to an assigned topic or create their own topic.
Spelling/Vocabulary: Spelling/vocabulary is conducted weekly.
Math: Mirroring the state and district standards, our learning will involve exploring number theory, estimating and calculation; geometry; fractions, decimals, and percents; collecting and working with data; division, ratios, and exponents; coordinates; patterns, problem solving, and algebra concepts.
Math Sections by Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) test to meet the needs of the students.
Textbook and occasional worksheets
Expectations: Homework, tests and quizzes, daily participation, and projects
Ask Questions
Be Prepared
Basic Facts (+, -, x, ÷ for #’s 1-12) … practice flash cards!
Social Studies: We will be studying American history and geography, beginning with the Early Americans’ migration across Beringia and ending with the American Revolution.
Our social studies program incorporates cross curricular skills in
* math (simple calculations and graphing)
* reading (time lines, fiction, non-fiction material: Scholastic News and KIND News)
* writing skills (short constructed and extended responses to appropriate
prompts)
Occasionally projects will be assigned. Minimal class time will be given, requiring some work at home. At least two weeks will be given to complete the project. A rubric will be given when the project is assigned, outlining the expectations to receive a certain grade and the due date.
Daily participation, being prepared, homework, projects, and quizzes make up the student’s grade.
Science: District 12 utilizes Science Kit curriculum. This curriculum aligns with the state standards and benchmarks for science. Hands On, Minds On.
Ecosystems
Models and Designs
Floating and Sinking
Space
Cross-curricular activities are incorporated:
* math (simple calculations, graphing)
* reading (fiction and non-fiction literature provided by teacher)
* writing (journaling/science notebook: the scientific method; short
constructed and extended writing as it correlates to topic)
* Performance Assessments
Daily participation, group cooperation, being prepared, science notebook, worksheets, quizzes, Performance Assessments and responding to writing prompts make up the student’s grade.
All 5th grade students in Colorado will take the Science CSAP.
Science Olympiad is NOT mandatory, however, we highly recommend it as an excellent enrichment to your child’s science education.
How can I help support my child’s success?
1. Ask specific questions.
a. Name 3 things you learned in school today.
b. What did you like best?
c. What were your successes? How can we support you?
2. Check the daily planner and sign it every night.
a. Have your child explain the assignments.
b. Review the homework assignment. It’s okay to tell them if something is wrong and they ‘fix’ it, but he/she needs to understand it.
3. Keep in contact with us. If you have a question or concern, don’t hesitate to contact us. It’s best to e-mail us, call, or set up an appointment.
4. Make reading important in your home. Have your child read at least 20 minutes every night in his/her reading range. You may read to your
child or your child may read to you or a sibling.
5. Please return signed progress reports when a signature line has been provided. If there is no signature line, you may keep the progress report
for your own records.
DIFFERENCES BETWEEN 4TH GRADE AND 5TH GRADE
Departmentalizing
AR Book in class with student daily
AR TOPS tests must be taken in class
Vocabulary and Spelling look different
Science CSAP
Planner must be signed daily
Signed Friday Folder, returned on Monday (or first day of following week)
Increased amount of homework
All homework is due at 8:10 or it is considered late (even if it is in the backpack in the hall).
Late Policy effective 1st day of school
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