What happens in Riker Hills Fifth Grade The

What happens in Riker Hill’s Fifth Grade?

The Fifth Grade Team Ø Ø Ø Ø Ø Mr. David Arensburg-Social Studies and Science Mrs. Anna Maria Corino-ELA Reading and Writing Mrs. Gail Kelly – Mathematics and Word Study Ms. Holli Gibbs– Special Education Mrs. Michele Jacobsen – Special Education Mrs. Kathryn D’Anna – Special Education Mrs. Vanessa Belford – BSI/Support Ms. Karen Allen– Aide Mrs. Monica Giambattista-Aide Ø Daily Team Meetings Collaborative Planning

v Balanced Literacy: v Reader’s Workshop v Read-Aloud v Independent Reading v Guided Reading and Strategy Group Instruction v Reading Strategies v Reading Units -Unit 1: Launching Through Character Work - Unit 2: Critical Reading Across Texts for Interpretation - Unit 3: Social Issue Book Clubs (Author - Unit 4: Learning Through Reading: American Revolution Critical Reading Across Texts for Interpretation - Unit 5: Test Prep - Unit 6: Reading High Interest Non-Fiction Closely - Unit 7: Fantasy Book Clubs v Words Their Way Writer’s Workshop Unit 1: Narrative Craft Unit 2: Literary and Comparative Essay Unit 3: Research Based Argument Essay Unit 4: Research for Digital Presentations In the Content Area: American Revolution Unit 5: Test Prep Unit 6: Feature Article Unit 7: Fiction – Fantasy or Independent Writing

Structure of Reading/Writing Workshop: § Mini-Lesson § Independent Reading/Writing § Conferencing § Partner Work § Book Clubs § Guided Reading and/or Strategy Group Instruction Goal of Workshop: § Build stamina § Work with students on individual levels

ü The Scientific Method ü States of Matter ü Life Science ü Communities ü Solar System and Space Exploration ü Changing Earth ü Volcanoes ü Earthquakes ü Earth History ü Pangaea ü Fossils

ü Hands on/Inquiry Based Learning ü Utilizing Next Gen Science Standards ü Assessment ü Experimental Labs ü Unit Tests ü Homework ü Projects

« The Age of Exploration « The Era of Settlement Age and Colonization « The Revolutionary War « The Government and Constitution « Westward Expansion and the Civil War

« Tests/ Quizzes « Open Book Quizzes « Informal written assignments « Projects

• Units of Study • • Number Sense Patterns and Algebra Multiplication Division Fractions Decimals Data Analysis • Calendar Math • Measurement • Geometry

Pre-Assessments Quizzes Post-Tests Flex Grouping Projects/Activities • Partner Games • Chess • Extension Activities

Ø Essential Questions Ø Example: How are the risk taking characteristics of early colonists similar to the explorers from the Age of Exploration? Ø Reading Strategies Ø Making Connections Ø Visualizing Ø Questioning Ø Making inferences Ø Determining Importance Ø Monitoring For Meaning Ø Synthesizing

Homework Agenda v Homework is copied daily and is on teacher websites. v Students should be reading 30 minutes each night and work on the assigned homework. v Students will use a reading log for the beginning of the school year. It will used to record their daily reading and to better understand themselves as readers.

Riker Hill Take-home Folder v Transports homework to and from school as well as any notices. v Folder placed in backpack immediately upon completion of homework

Study Area v proper lighting v quiet v spacious v contains all necessary tools Study guides are given for tests at least one week before test date.

Policy for Absences v It is the student’s responsibility to see the teacher for work missed when not in class. This includes an absence or leaving for band, GT, forensics, etc. v Check teacher websites for homework assignments v Homework requests cannot be filled until 2: 45 pm v If your child is absent, you must send in a handwritten note, not just an email indicating reason for absence.

v 5 th graders will be setting goals periodically working toward changing goals into a habit. v They will also be working towards having a growth mindset and believing they can achieve anything and work toward their highest potential.

ü Availability ü after school: 2: 40 -3: 00 p. m. ü Math Help: Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays 2: 40 -3: 00 p. m. Please contact us to schedule a time.

Thank you for taking time out of your busy schedule to come and meet your child’s teachers. We look forward to a very productive and successful year with your child!