Our Curriculum:
Reading Workshop- Each 90-minute block begins with a 20-minute focused mini lesson that involves reading aloud a text and modeling a comprehension strategy that students will then apply to their own reading. Students then spend an hour working independently on various assignments, including reading self-selected books, responding to their reading, and completing word study activities. While students work independently, I instruct small groups of students at their reading level.
Writing Workshop- We utilize the Lucy Calkins' Writing Workshop program. Each 30-minute block begins with a 15-minute mini lesson that involves modeling a writing strategy within the following genres- narrative, opinion and informational. Students then work on their own writing pieces on a topic of their choosing within the genre being taught. Students learn how to brainstorm, draft, revise, edit, and publish final writing pieces.
Word Study- Instead of traditional spelling lists, students are given a developmental spelling test at the beginning of the year to determine what type of word patterns they should begin learning. Students are grouped according to skill level, and each week they receive a list of words that can be sorted into categories. The focus is on internalizing the spelling patterns and then applying them to their reading and writing. Vocabulary is also emphasized, and at the most advanced stage, students work with Greek and Latin roots. At the end of each week, students are assessed on their words, as well as a few extra words that fit the spelling pattern for the week. The goal is for students to transfer their understanding to all words with that particular pattern. For more information about word study, check out the following link: http://www.readingrockets.org/article/word-study-new-approach-teaching-spelling
You can view the English Language Arts standards here: http://education.ohio.gov/getattachment/Topics/Learning-in-Ohio/English-Language-Art/English-Language-Arts-Standards/ELA-Learning-Standards-2017.pdf.aspx.
Math- Our district math curriculum is Math In Focus. There is a strong focus on problem-solving and teaching concepts through a hands-on approach in order to develop a deep understanding of mathematics. The end-of-unit assessments are unique in that they include some application problems that require students to take what they have learned and apply their new knowledge to unfamiliar problems and to teach students to persevere in solving them. For more information about Math in Focus, visit the following link: www.hmhco.com/shop/education-curriculum/math/math-in-focus-singapore-math. Additionally, you can view videos that will help you support your child's learning in 5th grade math at this link: www-k6.thinkcentral.com/content/hsp/math/hspmath/common/mif_pd_vid/9780547760308_te/index.html. Additionally, you can view the Math standards here: http://education.ohio.gov/getattachment/Topics/Learning-in-Ohio/Mathematics/Ohio-s-Learning-Standards-in-Mathematics/Math-Standards.pdf.aspx.
Science- You can view the Science standards here: http://education.ohio.gov/getattachment/Topics/Ohios-Learning-Standards/Science/ScienceStandards.pdf.aspx. The theme of 5th Grade Science is Interconnection Within Systems. This theme focuses on helping students recognize the components of various systems and then investigate dynamic and sustainable relationships within systems using scienti c inquiry. We will do various experiments and activities throughout the year.
Social Studies- You can view the Social Studies standards here: https://education.ohio.gov/getattachment/Topics/Ohio-s-New-Learning-Standards/Social-Studies/SS-Standards.pdf.aspx. The theme of 5th Grade Social Studies is Regions and People of the Western Hemisphere. Students study the Western Hemisphere (North and South America), its geographic features, early history, cultural development and economic change. Students learn about the early inhabitants of the Americas and the impact of European exploration and colonization. The geographic focus includes the study of contemporary regional characteristics, the movement of people, products and ideas, and cultural diversity. Students develop their understanding of the relationship between markets and available resources.
Writing Workshop- We utilize the Lucy Calkins' Writing Workshop program. Each 30-minute block begins with a 15-minute mini lesson that involves modeling a writing strategy within the following genres- narrative, opinion and informational. Students then work on their own writing pieces on a topic of their choosing within the genre being taught. Students learn how to brainstorm, draft, revise, edit, and publish final writing pieces.
Word Study- Instead of traditional spelling lists, students are given a developmental spelling test at the beginning of the year to determine what type of word patterns they should begin learning. Students are grouped according to skill level, and each week they receive a list of words that can be sorted into categories. The focus is on internalizing the spelling patterns and then applying them to their reading and writing. Vocabulary is also emphasized, and at the most advanced stage, students work with Greek and Latin roots. At the end of each week, students are assessed on their words, as well as a few extra words that fit the spelling pattern for the week. The goal is for students to transfer their understanding to all words with that particular pattern. For more information about word study, check out the following link: http://www.readingrockets.org/article/word-study-new-approach-teaching-spelling
You can view the English Language Arts standards here: http://education.ohio.gov/getattachment/Topics/Learning-in-Ohio/English-Language-Art/English-Language-Arts-Standards/ELA-Learning-Standards-2017.pdf.aspx.
Math- Our district math curriculum is Math In Focus. There is a strong focus on problem-solving and teaching concepts through a hands-on approach in order to develop a deep understanding of mathematics. The end-of-unit assessments are unique in that they include some application problems that require students to take what they have learned and apply their new knowledge to unfamiliar problems and to teach students to persevere in solving them. For more information about Math in Focus, visit the following link: www.hmhco.com/shop/education-curriculum/math/math-in-focus-singapore-math. Additionally, you can view videos that will help you support your child's learning in 5th grade math at this link: www-k6.thinkcentral.com/content/hsp/math/hspmath/common/mif_pd_vid/9780547760308_te/index.html. Additionally, you can view the Math standards here: http://education.ohio.gov/getattachment/Topics/Learning-in-Ohio/Mathematics/Ohio-s-Learning-Standards-in-Mathematics/Math-Standards.pdf.aspx.
Science- You can view the Science standards here: http://education.ohio.gov/getattachment/Topics/Ohios-Learning-Standards/Science/ScienceStandards.pdf.aspx. The theme of 5th Grade Science is Interconnection Within Systems. This theme focuses on helping students recognize the components of various systems and then investigate dynamic and sustainable relationships within systems using scienti c inquiry. We will do various experiments and activities throughout the year.
Social Studies- You can view the Social Studies standards here: https://education.ohio.gov/getattachment/Topics/Ohio-s-New-Learning-Standards/Social-Studies/SS-Standards.pdf.aspx. The theme of 5th Grade Social Studies is Regions and People of the Western Hemisphere. Students study the Western Hemisphere (North and South America), its geographic features, early history, cultural development and economic change. Students learn about the early inhabitants of the Americas and the impact of European exploration and colonization. The geographic focus includes the study of contemporary regional characteristics, the movement of people, products and ideas, and cultural diversity. Students develop their understanding of the relationship between markets and available resources.