5 th Grade Parent Orientation

1. 5th Grade Parent Orientation Welcome!

2. This school year promises to be a challenging yet exciting learning experience for your child. However, the success of your child this academic year depends on the combined effort of everyone involved. The following packet is an outline of the 5th grade curriculum for this year.

3. Reading • Balanced Literacy • A balanced literacy approach is used for reading and writing instruction. Students are engaged in a variety of reading and writing activities including Read Alouds, Shared Reading, Guided Reading, and Independent Reading. All of these components are incorporated in the Making Meaning – Strategies That Build Comprehension and Community program that we are using this year.

4. - Each student is required to read at least 30 books of different genres (examples: Biography, Adventure, Fairytales, Realistic Fiction, etc…). The students are required to read for at least 30 minutes each night. • Students will be expected to take a statewide English Language Arts exam this year. The test will be administered on: April 14-16

5. Math • This school year, the students will be using the “GO MATH” Program. This is a math program that engages students as it strengthens their understanding of math by using problem based interactive and visual learning. It incorporates visual tools to help students become better problem solvers, and it provides differentiated instruction to ensure the success of every student. • Students will work in small groups and independently with a focus on strategies for problem solving and sharing ideas through discussion. • It is essential that students study and are able to quickly recall multiplication facts. • The students will take a statewide Math exam that will be administered on: April 22-24

6. Social Studies • The areas of study covered in the 5th grade Social Studies curriculum are: • Geography and Early People of the Western Hemisphere • United States • Latin America • Canada • A variety of printed materials and visual resources are used to reinforce the concepts taught.

7. Magnet • The country of study for the 5th grade will be Egypt • Our Magnet Expo will be held again this year • The students always look forward to this time when they can share what they’ve learned and created on the country of study.

8. Science • We will continue to use the McMillan McGraw Hill Science Program this year. This is an inquiry-based program that provides students with materials and activities (experiments, explore activities, and inquire skill builders) that are motivating and challenging. It also incorporates and reinforces several reading skills.

9. Writing • Writing takes place daily and is incorporated into every subject area. Students will continue to explore several writing genres (narrative, persuasive, information/report writing, procedural, etc…) • The writing process is an important part of writing. During this process of brainstorming, drafting, revising, editing, and publishing, students confer with the teacher and peers to share ideas, edit, and critique their writing.

10. Music, Art, Gym, Technology • Gym – Mrs. Maguire • This year, each class will have two periods of gym each week. Students should wear sneakers on gym days and be prepared to take part in all activities. Each student will be expected to take a fitness assessment which will be based on individual performance and personal improvement. Art – Mrs. Judge-Patton Music – Ms. Francis Technology – Mr. Jump Our Class Schedule: Monday – Technology Tuesday –language arts Wednesday – Gym andmusic Thursday –art Friday - Gym

11. Important Websites • www.p12.nysed.gov • www.nylearns.org (Provides ELA and Math practice)