Well the first few weeks have definitely been eventful ones. We spent the majority of the past weeks getting used to the routines, forming a sense of community in the classroom, and starting a few units in different academic areas. Although we were interrupted by a long Labor Day weekend, 5J is definitely getting in the swing of things.
In Reading, we have already completed one of the Harcourt stories! We usually read each story a minimum of three times a week: once as a class, once with partners, and once at home before the test. We also focus a lot on good reader strategies, so it is important the students practice those as they read independently (100 minutes per week at home). This week we focused on “making predictions.” The next few weeks we will spend a lot of time on “creating mental images,” and identifying “narrative elements.” 5th grade reading isn’t so much about “learning to read,” but about “reading to learn.” Many of the strategies we cover should be review, but now students have to start using those strategies every time they read (without the teacher forcing them to). If students can internalize each strategy, they will become better readers, and ultimately begin “reading to learn.”
We have also completed 2 units in Spelling! It is imperative that students follow through with the Spelling program I have set in place. Each week, we will have a pre-test on Fridays. Then the students have from Friday to Thursday to complete their spelling contract. On Thursdays we will have the test for that unit. As I have always said, doing well in Spelling is merely a matter of how hard you try. If students complete the contract, and study the words, they will do just fine. Also, if students get 3 A’s in a row, they will not have to do the contract if they keep getting A’s! Bottom line: work hard and you will be rewarded.
We have been very busy in Writing as well. We will spend a lot of time this year writing a variety of pieces that are in the 5th grade curriculum (Ex: memoir, expository, book review, etc.). However, before we even get to those, we needed to set some groundwork. The students will be doing a lot more independent writing this year (more so than in the past). Therefore, we spent the first few weeks reviewing the writing process, brainstorming ideas for writing, and studying basic grammatical concepts. Not only will this help students with the upcoming writing units, but it will also get them started in the process of publishing a piece with the Cool Cat Press. 5J has a reputation of having a lot of published writers, and I expect to maintain that reputation this year.
In terms of Math, the 5th grade uses flexible math groups. These groups are formed by the teachers, and take into consideration learning styles, teaching styles, and pacing. One thing to remember is that these groups are constantly changing. Depending on the unit of study, students may move from one class to another at anytime. This is in accordance with what research has shown as best practices for teaching Math, and it has worked very well in the past. No matter whose class the students are in, I can guarantee they will be pushed harder than they ever have before.
As for Social Studies and Science, we only teach on subject at a time. We will spend a few weeks doing a Science unit, then we will transition into Social Studies for the following weeks. As much as I love Social Studies and Science, there is just not enough time in the day to do both. However, we have already gotten through one unit in both. In Science, we learned about the Scientific Method by creating bridges and testing their strength. Now we are focusing on Social Studies, and learning about geography, culture, and the government. I am especially excited for the upcoming Social Studies units. 5th grade focuses on the history of the United States from Exploration to the Civil War. There is a lot of intriguing information to be learned, and I am certain that, by the end of the year, students will love history as much as I do.
5J has had a very busy few weeks (and many more to come), but we are definitely getting into the swing of things. By the end of the year, I can promise that every student will be ready for the next level. Of course we will learn a lot of new academic content, but we focus on so much more in 5th grade. Developing the skills and qualities to be a successful middle schooler, high schooler, collegian, and community member are on the front burner of everything we do in 5J. I have high expectations for this group, and they are well on their way to meeting/exceeding those expectations.
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