Stonebridge 5th Grade Handbook

Math instruction is taught using the Holt McDougal Mathematics Course I curriculum. We will be using technology, playing math games, learning note-taking, and engaging in fun, interactive activities that meet the needs of our 21st century learners! Worth noting that the Holt McDougal Mathematics curriculum will not be available to students/ families online this year.

Literacy instruction consists of reading workshop, writing workshop, and word work. Each day students will receive direct instruction in skills and strategies that lead to proficient reading. They are given ample amounts of time to read high interest, self selected, just right books. During independent reading time, students will meet with the teacher one-on-one or in small groups focusing on skills at their instructional level.

Writing Workshop begins each day with a whole group lesson on a writing skill or strategy. We practice together and then students work independently on their piece of writing. Teachers then meet one-on-one and in small groups with students to give feedback, teach next steps, and monitor students’ writing.

We will use the Words Their Way curriculum for word work instruction.  Based on years of research into invented and developmental spelling, the classroom-proven framework of this successful series is keyed to the five stages of spelling and orthographic development. This curriculum meets the needs of each student based upon his/her stage of spelling development, from emergent through derivational relations.

Throughout the year we will complete these units: Variables; Landforms; Environments; and Levers and Pulleys. We also have 2 STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) kits called Marvelous Machines: Making Work Easier and A Slick Solution: Cleaning an Oil Spill. Fifth graders will also take the MCA Science Test in the spring.  Therefore, we will take time throughout the year to prepare for this standardized state test. Students use the engineering design process, critical thinking, problem solving, and collaborative discussions while designing products and processes.

Our curriculum addresses all four social studies disciplines:

• Citizenship and Government
• Economics
• Geography
• History

We use an inquiry based method to help students strengthen their understanding of the following concepts:

• Ask Questions
• Think Critically
• Solve Problems
• Communicate Conclusions

Multiple studies show little evidence suggesting that homework has a significant effect on student learning at the elementary level. At Stonebridge, our expectation is that kids read (or a parent reads to them) each evening as their homework. In fifth grade, this could include practice of sight words, leveled books, and/or books of the student's choice. Here are some minimum guidelines to follow:

• 15 minutes for kindergarten and first graders.
• 20-30 minutes for second through fifth graders.

The overarching theme at our school is that we will not be assigning homework other than what is described above. On occasion, there will be some exceptions. First, we need to look at the difference between homework and schoolwork. Homework is defined as work assigned by the teacher to be completed at home. Schoolwork is defined as work that was unfinished at school, therefore, the child brings the work home to complete it. This may happen if a child has missed school for an illness or on an occasion where the child did not finish the work during the time provided in school.

Homework must be effective if it is assigned and effective homework assignments must be prescribed in a certain way. For example, an effective use of homework would be the teacher sitting down and thinking ‘Ray has trouble with number placement, so I’m going to give him five problems on number placement.’ Then the next day the teacher sits down with Ray and asks, ‘Was this hard for you? Where did you have difficulty?’ Then the teacher gives Ray either more or less material based on what was learned. This type of effective homework is very different compared to all children receiving the same math worksheets to compete on a nightly basis.

Lastly, we’d love to see kids get the opportunity to play with family and friends, take the dog for a walk, help out around the house, and get outside as a part of their nightly routine.