What’s Happening in Class?  

·          Bible: Each morning since school began we have had devotions on Christian values to help us create rules for our classroom. So far we have discussed what God has to say about kindness, respect and our words.

·          Reading: The first week of school is always about routines, reading is no exception. The fifth graders are learning the afternoon routines of Reader’s Workshop. This week we will begin our first novel/genre study with The Tale of Despereaux. The book is marvelous and filled with rich vocabulary and a riveting story structure… the movie, not so much!

·          Language Arts: Students will be continuing to learn the structure and routine for Writer’s Workshop.

·          Spelling and Vocabulary: Students have been and will continue to learn how to complete Wordly Wise. The first few lessons I walk them through the lessons step by step until they begin to feel confident with completing the lessons on their own. Our first test on Spelling lesson 1 will be on Wed., September 11^th. The first Wordly Wise test will be on Wed., September 18^th.

·          Science: This year I will be teaching science for the 5^th and 6^th grade boys on Tuesdays and Thursdays and alternate Fridays. Mrs. West will be teaching the 5^th and 6^th grade girls science on Mondays and Wednesdays and alternate Fridays. Mrs. West and I will be planning together for science so that the students are receiving the same material. The first unit of study is Animals and animal classification.

Back to School Night—September 12^th    

Please join us at 7:00pm on Thursday, September 12^th. We will be discussing information concerning classroom procedures and routines. Mrs. West and I will be sharing some new information about homework policies and bellwork. If you attend your student will receive 10 extra credit points in the subject of their choice at the end of the quarter!

Blog Information:  

Beginning this week, I have a blog available to all fifth and sixth grade parents. The blog is intended to assist students with homework and classwork information. If your child is absent or misses a class for any reason, such as piano or band, please check the blog to see what classroom assignments or homework assignments they may have missed. Students should also check Mrs. West’s blog for information about the classes she teaches. This will help keep your student on track even if he/she is not present in class. Many students actually check the blog on their own to keep up with what they may have missed or forgotten.