English Language Arts: Our reading and writing curriculum is based on the work by Mcgraw-Hill Education. The program we use is from their Wonders series. Through this series, students are introduced to many different reading skills and strategies (i.e., cause/effect, problem/solution, vocabulary in context, text structure, . . . ). Students learn how to read and reread with a purpose. They learn how to annotate their text while reading in order to cite evidence and answer text-dependent questions. They also learn how to organize their thoughts and ideas as they move toward writing summaries and making sense of what they are learning through strong connections to what they already know.
Guided Reading: Through the same Wonders program, students are given opportunities to meet within small groups with other students who are reading at the same level. The program uses "leveled readers" that are connected to each unit being studied in whole-group ELA. Small-group instruction gives students an opportunity to work a bit deeper with the same skills and strategies being taught in class, but at their independent reading level.
Mathematics: Students will continue to use the EnVision math program by Pearson this year. Through developing a deep conceptual understanding of content, students are able to become stronger problem solvers. Students are introduced to a concept through modeling, visual aides, and tools with ample time to practice. Through a process of trial and error, students are able to grapple with their current understanding/misconceptions ultimately developing a deeper meaning of the "why" behind how to solve a problem, not just how to solve it. Each day, students will rotate through different centers in order for them to learn at their individual level. Students will first meet in a whole group to be introduced to the days content. They will be giving an example as a model for them to refer to as they work. Students will then rotate through 4 stations; Meet with the teacher (small group), At Your Seat, Technology, and finally Hands-On.
Science: This year, we will be working with new Smithsonian kits!! Students will focus on three units of study in science; Unit 1: "How Can We Predict Changes in Ecosystems?", Unit 2: "How Can We Identify Materials Based on Their Properties?", & Unit 3: "How Can We Provide Freshwater to Those in Need?". During each unit of study, students will have the opportunity to conduct small lab experiments in class, as well as create reports/skits/models in order to demonstrate an understanding of the content.
Social Studies: Students will focus on the Western Hemisphere. They will not only learn more about the United States, but our neighbors to the north and south - Canada and Mexico, as well as Mesoamerica and South America. They will learn about the land, culture, beliefs, traditions, languages, government, and history of these different places and its people.
Homework Students will have homework M-Th. Students will have a math practice page that corresponds with that day's lesson. They will be responsible for completing a given set of problems to show what they know/understand. During math, students will have an opportunity to work on their homework. With that said, some students may finish their homework in the time given and will not bring any home. That's absolutely fine. Students will also have ELA homework each evening. These pages correspond to the text they are reading in class for that week. As with math, students will be able to begin/complete their homework depending on the time remaining after the daily lesson.
Along with math and ELA, students are expected to read 30-40 minutes each night. They do not have a reading log, but rather are on the honor system. I have several reading conferences with students and can definitely tell who is reading and who isn't. From time-to-time students may be working on project/research (usually in science/social studies) where they may need to do some work at home, but this is not something that occurs on a regular basis. Lastly, some students may have homework because they were unable to complete their work during class time. For some, they might just need extra time. For others, they may need to work on time management skills. Students who do have their homework done when due at the end of each week, will have an opportunity to play Homeworkopoly where they can earn prized, homework passes, or take a chance and need to sharpen pencils for friends. . . all for fun!!!
Homework Students will have homework M-Th. Students will have a math practice page that corresponds with that day's lesson. They will be responsible for completing a given set of problems to show what they know/understand. During math, students will have an opportunity to work on their homework. With that said, some students may finish their homework in the time given and will not bring any home. That's absolutely fine. Students will also have ELA homework each evening. These pages correspond to the text they are reading in class for that week. As with math, students will be able to begin/complete their homework depending on the time remaining after the daily lesson.
Along with math and ELA, students are expected to read 30-40 minutes each night. They do not have a reading log, but rather are on the honor system. I have several reading conferences with students and can definitely tell who is reading and who isn't. From time-to-time students may be working on project/research (usually in science/social studies) where they may need to do some work at home, but this is not something that occurs on a regular basis. Lastly, some students may have homework because they were unable to complete their work during class time. For some, they might just need extra time. For others, they may need to work on time management skills. Students who do have their homework done when due at the end of each week, will have an opportunity to play Homeworkopoly where they can earn prized, homework passes, or take a chance and need to sharpen pencils for friends. . . all for fun!!!