We continue to use  Investigations Math, as well as the Scott Foresman series to teach our Georgia Performance Standards in the classroom. Students and parents should expect homework daily.  Time is given in class to start assignments and often complete them if students use their time wisely. 

     Students should read at least 30 minutes each evening, or a total of 150 minutes per week..  Students are required to maintain reading logs in our classroom. Log your  minutes and your reading selection each day. At the end of the week, be sure to complete the Reading Response Journal page.  Logs are due each Monday.

      Check out the Reading page for activities relating to our reading story of the week.

Fluency

      Fluency practice is a very important part of the reading program. Words should flow!  Increased fluency means increased comprehension.  The target for 5th grade is to read 120-180 wpm with 95% accuracy or better.  To practice for fluency, choose a paragraph of about 100 words and practice reading it daily.  Watch for words and punctuation that should be stressed.  Read it with expression.  Pace your reading based on the material you are reading.  Some material is better read a bit slower.  At the end of each week, time yourself and keep a chart.  Your goal is to improve your speed with practice!

Vocabulary

WORDS!  WORDS!  WORDS!

   Building a good vocabulary base is essential for reading comprehension and fluency. Fifth grade uses the Wordly Wise Vocabulary program in class.  Students will have a list of 15 words each week to explore! Our goal is to learn them and to use them. Students will have an assignment daily from the Wordly Wise book.  Stems are also a big part of learning new vocabulary.  Students will be introduced to new word origins each week.  They will be expected to learn them and become familiar with words derived from them. 

    Our focus in language arts is to learn the parts of speech and use them in written and oral communication correctly. Our class will participate in a unit of study for each part of speech, as well as use them daily in practice.

     Students will maintain a writing portfolio this year. They will have lots of opportunities to write using many different genres.  Students will become familiar with the Six Trait Writing Rubric and use the steps in the writing process.  Check out the rubric.

   Spelling words will come from our language arts program and STEM study.  Words will be posted on the vocabulary page of our newsletter each week. Stem tests will be on Friday.  Students are responsible for spelling the words and using them correctly in a sentence.

           Science journals will be kept in class with observations and notes relating to curriculum and science labs.  I have so many exciting things for you to discover this year.  Get ready to become Nebo's Lab Rats!

   The I Wonder...question is due every Friday. The question is posted on the newsletter page each week. Make sure you cite your source.  Be sure to review the rubric on the Homework Help page.

       Homework is necessary in order for students to review materials introduced in class and afford them the opportunity to practice new skills! It also will help to foster student responsibility. Assignments and extra practice should be completed and returned to class in a timely manner.