Mrs. Perry 2015-16
Grade 5 Curriculum
English Language Arts
McGraw-Hill Reading Wonders provides the framework for our literacy program. It is aligned with Common
Core standards and supports the rigor through building a strong reading foundation.
1.
Reading
Reading Wonders focuses on developing comprehension through instruction in accessing complex text,
finding and using text evidence, developing vocabulary strategies, writing, spelling, and grammar.
Supplemental materials will include Scholastic News magazine, science readings, and novel studies.
2.
Daily Language Review (DLR) and Mountain Language
The purpose of DLR is to review punctuation, capitalization, spelling, and grammar through practice
and reinforcement. The students individually complete the DLR, then we correct as a class. On Friday,
I quiz the students using examples from the week. This is not new material; rather, the items are taken
exactly from the daily practice work. We will begin Mountain Language in November instead of DLR.
Mountain Language is a tool used to aid in review and retention of previously taught language concepts,
such as proper nouns, contractions, abbreviations, prefixes, suffixes, subjects and predicates, etc. The
bulletin board with the questions is changed weekly and it is due on Thursday.
3.
Literacy Interactive Notebook (INB)
Each student has a literacy INB for daily work and reference material. It will be used for
comprehension skill work, response to text, vocabulary and word work.
4.
Oral Language Development
One of the shifts with Common Core is an increased emphasis in the area of oral presentation. Students
will have an opportunity to make several oral presentations throughout the year to help them develop
organizational skills and confidence in public speaking. These presentations will be integrated with
other subject areas and include book talks, research reports, and group presentations in social studies and
science. Engaging in collaborative conversations is also a component of the CCSS and is supported by
Reading Wonders.
5.
Writing
We use the six-trait building blocks of effective writing. These traits are ideas, organization, voice,
word choice, sentence fluency, and conventions. Writing is a daily activity across the curriculum as
well as writers workshop. Required writing assessments in fifth grade include narrative, opinion, and
informative (research).
6.
Spelling
We have weekly spelling based on word families or spelling patterns. The expectation is for practice at
home, in addition to some activities that may be assigned during the week. Students will be tested on
Friday on these 20 words plus 5 challenge words.
Math
1. enVision Math will continue as our curriculum. It incorporates bar diagram visual tools to help
students become better problem solvers and deepen conceptual understanding, and it provides datadriven differentiated instruction to ensure success for every student. Our Math Focus Wall is used to
make real-world connections to math topics, review performance expectations, and review/introduce
concepts.
Mrs. Perry 2015-16
2.
3.
Math Facts
Math fact fluency is reinforced through individualized practice on basic multiplication and division facts
weekly and a bimonthly timed test of 100 facts. The goal is 100% accuracy in 5 minutes or less.
Interactive Notebook
Students are expected to maintain an interactive notebook to organize and demonstrate their learning.
Science
The scientific method will be emphasized. Our hands-on topics of study during fifth grade are Magnets and
Motors (physical), Motion and Design (earth/space), and Ecosystems (life). State assessment of science begins
in 5th grade.
Social Studies
A thorough understanding of geography is emphasized in fifth grade and is accomplished through daily
geography, similar to daily language review. Our text book is History Alive. We begin with a basic geography
exploration, and continue with Native Americans, exploration, colonial life, the American Revolution, and the
Constitution and Bill of Rights. In the spring, the students will complete the state required CBA (Classroom
Based Assessment) exploring the causes of the Revolutionary War. Just as in math, students are expected to
maintain an interactive notebook to organize and demonstrate their learning. A component of our curriculum is
JA Biztown, a series of lessons which help students develop a strong understanding of the relationship between
what they learn in school and their successful participation in a worldwide economy.
Technology
Students will be using the computer lab weekly. They will be word processing their writing pieces, exploring
interactive math sites, and using the internet for many research based projects, as well as collaborating with
classmates. Additionally, they will receive instruction in Microsoft Office Excel, Word (word processing,
tables, clipart), and PowerPoint.
Book Reports and Projects
Students will work on at least three scheduled book reports throughout the course of the year on different
genres, including Realistic Fiction, Biography, and Historical Fiction. These reports include a written, visual,
and oral component.
In addition, students will participate in several major research projects to meet the following objectives:
1. To understand the research process
2. To learn how to take notes using AVID note taking strategies
3. To learn how to correctly cite sources using MLA format
4. To learn the Step Up to Writing model
Handouts covering all requirements will be distributed, and can be found on my web page as well.
Library and Arts Block
Library will be weekly for 40 minutes and includes an instructional component and book check out.
Arts Block consists of 40 minute weekly classes in Art, Music, Creative Movement, and PE.
Mrs. Perry 2015-16
Routines and Expectations
Morning Routines
Students need to enter and exit the building quietly at all times. Once students enter the room they need to hang
up coats and backpacks, move their lunch clip, and begin working on their morning work. We have seat sacks
instead of desk drawers, so having supplies in a plastic box sitting on top of the desk works very well. In
addition, students need to have a silent reading book available to read when classroom work is completed.
Bathroom and Drinks
Students should use the restroom during morning and lunch recess. In the event of an emergency, a student must
sign out to use the restroom or get a drink. It is recommended that students bring water bottles to school as long
as they do not present a distraction.
Rules, Expectations, and Consequences
We adhere to the Salmon Creek code of behavior which is: Be Safe, Be Responsible, Be Respectful. To
encourage this, the class earns two marbles when demonstrating positive behavior by earning a score of 11 or
12 in arts block classes. If a teacher or staff member compliments students either in or out of the classroom,
they also earn two marbles. Fifty marbles earns a class party, decided and voted upon by the students.
Last spring, Salmon Creek implemented Positive Behavior Interventions & Supports (PBIS) to support culture and
Response to Intervention (RtI) to support learning. My discipline system reflects this. Students displaying negative
behaviors receive a non-verbal warning. If the behavior does not change, students move to a “focus spot”. A third
reprimand results in a minor behavior form, which is documented by the office. Further disruptive behaviors will
result in a major form referral, and disciplinary action will be taken by the principal. Please check out the Salmon
Creek website homepage and click on Corrective Response System under Positive Behavioral, Intervention
and Supports system for further information.
Birthdays
Birthdays are special occasions, but due to food allergies, edible treats are not allowed to be brought from
home. Please be sensitive to all students regarding parties and do not distribute invitations to selected students
during school hours.
Homework
Establishing a set time each evening of at least 20-30 minutes to study or practice those areas needing
reinforcement, such as math facts, handwriting skills, oral and silent reading, spelling, etc. is encouraged. Any
unfinished assignments are expected to be completed as homework and returned the next day. Additionally,
practice assignments will be given as homework, as well as some long-term assignments such as book reports
and research reports.
Planners
The school district has purchased planners for all fifth grade students. Students are expected to write in these
daily. Please initial the planner at least once a week. By checking your child’s planner, you will have an
Mrs. Perry 2015-16
understanding of daily assignments, homework, and upcoming tests and projects. In the case of an absence,
students are responsible for checking the class planner to see what they have missed.
Weekly Progress Reports
A progress report will be sent home each Friday that lists any missing assignments and requires a parent
signature and return on Monday. My goal is for your child to become an organized, responsible student;
therefore, I will not make multiple copies of assignments given. I always copy a few extra which are available
for students, as I understand that occasionally things get lost or destroyed. However, I will not make special
copies for repeated instances of lost work.
Planners
The school district has purchased planners for all fifth grade students. Students are expected to write in these
daily. Please initial the planner at least once a week. By checking your child’s planner, you will have an
understanding of daily assignments, homework, and upcoming tests and projects. In the case of an absence,
students are responsible for checking the class planner to see what they have missed.
Past-Due Assignments
Late assignments due to absences are accepted for full credit and should be completed in a timely manner.
Unexcused late assignments are accepted throughout the trimester; however, this work may receive a lower
grade.
Goal Line and Study Hall
Goal Line is a motivational tool for students designed to reinforce positive behavior, organization and work
habits. On Friday those who have completed all weekly assignments, and who have had no behavior infractions
in the classroom or arts block, will earn twenty minutes of “Husky Recess.” For those students who do not earn
Goal Line, they will use the time to complete their assignments during the silent “Study Hall.”
Field Trips and Celebrations
Our two field trips scheduled for the year are a trip to the Columbia Springs Environmental Center (Science)
and JA Biztown in June. If you are interested in chaperoning one or both, make sure to contact the office as
soon as possible for district clearance procedures.
On the day before winter break, we hold our annual snowboarder hat making party. We are looking for
volunteers to cut fabric, assist with crowd control, and operate sewing machines! It is always a huge hit with the
kids, so if you can help, we’d love for you to join in the fun.
Communication
The best way to reach me is at my email address: Cheryl.perry@vansd.org. Please remember to check my
school webpage often. It is updated each week with spelling lists, project handouts and due dates, and
information for each curriculum area, as well as learning links and math topic PowerPoints. There is also a
monthly calendar posted with important dates for our classroom and Salmon Creek Elementary.