Daily Curriculum

For the Week of: June 9-13, 2008

TENTATIVE Schedule

GRADING SYSTEM-    

4=above standard 

3=AT standard

2=Approaching standard

1=Below standard

**LATE WORK-all major projects will be marked down half a grade for each day they are late.  The only exception to this policy is in the case of illness (EXCEPT for state reports).

**CHALLENGE OF THE MONTH-Each month as an OUT OF CLASS project, your child has the opportunity to take a monthly challenge.  Your family will need to decide if/when your child will participate.   I hope that many students will choose to take the monthly challenges. It never hurts to prepare for the challenge and give it a try.  There is nothing to lose and only satisfaction to be gained by knowing you went the "extra mile."  Remember, YOUR enthusiasm is contagious. If you are "gung ho" so is your child.   challenge is to   Try it. The next challenge will take place on September       .  The September Challenge is to

Good luck!

**INVESTIGATIONS- We are currently working in the strand of measurement!

 NEW UNIT!!

We are also working on computation in class and through homework as well as ADD.

Week of:  

Investigation 1

PROBLEM SOLVING (using the Problem Solver text and emphasizing REC) will be a frequent component of our math program.  The students will problem solve citing a strategy at least once a week.  The class will learn various problem solving strategies.  Some will require merely the answer and others will require an explanation of the answer.  On Fridays, your child will either have a computation quiz or an enrichment math activity.  I have many fun math lessons planned for the year.

Your child has been taught to use the REC method to solve a word problem. This also gives them good practice in writing WASL-type answers.

R=restate the question

E=explain your answer/use words, pictures, diagrams, and numbers  We are working hard on the "how" or "because" part of our writing.

C=check that your answer is reasonable/write your answer in a complete sentence

**READING-The class is currently reading Houghton-Mifflin Theme 4 (Person to Person)

WASL DATES-please make sure your child is present and has NO appointments during the following dates.  I appreciate your help with this, as does your child.  Taking the tests WITH the class in a quiet environment provides the best testing situation.  Make-ups do not present an ideal testing atmosphere.

**children arriving after 9:15  to school will NOT be permitted to enter the classroom during WASL testing.

Note-each test is approximately 90 minutes in length.  It is imperative that your child get lots of extra sleep and that your child eat a big, healthy breakfast. Testing is very grueling. Talk to your child each day about the testing to alleviate any worries, concerns etc. Please encourage your child to TAKE HIS/HER time and put in the necessary details each day before your child leaves for school. 

WASL tests in fifth grade:  math/science/reading

 WASL dates: TBA

April

SUPER SCIENTIST ASSIGNMENT

     As part of our science this year, I am having the students work with a partner to demonstrate an experiment.  Each student has chosen another student to work with. Each pair of students have been given a science experiment due date (see back).  Each pair is to perform an experiment of their choice (with teacher approval), provide all the necessary supplies, and write the procedure in their own words.  It is up to each pair to be prepared by their given due date. There will be no extensions unless in case of illness.  The pairs can check out experiment books from the school library, public library, or they can use the internet or books from home.  Each pair must make sure that both are equally involved in the research, writing, and performance of the experiment. Students listening to each experiment will be held accountable as well.  There will be a short quiz for all students the day after experiments have been demonstrated.

    There will be two experiments performed on each Wednesday, beginning on March 12^th and running through May 21st.  I have encouraged students to choose a partner who is someone they can connect with after school or on weekends to practice, write, and coordinate the experiment.  I am leaving the presentation up to the pairs.  They will have an outline in which to fill-out and follow for their presentation. They will need to be prepared to turn in their experiment paperwork on the day of their experiment.  They must also attach a copy of the ORIGINAL experiment along with their version. 

     Extra credit is an option and welcomed. Students can dress-up like scientists, create a PowerPoint to accompany their presentation, create helpful charts/posters/graphs.  Students can also extend the experiment by changing a variable or by posing another question to demonstrate.

    Please NO exploding experiments or experiments that involve fire (due to smoke detectors).  Experiments need to be demonstrated by students without teacher or parent assistance.

ALL experiments must be approved by Mrs. E. ahead of time.

Requirements:

Partners and Due Dates:

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