2.  My name is Elizabeth Scheibl and I have been teaching in Westerly for 24 years.  I grew up in Maplewood, New Jersey  I graduated from Providence College in 1990 with a degree in Elementary/ Special Education and English Literature  I live in Barrington, Rhode Island with my husband, Bill and three children, Max -15, Emma-13, and Lily-11.

3. I love kids, and I love teaching! I try to incorporate creative and challenging lessons in my classroom that peak my students' interests. I don't want my class to be "boring," so I utilize high interest texts, games, differentiated lessons, and hands –on activities into my English classes. I also like to have fun with my students. I joke and laugh with them often....but...when it is time to "get to work," we all work! I expect 100% from my students because I give them 100% each day. We will work hard, but we will have fun!

4. Reading: In connection with the CCSS students will…  increase enjoyment in reading  expand vocabulary  be exposed to all genres of literature  acquire comprehension strategies while reading fiction and nonfiction text

5. Writing: In connection with the CCSS students will…  use correct punctuation, word usage, mechanic and sentence structure  produce a variety of writing pieces: Response to Literature, Opinion Essay, Personal Narrative, and Research Report  use six traits activities to improve their writing pieces for word choice, voice, sentence fluency, organization, ideas, and presentation.

6.  Quarters are organized by Theme  Within each theme students will read a variety of fiction and non fiction texts  Each theme has 1 large writing piece and several smaller writing pieces associated with the texts.  The following grammar will be reviewed throughout the year: Types of sentences, Subjects and Predicates, Nouns, Pronouns, Adjectives, Verbs, and Adverbs

7. Reading: Non fiction- ‘Saving the Great White Monster’ by Lauren Tarshis ‘Out of the Tornado’ by Lauren Tarshis Fiction- I Survived the Shark Attacks of 1916 by Lauren Tarshis Writing: Response to Literature and Research Repo rt

8. Reading: Non fiction- ‘Do kids Really Need Cell Phones?’, ‘Should Matt Get a Smart Phone”,and ‘Is Fast Food Good for You to Eat?’ Fiction- Riding Freedom by Pam Munoz- Ryan Writing: Opinion Essay and Response to Literature

9. Reading: Non fiction- Various biographies on famous, influential, and historical people ‘A Race Against Death’ by Lauren Tarshis Author Study: Paul Goble Fiction-Hatchet by Gary Paulsen Writing: Personal Narrative and Response to Literature

10. Reading: Non fiction- Various texts on habitats- Rainforest, Tundra, Taiga, Ocean, Coniferous Forest, etc… ‘The Eruption of Mt. Vesuvius’ by Lauren Tarshis ‘The Volcano that Changes the World’ by Lauren Tarshis Fiction- Books by Jean Craighead George One Day in the Tropical Rainforest One Day in the Prairie One Day in the Desert One Day in the Woods Writing: Response to Literature Compare/Contrast Research

11. I know your 5th graders are probably still a bit anxious about school. I am here to help! Please contact me if you have any questions or concerns. I know this year will have it ups and downs, but with good, open communication you and I can ensure your child has a great year. escheibl@westerly.k12.ri.us

12. I want to personally thank you for sharing your student with me. I am confident that with your active participation and support from home, along with my commitment to teaching your student, we’ll create a successful and wonderful school year. LET’S HAVE A GREA YEAR!