1. Unity I dreamt I stood in a studio And watched two sculptors there.
The clay they used was a young child’s mind
And they fashioned it with care.
One was a teacher – the tools she used
Were books, music, and art.
The other, a parent, worked with guiding hand,
And a gentle, loving heart.
Day after day, the teacher toiled with touch
That was deft and sure.
While the parent labored by her side
And polished and smoothed it o’er.
And when at last, their task was done
They were proud of what they had wrought.
For the things they had molded into the child
Could neither be sold or bought.
And each agreed they would have failed
If each had worked alone.
For behind the teacher stood the school
And behind the parent, the home.

2. Welcome to 5th Grade
Curriculum Night
July 2011

3. Reading Harcourt basal reading series to address specific objectives
Supplemental literature studies using
chapter books
Comprehension & skill based assignments as part of homework
At home reading program

4. Language Writing process and the 6 +1 traits of good writing
Modes of writing: functional, literary response, persuasive, expressive, expository and research
Grammar and editing mini-lessons
Spelling & Daily Language: Tested on Friday or Monday

5. Math Scott-Foresman program
Math homework will be from the textbook and supplemental materials.
“Computations” (individualized skill practice)
State & District objectives include: data analysis, patterns & functions, geometry, fractions & decimals, measurement, and probability
Students will receive nightly math homework that will reinforce skills taught in class.

6. Science Inquiry, Process Skills, & Science Fair Projects
Physical Science: Matter (e.g., molecules & atoms), Motion & Forces (e.g., gravity & friction)
Life Science: Structure & Functions of Living Systems (skeletal, muscular, & nervous systems)
Earth & Space Science: Earth’s Processes & Systems (e.g., lunar cycle, rotation & revolution), Earth in the Solar System (e.g., planets, motion of sun & stars, space exploration)

7. Social Studies Geography Economics
U.S. history from Exploration & Colonization to the Civil War.
World History
Government

8. Tid-Bits
Communication: is our preferred method, however, we welcome notes and phone calls
“Safe Folders”
Fry’s and Basha’s Cards
PTO liaison

9. Homework See website/child’s safe folder Reading comprehension story
Spelling – Tested on Friday or Monday
Reading and Math Fact Minutes
Math – nightly homework that provides practice over concepts taught that day in class

10. Homework Policy
Students should spend not more than 90 minutes per night. This time should be budgeted in the following manner:
15 minutes looking for assignment
11 minutes calling a friend for the assignment
23 minutes explaining why the teacher is mean and just does not like children
8 minutes in the bathroom
10 minutes getting a snack
7 minutes checking the TV guide
6 minutes telling parents that the teacher never explained the assignment
10 minutes sitting at the kitchen table waiting for Mom or Dad to do the assignment

11. Long Term Assignments These are given the night before they are due
It is a long term commitment to time that begins at 9:30 pm and ends at 11:50 pm or later
It is important that the whole family is involved in the project. It is imperative that at least one family member races to Wal-Mart/Target for poster board, and that at least one family member ends up in tears (does not have to be the student.)
One parent needs to stay up and complete the project. The other parent needs to call the school and leave a message that the student is out sick.
It is not necessary to have the student’s name on the assignment

12. Thank you for coming tonight
Thank you for coming tonight! Your support and participation makes a world of difference!

13. Before You Leave…
Please complete the following in your child’s homeroom in any order before leaving tonight:
Sign in
Fill out and transportation information
See donation and volunteer opportunities, we welcome any and all assistance
Be sure to take your welcome letter and student information papers home. Please return the student information paper as soon as possible.