Reading – Whole Group Reading and Guided Reading -Novels, non-fiction texts & additional reading materials -Alternate between whole group and small group -Reading is chosen at appropriate level -Explored in-depth -Variety of genres -Focus on key vocabulary -Writing integration -Focus on key reading skills
WHOLE GROUP READING -Skill Centers: -Review of literacy skills such as inferencing, summarizing, context clues, main idea, text structure, poetry, reference skills, perspective, figurative language, theme, etc. -Vocabulary recognition -Grammar -Test taking strategies -Comprehension skills -Non-fiction
WRITING -Narrative, Expository, & Persuasive (Opinion) writing -Through Common Core Standards, big push to write about what you’re reading -Pulling from multiple sources to provide evidence to support your opinion -Book reports including bibliography
VOCABULARY -Weekly vocabulary packets focus on building of vocabulary, prefixes, suffixes, root words, comprehension, and writing to showcase an understanding of words -Post test is taken on Friday and new packet is given on Friday
MATH
Math Big Idea -Using Mathematics as a way to approach challenges through investigating, reasoning, visualizing, and problem solving
5 Major Math Units -Number Sense (includes fractions) -Geometry -Measurement Concepts -Algebraic Concepts -Data Analysis *Problem Solving (applied through all units)
Materials -Use a variety of materials including McGraw Hill textbook, Glencoe textbook, math activities, manipulative, dry erase boards, problem solving problems, math games, etc.
Homework & Grading -Daily homework is given to practice skills learned Monday-Thursday -“Check-ups” used as an assessment to check student’s understanding -Tests-what to study will be clearly presented with study guides
Multiplication Facts -Students should continue to practice multiplication facts until they are proficient.
Problem Solving -Each week, we will focus on a strategy to better understand and solve problems. -Is also immersed in every unit. -Practices explaining mathematics in words (used on PARCC) -Promotes thorough understanding of concepts learned
SCIENCE
Science Big Ideas -Understand inquiry process related to Life, Physical, Earth Science (3 areas of Science) -Learn importance of scientific knowledge and its application in everyday life
5 Major Science Units -Scientific Method -Matter -Motion & Stability -Energy-Plant structures & processes -Ecosystems -Human Impact on Earth -Engineering Design
Materials -Use of a variety of materials including textbooks, experimental procedures, activity-based supplies, technology, experiments, etc. -Participate in hands-on activities in order for students to better understand concepts
Grading -Tests-what to study will be clearly presented with a study guide -“Check ups” will be given to assess understanding -Projects -Class work
SOCIAL STUDIES
Social Studies Big Ideas -Determining catastrophic events and their impact on society, government, and economy (Geography) -History of the United States -What would our world look like without a revolution and constitution? -How would the world look without trade and interdependence? (Economics)
4 Strands of Social Studies -Geography -Economics -History (United States colonization through the revolution) -Civics and Government (Political Systems)
United States, Canada, Mexico, and Central America -Focuses on the early settlements and United States History -Used to emphasize the 13 colonies and colonial regions
World Studies – Latin American & The United States and Canada -Overview of culture of both Latin America and Canada -Overview of the history of both countries -Government and Political Systems