55thth Grade Grade OverviewOverview55thth Grade Grade OverviewOverview

Curriculum – Setting Goals, Creating a Destination

• We are all heading toward the same destination; the manner in which each teacher will guide you there may vary

• Language Arts and Math teachers meet weekly to coordinate activities and plan units

Social Studies

Many Worlds Meet

Colonization and Settlement

Revolution and the New Nation

The Growth of a Nation

How the Topics are Covered

• Chapter Study Packets

• Maps

• Reports

• Group Projects

• Philadelphia Field Trip

Language ArtsOur Reading Series –

McGraw-Hill Treasures

•A comprehensive Reading/Language Arts program•Focus is on balanced literacy

•Core of the program is an anthology and leveled reading materials with writing, grammar, and spelling components

•Direct instruction in large and small group settings

Our Reading Series –

McGraw-Hill Treasures (continued)

•Stories feature a wide variety of genres with an emphasis on non-fiction

•Assessment is ongoing to measure progress, inform, and differentiate instruction

•Program meets all NJ LA Core Content Standards•Standardized testing alignment - NJASK

•Novel Connection – Genres introduced in the anthology are further explored in the extensive fifth grade novel collection

Reading Activities• Book Talks• Battle of the Books• Books on Tape• Library Instruction/

B & B• Listening Centers• SRA• Plays• Presentations

Flip Chart Centers

• Posters, dioramas, mini-books

1. Reading2. Writing3. Word Work4. Social Studies/

Science 5. Computer

WritingCollins Writing Program

Writing assignments consist of five types:

1. Type 1 – brainstorming; getting ideas on paper; notebook entries2. Type 2 – a correct response to a prompt or question3. Type 3 – substantive content that meets up to three specific standards (FCAs)

4. Type 4 – Type 3 writing that is read aloud, revised, and peer edited5. Type 5 – writing is of publishable quality with multiple drafts

Collins (continued)

•Each writing piece (Types 3 and 4) is evaluated in three specific skill areas (FCAs)•Rubrics are provided as “road maps” to good writing•Program is closely aligned with our new McGraw-Hill reading/grammar series

•Formal and informal instruction and assessment in spelling, grammar, and mechanics is ongoing

Types of Writing

•Narrative

•Descriptive

•Persuasive

•Expository

•Letter Writing

•Poetry

•News articles

•Research reports

•Essays

•Anthology

•Portfolio

•Journaling

Homework Policy• Homework is an

important extension of the learning that takes place in school

• Homework should be a maximum of 10 minutes per grade level; no longer than 50 minutes

• This 50 minute block of time excludes 20 minutes set aside for independent reading• Our goal is to make homework a “stress-free” activity. Feel free to contact your child’s teacher should problems arise