Writing- Most of their work is in

the journal. We will publish one writing piece each nine weeks so do not expect lots of graded pieces to go home each week.

Journal- Our journals are

“our playground for our pencils” in which we use to explore creativeconcepts.

Cursive- We will focus on two

letters a week.

WRITING

Weekly Skill Each week we will explore an instructional spelling skill that follows a pattern. The studentwill have opportunities to make new words and apply these wordsin their writing.

AssessmentWe do not test the skill throughtraditional spelling tests that encourage memorization; insteadthrough authentic writing and application..

WORD WORK

READING

Reading in Class Build stamina Expand vocabulary Increase fluency/speed Improve comprehension Develop love of reading

Reading at Home Every night-20 minutes Student accountability

for their reading- agenda for now.

Skills

Using metacognition to think about their reading

Manipulatives/Hands-on learningAISD 90 minute math model

Drill and PracticeProblem Solving- critical thinkingContent Instruction –modeling

and guided practiceLearning Groups- assessments,

work stations , reinforcement of skills

Math Journals- concepts, examples, strategies on solving problems

What does it look like in our daily lives?

MATH

SCIENCE

Science Fair (optional, highly encouraged)Observation JournalsSafety in the LabScientific ToolsMatterEcosystemsLife cyclesRecyclingSun, Earth, and MoonChanges to the EarthForce and Friction

Social Studies Local Communities Maps Local Government Citizenship Economics Inventors RegionsCultural CelebrationsRecycle Sale in December

State of Texas Assessments of Academic ReadinessSTAAR

Benchmarks

Nov. 11-13

Reading, Math, Science

Simulation

Feb. 10 Math

Feb. 11 Reading

STAAR Math******April 21

STAAR Reading******April 22

CASTLE TIME

30 Minute block from 9:30-10:00

Time for Intervention and/or Enrichment

Access to multiple teachers

Students can move from group to group as needed.

HOMEWORKWhen homework is given, it should not take

more than 30 minutes excluding reading time and math facts.

Homework will be written daily in their agenda.

Read nightly, at least 20-30 minutes, and stay accountable through agenda logs for a few weeks.

Word Work skills will be practiced through word work and application activities each week.

Projects/assignments will be given throughout the year.

CLASSROOM MANAGEMENT

Positive Incentives vary by class

Study Hall (Use time wisely)

“Think Track” (ZAP PAD)

Zap report sent home on Fridays

-HELP WANTED-M

inimizing tardies and absences

S

ubmit Volunteer application for back -

ground check ( yearly)

S

ign agenda each night

PARENT CONFERENCES

Conferences are scheduled for Thurs., Oct. 16th and Tues., Oct. 21st from 3:30 to 8:00. This year conferences are optional; however, if you prefer to schedule a conference, please sign up using signupgenius.com.

Notes of Interest

Time For Kids – $5 Scholastic Book Order monthly – Great Deals! Online

ordering allows one free book for classroom per student order

Communication: e-mail, notes, agenda, folder, newsletter, teacher websites- Feel free to e-mail anytime, as you are a key component to your child’s education.

Field Trips to be determined soon… Special events that you don’t want to miss: Mayoral

Elections, Recycle Sale, Living Library, Mother’s Day Tea

Thanks for Coming!