Class Information
Language Arts
Reading:
Reading instruction will include the use of whole group read-alouds, teacher read-alouds, independent reading, and reading clubs (leveled reading groups). Students will be reading a variety of materials including novels, newspapers, plays, and poems. Students will practice various reading strategies and techniques throughout the school year.
Silent Reading:
It is important that your child incorporate reading into their daily lives. Items such as a book, newspaper, or appropriate magazine can be great ways to get in at least 20 minutes of reading a day at home. Students will be required to complete book reports on assigned genres during the school year. Students are also expected to read silently during down time in the classroom.
Writing:
We will be utilizing the Write Steps program as well as MAISA units, which will allow students to work on several types of writing pieces throughout the year that coincide with the Common Core State Standards. Grammar will also be incorporated into the writing lessons. This program will help students to develop better writing techniques and strategies.
Words Their Way:
Word Their Way is the examining, manipulating, comparing, and categorizing of words. This program allows students to make their own discoveries about how words work. We will assess each student to find his/her individual spelling stage and then assist each student with tasks that focus on features of words such as sound, pattern, and meaning. Students will receive his/her word study words on Friday and be assessed on the following Friday. This will give your child one week to complete three activities.
Wordly Wise:
We will be adding a new program to our Language Arts time block this year. We will be alternating weeks with two great programs, Wordly Wise and Words Their Way. Wordly Wise is a program that will focus on vocabulary development. It is known that students’ word knowledge is linked to academic accomplishment. Improved vocabularies can help students comprehend more of what they are reading, as well as open the door to reading challenging texts with fluency.
Handwriting:
Students are expected to use D’Nealian cursive throughout the school year. Each assignment needs to be legible for others to read. All assignments are to be completed in cursive unless otherwise noted by the teacher
Mathematics
We will be utilizing a math program called Math Expressions.
Math Expressions is a fantastic approach to teaching the Common Core State Standards. This program combines standards-based mathematics with elements of traditional approaches. Math Expressions teaches in depth-mathematics through real world problem solving, modeling, conceptual language, as well as “Math Talk”. Students will be learning about math concepts through many hands-on activities.
Parents, students, and teachers will have access to an on-line component of the program. Each student will be given a username and password. Please keep your username and password private, as each student’s activity can be monitored on-line by classrooms teachers to see if any additional work may be needed on a concept.
Students are also encouraged to practice mastery of basic facts to eliminate challenges that occur when learning multi-digit multiplication, division, fractions, etc… Please practice basic facts with your child often. It is very important to obtain mastery!
Social Studies
Social studies curriculum consists of map skills, government, economics, American history and a variety of other topics. We will use a variety of reference materials such as literature books, reference books, maps, textbooks, and classroom discussions. We will also enhance discussions through the use of plays, poems, and hands-on activities which help students to gain a deeper understanding of the social studies concepts. It is important that students keep social studies material organized, therefore, students are encouraged to practice note taking skills throughout the year to help them accomplish this task.
Science
Ms. Nezich will be teaching Science!
Reading:
Reading instruction will include the use of whole group read-alouds, teacher read-alouds, independent reading, and reading clubs (leveled reading groups). Students will be reading a variety of materials including novels, newspapers, plays, and poems. Students will practice various reading strategies and techniques throughout the school year.
Silent Reading:
It is important that your child incorporate reading into their daily lives. Items such as a book, newspaper, or appropriate magazine can be great ways to get in at least 20 minutes of reading a day at home. Students will be required to complete book reports on assigned genres during the school year. Students are also expected to read silently during down time in the classroom.
Writing:
We will be utilizing the Write Steps program as well as MAISA units, which will allow students to work on several types of writing pieces throughout the year that coincide with the Common Core State Standards. Grammar will also be incorporated into the writing lessons. This program will help students to develop better writing techniques and strategies.
Words Their Way:
Word Their Way is the examining, manipulating, comparing, and categorizing of words. This program allows students to make their own discoveries about how words work. We will assess each student to find his/her individual spelling stage and then assist each student with tasks that focus on features of words such as sound, pattern, and meaning. Students will receive his/her word study words on Friday and be assessed on the following Friday. This will give your child one week to complete three activities.
Wordly Wise:
We will be adding a new program to our Language Arts time block this year. We will be alternating weeks with two great programs, Wordly Wise and Words Their Way. Wordly Wise is a program that will focus on vocabulary development. It is known that students’ word knowledge is linked to academic accomplishment. Improved vocabularies can help students comprehend more of what they are reading, as well as open the door to reading challenging texts with fluency.
Handwriting:
Students are expected to use D’Nealian cursive throughout the school year. Each assignment needs to be legible for others to read. All assignments are to be completed in cursive unless otherwise noted by the teacher
Mathematics
We will be utilizing a math program called Math Expressions.
Math Expressions is a fantastic approach to teaching the Common Core State Standards. This program combines standards-based mathematics with elements of traditional approaches. Math Expressions teaches in depth-mathematics through real world problem solving, modeling, conceptual language, as well as “Math Talk”. Students will be learning about math concepts through many hands-on activities.
Parents, students, and teachers will have access to an on-line component of the program. Each student will be given a username and password. Please keep your username and password private, as each student’s activity can be monitored on-line by classrooms teachers to see if any additional work may be needed on a concept.
Students are also encouraged to practice mastery of basic facts to eliminate challenges that occur when learning multi-digit multiplication, division, fractions, etc… Please practice basic facts with your child often. It is very important to obtain mastery!
Social Studies
Social studies curriculum consists of map skills, government, economics, American history and a variety of other topics. We will use a variety of reference materials such as literature books, reference books, maps, textbooks, and classroom discussions. We will also enhance discussions through the use of plays, poems, and hands-on activities which help students to gain a deeper understanding of the social studies concepts. It is important that students keep social studies material organized, therefore, students are encouraged to practice note taking skills throughout the year to help them accomplish this task.
Science
Ms. Nezich will be teaching Science!