Literacy
The 5th grade
literacy block consists of Reading Workshop, Word Study, and Writer’s Workshop.
Reading Workshop
Reading Workshop
begins with a mini-lesson where students learn more about comprehension and
word-solving skills. The mini-lesson is
followed by an independent reading time where students will select books from
the classroom library, read independently, and then respond to their reading in
a weekly Response Letter. During this
time students also meet with the teacher for a Guided Reading lesson. Guided Reading is a small group lesson where
students are reading books at their “just right” level. The Reading Workshop time ends with a sharing
of the days work.
Word Study
Students
participate in daily word study rotations where they will rotate through a
variety of activities to learn more about spelling and vocabulary at their
“just right” level.
Writing Workshop
Writing Workshop
begins with a mini-lesson focused on a particular writing strategy. The mini-lesson is followed by an independent
writing time where students are able to apply what they learned in the
mini-lesson using the writing process of pre-writing, drafting, revising,
publishing, and assessment. During this
time individual and small group conferences occur to help students focus on
strategies at their “just right” level.
Students will write in a variety of genres including personal narrative,
feature article, poetry, fiction, and persuasive essay. They will also learn about genres specific to
science and social studies.
IB Units of Inquiry
Within the International Baccalaureate Units of Inquiry, students will learn about science, social studies, writing, and reading though the approach of the IB transdisciplinary themes. This means that students will engage in six units of inquiry: Who We Are, How the World Works, How We Express Ourselves, Sharing the Planet, Where We are in Place and Time, and How We Organize Ourselves. These units are developed starting with the state standards including concepts in science related to: matter, energy transfer in plants and animals, Earth systems, the solar system, and engineering design. Social studies standards are also woven into these units of inquiry. Fifth grade social studies standards include topics related to the migration and movement of people in early Africa, European exploration, and Native Americans. Students will also learn about the colonization of America, the American Revolution, and the Constitution. More specific information on these units of inquiry will be available as the program of inquiry for Mitchell School is completed this year.
Mathematics
Fifth grade
mathematics is taught using a rotation model where students will first
participate in a whole group mini-lesson and then move through a series of
activities to help them apply the mathematical skills either in a small group
or independently. During this time they
will receive small group instruction at their “just right” level. Mathematics instruction in 5th grade uses the
Everyday Mathematics curriculum. For
specific mathematical content that will be covered please visit the Everyday Math
website.
Students will have the opportunity to
choose to study Spanish or Arabic. They
will participate in world language instruction for 60 minutes each week.
