Fifth Grade Curriculum

1. Fifth Grade Curriculum Santan Elementary Mrs. Portugal’s Class 2011 – 2012 School Year

2. Reading • Harcourt Reading Series • Literature Groups/Circles • Independent and Partner Reading • Guided Reading to meet individual needs • Daily CAFÉ (Comprehension, Accuracy, Fluency and Expanded Vocabulary)

3. Reading Standards • Narrative Elements • Prefixes and Suffixes • Cause and Effect • Drawing Conclusions • Sequencing • Locating Information • Elements of Non-Fiction: Text Structure • Word Relationships • Main Idea and Details • Summarizing Literature • Fact and Opinion • Author’s Purpose • Compare/Contrast • Inferencing

4. Spelling • Santan 5th grade No Excuse List • Words Their Way sorts specific to fifth grade standards • Dictation Sentences

5. Writing • 6+1 Traits • Write From the Beginning (focusing on thinking maps) • Genres of writing • Persuasive essays • Narrative essays • Expository Essays • Descriptive Essays • Poetry • Literature Response

6. Grammar • Modeling through mini-lessons • Daily grammar review • Application in every day writing

7. Mathematics The overall goal within the curricular area of mathematics is for students to have a not just a basic knowledge of each concept that they learn, but for them to apply it with a certain depth of knowledge. Due to this, students will be required to solve more detailed questions and problems. • Visit the Arizona Department of Education or Chandler Unified School District website to see more about standards changes. • Arizona Department of Education homepage • www.ade.state.az.us • Chandler Unified School District homepage • ww2.chandler.k12.az.us

8. Math Standards • Some standards covered in math this year: • Fractions • Decimals • Order of Operations • Multiplication & Division • Patterns • Euler Paths & Circuits • Integers • Algebra • Geometry • Mean, Median, Mode & Range • Estimation • Graphing

9. Social Studies Social Studies Concepts: • American Colonization and the thirteen colonies • American Revolution • Westward Expansion • Civil War • Economics • Geography • Foundations of Government

10. Science Science Concepts: • The Solar System • Forces and Motion • Properties of Matter • Simple Machines • Human Body Systems • Science Fair

11. Miscellaneous Information • Fundraisers- Grade level T-shirts, Gold Canyon Candles and Carnival • Tax Credit Donations • Possible Field Trips: • Biz Town • Arizona Science Center • Traveling Benjamin Franklin Exhibit • Arrowhead Pool (End of Year Celebration!)

12. Homework Philosophy Homework is for reinforcement and not graded. While we do go over homework together in the class this will not be going into the grade book. This is a time for your child to continue to practice what he or she has learned in the classroom. You will see math homework first quarter, since we have many concepts to cover and the students need the practice to get better. There will be some days that they will not be bringing home math depending on the “needs” of the class. Reading is a non-negotiable at Santan. Students need to be reading consistently and weekly. There will be ongoing Reading connections on a weekly basis. In addition, reading logs will need to be turned in at the end of every month. Last, quarterly fun reading projects will be assigned that reinforces several reading concepts for Fifth Grade. These projects should be done by the student and spread out over a few weeks, rather than doing it at the last minute. If a quarter is already filled with many projects in the classroom we will eliminate the one at home. I like to look at this as our philosophy, rather than policy. Homework is meant for practice, not to be a burden on the student or family. If a child is struggling in a particular concept, than homework is absolutely necessary. I appreciate your ongoing support this year!

13. Thank you for allowing me to be a part of your child’s life! If you have any questions don’t hesitate to contact me via email at Portugal.christine@chandler.k12.az.us Sincerely, Christine Portugal