Curriculum

English Language Arts

Our ELA curriculum is based on a balanced literacy approach.  This includes direct instruction in reading, writing and word study using a variety of texts.  ELA classes meet for 100 minutes a day, and homework is given to reinforce learning, practice skills and strategies, and prepare for the next day's lessons.  
Reading instruction takes place in small guided reading groups or in whole class lessons. When we read our core books, students may be in literature circle groups, reading independently, or reading along with the teacher.   The core books your child will read this year are Gossamer by Lois Lowry, Number the Stars, by Lois Lowry, Hatchet by Gary Paulsen, and Bud, Not Buddy by Christopher Paul Curtis.  We also read poetry, short stories and several nonfiction selections, including TIME for Kids articles. These resources are rich with universal themes, engaging topics and characters, and challenging vocabulary. Students will also be responsible for independent reading and a weekly reflection in their Reader's Notebook.  
I encourage parents to read to their children no matter their age, and share great books and your thoughts about them.  Regular reading and discussion of reading are the best ways to reinforce the use of reading strategies (predicting, questioning, making connections, visualizing) that support comprehension!

Another benefit of reading is the improvement in writing.  In Writing Workshop, I model writing strategies, and students practice writing narrative, informational, and opinion pieces. I give feedback, and students revise and edit.  This can be a "messy" process, but together we come to understand that process.  We focus on idea development, organization, word choice, voice, sentence fluency, and conventions of writing such as spelling and grammar. Using mentor texts as examples of strong writing, I conduct mini lessons in all of these traits of writing. Technology plays an essential role, as we use ipads to research and write. 

The basic tools of both reading and writing are, of course, words.  Vocabulary development is a key objective in fifth grade.  We use the pertinent vocabulary from students' reading as well as from Science and Social Studies to foster curiosity and a love of words.

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Social Studies

Why do people move from place to place?  Who were the first Americans? What makes a great leader? What is revolution? 
These are the essential questions that drive our study of history, civics, geography, and culture. There has been no more important time to try to make meaning of history's lessons and how it has shaped our society.
We begin by looking at our personal histories through artifacts.  Then we travel through time to the land bridge known as Beringia and the nomadic people and ancient mammals crossing onto the North American continent from Asia. We study ancient civilizations such as Maya,  Aztec, and Inca as well as the encounter with and ramifications of European exploration, invasion, and  colonization of later Native Peoples. Students will research and write about an explorer during this extensive unit. 
They will also learn about King Philip's War and compare the northern, middle and southern colonies and the impact of slavery on our country's history. This leads us to a fifth grade favorite: The War for Independence! Students are grouped as Patriots and Loyalists; they then earn points during a month long unit which culminates in our own "Independence Day" where we share research projects and show our learning through participation in academic "battles" and a victor is declared. 
Our year closes with a unit on The Constitution and the three branches of government.
In addition to the research writing mentioned there will be tests and quizzes. Students are provided with study guides in advance of tests.

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Science

Students are  fortunate to have access to countless resources — animals, books, kits, hands-on materials — from the Burlington Science Center. This makes science a big hit with students.  The topics explored in fifth grade are, Matter and its Interactions, Earth's Place in the Universe and Earth's Water, and Ecosystems: Matter and Energy Flow and Human Impact. Science units incorporate an inquiry-based approach that requires students to apply what they are learning to a new or unexpected challenge. Explorations are completed in school with a partner or in a small group.

Students are assessed based on their participation and completion of digital notebooks for each science exploration. In addition to this, science tests are sometimes given at the end of a unit of study. Notification of tests is provided a week in advance.  This notice explains exactly what the test will cover and what needs to be studied to be properly prepared. 


Fifth grade marks the first year that students take an MCAS test in science. We have wonderful test review materials from the Science Center to help prepare students for the test.
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Math

Students are encouraged to practice their multiplication and division facts. This regular practice will make it easier for your child to tackle more complicated math concepts and solve problems.
Our math program is called enVision Mathematics. It is an inquiry-based program stressing processing and critical thinking skills.  Work is done in a comprehensive, skill-based workbook  and in online activities that reinforce all math concepts. 
Our first Envision unit focuses on number sense and computation. This will represent a review for most students, but serves as an important foundation for higher-level computation and problem solving.
Each daily lesson is divided into several parts. First, a new skill or concept is introduced by posing a question and asking students to solve a problem, usually with a partner. Next, a short video is shown to model the skill. Then, several problems are completed to guide students through the new concept. Finally, students are asked to work independently to solve a number of problems on their own. Some of these independently completed problems represent “rote” practice; others involve more complex problem solving. While most students work on their own, I am able to provide individualized support for students who need additional input. Students who complete all assigned problems before the end of class may work with a partner to practice the day’s skill by playing one of several games. Your child can expect math homework every night. Topic tests or performance assessments are given at the end of each unit, but frequent "Quick Checks" are given to determine students' understanding of concepts and skills as we move through each unit. 
We also use ST Math, an app that strengthens their conceptual understanding of basic math topics.  They are encouraged to use this app at home as well as in school. Finally, Burlington also employs Symphony Math as a screener which gives us data regarding student achievement.  This program also provides instructional activities for students' practice or enrichment.
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Responsive Classroom

Responsive Classroom is an evidence-based approach to teaching that focuses on the strong link between academic success and social-emotional learning.
We use Responsive Classroom techniques such as interactive modeling, role playing, and most importantly- morning meeting.  Through these practices children are encouraged to share and be mindful of their behavior's effect on others.  During a typical morning meeting we greet each other, play a game, share thoughts or learning, and receive information about the day ahead. This is an important part of our day and lays the foundation for an inclusive and productive classroom community.

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