Ms. Forster/ Mrs. Pharr

Welcome to Fifth Grade!

Subjects TaughtMs. Forster: Reading

Language Arts Social StudiesMrs. Pharr: Math Science Spelling P.E. (Second Semester)

Subjects

Taught

Ms. Forster’s Subjects

Subject’s at a GlanceReading

• Baseline Assessment and STAR Test- this will be given the first week of school- grades will not go into the grade book

• Story Selection Test- every Thursday- vocabulary as well as comprehension questions- open-ended questions- points will be deducted if the answer are not written in complete sentences

Reading: Story Vocabulary Puzzles

• Weekly crossword puzzles can be used to study the vocabulary words. (this will be kept in the reading section of the binder)

• In addition to the vocabulary and story comprehension, there will be a focus on reading skills each week

Weekly Story Selections• Small Group Discussion Questions and Answers will be passed out at the

beginning of the week, and is to be kept in the reading section of the notebook

• The Discussion Questions will be a VERY helpful tool to use to study for the selection

• After six selection stories, a Unit Test will be given and a Vocabulary Test

Reading (continued)

• Trade Books- Frindle (Andrew Clements) 1st quarter- The Best Christmas Pageant Ever(Barbara Robinson) 2nd quarter- The Black Stallion ( Walter Farley) 3rd quarter.- The Witch of Blackbird Pond ( Elizabeth George Spear) 4th quarter.

• The students will take the AR Test on each trade book as well as a teacher made test. These will count as Major Test Grades in Reading ( 65%)

Books for Book Study

• Purchase your own copy• Borrow a copy from a previous Bear student

or the library• Check a copy out from the reading teacher

- Trade Book Check-Out Form required- Must keep book in

Zip-Lock bag while not in use

Accelerated Reader

• Student Quarterly Goals- 90% Average Percent Correct- Point goals determined by using their STAR test results. - Students must read books within their ZPD range unless

unless permission is given by their teacher to read a book either below or above their range.- Incentive chart displayed in hallway- Rewards/ Prizes will be given at the end of each quarter to

those students who have met their goal!

Social Studies• Each chapter is divided into 3-5 Lessons.

- Questions and vocabulary worlds from each lesson will be given to the students to complete and use as study sheets.

• Students will be given time to correct their answers as we discuss them in class.- Consequently, they should have the CORRECT answers to study for their test.

• A quiz will be given after 2-3 lessons ( these will count as a daily grade). - The students are allowed to use their study sheets and their answers to do the daily grade sheet- NO BOOKS!

• Activity Book pages will be used either as group work to reinforce concepts or will be used as a daily grade.

Social Studies (Continued)

• Students will be tested at the end of each chapter. Questions on the test come from the study sheets. The Chapter Test are NOT open book.

• An open book Unit Test will be given at the end of each unit which consists of two chapters.

Notebook Check

• A Notebook Check will be given after 2- 3 Chapters and will count for a grade.

English

• Our language program consists of four components:- Spelling (5% of grade)- Daily Language Review( DLR) - Grammar ( Daily grades and Tests)- Writing (Daily grades and Tests).

Writer’s Notebook

• Some writing assignments will be completed at school and others at home.

• Assigned topics will reinforce writing min-lessons

• Free Topic Pick occasionally. • Please bring Writer’s Notebook everyday to

class.

Additional Materials…

• Wordly Wise and Grammar Workbook-$16.00 (Make check to Bear)

• Scholastic News- $4.67(Make check to Scholastics)

Optional: Gallon Size Heavy-Duty Ziploc freezer bags.Card StockSee teacher’s wish list.

Mrs. Pharr’s Subjects

Math• New math books (consumable)• Math lessons - model new skill, guide students through skill, work independently

with teacher guidance - homework given 3 to 4 times a week in order to reinforce new math skill - homework reviewed the next day• Daily grades will be based on new skill and notes are allowed to be used • Tests will be given at the end of each chapter or unit, notes are not

allowed• At least one week notice will be given for up coming tests• Multiplication tests will begin the second week of school - the first quiz will cover 0 – 5’s only( begin to refresh your memory)• Tests will be copied in colored paper and daily grades will be copied in

white• DMP ( Daily Math Practice ) will be completed as board work. This reviews

previous taught skills and sometimes introduces new skills

Science• Read and discuss lessons together, take notes on

discussion guided by teacher• Hands-on activity with lesson (if applicable)• Homework questions related to lesson• Discussion of homework questions the next day - Daily grades will be based on 1 or 2 lessons, notes and

book may be used• Test will be given at the end of

each chapter, at least one week notice will be given and details of what to study

Extra

• Bear Handbook• Conduct Procedures• Homework Assessment• New to Bear ( stay after, and we will meet in

Ms. Forster’s Room). • 5th Grade Jobs • School Supplies /Homework assignment book

Science/ Math/ Reading/ Social Studies

65% Major Test Grades30% Daily Grades

5% Homework

English65% Major Test Grades

25% Daily Grades5% Spelling

5% Homework

• There will be at least 4 major test grades and at least 9 daily grades in each subject every 9 weeks

Thank you! Lets make this year a great year!!

If you have any additional questions, I will be happy to answer them at the end.