Parents’ Page
Language Arts Expectations:
Writer’s Notebook
Students
are expected to maintain a writing notebook throughout each unit of study:
personal narrative, memoir, informational text, research, and realistic
fiction. Students use the notebook to generate ideas about a topic, list craft
examples from mentor text, practice and apply different writing strategies to
selected notebook entries, and take mini-notes on topics discussed during
strategy mini-lessons.
Students’
notebooks should be organized and well-maintained. The writing within the
notebook should show a number of entries characterized by the volume and
variety of written topics.
Writing Work
Spelling and Handwriting
Students should show good
spelling behaviors throughout each unit of study. They are taught that good
spelling behaviors include: practicing individual spelling words by using the My
Connections Spelling Sheet, using a dictionary when unsure of a spelling
word or to ask for help, recording learned words on individual word wall and
referring to the word wall when writing, applying a variety of word strategies
to help memorization of spelling concepts, and to ask for help when working on
spelling. Students' individual spelling lists are developed from their written
work. They are given class time to participate in a number of in-class spelling
activities, but are required to complete My
Individual Word List and Practice.
Good handwriting is also expected of
students. Students should enter 5th grade with an ability to write in cursive.
Although drafts are written in print, all published pieces are written in
cursive. Of course, exceptions are made for students who may need additional
practice or assistance with handwriting.
Latin
and Greek Words Unit of Study
Reading Expectations:
Independent Reading Work
Students are expected to select an
independent reading book at their independent reading level. These types of
books are called "just-right" books for students. They keep an
on-going reading record
throughout the year.
Reading Participation