Welcome to the fifth grade. This blog has been created to communicate with you and your parents or guardians this semester. Open communication is one of my first priorities, so feel free to post comments, questions or whatever in the comment section. Remember at all times to use proper etiquette as any person who abuses this site will be denied permission to participate.
Technology used in this class will be the internet, web2.0, kindle, IPad, lap top and regular computers. we only have six in our room so we have to share. With permission and when needed you may bring your own instrument as long as it gets the approval of the Principal.
Some websites we use are www.bie.org for how we use PBL.
www.squidoo.com
www.LearningReviews.com
www.teAchnology.com
Other sites may be added as necessary when the need or opportunity arises.
Learning theories to be used are for the most part PBL, or Problem/Project Base Learning, but we reserve the right to stray into other areas as deemed necessary. I like PBL for it aids in "Critical Thinking" "Collaboration" "Communication" and I like for my class to be "student centered" with lots of hands-on experience.
My thoughts concerning Language Arts, is it is the most important portion of education. I believe if you cannot read it you cannot solve it. We are going to increase our vocabulary, improve reading and comprehension, learn new words, how to change words and their meanings by using prefixes and/or suffixes. Use and knowledge of prefixes and suffixes are for day one and two. One 50 minute session on each with an assessment coming on Friday. Friday is always test day, so I think you should always be here. When testing is over we will have some sort of fun activity like recess-popcorn treats- maybe a good movie but something fun and interesting will always be on the agenda.
My audience is the fifth grade for fall 2013 so hang on tight we are going to learn the usage of lots of new words, along with how, why, when, and what for this semester.
Classes are fifty minute each day. Our class policy will be if the unit is complete before time we will use the time wisely. I prefer to have class policies instead of class rules. At least once per week we will use time for testing on our daily readers.
Lesson plans and objectives will be posted the day before in order for you to be prepared and have the things you need.
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Student participation, discussions, writing journals, letters, using new words in sentences are just a few of the methods with words.
Next we will learn to read aloud with excitement and vigor to help bring life to the story we are reading. We have use of a Weekly Reader designed for you and I like it as well. We will devote at least one class session per week to this information. I promise you it is designed just for you and will keep you posted as to important things going on in the world.
Parents and Guardians: This blog is for you as well. You can use the comment area at any time as I keep it open during the day and check it several times per day. Just remember to use it wisely and remember internet etiquette as misuse will not be allowed.
