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1st Quarter Review
The first quarter has come to an end! We have already accomplished so much as fifth graders! We are still adjusting to the classroom rules and procedures, but they are improving everyday!
Math: We have worked with adding, subtracting, and multiplying whole numbers and decimals. We have also learned about division and also working with word problems.
Science: The fifth graders have learned about earth in space science. We have worked with stars and constellations, along with the solar system and the Earth’s rotation and revolution around the sun. We also learned about saving our earth and protecting Earth’s resources. We discussed alternative energy sources and looked at the advantages and disadvantages for each.
Social Studies: We have worked with both Ancient World and Geography. In Geography we learned all about the geographer’s tools and the 5 themes of geography. In the Ancient World we have learned about the beginnings of Human society and have discovered Ancient Mesopotamia.
The first quarter map tests included the Continents & Island Nations in September and North America in October.
2nd Quarter Preview
In the second quarter we continue and expand on the concepts that we have previously learned.
Math: We will focus on division the beginning of the second quarter. We will divide by one and 2-digit numbers. We will learn the divisibility rules, and recognize prime and composite numbers. We will also use prime factorization to find the greatest common factor (GCF) and least common multiple (LCM). We will continue to have weekly reviews that help students review their basic skills and also what we have done so far this year. We will also continue to focus on how to answer word problems and extended response questions.
Science: We will begin Chemistry in the 2nd quarter. We will begin with talking about matter and mass, volume, and density. We will discuss chemical properties and physical properties, as well as chemical and physical changes. The students will also discover elements and explore atoms. We will work with mixtures and solutions this quarter.
Social Studies: We will continue to discover the Ancient World in the 2nd quarter, beginning with Ancient India and then we will focus on Ancient Egypt. We will also learn about the Earth’s physical geography. Current Events will begin in the second quarter with the focus changing each month. November is local current events, December is National current events, and January is Global current events. The students are responsible for finding an appropriate article and writing a summary reviewing the main ideas of the article and a reflection based on their opinion of the article. These are due every Friday, unless otherwise noted.
The second quarter map tests include: South America in November and Canada in December.
Welcome to the 5th Grade Team!
My name is Miss Berndsen. This is my second year at Nativity and I am really looking forward to it! I hope to have another great year full of fun, excitement, learning, and adventure!
Course Description
Math
Students will have Math for 45 minutes everyday. Fifth grade math curriculum consists of addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division of whole numbers and decimals as well as fractions. We also cover ratios, proportions and percents. The fifth grade also learns about data analysis, geometry and measurement. We focus on applied mathematics, which is relating math to our everyday lives.
Science
Fifth graders have Science for 45 minutes everyday. We cover earth and space science, physical science, and life science. Some topics that we discuss include stars, the environment and air quality, matter, chemistry, light, sound, and sources of energy. We conduct several hands-on experiments and focus on labs that help students be involved in their own learning. The fourth quarter is dedicated to Health where we study our body systems and how to keep our bodies healthy.
Social Studies
Students will have Social Studies for 40 minutes everyday. We cover the Ancient World, which includes Ancient Mesopotamia, Ancient India, Ancient Egypt, Ancient China, Ancient Rome, and Ancient Greece. The students will learn about the geography of the Earth as well. We will discuss the geographer’s tools such as different types of maps and their uses. In addition, the Earth’s physical geography along with Earth’s human geography will be taught. We also study the maps of the world for the Nativity monthly map tests.
Classroom Rules and Expectations
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Be Responsible.
• Be Respectful to yourself and others.
As a class, students will develop specific rules to follow in and out of the classroom based on the general rules above. Students are also expected to follow all school rules, as indicated in the Student Handbook.
Grades
The grading scale for the 5th grade is below:
• 100-99% A+
• 98-95% A
• 94-93% A-
• 92-91% B+
• 90-87% B
• 86-85% B-
• 84-83% C+
• 82-79% C
• 78-77% C-
• 76-75% D+
• 74-72% D
• 71-70% D-
• 69% and below F
Grades in 5th grade are based on a points system.
The percentage on an assignment/quiz/test/project reflects the percentage of earned points the student has earned out of the total possible. At the end of the quarter, a student’s grade is indicated by the percentage of total earned points out of total points. Total points possible vary from quarter to quarter. Points/grades for each subject start over at the beginning of the quarter.
Homework Policy
Homework is given on a daily basis. Homework will be recorded daily by the students in an assignment book provided by the school. Assignments will be posted in each teacher’s classroom for the subjects she is responsible to teach.
If a student is absent, he/she is expected to make up any missed work. Students should check the assignment board in the room for assignments. If there is still a question as to what needs to be made up, be sure to check with the teacher.
Missing Homework Policy
Homework is expected to be turned in on the day it is due. If homework is not turned in on the due date, students are given a “mark” on the Behavior Check Sheet (See Classroom Management). Students also must fill out a “Missing Assignment” sheet. The “Missing Assignment” sheet must be signed by a parent/guardian and returned before the assignment will be accepted for credit.
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For each day the assignment is missing, 5% will be deducted from the earned grade and 10% will be deducted from the earned grade of projects.
• If a student is absent, he/she has the amount of days absent to make up the missing work without being penalized (i.e. 2 days absent=2 school days to turn in missing work).
No Name Policy
Students are expected to put their names on the work they turn in for credit. Papers handed in with no name will have 5% deducted from the earned grade. Projects and tests with no name will have 10% deducted.
Classroom Management
In the fifth grade we follow a check system to track behavior. Students are given “marks” for not meeting the expectations on the sheet. At the end of each week the students are rewarded with points for the amount of marks received in the week. Points can then be redeemed in the student store at the end of each quarter.
Students receive: 3 points for 0 marks for the week.
• 2 points for 1 mark for the week
• 1 point for 2 marks for the week
• 0 points for 3 or more marks for the week
Students who receive 5 or more marks in one week will lose one recess. Parents will be contacted if excessive marks are given in one week.
Communication
Communication between parents, teacher, and students is critical to the success of the student. Please be sure to email either teacher with any questions or concerns you may have.
Each Tuesday, a 5th grade Newsletter is sent out to parents/guardians with the latest news, important dates, and classroom updates. The newsletter is attached to graded papers for the week and an assignment slip that lets parents/guardians know if any work is missing. Parents/guardians are expected to return the assignment slip with their signature. Students who do not bring the slip in signed will be given a “mark” on the Behavior Sheet.
Contact Information
The fifth grade teachers believe it is very important to have open communication. Please feel free to contact us with any questions or concerns.
1. The best way to contact us would be through email.
~ Miss Berndsen (Math, Science, & Social Studies) missberndsen@yahoo.com
~ Miss Bennett (Language Arts & Religion) bennettgrade5@gmail.com
2. You can send a note to school stating your concerns and a phone number or
email address where we can reach you with the best time you are available.
3. You can call Nativity and leave a message. ~The school’s phone number is 458-6767.
Helpful Links
Scholastic News – Great resource for national and global current events! http://www2.scholastic.com/browse/scholasticNews.jsp?
Net Trekker – great search engine for students http://www.nettrekker.com
Ohio Treasure Chest – great websites for all subjects! http://www.ohiotreasurechest.org
Textbooks
Math Grade 5
Dr. Carole Greenes, Dr. Matt Larson, Dr. Miriam A. Leiva, Dr. Jean M. Shaw, Dr. Lee Stiff, Dr. Bruce R. Vogeli, Dr. Karol Yeatts Houghton Mifflin
Science: The Diamond Edition
Scott Foresman
Pearson
Social Studies
World Explorer: The Ancient World
Prentice Hall
Pearson
World Explorer: Geography: Tools and Concepts
Prentice Hall
Pearson
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