Strive for 25...Reading Requirement

Guess what? We've got to read a minimum of 25 books by the end of the school year. It sounds like a lot, but I am not worried. We will read books in school together (which you can count), I will read aloud TO you (and those count), you'll read in small groups or book clubs (which count), and you are already doing independent reading at home and during any downtime here.  Remember, reading is likeplaying an instrument, a sport, or anything else.  It gets better with practice!

Notice I keep saying "WE!"  Remember...I'm taking this challenge WITH you! My reading log is displayed on the back bulletin board and, thanks to you, I've already read three that YOU recommended! Percy Jackson is awesome!  It is consuming me!  I find I am taking every little moment to read, even if it's just a page or two!

OK...just as clarification for the parents...

The students need to read at least 25 books this year.  I am requiring that they read two from each of 9 genres:

1. Realistic fiction
2. Fantasy
3. Science Fiction
4. Historical Fiction (already working on this one!)
5. Mystery
6. Traditional Literature (fairy tales, folktales, mythology, etc)
7. Informational
8. Biography, Autobiography, Memoir
9. Poetry

So two from each of 9 genres equals 18 books.  That leaves 7 books in the genre or genres of your choice!  If you want to read an entire series, go for it!  Just remember to get in the other required books along the way.

Other things to remember:

1. Longer books may count as two.  If you read a book that is over 300 pages, we'll count that as two books.  It makes sense.  Longer books take longer to read!
2. When you finish a book, you must write a book review.  Please look at the "Book Review Requirements" tab on the right side of this post for details.
3. This is supposed to be a fun thing.  Give a book a try.  If you read through a chapter or two and can't get into it, let's find you another book.  However, don't give up after a paragraph!

I am already enjoying sharing books with you!  It's going to be a great year!

August 9, 2012...Day 2!

Hello Students and Parents!

Homework:  Just read!  Find something you like and read it...enjoy it!  Get to bed at a reasonable time.  We'll get into our homework routine next week.

Everyone was a little more tired today after having a full day of school under our belts!  I don't know about you, but we are having to force ourselves NOT to stay up too late watching the Olympic coverage.  That old alarm clock wails MUCH too early...ooooffff!

I've spent the last two days getting to know my students, not only on a personal level, but as readers and writers.  Everyone filled out a reading survey for me and did a writing.  We have also worked to build a strong classroom community by discussing what we hope this school year is like, and what we will ALL need to do each day to have the best school year ever!  The students identified the importance of the following things:

• We believe people should be respectful and kind to each other, treating others the way we want to be treated.
• We believe we should focus on learning and have FUN doing it!
• We believe we should show responsibility and act as role-models.
• We believe celebrations are important!
• We believe that in order to learn, we need to work hard and set goals.

Tomorrow we will dig deeper.  If we believe these things, how will you see us act?  What things will you hear us say?  These are the guidelines by which we will base our behaviors, etc.

Tomorrow we will start investigating our first Social Studies standard:
 The student will explain the responsibilities of a citizen.

EQ:  Why do we need rules and laws?  Why do they exist?

August 8, 2012...The First Day!

Hello Students and Parents!

This was a GREAT first day of school!  Each of my students showed an eagerness to get to know each other and get started on the right foot.  I was especially impressed with how many students did summer reading and brought in summaries about their favorite books.  We are going to read a lot this year and this got the ball rolling!

Homework:  Read!  That's all.  I'm not saying how long to read...just read!  We've got to read at least 25 books this year and don't have any time to lose!

Here is some other information you will want to know about this school year. 
Instead of sending a paper copy of this information, I'm going to post it on the blog...to save a tree!
Changing Classes:  Your child’s day will be broken into two blocks of time.  I will be your child’s Block 1 teacher for Language Arts and Social Studies.  Your child will have another teacher for Block 2, where they will have Math and Science.  Students will eat lunch with their Block 2 classes.  Your child has an individual schedule found inside the front cover of his/her agenda. 

Attendance:  Students may enter the classroom at 7:30.  They are considered tardy after 7:45.  It is very important for the students to be on time so that they can take care of morning responsibilities and be well-prepared for class.  Please read page 3 of the Student Handbook (found in the front of the agendas) for a detailed explanation of the Oconee County School System policy on tardiness and absences.

Homework:  All 5^th grade students will have nightly homework.  We are not interested in keeping your child “busy.”  Any assignments we give are for practice of skills taught during the school day.  Anyone who has ever played sports or an instrument understands the value and necessity of practice!  The students will use their agendas to write down any homework.  Nightly homework can also be found on my blog. 

Transportation Changes: If your child has a transportation change on a given day, please send in a note to me.  Children will not be permitted to go home a different way unless the school receives a note.  PLEASE remember to call in any necessary transportation changes prior to 12:00.  We have Extension and Activity beginning at 12:45 and it will be more difficult to get changes to your child if calls are received after this time.  Please try to reserve transportation changes for emergencies.  It can be difficult for a child to remember any changes due to our busy days in 5th grade.  This is for the safety of all students. 

Lunch Money:  Please send in any lunch money in a sealed envelope with your child’s name, my name and grade, and “lunch money” written on the front.  Any other money that is sent in to the classroom for various reasons (Relay for Life, PTO) must be clearly marked to ensure that it goes to the correct place! This is 5^th grade…have your child take on this responsibility!

Snacks:  5^th graders may bring a snack to eat at their recess time {9:55-10:10}.  In accordance with the state and federal wellness policies, we ask that all snacks be nutritious (no candy bars, chips, or other junk food).  Students may also bring bottles with water.  No other drinks are permitted.

Birthday Parties:  We would love to celebrate your child’s birthday at school, but we are asking you all to be receptive to a new change.  Because state and federal policies are focused on health and wellness, we are planning to celebrate all birthdays in each month on the last Friday of the month during recess. 

5th Grade Jobs:  5th graders have several opportunities to take leadership roles at RBES.  Shortly, we will be asking students if they are interested in taking on some additional responsibilities:  Safety patrols, School Store, Media Center help, Morning Broadcast, and helping tutor much younger students.  Once these duties have been assigned, you will be given more detailed information about what is involved.

Have a nice evening and get some rest!

Mrs. Y