Week of August 30-Sept. 3

The first week of school went very well! We spent our time on rituals and routines of the classroom and school. You should have seen two very important papers go home in their Friday folder. One addressed classroom conduct rules and consequences. Once signed and returned this paper will be stapled into the front of their planner which should be signed nightly. Students were doing an excellent job of this the first week! The second paper was a fifth grade contract that is an expectation of conduct throughout the entire fifth grade. Student behavior and responsibility is very important to a child's success in school. I look forward to a fun and educational year! Please remember if you have any questions jot me a note in your child's planner.


Reading Updates
This week we will begin reading logs. We will study the reading strategies good readers use to help understand text. Look for you child to have a chapter book they have chosen to read and log in daily. At first they may have time in the classroom to complete their logs however when we begin using the textbook they most likely will have to complete their reading log for homework. Ask your child what their book is about!

We will also begin a fun class project and read aloud for the first nine weeks. We will be reading Jeremy Thatcher Dragon Hatcher by Bruce Coville aloud in class. In connection with the book and science we will attempt to hatch quail eggs. Look for pictures to come. It will be an experiment and adventure all at the same time!


Language Updates
We have not and will not begin any grammar or phonics focus until we get into the reading textbook which will be next week. So no spelling this week.


Writing Updates
This week students will set up their writers notebook and begin narrative writing. Narrative writing is telling a story whether it is fiction or true.


Important Dates

Monday September 6......Labor Day Holiday

Until next time,
R. O'Steen

Welcome!

I was so happy to meet all the parents and students that came on Friday! I am very excited about this year and I hope you are too! On this blog I will give weekly updates for Reading and Language along with any upcoming events and important dates to remember.

Reading and Language
This week we will focus on the rituals and routines of the classroom. By fifth grade most students know the basics of what is expected but we will focus on specifics in the classroom along with the expectations for each subject.

We will be doing lessons and activities in the classroom to get the students familiar with the reader's and writer's workshop model along with baseline assessments in reading and writing over the next two to three weeks.

Communication
Students will receive a planner that will be used daily to write down reminders, homework and upcoming events. The planner will also be the way I will communicate any problems or concerns that I have and the way you can ask any questions you have. The planner needs to be signed nightly and I will check it each morning.

Supplies
A supply list has been sent home with all the necessary supplies your child will need for my class. We will be setting up notebooks and folders this week. If you didn't get a supply list here it is:

*2 2" binders
*3 8 pack dividers
*1 package of erasable pens
*1 package small index cards
*1 spiral notebook
*1 pocket folder with prongs
*1 package post-it notes
*1 package notebook paper
*1 package cap erasers
*1 ream copy paper

Wish list:
*tissues
*soft soap
*oil plug in air fresheners


Important Reminders
First day of school Monday August 23rd-8:30-3:00

Until next time,
R. O'Steen