Mrs. Gurwicz’s Class Overview:
Integrated Theme Study: Our grade level focuses on certain thematic units of study each year. These themes integrate standards relating to reading, writing, speaking, social studies, science, library skills, research, the arts, information technology and math.
Journals: We have journals in every area, Reading Response Journals, Word Study Journals, Math Journals, Science Journals and more. Students write facts, observations, ideas, diagrams, and new questions they develop as a result of their studies…... This is the beginning of their research. They include reactions to books. Students also write responses to questions, original stories involving various genres of writing, math problem solving strategies complete with procedures, reflections, pictures and diagrams, science inquiry observations, reflections, and more.
Group Projects: These are whole class or small group endeavors that relate to our studies. These projects teach social studies, science, research skills and content. They are planned for flexibility and creativity. Content objectives are clearly stated. We plan for many different materials to be used and vary the types of learning opportunities. You will be invited into the classroom to see all the projects as we complete each section of our year’s major areas of study. We look forward to sharing during our Parent Share times...Dates to be announced.
Research Projects: Students research and learn about chosen topics within our designated theme. Students learn specific steps: brainstorming, selecting materials, organizing with a checklist, problem solving as to what their products could be (a report, a graph, a chart, a model, a poster, an interview, computer presentation, etc.), creation of the product, and presentation of the information. Children also learn by listening to other presentations as they are asked to provide facts and feedback to their peers, our “Questions and Comments” section. This is an important component, as students become very invested in topics they have chosen and are viewed as experts on the topic by their peers.
Literacy… The Reading/Writing Workshop…. Read to self/shared reading....Interactive Read Aloud…. Writing …. “Word Study”…All components of a healthy and effective literacy program! Literacy is a part of everything we do. Students write extensively in Math Journals. Science/Social Studies themes are frequently integrated into the literacy blocks.
Here are the components of our literacy program:
Reading: Quiet Read/Write... This is done alone, partner reading, or following a book at the computer or listening center… This is quiet independent reading time with an emphasis on teaching children to make interesting, appropriate reading choices and to spend an extended time with text. Our reading specialist, special educators, and I conference with individuals during this time, focusing on strengths while building on fluency and comprehension skills. Some students may also be intentionally writing in a genre or studying new vocabulary and sight words during this time. They are thinking, writing and reading their words and stories.
Read-Aloud… This is the time for all of us to enjoy a good book together! Instruction in vocabulary development, comprehension, theme identification, character studies and other strategies is provided at this time. This is the time where deep connections may be made and shared.
Writing: Writer’s Workshop… This is a structured time for students to work through the writing process of brainstorming story ideas, creating a draft, modifying work and bringing selected pieces to final copy. A writing theme/concept is introduced or reviewed during each writing workshop. Sometimes students write to a specific prompt or are assigned a type (genre) of writing. Often students are encouraged to choose their own topics. Not all writing is brought to final copy. We publish many pieces and display these pieces around the room and in the halls, often attached to artwork or in book form.
Spelling/Vocabulary: Students learn to employ their visual, auditory and kinesthetic learning modalities through the Spelling Connections program, Word Study Sorts, new word talk throughout the day and connections to other words in all academic areas, Word of the Day, Idioms of the Week and more. Students practice new word skill lists each week to study at school and at home. These lists are provided for each student to practice alone or with parents, friends, and/or siblings in various ways as you decide. Please remember that seemingly “easy word” study is added to with the use of prefixes, suffixes, antonyms, synonyms, sort studies, etc. You may not see all of these words at home as we use dry erase boards in some of our practice sessions.
Book Clubs: These groups change frequently throughout the year. Children discuss a book they have read and respond to it with journal reading responses, small group discussions, and book projects. Partner reading, retells, comprehension questions, story maps, book talks, author’s chair, research and note taking, webbing and presentations are some ways children share their literacy experiences and hone their comprehension.
Handwriting/Keyboarding: Children have instructional booklets and dry erase boards to practice handwriting. Our focus is on cursive writing. We will also use our computers to practice keyboarding skills. Typing Master is utilized at Orchard.
Math: We use the Bridges in Mathematics II Program. We also practice Daily Math shortly after 8:00 and rotate among our fifth grade classes for Number Corner, a class where we focus on the Bridges II Number Corner monthly activities for fifth grade. Additionally, we supplement our math studies by integrating math throughout our day as deemed appropriate in areas such as science and social studies, both verbally and in writing. Resources such as additional math activity books, Scholastic News math graphs and Think Tank are used in this classroom. Extensions in mathematical thinking occur often in an effort to reach a wide range of learners.
Library: We work with Mrs. Macdonald each week on theme studies, research skills, use of technology and book projects. The children may return books and check out new ones at various times throughout the week.
Teams: We team with all of our fifth grade teachers and their classes in various ways, from Number Corner to field trip partners. We also team with Ms. Garland’s kindergarten class for Learning Buddies.
Science/Social Studies: We follow the fifth grade curriculum. We utilize our “science lab” gardens to learn about nature and engage in Farm to School lessons. Students practice inquiry process skills such as observing, recording, questioning and interpreting information.
Social Skills: Social skills are an integral part of our teaching. We focus on Responsive Classroom principles, Orchard’s Core Values and school wide P.B.I.S, which celebrates students’ positive behaviors. We are supported by our guidance counselors who visit all classrooms and facilitate groups of students throughout the year.
Arts/P.E.: The arts infuse our day... Children have an art class with Miss Susie. Music and P.E. take place twice a week, Mrs. Frostman for Music and Physical Education with Mr. Hamlin.
Morning Meeting: Our morning includes a greeting, mindfulness practices, Brain Gym exercises, and/or Brain Breaks. A student Morning Message Reader reads the message and we interact accordingly. Our class often engages in a math, literacy or challenge word puzzle written in cursive writing to further develop students’ skills.
Information Technology: Computers are available throughout our day. During Writer’s Workshop, children may compose at the computer. Children use computers for research, word study, keyboarding, and math. We have access to Chrome books in our classroom….Be sure to check out the typing program I have made available on our class website as well as Typing Master. We have other online sites to check out as well!
Volunteers: Is there any area of interest related to our curriculum where you would like to volunteer? …A presentation in an area of expertise related to our curriculum, arranging a class speaker or places to visit, being a chaperone? ...I would love to hear your ideas! ….Let me know and we will schedule a time.
Thanks in advance for your help, support and participation in your child’s endeavors…
Our positive involvement makes all the difference!!!!
~ Deb Gurwicz