Ichabod Crane Central School District

 Martin H. Glynn School: Mrs. Jermain and Mrs. Wheeler

Beyond the Three Rs

GOING BEYOND THE THREE Rs
Here’s a brief description of programs in your child's fifth grade class. Several activities
occur throughout the year while others are shorter in duration. Additional information
will be coming as the programs begin.


COOPERATIVE LEARNING: This is a style of learning used in our classroom that
focuses on social skills, group sharing and cooperation to accomplish tasks or goals.
Students learn how to work together successfully and can earn group / individual points
and rewards for positive interaction and behavior throughout the year. (September
through June)


WRITER'S WORKSHOP: A language arts program that focuses on improving writing
skills following a sequence of steps that guide a student through the many phases of
creative writing. Students work on topics and styles of their choice, or with “On-Demand”
writing, revising and editing their pieces by self-conferencing, friend-conferencing, and
teacher-conferencing. Skills are taught through group and individual lessons depending
on the need. Many pieces are published at our computer lab and shared during our
Authors’ Garden Party in the spring. The NYS ELA (English-Language Arts) test is given
in April. (September through June)


READER'S WORKSHOP / GUIDED READING / IRB READING : Students participate in guided
groups and other activities based on the readings of selected stories. Various styles of
literature and reading comprehension strategies will be introduced throughout the year,
depending on the student's reading ability. Reader's Workshop also includes Reader Responses, Mini Lessions, and Book Talks. (September through June)


ALL STAR READERS’ CLUB: Students have the opportunity to participate in this
monthly reading / reward program. The monthly topic guides the book selection and by
reading three books on that topic, a student gets to participate in the special ceremony /
party. Students who complete all months will earn a library certificate in June. (October
through June)


INSTITUTE FOR ARTS IN EDUCATION: This program has students working with
selected teacher-artists and performers in the areas of children's literature, storytelling,
drama, music, and dance. Students might participate in school performances and
workshops, field trips, and presentations throughout the year.


“No Excuse” / WORDS THEIR WAY PROGRAM: Students become responsible for mastering priority
words that are used in 90% of all writing. The Words Their Way program focuses on decoding and spelling. Students use words "sorts" to master patterns and sounds. The spelling grade reflects correct spelling in daily
writing as well as successful contract completion. Weekly WTW spelling lessons are part of
a contract system that allows students to be responsible for completion of spelling
activities. Students can earn "spelling honors" by completing contracts of quality. In
September, instruction is given on how to meet these standards, which remain consistent
with each contract

.ASSIGNMENT PLANNERS: Each student is expected to use the assignment planner to
record all assignments daily. Its purpose is twofold: to build the student's responsibility
toward work completion and to open the lines of communication between parent and
teacher. By parent-signing and teacher-stamping daily, both parent and teacher are
immediately aware of any concerns or needs that may occur. As of September 2002, all
grade 3-5 students are expected to have the planner signed nightly.


SCIENCE - Hands-On: New York State's syllabus emphasizes "hands-on science
programs." Our fifth grade curriculum provides many activities and
experiments/activities that enable a student to explore the world of science. Many times
science and math activities allow a student to predict, show understanding, and draw
conclusions about what was discovered during a science lesson. Science units include
instruction in Classification, Oceanography, Space, Consumer Experts / Scientific Method,
and Weather. (September through June)


SOCIAL STUDIES: New York State's syllabus focuses on units of government, Canada,
Latin America, and the United States. Class and library skills preparation readies each
student to take the NYS Grade Five Social Studies test, given in November.

MATH: The math program combines the Chicago Math series adopted by the district and
brain based strategies to teach students fifth grade math concepts in numeration, addition,
subtraction, multiplication, division, fractions, decimals, geometry, measurement, and
probability. Students will work individually, in small and large groups throughout each
week, using manipulatives, calculators, and mental math. Along with problem solving
and critical thinking challenges, students will also try challenge problems and facts
practice. A grade level math final is given in June. The NYS Math test is given in May.
(September through June)


D.A.R.E.: A comprehensive fifth grade program, lasting ten sessions, that emphasizes a
responsible attitude and positive decision making strategies to use as students face peer
pressure and social issues. Successful completion of the requirements results in
participating in graduation and positive alternative activity field trip. (Spring)


CHORUS, INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC, BAND: Selected opportunities for students to
participate in chorus or band with other fifth graders from MHG and MVB. Students
needed to sign up for instruments in the spring of fourth grade. Two concerts are held to
showcase student progress. (September through June)


NATURE'S CLASSROOM: An opportunity for students to visit Silver Bay during April
vacation week to experience environmental and historical education in a beautiful nature
setting. Students stay in rooms with selected roommates and work in cooperative groups
to accomplish daily tasks and exciting activities. Partial scholarships are available. This
is a parent-operated program and always needs volunteers to help organize and run it.

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