5th Grade Language Arts Skills Syllabus 2012-2013 Ms. Espo I.

The Big Idea Identity

Fifth grade is a time when students begin to look at themselves in news as they transition to a new school and a new, larger group of peers. This year in this language arts skills class, students will be exploring the theme of identity. In some units, students will be given choices as to the books they read and the subjects they study. In other units, students will read the same text as other students. In every unit, students will be looking to answer the following questions: Who are you? How do you know who you are? How do you think others would define you? How can authors help you better understand yourself, others, and the world around you? What is the role of the author?

II. Reading and Writing Workshop

This is a tentative list of units of study for the upcoming year: Calvin & Hobbes Fiction Poetry Introduction to Shakespeare Research paper

III. Grading Information

Charlottesville City Schools maintains the parent portal (http://sis.ccs.k12.va.us/public), which allows parents to keep a close eye on their students grades. If you or your child is concerned about his/her grade, please contact me so we can discuss what can be done to improve it. A. Grades will be computed on the following scale: A 90-100% B 80-89% C 70-79% D 60-69% F 59% and below B. Grades are weighted based on the following percentages: 50% - Final Assessments 25% - Quizzes 15% - Class work 10% - Homework Test/Projects: A final assessment (test and/or project) will be given for each unit and will be announced prior to its scheduled date. Guidelines and rubrics will be handed out at the time the project is assigned. Students will be expected to work on projects in class, though some work will likely be required out of class. Quizzes: Quizzes will be given regularly throughout the quarter. Material covered will include class notes, homework, and assigned reading. Vocabulary quizzes will be given every other Friday and are cumulative. Class work: Students will be completing a wide variety of assignments in class. These will include critical thinking and enrichment activities, vocabulary, and reading and writing assignments. Homework: Students will be required to complete homework each night. Please see below for a more detailed explanation of homework expectations.

IV. Touchstones
This year students will be participating in a Socratic Seminar on a regular basis. We will be using the Touchstone series of books. Students will be given a short reading and will engage in a classroom discussion with their peers relating to the reading.

5th Grade Language Arts Skills Syllabus 2012-2013 Ms. Espo V. Homework
One important part of homework is helping students learn to plan ahead. Students will have two predictable, recurring homework assignments (listed below). If they wait until the last minute the homework load will become overwhelming.

A. Reading Logs
Students are required to read a minimum of 25 minutes a night, every night and turn in a reading log that shows what and for how long theyve read each night. Reading logs are located in the classroom and can be found on the blog.

B. Vocabulary & Math Exemplars

Student homework assignments will alternate between vocabulary and math enrichment assignments. Every other week, students will be given one or more Greek/Latin roots to learn. The homework is designed to help students learn and understand how root words can help them decode the meaning of words they do not know. Students will be completing math exemplars on a biweekly basis. Students will be asked to explain, in writing, the method or methods used to complete that weeks math problem. These assignments will be differentiated so that each student will find the assignment challenging but not overwhelming.

C. Additional homework
During some of our units, students will be required to do reading outside of class. Students may (and should) include this on their reading log. Students will be given a calendar of due dates which will allow them to plan ahead and take their sports and music practice schedules into account. Very often students are asked to complete questions in addition to the reading assignment. Some assignments are more challenging than others. If your child has worked on the assignment and is struggling, please send me an email or a note letting me know how long s/he worked and what the issue was with the assignment so that I can assist him/her at school. As a general rule, Id set that threshold at 45 minutes, but you know your child better than I some will be able to work longer than that and others may hit their frustration point earlier.

VI. Make-Up Work Policy

All students are responsible for their own work. This includes make-up work. It is your responsibility to make sure all make-up work is completed and turned in. You will have 1 day per day of absence to make up for missed work due to sickness, unless special circumstances apply. If you miss a test or quiz, you will be responsible for making it up the day you return to class. In the case of extended absence, you and I will work out a reasonable make-up policy.

VII. Classroom Behavior Expectations

Respect yourself and others.
Take responsibility for your actions.

VIII. Staying in Touch

I am always available for extra help. Please come and see me if you have questions or concerns about the class. You can also keep up with class assignments by checking out the class blog and/or Twitter feed. Contact information: 245-2412 esposic1@ccs.k12.va.us (work) or msespo.walker@gmail.com (home) http://twitter.com/#!/msespowalker http://msespo.edublogs.org

5th Grade Language Arts Skills Syllabus 2012-2013 Ms. Espo

THIS PAGE IS TO BE FILLED OUT, SIGNED AND KEPT IN YOUR NOTEBOOK ALL YEAR. 1. I have read and understand the Language Arts Skills Syllabus.

Student Signature

Date

2.

I have read the Language Arts Skills Syllabus and will support my student in the study of the class.

Parent/Guardian Signature

Date

3.

Please write the names of two responsible classmates who can give you class assignments when you miss class.

Classmate #1

Phone Number and/or email address

Classmate #2

Phone Number and/or email address

Ms. Espos contact information: esposic1@ccs.k12.va.us (school) msespo.walker@gmail.com (home this is better for homework questions) http://twitter.com/#!/msespowalker http://msespo.edublogs.org