Homework Policy
Students will have homework every night.  They are expected to turn it in on a daily basis using neat handwriting in pencil.

Math
Text: Saxon
Units

Number Sense and Numeration, Concepts of whole number operations, Whole number computation, Fractions and Decimals, Money, Patterns, Algebra, Shapes and spatial relationships, Time and date, Temperature, Linear Measure, Area, Weight, Capacity, Data analysis and statistics, Probability, Problem solving

Writing/Reading/Spelling
Program: Voices  (It is split into four different areas.
"Voices reading creates successful readers and has the added benefit of making every classroom a more productive , respectful, learning environment."

Instructional read-alouds are popular multicultural trade books that provide content which is worth reading, discussing, and writing about.  Each instructional read-aloud provides a meaningful way to…

• Model comprehension skills and strategies

• Introduce vocabulary

• Connect with the theme to develop character

• Nurture oral language development

• Stimulate writing

Leveled readers provide additional fiction and nonfiction theme-related content for guided and independent reading as well as fluency development

Spelling focuses on a spelling rule and follows the Sitton philosophy of learning spelling words in dictated sentences instead of independently.
Text: Sitton Spelling (Educators Publishing Service)
Since its adoption three years ago, we have found that this spelling program has exceeded our expectations. This program integrates spelling with writing by assessing students on their ability to apply their spelling knowledge to their everyday writing. 

Sitton Spelling helps the students not just memorize the words but how to spell them correctly each time they use them.

Whole class reading vocabulary combines two words from each of the small group vocabulary lists for all students.  Readers on all levels access to high level words.

Reader of the day
 Throughout the year your child will be featured as “Reader of the Day”.  The scheduled day can be found on the calendar sent home at the beginning of the month (starting in October).  On the day your child is scheduled he/she brings in a favorite book to share or read with the class.  Your child could also write and illustrate an original book to share with the class.  Make sure that it does not exceed five minutes or so. 

Please have your child practice the chosen book a few times at home so that he/she is comfortable sharing or reading it aloud.  I will be right next to the child to provide support and encouragement.   We will have our “Reader of the Day” each afternoon.  This unique and wonderful experience allows us all to learn about many different authors and writing styles.

Religion
Text: Blessed are We (RCL Benziger)
We are pleased to announce the adoption of a new religion curriculum school-wide for the 2011-2012 school year. Blessed are We is a comprehensive religion program that integrates the four pillars of the Catechism of the Catholic Church into the unit structure of our textbook.

The Blest are we religion program is based on four pillars. 

• What Catholics believe
• How Catholics worship
• How Catholics live
• How Catholics pray

Science
With the help of Mrs. Schneider we will focus on two main areas

Solids and liquids   Students learn about the properties of liquids and solids.  When a liquid is poured into a container, it takes the shape of the part of the container that it occupies.  Cooling a liquid can turn the liquid into a solid.  When it becomes a solid it assumes the shape of the container and retains the shape, even when removed from the container.

Push-pull and position   Students learn how to describe the position and motion of objects and the effects of forces on objects.  Students start by describing the position of one object with respect to another and then describe motion as a change in position.  Forces are introduced as pushes and pulls that can change the motion of objects, and students learn through observation that various forces act through contact while others act from a distance

Social Studies

Economics:

• Understands that people have to make choices between wants and needs and evaluate the outcomes of those choices.

• Explains that families make choices about the need for buying groceries based on cost, availability, family or cultural customs, and personal taste.

• Explains that when families make choices about moving, a new home is gained and an old neighborhood is given up.

Geography:

• Uses a map or globe to identify the location of the continents and major bodies of water.

• Explains how maps and globes can be used to locate the continents where families live.

• Explains how the climate and physical features of an area determine the types of home in which people live.

• Explains how the food families eat is affected by the natural resources that are available in their regions.

• Explains that families may move to a smaller or bigger home when family size decreases or increases.

• Explains that families may move when job opportunities become available.

History:

• Creates and explains a timeline that describes family events over time.

• Creates and explains a family timeline that describes changes to the family.

• Explains how a family marks celebrations using traditions and customs from the past.

Social studies skills: 

• Explains how questions can be used to find out how families celebrate holidays.

• Explains how questions can be used to find out how families live in different countries.

• Uses photos to describe how different families live.

• Engages in discussions to learn how families from around the world celebrate Birthdays.

• Engages in discussions to learn about the clothing worn by families from around the world.

• Describes similarities and differences in the ways families celebrate holidays using a T-chart.

• Describes similarities and differences in the ways in which families live using a table.