Mrs. Spencer Homeroom Teacher

Fifth Grade

      Fifth grade is a wonderful year for learning.  Students will begin to move to more independent learning activities after the teacher models the expected skill.  First, the teacher will model the skill, and then guide the students in small group practice. Finally, the teacher coaches students as they work independently.  Guided groups enable the teacher to determine when the student is ready for independent work.  As a result, thinking strategies are a key object in all content areas. 

      Fifth grade is also special because literacy and cross-curriculum centers are an integral part of the classroom.  Centers provide structure for students while the teacher is instructing small, needs-based groups.  Students learn to work independently and cooperatively.  Designed to complement learning objectives, centers give both enrichment and challenge opportunities.

      Many enrichment activities occur during this year.  For instance, students continue with Spanish, individual instrument lessons, and choir.  Plus, students playing instruments have the opportunity to join band.  One highlight of the year is the participation of D.A.R.E.  Students spend 9 weeks with an officer from the Ephrata Police Department. D.A.R.E. gives students the skills to live a drug-free and successful live. At the end of the program, students write an assay about what the program meant to them and participate in a graduation ceremony.

      Throughout the year, activities are balanced with direct instruction and interactive projects.  By allowing students to participate in a variety of collaborative and independent assignments, 5^th graders begin the transition into higher-level learning.