Fifth Grade Philosophy
Together we make a great team for not only your child's academic success, but for the
development of character and good habits, as well.
There are no shortcuts. We must work hard. No excuses.
I promise to show the students through example that the only way to continuously
improve is with hard work. They will see me always working as hard as they are,
if not harder. They will learn to think critically and deeply and be prepared to
support their answers. They will be actively engaged and are expected to remain
so. We will work individually, in partners and in teams. The expectation is that
we will all be THINKERS, whether it is about the lesson, their interpretations
and assignments or before acting. In everything we do, we must always remember
that it will require hard work and investment. There are no shortcuts! Fifth
Grade is a NO EXCUSE zone!
Investment
One component of my job is to provide rich learning opportunites for the students
that allow them to build knowledge from what they already know, to think for
themselves and to discover and consider things in a way that is meaningful to
them. The idea of independent and critical thinking is new for the typical fifth
grader. You may see a period of adjustment at the beginning of the year and
grades may not be what your child is accustomed to. This is normal. The step up
from fourth to fifth grade is large, with a high demand for drawing conclusions,
making predictions and putting two and two together. It will take time for these
new skills to develop and for new ways to be established.
School and Classroom Character
Life's unwritten curriculum for good character will be modeled, encouraged and
expected:
We must hold others in regard: respect, kindness, compassion, courtesy for
others.
Good work ethic: Always do your best; ask for help or let the teacher know you are
stumped; if something is assigned, do it; give everything the very best you can
give it. Remember, no short cuts! If it's work time, work!
Safety: No one must ever feel scared, threatened or worried about the treatment received
from others.
Accountability: Take responsibility for your actions, positive or negative, and then problem
solve to make things better. If you need a quick break, take it, but remember
you are still responsible for whatever is going on.Make good
choices!
Audience: Be the same person, no matter who is watching.
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