Welcome to Fifth Grade Social Studies! Students will learn about United States History from its discovery through the Westward Expansion Movement of 1860.
Social Studies units covered:
Expectations and Procedures:
1. Materials: Each day you should bring your Social Studies folder, sharpened pencils, Chromebook, and agenda to class. Write assignments and test dates in your agenda.
2. Handouts and Notes: The handouts are shortened summaries of the information in the book. You will develop organizational, listening, and note-taking skills with the handouts. The handouts are VERY important, because test questions come from the handouts. You should:
(a) number the handouts in the order in which I give them to you;
(b) fill them out neatly, accurately, and completely;
(c) save them in your Social Studies folder;
(d) study them for tests; and
(e) hand them in as part of a “Note Check” at test time.
In the second trimester, you will also take notes in a spiral notebook. You must also save your handwritten notes to study for tests and to hand in for “note checks.”
3. Lost handouts and notes: If you lose your handouts or notes, you will need to copy them from the “masters” binder which is always at the front of the classroom. You may do this before school, after school, or at recess.
4. Absences: If you are absent for any reason, you must make up the reading and notes you missed. Come to me before class begins to obtain handouts. Then come in at recess to copy the notes from the “master” or arrange to copy the notes from a friend.
5. Tests: We will have a test or project after every unit, approximately every 2-4 weeks. Here are some tips:
(a) Use the Unit Overview (Handout #1 - handed out on the first day of each unit) as a study guide throughout the unit. It contains all of the important questions and vocabulary for the unit.
(b) Actively participate in class discussions and our daily reviews.
(c) Begin studying when I announce the test (usually about a week before the test). Each night, review several handouts and reread part of the book. See if you can tell the “story” without referring to the handouts. Do not wait until the last night to study!
(d) Actively participate in the review session on the day before the test.
6. “Note Check”: On test day, you will hand in your handouts and notes. The grade on your notes is feedback to you on your organization, neatness, listening skills, and focus. Strive for notes that are complete, accurate, organized, and neat.
7. Participation is important: “Participation” means (a) bringing all of your materials to class, (b) being an “active” learner - eyes on the teacher, sitting tall, participating in discussions, and (c) consistently working with the class in all activities.
8. Rules: I require a respectful, organized classroom so that all students can participate and learn.
9. Keep your parents informed! You are required to show your graded work to your parents.
10. HELP! If you have questions about what we are learning or feel concerned about staying organized, please come see me. I am happy to answer your questions; I want you to be successful in my class. I am almost always in my classroom after school. I can help!
Social Studies units covered:
- U.S. Landform regions, maps, timelines, primary and secondary sources
- First Civilizations and Native Americans
- Age of Exploration
- Colonization of North America
- Crisis with Great Britain and Revolutionary War
- U.S. Government and the Constitution
- 50 states and capitals
- Westward Expansion
Expectations and Procedures:
1. Materials: Each day you should bring your Social Studies folder, sharpened pencils, Chromebook, and agenda to class. Write assignments and test dates in your agenda.
2. Handouts and Notes: The handouts are shortened summaries of the information in the book. You will develop organizational, listening, and note-taking skills with the handouts. The handouts are VERY important, because test questions come from the handouts. You should:
(a) number the handouts in the order in which I give them to you;
(b) fill them out neatly, accurately, and completely;
(c) save them in your Social Studies folder;
(d) study them for tests; and
(e) hand them in as part of a “Note Check” at test time.
In the second trimester, you will also take notes in a spiral notebook. You must also save your handwritten notes to study for tests and to hand in for “note checks.”
3. Lost handouts and notes: If you lose your handouts or notes, you will need to copy them from the “masters” binder which is always at the front of the classroom. You may do this before school, after school, or at recess.
4. Absences: If you are absent for any reason, you must make up the reading and notes you missed. Come to me before class begins to obtain handouts. Then come in at recess to copy the notes from the “master” or arrange to copy the notes from a friend.
5. Tests: We will have a test or project after every unit, approximately every 2-4 weeks. Here are some tips:
(a) Use the Unit Overview (Handout #1 - handed out on the first day of each unit) as a study guide throughout the unit. It contains all of the important questions and vocabulary for the unit.
(b) Actively participate in class discussions and our daily reviews.
(c) Begin studying when I announce the test (usually about a week before the test). Each night, review several handouts and reread part of the book. See if you can tell the “story” without referring to the handouts. Do not wait until the last night to study!
(d) Actively participate in the review session on the day before the test.
6. “Note Check”: On test day, you will hand in your handouts and notes. The grade on your notes is feedback to you on your organization, neatness, listening skills, and focus. Strive for notes that are complete, accurate, organized, and neat.
7. Participation is important: “Participation” means (a) bringing all of your materials to class, (b) being an “active” learner - eyes on the teacher, sitting tall, participating in discussions, and (c) consistently working with the class in all activities.
8. Rules: I require a respectful, organized classroom so that all students can participate and learn.
9. Keep your parents informed! You are required to show your graded work to your parents.
10. HELP! If you have questions about what we are learning or feel concerned about staying organized, please come see me. I am happy to answer your questions; I want you to be successful in my class. I am almost always in my classroom after school. I can help!