welcome to upper elementary parent night 2013-2014
TRANSCRIPT
WELCOME TO UPPER ELEMENTARY PARENT
NIGHT 2013-2014
PARENT INFORMATION
Parent Information
Lunch Visits: Sign up for visit in the office and must have a sticker.Student Observations: Sign up in the office at least 24 hours in advance. Courtesy email to the teacher in order to ensure
students are there and a space is available for you. No interactions with students.Communication: Expect emails, newsletters, progress reports, etc. Open communication and reinforcement and support
of school expectations.Volunteering: Be aware of room parent in order to get involved in
gardening, practical life skills, field trips, etc. Must have Level 4 status for working with students.
EXPECTATIONS OF THE STUDENT
Homework Expectations
“What does Montessori homework look like? Homework runs a gamut of “real life” activities including chores, and using everyday activities as opportunities for learning skills and stimulating curiosity. Dr. Maria Montessori believed that children should be so inspired and enthused by school activity and presentations and that their interest will naturally carry over to after school hours.” (“Montessori Homework” AMI Publication 2006)
Study Island: Math and Science Reinforcement; Reading Passages
Reading: Should be reading a minimum of 20-30 minutes each night. Students should be filling out their reading log nightly. Parents – please sign this weekly.
Family and Community Time: Spending time in the community doing service projects, doing
independent work, and chores of the home (Practical Life).
In-Class Work Expectations
Challenging Consistent Best effort and quality Organization Follow directions Completed in a timely manner/Time Management Regular participation Reflects a child’s passions Work independently
" This is the treasure we need today - helping the child become independent of us and make his way by himself…” Maria Montessori
" A child needs freedom within limits. " Maria Montessori
Behavior Expectations
Respect (self, peers, teachers, environment) Works consistently during MWC Exhibits peace Models leadership Follows directions Has faith in self and others Works for continued growth and excellence
" Social grace, inner discipline and joy. These are the birthright of the human being who has been allowed to develop essential human qualities. “ Maria Montessori
Behavior Matrix
Peace Keeper Thank you for helping to create a peaceful environment.
Warning This is a reminder to listen and follow all directions.
Reflection Complete a reflection of what happened and what you will do differently in the future.
Parent Contact Send an email or make a phone call to your parents explaining what happened and what you will do differently in the future.
Office Referral Visit with Ms. Sophia or Mrs. Hennie to discuss what happened and what you will do differently in the future.
MATH AND LITERACY
Math: 4th and 5th Grade
Operations and Algebraic Thinking Number and Operations - Base Ten Number and Operations – Fractions Measurement and Data Geometry
Literacy
What students will learn and refine their study of: Story Structure and Genre Study Theme/Main Idea Make Inferences Compare/contrast themes w/in a topic Timeline of Writing
This is accomplished through: Interactive Read Alouds
Overarching concepts and standards are introduced and modeled through whole group, interactive read alouds.
Guided Reading Groups Students will explore and expand their reading skills. Students will learn new ways to read and interpret a story.
Literature Circles Students will work in a small group with a common text. They will each have a role within the group. They will dissect and discuss the novel they have been given to study.
Writing: 4th and 5th Grade
Students will develop their skills in writing: Opinion Pieces (Standard W-1) Informative/Explanatory Texts (Standard W-2) Narrative Pieces (Standard W-3)
This is accomplished through: Writers Workshop
Brainstorm Research Outline Rough Draft Edit Final Copy
Students will be using a Research Paper Check List for all research based papers.
SOCIAL STUDIES AND SCIENCE
Social Studies Curriculum
Ancient Civilizations Timeline of Humans Characteristics and development of civilizations World geography Ancient history and culture of various world regions Study and comparison of different early economic,
political and social structures
Math, science, literacy and practical life connections will be made throughout the curriculum.
Science Curriculum
Science as inquiry is reached through an understanding of the Scientific Method being applied within the following scientific disciplines:
Force and Motion Matter: Properties and Change Energy: Conservation and Transfer Earth Systems, Processes and Structures Structures and Functions of Living Organisms Ecosystems Evolution and Genetics
RECESS AND INTRAMURALS
Zones
• On Tuesday, Thursday and Friday each child will get to choose which zone they would like to be a part of for that day.
• The zones are as follows…Zone Activity
Playground Students may use the playground equipment.
Upper Field Students may organize a game of their choice. They may also use any of the equipment provided
Basketball Court Students may play a game such as Four-Square or a simply start a basketball game.
Lower Field Students will play a game that will be organized by an adult.
Intramurals
• Intramurals will be held on Mondays and Wednesdays.
• Prior to intramurals beginning students will be given the chance to rank which activity they would like to participate in during this time.
• All activities will led by an adult and will teach good sportsmanship as well teach the students a new activity they may not have otherwise tried.
• Examples: Track and Field, Floopball, Beats and Feets and Soccer
Orchestra
Information has gone home in Thursday Folders.
Requires two hours during work cycle. Does not exempt a student from
completing all works on a work plan. Must maintain a high level of work and
effort in the classroom. Requires regular at-home practice.
MIDDLE SCHOOL INFO AND CHILD
DEVELOPMENT
Middle School
Start looking at Middle School early and often Visit schools and attend open houses. Speak with
other students at that school as well as your own child
Learn what is expected at those schools as far as homework, prerequisites, etc. Chantilly Upper El is designed as a conduit to Sedgefield Montessori
Options for Middle Schools Sedgefield Grades 7 – 8 A different magnet program (NWSA, Piedmont, etc.)
Grades 6 – 8 Your neighborhood School (Grades 6 – 8)
Child Development
Upper Elementary – Age of transition Montessori Planes of Development [2nd
Plane, Elementary] Ages 9 – 12 period of regression
Areas of growth: Abstraction; Mathematical and Science minds; Social Interaction
Areas of regression: Expression, Organization; Mood Moderation
Social “rollercoaster”
