I teach Language Arts and Social Studies curriculum in fifth grade. This is my 16th year teaching in Duval County and I am proud to say my 10th year at Joseph Finegan Elementary School. I was born in Jacksonville, but I have lived all over our glorious country. I have one daughter that is in fifth grade at Finegan. I also have two miniture poodles named Thelma and Louise. My hobbies include travelling, beach activities, photography, and reading.
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LANGUAGE ARTS:
The fifth grade English Language Arts program is based upon an integrated language arts curriculum, which incorporates reading, writing, listening and speaking through the Gradual Release model. This model has a mini-lesson (10 – 15 minutes), work period (30 – 40 minutes), and exit ticket (5 – 10 minutes). Through direct instruction of word study, fluency, accuracy, and comprehension students become familiar with the characteristics of the works of many authors and illustrators, acquire knowledge of nonfiction and literary genres, and demonstrate understanding of literary elements, figurative language, and text features. The students use critical thinking skills as they summarize, make connections, reason, synthesize, compare, and evaluate information from multiple sources. Whole class lessons, small group and individual instruction are all incorporated in the lessons. Motivation to read will be encouraged through independent reading time, quarterly and yearly goals, and rewards in the classroom as well as school-wide recognition.
We use novel studies, the Scholastic News magazine, Achieve 3000 articles, Social Studies briefs, and various forms of literature in the class room.
We use Accelerated Reading to track reading comprehension and books read each quarter. Students receive a quarterly point goal based on individual ZPD range based initially on Lexile levels. Vocabulary quizzes are also a part of the program. It is very important for students to read within the individual ZPD level in order to grow as a reader and experience reading success throughout the year. This computer assessment ensures that the student is able to comprehend what he/she read through ten or more multiple choice questions. In order to get credit for the book, the student must pass with an 80, 90 or 100%.
The fifth grade English Language Arts program is based upon an integrated language arts curriculum, which incorporates reading, writing, listening and speaking through the Gradual Release model. This model has a mini-lesson (10 – 15 minutes), work period (30 – 40 minutes), and exit ticket (5 – 10 minutes). Through direct instruction of word study, fluency, accuracy, and comprehension students become familiar with the characteristics of the works of many authors and illustrators, acquire knowledge of nonfiction and literary genres, and demonstrate understanding of literary elements, figurative language, and text features. The students use critical thinking skills as they summarize, make connections, reason, synthesize, compare, and evaluate information from multiple sources. Whole class lessons, small group and individual instruction are all incorporated in the lessons. Motivation to read will be encouraged through independent reading time, quarterly and yearly goals, and rewards in the classroom as well as school-wide recognition.
We use novel studies, the Scholastic News magazine, Achieve 3000 articles, Social Studies briefs, and various forms of literature in the class room.
We use Accelerated Reading to track reading comprehension and books read each quarter. Students receive a quarterly point goal based on individual ZPD range based initially on Lexile levels. Vocabulary quizzes are also a part of the program. It is very important for students to read within the individual ZPD level in order to grow as a reader and experience reading success throughout the year. This computer assessment ensures that the student is able to comprehend what he/she read through ten or more multiple choice questions. In order to get credit for the book, the student must pass with an 80, 90 or 100%.
