The goal for 5th grade math is for students to strengthen their fundamental skills in math and use those skills to solve more complex math problems and real life applications.  We do a lot of review at the start of the year, but it will get more difficult as the year goes on.  The areas that tend to challenge students are long division, working with fractions (adding, subtracting, multiplying, and dividing fractions), and multi-step problem solving.

 

I will give regular daily math assignments.  I will almost always give them plenty of time in class to being their assignment and will be available to answer questions and help those who need some extra help.  We will have tests after every five lessons.  We will do some review in class prior to the test.  Assignments are written on the whiteboard in front of class, and I also have them listed by week on this site.

 

Students will be graded on their daily assignments and tests.  Tests will be weighted five times more than a daily assignment.  Our daily routine is to grade the assignments in class.  Sometimes I will grade them, sometimes they will grade their own, and sometimes they will grade each other's assignment.  If an assignment is not turned in on time, it will be graded as a "0".  If they still do it and turn it in, they will receive 50% credit.  You can check Fast Direct to monitor how they are doing in class.  I try to enter those grades daily.

 

The best way you can help your child succeed is to 1) check to be sure they have completed their daily assignment; and 2) encourage them to work on their basic math facts if they have not yet mastered them.  Most important, they should know their multiplication facts through 12 X 12.  Please also try to avoid having your child miss class when at all possible.  I realize and respect that sometimes you have to take your child out of school for a trip or other important reason, but especially in math this does hurt their progress.  There is so much scaffolding in math, where new skills are dependent on previous skills.

 

If you ever have any questions regarding math, please feel free to email me or call me!  jwahlers@stjohnsnapa.org or 707-226-7970