5th grade question

So I'm teaching 5th grade this year coming from Kindergarten. In my school we have 1/2 days the first three days of school (Wed. Thurs. and Fri). The first day I know what to do but what should I do with them on Thursday and Friday? Start teaching? Activities? Hope this is not a stupid question. I teach ELA and Science and the kids switch b/t me and another teacher.

TIA for your help. there might be more questions to come!

Re: 5th grade question

This is my 2nd year teaching 5th grade, and if there's one thing I've learned, it's this: don't plan to do ANY teaching during the first week of school. I spend the first week (and we have all full days) going over routines, rules, and expectations. I also do a lot of "getting to know you" types of activities.

I won't start actually teaching until this coming Tuesday.

Re: 5th grade question

I also teach 5th and I agree with spending a lot of time on routines in the beginning. However, we do jump right into ELA, just doing short minilessons for both and getting the kids reading and writing for short periods of time. I up the time each day, so we work up to full work sessions.

For reading, they are basic lessons introducing the class library, picking appropriate books, behavior expectations, etc. In writing, we intoduce Writer's Workshop by doing a series of minilessons that have them brainstorming topics in their journals that will be used as topics for later writing pieces. (Love/Hate List, Favorite Places, Funny Experiences, etc...) It really sets the tone for sustained writing through the year, and it helps them to build up gradually.

Our disrict lays out the first 20 days of reading and writing workshops for us- you might want to see if yours has something similar. If not, I'd be happy to send you mine. Have fun- this is such a great age to work with!

Re: 5th grade question

sicne they're half days, i would imagine things like routines and getting to know you activities will take up a good part of your day. however, i would start teaching mini-lessons. maybe you can do a read aloud to start out your first reading unit, etc. there is only so many icebreakers you can do. our first 3 days are full days, but the second day we've started teaching.

Re: 5th grade question

Message edited 8/27/2008 6:08:31 PM.

Re: 5th grade question

Thanks everyone!

Re: 5th grade question

I would possibly do SS work too because the SS test is in November so not that much time to prepare!

Re: 5th grade question

Re: 5th grade question

Sorry - I didn't read the entire post :)