Geography Study

Traditionally, fifth grade geography is centered around the U.S. states and regions.  Th regions are: Northeast, Southeast, Midwest, Southwest, and the West.  We look for defining characteristics of the ares through the concepts of climate, landforms, natural resources, industry, agriculture, and culture.  We also look at population density, reasons for this, and why people migrate to particular areas.

To get students more engaged, this year we, as a fifth grade team, have changed the unit a bit. While still focusing on the same concepts we changed it up a bit to add a little more interest.   Students began by studying NFL teams across the nation: locating them, looking at why they're located in particular places, population, why they have their given mascot.  In the end, students will work in collaborative groups to present a proposal for a new NFL team to the commissioner (me!).  They will be assessed on the concepts, the presentation, the thoughtfulness of their proposed team, and how they collaborated.  Below is the rubric I will be using to score.

Preparing for Middle School

As the new year rolls around, preparations for next year have begun.  Today in class we had a lot of discussions on classes for next year at Cimarron Middle School.  Your kiddo will bring home two things today: a packet of course descriptions and a form for elective choices.  Students and parents should discuss the options together and number a 1st and 2nd preference on the sheet (we went over how to do this in class).  The second choice is just in case their first is filled.  This form is due back to me by Thursday, January 21st.

**** If your kiddos is attending another middle school next year, I still need this form back.  There is a line near the top that you would just check stating you're enrolling at a different school.

Also, we will be having discussions as the year progresses that talk about being a prepared 6th grader and how expectations will be higher.  This includes: work load, behavior, and concepts.  I have no doubts in this particular classes readiness for next year!! =)