FAQ

=Got questions? I have (a few) answers!=


 * Parents, if you think of a question that should be posted here, drop me an e-mail, and I'll include it on this page.

Can we do extra credit in 5th grade?** code Yes. There are opportunities throughout the grading period to earn extra credit points. So, kiddos, keep your eyes and ears open for these opportunities. Let me give you some hints. Sometimes we will learn something on one day, and the next day I will ask just a few simple questions to see who was paying attention. I may give extra credit for doing extra on what we're currently studying.

Extra credit is just that: credit given to you for something extra you've done. I love rewarding students for going the "extra mile"! Even if your grades are strong, you should still try to earn extra credit points. Think of extra credit as insurance. You hope you never have to use it, but it's NICE to have if you ever need it. A lot of kids pass up extra credit opportunities because their grades are fine. However, 9 weeks is a long time. You could totally understand what we're studying during the first 4 weeks, and have difficulty with what we cover later in the 9 weeks! So, be wise and get yourself some "insurance"! code code On a limited basis. 5th grade has a schedule that allows students to make an easier transition to life in 6th grade. Most students will have their homeroom teacher for the two subjects, go to an alternate teacher for two classes, and then return to homeroom for the last period of the day. So, most 5th graders will have only 2 teachers for academic subjects. In 6th grade, students will rotate among 4 teachers. Remember when you are checking the website for your assignments to check not only Mrs. Ewing's homework, but also go to Mrs. Hartness's website to find out about Reading or Social Studies homework. code
 * Do we change classes in 5th grade?**
 * What if I am a little rusty on my multiplication facts?**

code Clean the rust off! IF you don't use it, you'll lose it! If you cannot instantly recall all your multiplication facts through 12 by memory, quickly memorize them. If you still have to "count" to recall multiplication facts, spend some time to commit them to memory. Counting will slow you down and could cause you to get behind in Math class.

code code Do we have snack time in 5th grade?**

Because our lunch time is in the middle of the day, most students don't get hungry enough to require a snack. Because of this, we don't have a set snack time. If you feel you will be so hungry before lunch that you cannot concentrate on your work, you can bring a snack. Just remember to bring something that is not messy. We only have two classes after lunch, so you probably won't be hungry after lunch. code
 * Do we have study guides in 5th grade?**

code In Science and Social Studies we do use a study guide. Generally, fifth graders don't know "how" to study, and one goal in fifth grade is to teach them that skill. At the beginning of the year, study guides closely resemble the actual test. By the end of the year, fifth graders will be using a study guide that outlines what material the student needs to know, rather than actual test questions. code
 * Do I really need a highlighter and dry-erase marker?**

code Absolutely! We use these on a regular basis. Highlighters are used during note-taking and as study aids. I use individual dry-erase boards frequently, so you will definitely want your own dry-erase marker, preferably one that is fine-tipped. code