Need Some Homework Tips?

 

• Set a schedule.  While this can be a flexible schedule, it’s a good idea to have a set time for students to their homework.  Many students need a little time to unwind after school before tackling their homework, but putting it off until it’s too late may be difficult due to fatigue.  Find what works best for your child.

 

• Provide a home study area.  This area should be a place with few distractions, and with supplies (ie:  pencil, dictionary, paper, etc.) readily available.  Doing homework in front of the TV is typically not a good idea.

 

• Be available when your child is doing homework.  Your child should feel that they’re able to ask you questions if there is confusion.  Also, try asking your child about what we're studying in class or what we've read. 

I encourage discussions on current events.

 

•  Don’t do the homework for your child.  While help is encouraged, I don’t expect perfect work all the time.  Seeing where the errors are is helpful to me.

 

• Check homework for completion.  While students should be responsible to complete their own assignments, your looking over what they’ve done

a) keeps you informed of what your child is studying

b) provides the sometimes necessary reminder to complete the work

c) shows that you care about what your child is working on.

 

• Praise your child.  Praise should be specific, and sincere.  You can compliment him or her on their diligent work as well as for specific accomplishments.



 

A Few Basic ABC’s of Mr. Blaser’s Class

 

Absences 

Students will generally be required to make up any missed tests or assessments if they're absent. Daily practice papers and homework may/ may not be necessary to make up. It sort of depends on how long you're out and what you've missed.

 

(It's probably helpful to get a friend’s phone number to see what you missed or email me and I can send any missed work home with a friend.)

 

Binders

Each student will have a big binder/ notebook.  This 3 ring binder will go back and forth from school to home everyday, and will be helpful for 5^th graders to keep their assignments and papers organized. It also will containa planner/ calendar. This is great organizational practice for middle school.

We take a fair amount of time each Monday morning to go over weekly assignments/ activities in our planners.

 

Birthdays

Students may bring in a birthday treat on their birthday.  I’m not a real stickler about times, but most kids share treats at 3:15pm on the day the treat is brought in. (I would say about 1/2 to 2/3 of students bring treats in during the school year.) 

 

Class Rules/ Discipline

Eagle Crest follows the general district school rules that are outlined in the SVVSD student handbook. 

 

We have some rules specific to Eagle Crest (how to use certain playground equipment, how to walk in the hall, etc.) that are generally gone over at the beginning of the year.  

 

My overall class rule is pretty simple and basic:

 

BE NICE; WORK HARD.

 

In general, our classroom is run with positive reinforcement, and encouragement. Sometimes, of course, it is necessary to have a consequence to an action. Please see the section on discipline/ behavior in this website (click on the "Additional" section) that goes over into greater detail as to how I work classroom management into our daily class structure.

 

Conferences

Generally occur at the beginning of October and beginning of February. I include children in this process, so I guess the conferences should be referred to as teacher-student-parent conferences. 

If parents feel that a meeting is needed at a different time instead, that can be arranged at anytime.

 

Correspondence

The best way to get in touch is by e-mail:

 

blaser_john@svvsd.org 

 

I try to check my email in the morning, once during the day and at night. Please feel free to contact me at anytime.

 

I write a class newsletter every week. A paper copy goes home in every Thursday Folder.  I also put the main text in the 

"Latest Updates" section of this website.  

 

Please also look at the reminders section in your child's planner in their 3 Ring Binder each week. 

 

 

 Grades

 

• Assessments- Unit assessments are a very important way for me to see if a student is meeting standards.

• Projects- Projects and reports show how well students can use what they’ve learned.

• Daily Practice Papers- These papers are sometimes discussed and self-graded in class, and sometimes graded by me.  They reflect the practice of important skills, and most importantly need to be completed.

• Observations- I take note of students’ perseverance and dedication to daily work and homework and compile these into observation grades.

• Progress- No matter what level a child is on, it’s important that he or she continue to make progress.

• Participation- It’s important for students to take an active part in their learning.

• Work Ethic- When students show dedication to their learning, it will be reflected in their grades.

 

Homework

5^th grade homework is designed to improve student responsibility, and provide a little practice of skills at home.  It is not meant to be extremely difficult.  Parents are encouraged to assist students when they have questions, and look over daily sheets with them, but not correct every mistake. 

Looking at the patterns of mistakes is important for me to see.

 

“Homework” actually starts the first day of school!  These are generally fairly easy, get to know you assignments, but they also help me see how students follow directions, read and write and show responsibility.  Traditional homework (which starts in mid September) will include a math sheet  M-TH, due the following day, weekly spelling/ word study, and nightly reading.

 

Some weeks, however, a different format of homework will be assigned, or students will be given time to work on a long-term project, such as a book report. 

They will record these assignments in their planners.

For more information on my homework policies/ philosophy, go to my heading - HOMEWORK OVERVIEW.

 

Mission Statement

At the beginning of the school year we write a mission statement in which I try to teach/ model/ include the following concepts.

1.  There are no shortcuts.

2.  5th graders in this class are honest.

3.  5th graders in this class show initiative.

4.  We take responsibility for our actions.

5.  We are aware of both time and space.

6.  We are not afraid to ask questions.

7.  We understand the importance of presentation.

8.  We understand the importance of organization.

9.  5th graders in this class are humble.

10.  Work hard; be nice.

 

Snacks

Because our lunchtime is not until 12:40pm, we will have a snack time each day after we return from specials, around 10am.  Although it’s not mandatory that students eat a snack, if they wish they may bring a nutritional snack.  Basically, we're looking for something healthy (lower in fat/ sugar.)  Some good ideas include:

fruit, energy bars, juice, granola, yogurt, jerky, etc.)  

 

Also, throughout the year students often forget or are unable to bring a snack.  If you are able, you may send in a “class supply” of a snack (ie:  pretzels, graham crackers, animal crackers, etc.) for the class to share on an as needed basis.

 

Volunteers

I depend on parent volunteers to help me provide individualized instruction and to maintain our classrooms.  In addition, working in our classroom is one way of letting your child know through your actions that you believe his or her education is important. 

 

As a volunteer, you may be asked to read with individuals, assist in managing our Thursday Folders, or help prepare materials. 

Some volunteers may be asked to assist for the grade level. 

I usually begin regular classroom volunteers about a month after school begins.

 

 

 

 

 

GENERAL  5th Grade CLASS INFORMATION