Scott Mittelstadt - Fifth Grade 3 years at Holy Family - 3 years teaching experience Room 219 Ext.206 mittelstadts@archmil.org
Philosophy of Education
As a teacher, I aspire to foster the love of live-long learning in my students. I believe it is necessary to differentiate the curriculum to fit the needs of students at all levels of development. I believe the democratic ideals and educational values of our society are best represented when the students are engaged in team problem solving practices. By focusing on teaching students how to ask essential questions and discover enduring understandings, I am providing my students with the tools they need to effectively apply their learning, both in and out of the school environment. I believe the most important goal of education is to help create responsible and enlightened citizens and leaders, and that it is my duty to provide opportunities in my classroom that will prepare my students to assume those roles.
Curriculum Summary
Reading/Literature
Students read many different chapter books including, From The Mixed-up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankenweiler, A Wrinkle in Time, and Maniac McGee. They use these books to learn about different literary devices such as character, action, setting and plot. Students also study a different genre every month and create book report projects that reflect the students' understanding of each type of literature.
Language Arts
Fifth graders study the elements of the writing process through "Writing Workshop." This allows students to develop their personal writing style by giving them an opportunity to freely express their thoughts and ideas. Students write rough drafts, have peer conferencing, and edit their own work. Students also study grammar and apply it to their writing. They have a weekly spelling list which helps them increase their vocabulary.
Mathematics
The math curriculum in fifth grade consists of multiplication, long division, geometry, fractions, decimals and percents. During the second semester, students are introduced to the pre-algebra concepts of equations and variables.
Science
Fifth graders study variables, landforms, models and designs and environments. Through group work and hands-on experiments, students experience these topics and apply them to their everyday lives.
Social Studies
The fifth grade social studies curriculum focuses mainly on the history of the United States. Students study Native Americans, explorers, the thirteen colonies, the Revolutionary War, and the development of the Federal and State governments. Students also study the 50 states and their capitals.
Special Projects
Fifth graders engage in several Internet Research projects including a European travel project and an animal/human interaction study called "When Worlds Collilde".