Friday, May 29, 2015

Curriculum Review: Planning for the Year Ahead

What is your process for planning for the year ahead?

To prepare, I first review the teaching and assessments for the current year. What worked and what did not? I typically host an ongoing list of most materials and scores on my Google account so it doesn't take much time to access and review those materials.

After that I create a plan for the year to come. The plan serves as a framework to guide material requests, ordering, parent communication, and summer study.

Though I still await the final decision about the teaching model for next year, I know that I will be teaching math and STEAM so I completed the process outlined above with regard to the math curriculum.  I'll review the draft with more detail over the summer and then during each month, I'll review, choose, assess, and revise as needed so that the document below remains a working document to lead student math/STEAM study during fifth grade.

As you read about this curriculum organization/planning process and review the chart below, would you say that your process for curriculum work is similar or dissimilar? What do you do that I don't do that would be helpful and advantageous? I look forward to discussing this chart with my grade-level teammates and adding columns for ELA, social studies, learning mindsets/routines, and special events as well. Please share helpful comments or ideas you may have.

2015-2016 Fifth Grade Curriculum: Math
Month
Topic
Math
STEAM
Focus
CCSS Math Standards, Standards of Mathematical Practice (SMPs), and System-wide Scope-and-Sequence

Systemwide Science Curriculum and State standards. (See Science Website)
MATERIALS

  • Homework Folder
  • 3-ring, one-inch view binder
  • grid paper notebook
  • colored pencils
  • fine line black sharpies
  • sharpened pencils
  • pencil sharpener
  • scotch tape/glue sticks
  • two rolls of duct tape
Typical Daily/Weekly Routine
Math
  • Review journal problem.
  • Learn/Practice online/offline resources.
  • ~bi-weekly assessment
  • Journal hmwk (10 min.)
  • computation hmwk (10 min.)

STEAM
  • wkly hands-on exploration of science standards
September/
October

-Routines/
Organization
-“Learning to Learn” skills/attitudes
Math Journals/Problem Solving
Introduction to Tech Resources:
  • Symphony Math
  • Xtra Math
  • TenMarks
  • Khan Academy
  • That Quiz
Number Study:
Computation
Assessment: GMADE, Symphony Benchmark, Facts Tests (That Quiz)

STEAM: Life Science, Measurement Activities
November/
December
Math
Computation/Decimals
Fractions
Integration/Review of Past Concepts, Knowledge, Skill

STEAM: Powers of Ten, Space
January/
February
Math
Fractions
Computation
GMADE concepts review
Assessment: Symphony Benchmark, GMADE
Integration/Review of Past Concepts, Knowledge, Skill

STEAM: Physical Science “Kitchen Chemistry-fractions”
March/April
Math
Fractions
Geometry
Volume and Area/Perimeter Rev.
Integration/Review of Past Concepts, Knowledge, Skill

STEAM: Cardboard Challenge/Simple Machines
May/June

Math
Measurement
Assessment: PARCC?, Symphony Benchmark
Integration/Review of Past Concepts, Knowledge, Skill
STEAM
Assessment: MCAS Science
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