Supplies

Students need either (A) a notebook for their writing journal or (B) a binder with a ready supply of binder paper. A 70 sheet, wide ruled, one subject notebook (10 ½ x 8 in.) will work well. A binder with dividers will also work well. Students will be writing in their journal every morning.

Students need a place to keep notes that they take and worksheets that I assign. Again, either a binder with dividers or folders for each subject are acceptable. They need a notebook for writing; they should also have a place for notes for: language arts (reading, spelling, grammar, and vocabulary), math, science, and history.

Of course, a backpack is essential. Don’t get one that’s too big, otherwise students tend to stuff them too full and injure their shoulders and backs.

Students should also provide their own pencils. I expect two sharpened pencils everyday or mechanical pencils with extra graphite; in other words, a pencil and a back-up.

We also need binder paper and facial tissue (Kleenex) for the classroom. Any donations are greatly appreciated!

Additional note regarding supplies: I do not like to be too prescriptive in how students organize their papers. Some students use a binder with subject dividers and looseleaf binder paper perfectly well, though I have had some problems with students attempting this for the writing journal. That said, I do prefer a separate wirebound notebook for their writing journals. Some students like to have a journal for each subject; that also works perfectly well for many students. I believe that fifth-grade students are old enough to truly begin to take on the responsibility of organizing their schoolwork. Again, as long as they are organized, I don't like to be too specific on how they achieve that, though I'm perfectly glad to offer suggestions. As long as students can get homework home, complete it, and turn it in on time, I'm satisfied. As long as they can quickly locate notes for a particular subject and be ready to take more notes for that subject, I'm satisfied. As long as they have their writing journal paragraphs easy for me to check on their progress, I'm satisfied.