Organizational Skills                             5th Grade

The Purpose of this Course
The purpose of this course is to provide students with an opportunity to learn study skills that will apply to many different learning situations.  The course covers a variety of areas that should enable students to internalize the strategies that will help them learn how to learn; teach all how to organize themselves and their day in order to use their time more efficiently; improve consistency in completing homework assignments on time; help students develop solid test-taking skills; encourage the ability to listen more carefully and follow directions; develop a method of extracting information from textbooks, highlighting and taking notes (from lectures and textbooks); and develop memory techniques to aid in study for quizzes and exams. Research techniques, mapping/webbing, sequencing, and active listening are also emphasized.
    
Homework
The homework for the class will consist of short assignments that should take less than five minutes to complete.   

Communication with Parents and Teachers
Parents and other Roycemore teachers will be informed of the focus of the Organizational Skills class for each unit.  This communication will allow for additional reinforcement of study skills outside of the class.

Folders and textbooks
Each student will complete activities within the textbook, and maintain a folder to keep track of handouts and additional material.

Grading
Students will be graded according to the following criteria using a checklist:

Preparedness
Focus
Cooperation
Use of methods outside of class
Homework completion


Expectations 
Students are expected to bring the textbook, folder, homework, highlighters, pens and pencils, and additional handouts to class, and to be prepared for class discussions and activities. Students are expected to follow the rules and procedures of the class and the Roycemore School Code of Conduct.

Quarterly Calendar
1st Quarter:
    Using Your Assignment Notebook Effectively
    Determining Your Learning Style
    Active Listening and Visualization
    Following Directions

2nd Quarter:
    Scheduling Your Time
    Reading for Meaning
    Note Taking from Readings

3rd Quarter:
    Note Taking from Lectures
    Organizing Main Ideas
    Test Taking Strategies

4th Quarter:
    Charts, Tables, and Graphs
    Putting a Book Together
    Using a Dictionary
    Learning Vocabulary


Information on the Internet
A copy of this syllabus and additional links on study skills are on the following web site:  http:// roycemoreschool.ord/teacher/montgomery