Grade 4/5 - Ms. Jenelle - Room 205

Welcome to Room 205 Grade 4/5! 

My name is Ms. Jenelle, and I am excited to be part of the Pinkham family. I look forward to working closely with you and your child. My teaching philosophy focuses on creating an inclusive and engaging environment where every student feels valued and inspired to learn. I believe each child brings unique strengths to the classroom, and my goal is to foster a community that celebrates these qualities.

In Room 205, our focus will be on nurturing curiosity, creativity, and a love for learning. I aim to create a safe space where students feel comfortable taking risks, making mistakes, and growing from them. We will use a blend of structured lessons, hands-on activities, collaborative projects, and independent exploration to cater to diverse learning needs. I have high expectations for our students, encouraging a growth mindset as we learn and grow together.

English Language Arts:

We will be using the Daily 5 framework to build literacy skills through five activities: Read to Self, GetEpic!, Word Work Games, Guided Reading Groups, and Writing.

- Read to Self fosters a love for reading by allowing students to choose their books.

- GetEpic! is a digital library with thousands of books for exploration.

- Word Work Games enhance spelling, vocabulary, and grammar.

- Guided Reading Groups provides targeted support to develop reading comprehension and fluency.

- Writing helps students practice various writing styles and storytelling using different platforms.

The classroom will engage in novel studies, explore diverse genres, and integrate Indigenous perspectives to build strong literacy skills, empathy, and cultural awareness.

Mathematics:

Our math curriculum is based on Jump Math, which builds understanding through a step-by-step approach. We will cover topics such as number sense, geometry, measurement, and data management, making math meaningful and enjoyable.  

We will use a mix of Thinking Classrooms, hands-on practice, game-based learning, and group tasks:  

- Thinking Classrooms promote critical thinking and collaboration.  

- Hands-on practice uses manipulatives to visualize concepts.  

- Game-based learning makes learning engaging.  

- Group tasks build teamwork and communication skills.  

We will integrate real-world math problems and Indigenous perspectives to provide a holistic understanding of math.

Social Studies and Science:

In Social Studies, we will explore communities, past and present, focusing on diverse cultures, histories, governance, and human rights. Students will engage in projects that help them understand their community and the world.

Science will be hands-on and inquiry-based, involving experiments and exploration of topics like ecosystems, forces, electricity, and space. We will incorporate Indigenous knowledge, including traditional land stewardship practices, to deepen understanding of the natural world.

Both subjects will involve project-based learning to develop critical thinking, research, and communication skills.

Health and Well-being:

Health and well-being are central to our classroom. We will use programs like Project 11, Kids in the Know, and Second Step to support students' social, emotional, and physical well-being.  

- Project 11 focuses on growth mindset, resilience, and emotional regulation.  

- Kids in the Know teaches safety, healthy relationships, and personal boundaries.  

- Second Step promotes social-emotional learning by teaching skills for empathy, managing emotions, and solving problems.

We will emphasize a growth mindset, encouraging students to see mistakes as part of learning and to develop self-awareness, empathy, and positive social skills. 

At Pinkham School, we use the C.A.R.E. framework to guide our classroom culture:   

C - Come prepared to learn.  

A - Actively listen.  

R - Ready to participate and inquire.  

E - Everyone belongs.  

These principles will be integrated throughout our daily routines to foster a safe and supportive environment where every student feels included and valued.

Art and Creative Expression:

Art will be a vibrant part of our curriculum. Students will explore different forms of art, including drawing, painting, and mixed media, while developing creativity and fine motor skills. We will integrate Indigenous art and storytelling to foster cultural appreciation.

Attendance and Communication:

Regular attendance is important for success. If your child will be absent or late, please notify the school. Open communication is essential; feel free to contact me anytime with questions, concerns, or suggestions. I am always available to discuss your child’s progress.

Looking Forward:

I am excited about the year ahead and committed to creating a positive learning environment for all students. Together, we can support your child’s growth academically, socially, and emotionally, helping them become confident, capable, and compassionate individuals. Thank you for trusting me with your child's education. I look forward to a fantastic year in Room 205!

Warm regards,  

Ms. Jenelle Varis  

jenvaris@wsd1.org