Classroom
Thirsty? Your Stanley, Owala, or other water bottle calls this spot home during class.
What is the water bottle desk by the cubbies?
Crossed fingers don't mean “good luck” in this classroom, and three fingers don't mean “three.”
What are the bathroom and water signals?
Other classes are learning too, so fifth graders use this kind of behavior while traveling through the halls.
What is walking quietly and in line?
Eyes watching, ears listening, brain thinking—and definitely not planning what you’re going to say next! These are signs you’re doing this.
What is active listening?
Packing your own materials, keeping yourself organized, and solving little problems without immediately needing an adult are all signs that you're developing this important fifth-grade skill.
What is independence?
Delivery! Checking this spot every day makes sure important papers and returned work actually make it home.
What is the mailbox?
“What are we supposed to do?” Before those words leave your mouth, checking this may already give you the answer.
What is the Cleartouch/board?
Siddur? Check. Kippah? Check. Respectful participation? Check. You're ready for this part of our day.
What is Tefilah/prayers?
Unless it’s an emergency, these are the best times to take care of a bathroom trip without missing important instruction.
What are independent work time, lunch, snack, or recess?
This fishy classroom phrase means: before immediately asking someone else for the answer or what to do, try figuring it out yourself.
What is “catch your own fish”?
Library books like to go home too! This is how you know which “home” your book belongs in.
What is matching the book’s color to the correct bin?
“Wait… we had homework?!” This online spot makes that excuse a little harder to use.
What is Canvas?
Two little words can make a BIG difference. When a teacher, assistant, security guard, cafeteria worker, or other staff member helps you, these words should follow.
What is "thank you?"
No hiding behind a raised hand. No thinking, “She won't call on me because my hand isn't up.” In our classroom, everyone follows this Posnack Way expectation.
What is expecting to answer all questions/be ready to be called on?
Google Slides, OneNote, and Canva—oh my! By the end of fifth grade, we want you leaving with more confidence using tools like these.
What are technology skills?
Tiny pencil? Keep writing. Dull pencil? Keep writing. Pencil officially DONE? Head to this spot for a brand-new one.
What is the cubby area?
Reading? Check. Math? Check. This trusty classroom companion comes along for the journey to BOTH.
What is my book bin?
The playground is not a lost-and-found donation center! Before leaving recess, a responsible fifth grader checks for these.
What are my belongings?
Your hands, feet, and supplies all have one thing in common: unless you’re told otherwise, they should stay in this person’s personal space.
Who is myself?
Books in the right place, papers where you can find them, and supplies ready when you need them. This fifth-grade skill will save you from the dreaded “I can’t find it!”
What is staying organized?
You may approach, you may ask a question, but please keep your hands off! This classroom spot is for teachers only.
What is the teacher’s desk?
School’s out! Before you make your great escape, these three supplies need to be safely packed in your bag for the trip home.
What are my accordion folder, laptop, and charger?
The recess bell rings, but the balls and equipment don’t magically put themselves away! Before heading inside, fifth graders should do this.
What is put away what we played with?
This is NOT your chance to discuss lunch, last night's game, or what happened at recess. Take turns, stay on topic, keep your voice low, and be ready to share.
What is a Turn and Talk?
Deadlines become even more important in middle school. Practicing this habit now means your completed work makes it to your teacher when it should.
What is turning in assignments on time?