Grade 5/6 Math & Science
ksherman@ewsd.org
878-5932 ext.7796
Kurt Sherman
My teaching career has been entirely at Westford School. During that time, my wife and I raised three daughters (two of whom are teachers themselves now.) Other interests include space sciences, rocket and model making, old films, carpentry, and British culture.
The Culture of Westford Hogwarts in Student Life
Now in its twentieth year of, a Hogwarts School theme is a popular genre encompassing many aspects of middle school life. Students are placed in one of four houses as a "first year." Regular activities, challenges, and an occasional mystery are presented to students as they combine academic and social curricular events throughout the year. Mrs. Ploof and I hope to continue the tradition of a "grand "walk of the second years" taking place as students graduate into the 7/8 team. Along the way, students have lots of fun and excitement. This happens whilst practising cooperative group skills.
Fifth and Sixth Grade Science
Fifth and sixth grades are exciting times for students. The two years in the Hogwarts Team represent a passage from elementary to middle school. As a science and math teacher, I try to bring a passion for topics to students by using constructivist theory, process skills, and the use of the scientific method. This is done by using a project-based model with Next-Gen Science Standards as a template for study. Students collaborate in teams working on standards acquisition.
Fifth and Sixth Grade Maths
Grade 5 and 6 use Open Up Maths Programme. During this year, multiplicative reasoning moves toward proportional reasoning. Time is spent making sure that foundational concepts are established and expanded in creating number ideas. Our math classes will have additional time to cultivate core concepts using W.I.N. periods (What I Need) These include pre-teaching, electronic skills development (IXL) as well as individual and small group support.
The sixth-grade curriculum also uses a workshop model to learn and practice entry-level ideas with proportional reasoning. The system has an appealing project component at the end of each unit. For example, in geometry, students research, design and build a model of a tent based on tents on the market.
Hogwarts School Information
