Jeff McFather

Second Nine Weeks

Social Studies

This nine weeks the students will be studying the time period from 1865- 1914.  We will study the history of the Transcontinental Railroad, Life on the Great Plains, Cattle Ranchers and the Trail Heads.  Next our studies will continue with the rise of Big Business and new inventions.  We will conclude our nine weeks with a concentrated united on Immigration to America and the growth of our large cities.

Reading

We will begin our reading this nine weeks with stories from our anthology.  We will be studying the literature elements of rising action, climax, and falling action.  Our novel study will be from the science fiction genre.  We will be reading The Forgotten Door.  This is the story of an accidental visitor to our earth and his quest to find his way home.

Math

Students will be learning division of whole numbers, division of decimals, and the process of adding and subtracting fractions.  Students should master the basic multiplication and division facts.  This will make their learning of new concepts much easier.

Announcements:

Information about our upcoming holiday party will be going home at a later date.  If you have any ideas or wish to help, please let Patty or myself know.

Reading

We will be reading a biography, Freedom Train, during the first nine weeks.  This is the story of Harriet Tubman, a slave, who escaped and helped others to freedom as well.  Her exciting life will thrill students as they read of her encounters along the Underground Railroad. 

Students will be engaged in several writing opportunities as well.  Spirituals will help to tell the story of slaves and their desire for a better life in the here and now and the afterlife.

First Nine Weeks

Welcome to the Civil War!!  We are off to an exciting start in social studies.  This marking period will include the major cause of the the Civil War, events leading up to the war, major battles of the war, the horrors of slavery, and the surrender at Appomatox Courthouse.  We will cover the period of Reconstruction as well.

Our unit will include the use of our social studies text, videos, video streaming, the study of spirituals and music of the civil war, and many writing opportunities. 

Please ask your child about what he or she is learning.  Take time to look at his or her work and writing.  Help them prepare for tests by studying their notes and looking over their reading material.

Social Studies is one of my favorite subjects to teach.  It is my goal to make it your child's favorite subject too!

Mr. Jeff McFather

Hello, my name is Mr. McFather.  I am beginning my 21st year in education.  All of my teaching experience has been at Baker Elementary School!!  I am excited to be back for another year and to have your child in my room.

Please feel free to contact me at Jeff.McFather@cobbk12.org.  I will try to respond within 24 hours to your email.  I look forward to a great year at Baker.