5th Grade
About
Reading
The 5th-grade reading curriculum mainly focuses on teaching students to understand the texts they read and to develop ideas about what they read and learn. More precisely, they are instructed on how to support their ideas using specific details from the text. Students are expected to think carefully about (and ultimately use) details such as quotes, facts, and events from a text to develop and explain what they believe and what they have learned. Students practice this as they read texts together as a class as well as through the reading they do independently. Fifth-grade teachers help students develop specific strategies they can use to do this. Fifth graders further deepen these skills as they write extensively about what they read.
Writing
Fifth graders build on the skills they learned in 4th grade to become clearer and more developed writers as they write many different kinds of pieces — about a variety of topics — and use details and organization to write strong essays. Students are encouraged to use their writing as a means to share their unique ideas and perspectives, not just those of others. They are taught to use connected and specific details in their writing, as well. Students are shown particular ways to do this and spend much of their writing time in class working on their writing pieces.
Math
In 5th grade, students practice more complex computation with fractions, decimals, and larger numbers, using all four basic operations: addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. They also often solve equations that require multiple steps and must be answered in a specific order (for example, equations in parentheses must be solved first). 5th-grade math also emphasizes real-life situations to help students strengthen their skills and solve problems that occur in their own lives. To do this, it often uses real-life objects and math tools like money, rulers, and visuals to teach new concepts. As in previous grades, 5th graders are frequently asked to explain how they solve problems to ensure that they genuinely understand the concepts underlying the equations they solve.
Teachers
Lisa Mansfield
My name is Lisa Mansfield. I have been married to my husband, James, for 22 years and we have three wonderful children. I have been teaching for 25 years, fourteen of which have been at East Lincoln.
My teaching philosophy centers around a belief that all students are capable of making right decisions about his or her behavior and they should be allowed to learn in a positive, nurturing classroom environment. Your child deserves the most positive educational climate possible for his or her growth, and together we can make a difference in this process.
Contact Me: lisa.mansfield@tcsedu.net
Cynthia Middleton
I grew up in Tullahoma, and attended Bel-Aire Elementary (where my mother was a 5th grade teacher), West Junior High and graduated from Tullahoma High School. I have a Bachelor’s in Elementary Education from UTM, and a Master’s in curriculum from MTSU. My first 18+ years after college were spent as a military wife. This allowed me the opportunity to teach in many different states. This is my 13th year teaching in the Tullahoma city School system. The first 12 years were at Jack T. Farrar and this is my first year as an East Lincoln Eagle, where I currently teach 5th grade math and science. I am married with one incredible daughter, and love spending time with my family. I also enjoy reading, swimming, watching football and rugby.
Contact Me: cindy.middleton@tcsedu.net
Jessica Sizemore
Hi, my name is Miss Sizemore, and I love 5th grade! Originally from San Diego, California, I moved to Tennessee in July of 2017 and absolutely love it. My fiance, Brandon, and I enjoy hiking, kayaking, house projects and trying new restaurants. When we're not out and about, you can find me at a local coffee shop or hosting friends for a home-made meal. Cooking and baking are two of my favorite activities, but education is truly my passion. I love that I get to teach language arts and social studies in the state where so much of our country's history happened! It's an honor to work with these students on a daily basis and seeing them grow more each day. The "light bulb" moment for a student is the most rewarding part of my day. Go eagles!
Contact Me: jessica.sizemore@tcsedu.net
Brooke TeVrucht
Hello, my name is Brooke TeVrucht. I am originally from Kingsport, Tennessee. I went to college at Middle Tennessee State University where I received my bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education(K-8 grade). I taught grades ranging from 1st grade to 7th grade in Franklin County from 1993-2004. During this time, I attended night classes at Tennessee State University to complete my master’s degree in administration and supervision. Moving to East Lincoln and Tullahoma City Schools has been a wonderful decision for me. I feel privileged to work with a team of amazing and creative people.
Contact Me: brooke.tevrucht@tcsedu.net