1. Welcome to 5th Grade Back to School Night! Mrs. Jennifer McGaffin Email: jmcgaffin@wssd.org Website: www.wssd.org/jmcgaffin

2. Why the index card? Please let me know who I should contact during the school day if I have any questions or concerns. Write your child’s name, the contact’s name/relationship to child, and his/her contact number on the index card. Thank You!

3. Tonight’s Topics Homeroom Parents Daily Schedule Fifth Grade Curriculum Homework Classroom Rules Conferences Field Trips My Website

4. Daily Schedule Morning Routine (8:45-9:00) Language Arts (9:00-10:25) (Working Snack – 10:00) Specials (10:25-11:10) Language Arts (11:10-12:10) Lunch (12:10-12:55) Afternoon Work (12:55-1:25) Math (1:25-2:40) Social Studies/Science (2:40-3:20) Pack-up/Dismiss (3:20-3:25)

5. Math in Focus

6. Reading o Reading Workshop (60+ minutes/day) - mini lesson - independent reading/conferencing - partner talk - sharing o Book clubs and partnerships will be used to enhance the reading workshop experience. o Interactive Read Aloud will be an important part of our learning as well.

7. Writing & Spelling Writing Workshop - (60 minutes/day) mini lesson, Independent writing/conferencing, sharing o Narrative o Informational o Persuasive Writing Process o Prewrite o Write o Revise o Edit (Self, Peer, & Adult) o Final Draft Spelling & Grammar o Reading Street program o Homework: Mon.-Thurs. o Spelling quiz on Friday

8. Social Studies The topics we will cover are: –Native Americans Report Pow Wow –Exploration In-Class Project –Colonial America & Revolutionary War Philadelphia Trip In-Class Project

9. Science Microworlds  In Microworlds, students explore magnifiers, learning that tools like lenses and microscopes can be used to extend the sense of sight to view objects in greater detail. By observing everyday objects with a variety of lenses, students learn that a magnifier must be transparent and curved. Students use a microscope, learn the functions of all its parts, and practice proper lighting and focusing techniques. Ecosystems  In Ecosystems, students set up terrariums for crickets and isopods. Duckweed, algae, Elodea, guppies, and snails are introduced to an aquarium. Connecting the two habitats to create an “ecocolumn,” students observe the relationship between the two environments and the organisms living within them. Floating and Sinking (New this year!)  In Floating and Sinking, students begin by simply making and testing predictions about whether a set of objects will sink or float. This investigation serves as an introduction to inquiries regarding the effect weight, size, and shape have on whether an object floats or sinks, which challenge most students’ conceptions.

10. Homework Students are responsible for recording assignments accurately inside their assignment book each day and completing all assignments on time. Homework reinforces what is being taught in the classroom. We are trying to prepare them for the middle school (routine & responsibility) Typical Night = 60 minutes

11. Our Classroom Rules (Created by the Students!) Treat others the way you want to be treated! Try your best! Be a Team Player! Ask Questions and Participate!

12. Fall and Spring -Sign up through Sign-Up Genius links. -Look for information about the links in a WES email. -If you do not sign up I will assume you do not want to meet. Conferences

13. Field Trips  Ropes Course  Stroud’s Water Research Center  Dance Celebration  Philadelphia Trip  SHMS  Blue Rocks  Wetlands  Pool Party at Rose Valley Swim Club

14. My Website!