Welcome to 5th
Grade Back to
School Night!
Mrs. Jennifer McGaffin
Email:
jmcgaffin@wssd.org
Website:
www.wssd.org/jmcgaffin
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!
Tonight’s Topics
Homeroom Parents
 Daily Schedule
 Fifth Grade Curriculum
 Homework
 Classroom Rules
 Conferences
 Field Trips
 My Website

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)
Math in Focus
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.
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
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
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.
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
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!
Conferences
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.
Field Trips
Ropes Course
Stroud’s Water Research Center
Dance Celebration
Philadelphia Trip
SHMS
Blue Rocks
Wetlands
Pool Party at Rose Valley Swim Club
My Website!