Welcome to HFES Fifth Grade
In our classroom, we study reading, writing, speaking, listening and social studies! Wow, that is a lot to accomplish in one block of instruction. We work hard on our problem solving, critical thinking and creative skills together -
to all achieve our individual personal best. |
Language Arts |
Social Studies |
In our class, we work through a curriculum that integrates the Common Core Language Arts Standards with our IB themes. Daily we listen to a read aloud, participate in a mini-lesson and read a self-selected text. We confer weekly to check on our progress and understanding. We write: narratives, research papers, and opinion pieces. We write in our journals responding to writing prompts and literature. We also work on our debate, listening and discussion skills.
Morning meetingWe begin each day with morning meeting. We gather on the rug and share events from our lives. Sometimes these are important things that allow the students to empathize and share with each other, and sometimes we share fun things that have happened recently. After our share, there is always a brief game to start the day.
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Fifth grade social studies is American History and follows the North Carolina Standards for Social Studies. We begin with the first explorers to the new world and move through US History to post Civil War America. We discuss themes and changes - and notice how some history repeats itself and impacts today by integrating current domestic issues into our reading and daily discussions.
Daily ScheduleHomeroom: 8:15 - 8:35
Block I: 8:36 - 11:02 Lunch: 11:03 - 11:28 Recess: 11:29 - 11:59 Special: 12:00 - 12:45 Block II: 1:00 - 3:15 |
Dr. Gaffney Contact Information
Email: [email protected]
how you can help your child succeed
Reading is the most important skill your child will learn in school. If you learn how to read well - you can learn how to do anything by reading about it! It would benefit your child to read at home every day for 30 - 45 minutes. As students get older and move through the elementary grades, they should be able to read for longer and longer periods of time.
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Every student in the class has the opportunity to self-select books from the class library to read in class and at home. Additionally, all students visit the school library and self-select material to read. So every student should always have a book or two on hand to read at home. I kindly ask that you ensure that your child brings the books back - so every student will have the opportunity to read that same book.
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