| The Intermediate Grades |  |
Fourth GradeFifth GradeSixth GradeFourth Grade
Fourth graders at Hayden Heights continue to build on the foundations established in the primary grades. They work on their literacy skills through reading and practicing skills at their reading level, and through independent reading. They enjoy using the Accelerated Reading program too. They spend time developing their writing which is integrated into all areas of study. Math is also a major area of study. Students learn geometry, algebra, numeration and computation. Minnesota and the regions of the United States are the focus of fourth grade Social Studies.
In health, students learn about their body and ways to stay healthy.
STARBASE
Fourth graders have started this school year with a fascinating week at STARBASE Minnesota.
STARBASE introduces students to scientific inquiry and apply mathematical concepts such as median, mode, measuring and estimating. Students develop and test scientific hypotheses; collect, analyze, and record data in graphs; apply computer technology to solve problems; explore careers; practice work readiness skills; and study history through exploration and experimentation in the following activities:
- Construct, fly and conduct experiments with gliders
- Build, launch and conduct experiments with rockets; Rocket Math
- Explore the effects of drag on different shaped objects using a wind tunnel
- See "real world" applications of science and technology when they tour various aircraft
- Tour the MN Air Guard Museum and/or Commemorative Air Force Museum to learn about the development of aviation and technology; Homework, journaling and extension activities to reinforce and transfer the learning.
Also, Accelerated Reading has gotten off to a great start! The 4th graders are reading both fiction and nonfiction books. Students continue to be enthusiastic about the AR program.
-Song Thao, Carla Renz
Image Gallery:
Dodge Nature Center
Fourth Graders learn about surviving outdoors
  
|
Fifth Grade
 Hayden Heights Elementary has three fifth grade classrooms. We take a number of field trips each year, to places including: Belwin Nature Center, Como Planetarium, the Recycling Center, the Science Museum of Minnesota (including the laser show and omnitheater).
Hayden Heights students also have the opportunity to receive remedial tutoring through the Area Learning Center (ALC) classes which are offered two afternoons a week at Hayden Heights. Teachers hold high expectations for our students' social concerns, such as safety, health, and respect for others. This calculates into a healthy learning environment which has proved itself with increased test scores for our fifth grade students.
-Peggy George, Be Vang, Ong Xiong
|
Sixth Grade
Hayden Heights has two sixth grade classrooms, taught by Ms. Couture and Ms. Wheeler.
Math-
The sixth grade team uses Every Day Mathematics curriculum which emphasizes:
* Numeration
* Operations and Computation
* Data and Chance
* Geometry
* Measurement and Reference Frames
* Patters, Functions and Algebra
Reading-
The sixth grade team uses Reader's Workshop to teach students strategies for strong life long literacy. Reader's Workshop emphasizes:
* Phonemic Awareness
* Phonics
* Fluency
* Vocabulary
* Comprehension
Student have the opportunity for independent, small group, guided, partner and whole group reading during the school day. Students keep a Reader's Notebook to document their thoughts and feelings about what they are reading.
- Writing
The sixth grade team uses Writer's Workshop to teach students how to use the writing process to express their ideas.
- Students will be practicing writing in a variety of forms such as: reports, narratives, fiction, autobiographies, persuasive essays, poetry, and responses to literature.
- The writing process also develops spelling, grammar/punctuation, listening and speaking.
- Specialists
The sixth grade classrooms work with the three specialists at Hayden Heights: music, science, and computer. The specialists provide more in-depth experience for students in their area of expertise.
-Jennifer Couture, Leah Wheeler
|
| | | |  | | NEIGHBORHOOD BRIDGES | | Fourth graders are also involved in the Neighborhood Bridges program. During Neighborhood Bridges, a Teaching Artist from the Children's Theatre Company comes into the classroom for a two-hour session every week during the entire school year. The artist uses storytelling and creative drama to develop the critical literacy of the students and helps the children learn to think for themselves on a whole new level plus express and articulate how they see and imagine themselves in the world. |
|  |
|
