Engaging 4th Grade Classroom Adventures

2. Ms. Michelle Taormina4th GradeRoom 19 mtaormina@spusd.net • BA in Art History from USC • Teaching Credential from Cal State TEACH • MS in Education from Cal State Fullerton • 4years with Arcadia USD at Hugo Reid & Holly Ave. • I’m so thrilled to be a part of the Marengo Family!

3. Philosophy I encourage my students to take intellectual risks. I support the struggle as students learn new skills. I understand that all students have varying needs. Through differentiation, project-based learning, as well as the incorporation of technology, my students are given the opportunity to reach a high level of academic achievement. Lastly, I believe in engaging and empowering students to become lifelong learners and criticalthinkers prepared for the demands of our global society.

4. Classroom Website

5. Classroom Expectations

6. School Expectations Classroom Expectations Be safe! Be responsible! Be respectful! • Keep hands feet and object to yourself. • Follow directions and stay on task. • Do not disrupt others. • Be prepared daily. • Check in class. • Respect others and yourself!

7. Behavior Management • Classroom Economy • Earn Scholar Dollars through classroom jobs • Earn time… • Class earns 60 minutes of free time • Positive note or phone call home • Second Step • Bullying Prevention • Character Education • Random Acts of Kindness • Gratitude Journals • The Happiness Effect • Peaceful Playgrounds

8. Behavior Management Unfortunately, positive reinforcement is not always successful. In such cases, the following steps are taken: • Warning. • Reflection time in journal. • Loss of classroom time. • Note or phone call home. • Meeting with the principal.

9. Effective Work Habits & Academics Time management is the key to success in 4th grade! • Students are expected to turn in work on time. • While adequate time is given in class to complete assignments, students with incomplete class work will take the work home as homework. • Work is graded using rubrics. Rubrics are handed out before students begin a project to ensure that students understand expectations. Grading Scale: * 4 – 90-100 – Thorough and Consistent Understanding * 3 – 80-89 – Proficient Understanding * 2 – 70-79 – Approaching Understanding * 1 – Below 69 – Minimal Understanding

10. Homework… • Reading • Minimum of 20 minutes a night. • Math • Assigned nightly. Students must show all work and attach it to homework. • Homework Menu • Complete a minimum of one assignment per column. • Honors Work • Optional opportunities found on website.

11. Reading is a Major Key to Success in 4th Grade!!! Lexile Levels: Lexile is the measure of a texts readability. Students should choose age level appropriate books at their reading level. The average 4th grader should read at a Lexile level between 740 and 875.

13. Reading • Core Literature Books: • Shiloh, By the Great Horn Spoon, The Little Prince, Tuck Everlasting, Junior Great Books, Chasing Vermeer • Literature Circles • Major Projects: • iMovie Trailers, Battle of the Books, Novel Study Projects, Book Blog (one due per month). • Writing • Multi Paragraph Compositions: • Narrative, Informational, Opinion (rubrics posted online) • Integrated throughout other content areas – specifically Social Studies and Science. Time:

14. Core Curriculum – Math Expressions • Common Core Aligned • Differentiated and Leveled • Conceptually based instruction • Math talks which focus on explaining your thinking. • Online Resource – Think Central • Major Class Project – Classroom Economy • Year Long Simulation • Emphasis on Financial Responsibility • Students will be paid weekly… • Students will pay income tax… • Students will buy property…

15. Time: California History • Geography – Green Screen Project • Native Tribes – Tribe Study • Explorers – Explorer Cubes • Missions – Mission Brochures • Gold Rush – Gold Rush Simulation • Government – Becoming a State • * All projects funded through Wish Night

16. Life Science Plants Venus Fly Traps The World through a Microscrope Earth Science Rocks & Minerals Plate Tectonic Models Volcano Models & Core Samples Physical Science Magnetism Circuits Electric Car Unit * All projects funded through Wish Night Funds Time:

17. Art, Music, & Drama… • Classroom Art – Year Round • Around the World • Art inspired by various cultures • Tied to other content areas • Projects funded by Wish Night • Rotations: • 1st Quarter – Art (Volunteers needed!) • 2nd Quarter – Drama • 3rd Quarter – Music

18. Field Trips Autry Museum – Bus/Chaperones Needed Dominguez Rancho Adobe Museum – Bus/Chaperones Needed Physics Field Trip to the Science Center – Bus/Chaperones Needed * Field Trips are dependent on Wish Night Funds *

19. Wanted: Volunteers!!!  Please sign up in the back!!! Volunteers always welcome!!! Art Volunteers Making Copies Literature Circles Writing Editors Class Projects & Parties Special Projects and/or Guest Speakers

20. Thank you for coming! Please don’t forget to email me!mtaormina@spusd.net