CURRICULUM NIGHT 2012-2013

1. CURRICULUM NIGHT 2012-2013 DR. MARION HILLIARD PS

2. HOW WE TEACH LITERACY Reading: • Use of Success Criteria and Learning Goals • Small /Whole Group Instruction with a focus on similar learning needs and levels as indicated by assessment data. • Supports talk, thinking and questioning as students move through a text • Our goal is to differentiate reading instruction for this students based on their similar reading behaviours, likes, interests or similar instructional needs. This small group structure gives teachers an opportunity to meet individual needs. Writing: • Use of Success Criteria and Learning Goals • Guided and Modeled Practice, Use of Rubrics, Student Analysis, etc.

3. HOW WE TEACH NUMERACY • Math – 3 part lesson • Success Criteria and Learning Goals • Two or three student solutions are used to conduct a whole class discussion that will develop every student’s mathematical thinking • Teachers use student solutions to prompt them to reason about big math ideas • Specific ideas and strategies are generalized and connections made to previous math discussions and learning • Students defend and support their solutions and thinking • Teachers use questioning to prompt all students to reason and generalize based on the lesson goals • Math Learning Skills: Problem Solving, Reasoning and Proving, Reflecting, Selecting Tools and Computational Strategies, Connecting, Representing, Communicating

4. CURRICULUM CONNECTIONS AND EXPECTATIONS: LANGUAGE

5. CURRICULUM CONNECTIONS AND EXPECTATIONS: LANGUAGE

6. CURRICULUM CONNECTIONS AND EXPECTATIONS: MATH • 5 strands: Number Sense, Data Management and Probability, Patterning and Algebra, Geometry and Spatial Sense and Measurement.

7. CURRICULUM CONNECTIONS AND EXPECTATIONS: MATH

8. Sample Resources Literacy Nelson Literacy Series • Comprehensive coverage of all language strands and processes • Strategy-based instruction in reading, writing, listening, speaking, viewing, representing, and media • Unparalleled student engagement through high-interest topics and themes that appeal to students' diverse interests and learning styles • Embedded instructional supports and scaffolding • Selections range in reading level from below to beyond grade level • Wide selection of literature and media texts from Canada and around the world: blogs, songs, essays, scripts, poems, • Questions focusing on metacognition and critical literacy included in every reading selection

9. Sample Resources Numeracy • Understanding Math- Computer based program which supports in class instruction through the consolidation of skills, reinforcement, and practice • Nelson Math Series Math • Math Competitions (Waterloo)

10. Learning Skills and the Report Card To succeed in the world, young people must develop critical thinking and problem solving skills. It is for reason the 6 essential learning skills and work habits are so important. They are: • Responsibility • Organization • Independent work • Collaboration • Initiative • Self-regulation These will be reported as either Excellent, Good, Satisfactory, or Needs Improvement

11. Report Card Timelines All elementary students will receive an elementary PROGRESS REPORT CARD and two PROVINCIAL REPORT CARDS during the school year. The following are the dates that you can expect to receive the report cards: Elementary Progress Report: Mid November Report Card 1: Early February Report Card 2: Late June

12. What is the Progress Report? The progress report provides parents with an understanding of how their child is developing their learning skills and work habits Academics will be reported on however, NO grade or mark will be assigned instead progress will be reported the following ways: “very well”, “well”, or “ with difficulty” The progress report highlights strengths and areas to improve before formal evaluations are completed Includes comments from your child’s teacher that are personalized, clear and meaningful

13. HOMEWORK EXPECTATIONS • Homework assignments for completion, practice, preparation or extension for students in Grades 7 and 8 shall be articulated and planned, in partnership among core and rotary teachers. Estimated completion time should be 1 hour to an 1.5 hours. • No homework shall be assigned on scheduled holidays as outlined in the school year calendar or on days of significance. • Students are responsible for: • (i) ensuring that he/she clearly understands the homework assigned, i.e. assignments, criteria, and timelines, and asks for clarification or assistance from the teacher when homework assignments or the expectations are not clear; • (ii) recording assignments in his/her agenda or student planner; • (iii) regularly completing assigned homework in a timely manner to the best of his/her ability; and • (iv) managing time and materials, e.g. by bringing home necessary materials.

14. Homework Tips • Help your child develop good study habits early that will help them throughout their education.•    Praise and encourage •    Set a consistent homework time each night•    Provide a quiet place away from distractions •    Have your child practise math, reading and writing daily•    Encourage conversation about what your child is learning in school•    Read together •    Let your child help you read and write recipes, newspapers, letters or shopping lists•    Encourage your children to ask for help •    Keep in touch with teachers •    Check that homework is completed

15. Character Development • Develops the whole student • Contributes to a healthy, safe and orderly school environment • Creates a collaborative school where the teaching and learning can be the focus • Provides high expectations for learning and behaviour • Engages students in their learning • Is Universal • Is Respectful • Strives for an ever growing depth of self-awareness, self-discipline and understanding

16. Monthly Character Attributes RESPECT COOPERATION RESPONSIBILITY TEAMWORK HONESTY KINDNESS & CARING EMPATHY INTEGRITY FAIRNESS PERSERVERANCE

17. Important Websites • http://www.edu.gov.on.ca/eng/curriculum/elementary/index.html (Link to Ontario Curriculum) • http://www.tdsb.on.ca/students/ (TDSB website for students) • http://schoolweb.tdsb.on.ca/drmarionhilliard/home (School website)

18. It is a partnership • We encourage you to connect with your child’s teacher (call or come in throughout the day) • Get involved with parent council : October 1, 2012 • Come and visit: Drop by the office • Please ask questions • Check the website We are here to support your child’s academic and social growth.