Engaging Fourth Grade Curriculum and Communication

1. Fourth Grade Curriculum

2. Communication • E-mail: christina.ekstrom@fhsdschools.org • E-mail is the best form of communication during the day. I will check my e-mail several times a day. • I will send a weekly “Class News” e-mail. This will be in place of the standard paper newsletter. If you do not receive e-mail, I will send home a printed copy. • Daily reminders! • Website: http://fhsdinde.sharpschool.net • The website is a very informative tool for building information and grade level information. Please check this weekly.

3. Schedule 8:55-9:50 Daily Common Core Review/Word Work/Target Time 9:50-12:00 ELA Reader’s and Writer’s Workshop Guided and Independent Reading (Content is imbedded)12:00-1:00 Specials 1:05-1:15 Class Read Aloud 1:15-2:05 Recess/Lunch (Recess1:15-1:35 Lunch 1:35-2:05) 2:05-2:30 ELA Units Continued 2:05-2:40 Independent Writing 2:30-2:45 Math Intervention 2:45-4:00 Math- Envisions 4:00-4:05 Dismissal

4. Daily Objective • Students monitor their daily objectives as we go through their day. This allows students to know their learning objective. Clear targets allow for greater student achievement. It also allows students the knowledge to explain their learning to others.

5. Specials Day 1 P.E. Mrs. Hagedorn Day 2 Music Mr. McDade Day 3 Art Mrs. Morice

6. Goal Setting/Target Time • Quarterly, students and teachers will work together to set goals based on student assessment data. • Students identified as developing expectations or not meeting expectations on common assessments will meet to be taught in a small group or one-on-one setting during Target Time. Students’ progress will be monitored closely to reach individual goals. • Students meeting expectations or needing enrichment are working on individual tasks/goals or mentoring others.

7. Curriculum The Fourth Grade team has developed a common pacing guide for all the curriculum and assessments throughout the year. Students are taught the same objectives and assessed at the same point of the year. Each teacher has her unique teaching style, but the objectives are the same. Student learning has increased through common assessments and expectations.

8. Math Envisions Math This year we will be using a new math series. Students will have a text book and online access. Math Components: Whole Group Discussion with note-taking Guided Practice Independent Practice Cooperative Learning/Enrichment Centers Reteaching/Intervention

9. Math Common Core Curriculum

10. Reader’s Workshop Reading Mini-lesson • Students are taught whole group a reading strategy. The strategy is modeled and shown how to apply it to their own reading. Independent Reading • Students have an “Book Club” text with daily assignments. • Students also have independent “Choice” books. Guided Strategy Groups • Students are pulled to work on reading strategies in small groups. Students have set goals and are working towards improving their reading. **Students maintain a reading/writing binder. This holds their logs, goals, book club info, vocabulary, Daily reading skills practice, writing drafts, and completed writing projects.

11. Writer’s Workshop • Writer’s Workshop allows students to explore many aspects of writing. We use authentic literature as mentor text for student writing. • Writer’s workshop includes: • Writing Process • Grammar/Convention Practice • Applied spelling • Writing effectively to communicate

12. Content Curriculum(Science, Social Studies, Health) Content curriculum will be integrated into reading and writing activities.

13. Spelling • Spelling lists are generated through common spelling patterns that students are expected to learn in 4th grade. These spelling patterns are studied and practiced throughout the week. • Personal words come from students writing and missed words. These are words that each student needs to work on individually. • Applied Words are words that follow the same spelling pattern, but are not studied. This is to assess the students ability to apply the spelling pattern. • Spelling words are listed on the Independence website, under Fourth Grade.

14. Homework • Weekly practice • 20 min of independent reading daily. Please monitor! • Record a summary of weekly reading. • Spelling • Math practice • ELA practice *Spelling, Math, and ELA homework will be Online via the website www.scootpad.com. (Students who do not have home internet access will be given alternative written homework assignments and will be given time during Target Time to complete Scootpad assignments.) *Homework is assigned on Friday and due the following Friday. *Please review homework with your child. Some things may be difficult for your child and they will need your support. Talk through the process.

15. Visit www.scootpad.com to explore the site. Students will be taught how to use the site to complete their homework. This is a great site that is linked to the Common Core curriculum. It will allow for new learning and review of previous learned concepts. Students get instant feedback. Students also have the opportunity to earn coins for classroom rewards. Students can extend their learning by generating more assignments. This program allows students to work at their own pace.

16. Classroom Management Each day students start the day on “Ready to Learn.” Students may move up or down the chart based on classroom behavior. Students can earn tickets for showing good behavior. Tickets can be redeemed for classroom privileges.

17. Eagle Expectations RESPECT RESPONSIBILITY HONESTY FRIENDSHIP

18. Snack • Students will be allowed to have a snack and drink in the morning. We have a late lunch, so a healthy breakfast and snack will be important. • Birthday snacks are welcome. Please follow school policy by sending store purchased snacks. Cookie cakes are difficult and time consuming to cut in class. Please precut cakes or send alternative treats.

19. Questions??