READING: READER S WORKSHOP Model Encompasses

WELCOME TO FOURTH GRADE!

In fourth grade, our students are full-fledged upper elementary students. During the course of this year, you can expect your child to develop…

READING: READER’S WORKSHOP model encompasses:

 self-selected, independent reading  whole class, small group, and individualized instruction featuring authentic literature  various genres  leveled readers  high interest texts  book clubs  practice of skills and strategies  home reading practice

LANGUAGE: Words Their Way- Word Study Program based on phonics and patterns

Writer’s Workshop model encompasses:

 self-selected, independent writing  whole class, small group, and individualized instruction featuring authentic literature  various genres  practice of skills and strategies

FUTURE-READY SKILLS: To learn more about these skills, please go to this link on the BPS webpage: http://preview.tinyurl.com/future-ready-skills

MATH: Expressions Math Series- Aligned with the Common Core State Standards;  8 Mathematical Practices

 Math Talk/Journaling- Make Thinking Visible

 Facts Mastery-Addition, Subtraction, Multiplication (x0-x12), Division (/1-/10)

SCIENCE: Theme: Systems and Analysis;

Collaboration- Teamwork and Team Skills;

Units of Study are Inquiry-based and hands-on. The units include: Environments, Earth Materials, and Variables

SOCIAL STUDIES: REGIONS: Use of Social Studies Alive! Program (by TCI). We will study the 4 Social Sciences: Political Science, Economics, Geography, and History. We will also study regions of the U.S., with an emphasis on the Geography, Citizen Involvement, Economy, Natural and Man-made Resources for Global Trade, Government, and Global Citizenship of each.

A TYPICAL DAY IN FOURTH GRADE

8:50-9:00 Morning Routine

9:00-10:00 Math

10:05-10:30 Word Study

10:35-11:55 Reading

12:00-12:40 Lunch, then Recess

12:45-1:05 Writing

1:10-1:55 Unified Arts

2:00-2:30 Writing

2:35-3:35 A & C day Science, B & D day Social Studies

3:35-3:50 Assignment Notebooks/ Planner & Packing

3:45-3:50 Closing EXTRA INFORMATION

E-MAIL:

Maria Broz: [email protected] Jan Crooks: [email protected] Michelle Ladd: [email protected] Joan Roettenberger: [email protected] Laura Tull [email protected] WIKIS: Maria Broz http://broz13.wikis.birmingham.k12.mi.us Jan Crooks: http://crooks13.wikis.birmingham.k12.mi.us Michelle Ladd: http://ladd13.wikis.birmingham.k12.mi.us Joan Roettenberger: http://roettenberger13.wikis.birmingham.k12.mi.us Laura Tull: http://tull13.wikis.birmingham.k12.mi.us

PARENT COMMUNICATION: Newsletters will be sent electronically and/or posted on your child’s class wiki. Use the address above, and then look for the link.

ASSIGNMENT NOTEBOOKS: Children will fill them out and bring them home daily. Homework assignments and due dates will be recorded there. Please check your child’s assignment notebook each night to help ensure that work is getting done. PLEASE SIGN THE NOTEBOOK EACH NIGHT AT THE BOTTOM. If you have a question or concern regarding an assignment, please e-mail your child’s teacher.

READING LOGS: The reading log is on paper. The school district has a 100 minute per week (minimum) at-home reading requirement. Twenty minutes for five nights per week is recommended. Please check to see that your child has filled out his/her reading log. During 1 to 1 teacher/student conferences, we will use this data to help guide your child’s reading progress.

MISSING ASSIGNMENTS: If your child does not turn in a homework assignment on time, s/he must complete the assignment and turn it in.

ABSENT STUDENTS: Children who are absent due to illness are expected to make up the class and homework assignments within a reasonable amount of time. The district guideline is one day for each day absent. For those students who go on a vacation other than the district scheduled break, your child is to read and to keep a journals of the activities done daily. Any class work that can be completed independently will be made up upon return to school.

STANDARDIZED TESTING:  MEAP Test in October  NWEA Math and Reading in Fall and Spring  Fountas and Pinnell Reading Assessments in Fall and Spring  District Writing Assessment in Fall and Spring

SHARE AND CARE: To promote community awareness and volunteerism, each grade level has a charitable organization that is the focus of our service efforts. The fourth grade’s service project has not been determined yet, but it will probably have a tie closer to our curriculum. We will keep you posted as our activities draw nearer.

SNACKS: Students are encouraged to bring in a HEALTHY snack each day. Our snack is in the morning and we need the energy to make it all day. Ideas include yogurt, cheese sticks, fruit, veggies and dip, granola bars, and bagels. Please refer to the sheet that came home with your child at the beginning of the school year.

HEALTH ALERT: Several students in 4th grade have food allergies. Please refrain from sending in a snack or treat that contains ANY KIND OF NUT. Thank you!

BIRTHDAY TREATS: Students may bring in a non-edible treat for the whole class on his/her birthday. This is due to the high volume and severity of food allergies in school, and in keeping with our district’s wellness plan. Students can bring in a little item for each classmate (pencil, eraser, sticker, etc.), or a game or book to donate to the class. We’ll still sing to him/her to make his/her day as special as possible. Please note: Last year, Mrs. Mahler set forth a new policy that treats may not be taken to previous teachers or office staff, nor to siblings. SPECIAL EVENTS October 28th- LAUNCH of the Battle of the Books October 31st - Halloween Parade & Party December 21st - Winter Party January- Nature Center January- Disability Awareness February 12th- Battle of the Books February 14th- Valentine’s Day River Rouge Experience- U of M Dearborn-Spring Year End Party -TBD

Working together, we can make this year a success for your child!

The Fourth Grade Team