4th Grade Curriculum Night Reminder: Conferences will be scheduled through Sign-Up Genius!!

Readers Workshop

What is Readers Workshop? *A teaching method in which the goal is to explicitly teach strategies to become more skillful at comprehending text. *Involve students in authentic reading experiences that focus on strengths and needs of each individual student. *Emphasizes the importance of student engagement and their interaction between readers and text. *These are all part of our Reading Curriculum entitled Fundamentals.

Reading Block Snapshot Each day includes an interactive read aloud where the teacher Models fluent reading Models higher level thinking through think aloud Exposes students to a variety of genres and literary styles Builds vocabulary and comprehension Involves student Engagement through activities such as turn and talk and stop and jot Students are actively listening and engaging in activities

What is Writers Workshop? *A teaching method in which the goal is to explicitly teach strategies to become aware of the writing process and how writer’s organize and establish their thoughts. *Involve students in authentic writing experiences that focus on different types of text (narrative, opinion and research). Grammar and conventions lessons will be taught throughout the year. *Emphasizes the importance of student engagement and their interaction between the author and text. Our featured author is Cynthia Rylant. *These are all part of our Writing Curriculum entitled Fundamentals.

Words Their Way What it is NOT! Traditional “spelling” that you and I grew up with Monday-Friday words Simple memorization Whole class instruction One word list per class

Words Their Way What it IS! Word study that involves “doing” things with words, such as examining, manipulating, comparing, and categorizing Allows students to make their own discoveries about how words work Developmental approach to phonics, vocabulary, and spelling instruction Focuses students attention to critical features of words- sound, pattern, and meaning Tests are graded on whether the student understands the pattern that was being targeted, not necessarily if the entire word is spelled correctly (example: “un” prefix) Three or four groups per class

Math: Origo Stepping Stones Origo Stepping Stones has been written and developed to provide a world-class elementary math program that addresses both the content and intent of the Common Core State Standards (CCSS).

Stepping Stones: Core Mathematics LESSONS ~ The 4th grade program of the Stepping Stones core program is comprised of 12 modules consisting of 12 lessons. Each module addresses 2-3 big ideas. DIFFERENTIATION ~ Three levels of activities are provided in most lessons: Extra Help, Extra Practice, and Extra Challenge. ONGOING PRACTICE ~ Practice activities can revisit content from an earlier module; the previous module; or from a previous lesson. (NOTE: may be graded)

Stepping Stones: Core Mathematics cont. PROBLEM SOLVING ~ Each module has three problem solving activities. (NOTE: may be graded) INVESTIGATIONS ~ Each module has three investigations designed to apply the mathematics. (NOTE: may be graded) STUDENT JOURNALS ~ Students have math journals rather than text books. Each lesson has two pages. Lessons begin and end with open ended questions designed to foster discussion of math.

Science Life Science: the study of all living things around you Units of Study: Plants , Habitats and Adaptations, the Environment Physical Science: the study of the physical world around you Units of Study: Electricity, Simple Machines, Magnetism Earth Science: the study of all aspects that create planet Earth Units of Study: Rocks and Minerals, Renewable and Non-Renewable Resources, Weather

Social Studies Regions of the United States Units of Study: Landforms, Climate, Map Skills Northeast Region Southeast Region Midwest Region Southwest Region Western Region

Social – Emotional Learning The 4 R’s: Reading, Writing, Respect and Responsibility Creating a Caring Classroom Community Units of Study: Building Community: Developing a Vision Understanding and Dealing with Feelings Understanding and Respecting Others: Becoming a Better Listener Standing Up for Yourself While Respecting Others: Learning to Be Assertive Understanding and Dealing Well with Conflict Celebrating Diversity and Countering Prejudice Sustaining the Caring Community: Making a Difference

Helping at Home Check assignment notebooks, home folders and websites Read to child Select good fit books Practice math facts Review new math concepts in journal Participate in Words Their Way word sorts Review study guides or notes prior to tests/quizzes NOTE: For available on line resources use students user names and passwords (math/reading not online)

Homework Policy Research has been unable to prove that homework improves student performance. After much research and discussion, District 95 will be implementing a new policy regarding homework. Homework may consist of classwork not finished during the school day. That work may be graded. Homework may consist of nightly reading and math practice. Homework may include reviewing for upcoming assessments. Projects may still be assigned.

Please proceed to your child’s classroom! Masterson/Thomas – Room 25 Thank You! Thank you for coming! Please proceed to your child’s classroom! Lingle – Room 31 Masterson/Thomas – Room 25 Wells – Room 23