Fourth Grade Open House September 27, 2012

Expectations and Rewards HAWKS Rule! Matrices School-wide rewards – Talon Tokens – HAWKS Nest Compact!

Classroom Information Schedule – Classroom Schedule – Unified Arts Schedule (15 day rotation) Objectives Homework - minimum – Read for 20 minutes – Practice all facts Agendas – Filled out daily EduBlogs Pearson Math Page

CMT & CCSS CMT – Connecticut Mastery Test – Last time the CMT will be given is March 2013 CCSS – Common Core State Standards (2013/14) – Provide a consistent, clear understanding of what students are expected to learn, so teachers and parents know what they need to do to help them – 45 states and 3 territories have formally adopted the CCSS – Literacy/introduction/how-to-read-the-standards Literacy/introduction/how-to-read-the-standards

Language Arts – StoryTown – Integrate Science and Social Studies into Language arts block 20 minute focus lesson/ read aloud (modeled instruction) 20 minutes of paired reading (guided instruction) 45 minutes of Reader’s Workshop (individualized instruction and guided reading groups)

Writing Opinion/Persuasive – students show understanding of texts by composing opinion pieces that state and support a point of view/judgment with reasons and information Narrative – students use narrative writing to organize and relate a series of events, real or imagined, into a coherent whole, providing supporting details and a sense of closure Informative/Explanatory – students compose informational tests by organizing and conveying information and ideas accurately and effectively Workshop Approach- Introduce short lessons and students are practicing with individualized prompts and process pieces. Students have the ability to edit and revise. Students will have one timed prompt a month to prepare for standardized assessments.

Math enVision Math – JD Bauer – Picture walk the text books – Flashcards! – Weekly 100 facts quizzes Mastery = 100 facts in 5 minutes – Addition – Subtraction – Multiplication – Division

Science Inquiry based using multiple resources Units are: – Force and Motion – Electricity and Magnetism – Water and the Earth’s Surface and Interdependence Between Living and Non-Living Features

Service Learning Project Composting Students are responsible for ensuring the project’s success with the support of the classroom teacher’s and staff scientists Students will help collect and maintain data collection and recording

How can you help us help your child? 1.Check their agendas 2.Make sure your child gets enough sleep 3.Make sure they read (anything) for at least 20 minutes a night and practice math facts 4.The classroom can get very cool at times. Please find a sweater that complies with uniform policy so that your child can be comfortable during the day.

Communication Contact me any time you have questions or concerns. You can call me at school You can also me at: I check that twice a day, once in the morning and once at dismissal. This is a great way to communicate unless it is an emergency.

Final notes… We love teaching your children We appreciate everything you do for them We are a team This is an amazing place to learn and will only get better as your child gets older Thank you for your support!