4 th Grade Parent Meeting August 28, 2012

Meet the Teachers Tanya Constantine Betsy Crowley Brooke Gossett Heather Hutchison Jennifer Wilkes

4 th Grade Curriculum What can you expect?

Reading The Fourth Grade Reading Program is comprised of three distinct components: –Making Meaning (direct instruction) –Individualized Reading –Read-Aloud

Writing Students will develop an ability to write clearly, creatively, and purposefully using the crafts and conventions of writing in the major genres, including: –Personal Narrative –Fiction –Expository Nonfiction –Functional Nonfiction –Poetry

Language/Grammar In combination with Writing, students will participate in mini-lessons to address: –Grammar –Usage –Punctuation –Capitalization Students are expected to write in complete sentences utilizing correct spelling, punctuation, and capitalization.

Spelling/Vocabulary Students will rotate between Spelling and Vocabulary units each week. Tests will take place on Fridays. Spellingcity.com will be used in class and at home. Spelling patterns will be based on common patterns. Vocabulary development that enhances comprehension. An online component may be used to support practical application.

Math The 4 th Grade Math Curriculum is based on Investigations by Scott Foresman. This is the curriculum used by all Hoover City Schools. We begin the year with a data unit. This introductory unit focuses on representing, describing, and interpreting data. Our second unit on factors and multiplication will begin in early-mid September. All 4 th grade students need to work on memorization of ALL multiplication facts (1 – 12)! Take advantage of the Student Math Handbook (SMH) at home. It is a great resource to help you understand how your child is learning Math in the classroom.

Social Studies The main focus of the Social Studies curriculum is Pre-Colonial America through the Expedition of Lewis and Clark. Units of study include: –Explorers –Colonial America –Constitution –American Revolution –Lewis and Clark

Science 4 th Grade Science Curriculum will be taught through an inquiry-based approach. Units of study include: –Landforms –Animal Studies –Electricity –Space –Light and Sound –Motion and Design

4 th Grade Expectations What can you expect?

Academics Major goals for your child this year include: Developing a genuine love for reading Expressing ones thoughts through writing Developing the ability to think as a problem solver Expanding knowledge of science and social studies content

Personal Growth Through cooperative learning, we will create a sense of community and self-esteem. Responsibility, respect, resourcefulness, and safety will also be our major focus as it relates to self-discipline, self-control, and decision- making. Finally, we will foster an environment where students are challenged, engaged, and motivated in becoming independent thinkers responsible for their own learning!

Responsibility Corner When students fail to complete an assigned task (whether homework or classwork), students will complete this work during recess.

4 th Grade Field Trips We are still in the process of scheduling field trips for the year. Field trips are intended to expand learning beyond the classroom. Typically, we have field trips associated with the following units of study: –Animals –Space –American Revolution Guest speakers are also invited to SSC throughout the year.

Thanks for coming!