1. Mr. Donovan Grade 4 Alden Elementary School 2017-2018
Open House
Mr. Donovan
Grade 4
Alden Elementary School

2. Welcome!
Meet our Class!

3. School Day Schedule: Typical Day: Math Special Snack/Read Aloud ELA
Recess Lunch
Finish ELA
D.E.A.R.
Science and Social Studies
*Refer to agenda for special schedule

4. School Day Schedule: Library: Thursday 9:30 am
*Passport Club will be checked once a month during library time
Technology:
Computer lab as needed
Macbook Air Cart shared between classes
iPad Cart to be used this year/6 ipads in class

5. Classroom Expectations:
Card System, credit points- When we earn our credit points, we will have a game on a Friday afternoon. The team building game/activity will be fun, structured, and relaxed.
Binder/agenda/Keeping organized (need AR book everyday in and out of school)
Agenda and Binder tips!

6. Homework Policy:
Alden policy is that 4th grader students will have approximately 45 minutes of homework per night.
Typically this includes math, spelling, and reading AR. If they finish quickly, options include: additional AR, Type to Learn, practicing math facts, etc.
Our class web page has plenty to offer!
Common Core pages from enVision 2.0
Parent role with homework, increase independence. Think of yourself as a quality control officer! 
Homework helps drive future instruction.
What is the homework book?
Parent notes/make up work

7. Math:
EnVision 2.0 is our vehicle for teaching the curriculum. Daily lessons include “Solve and Share” group work Visual Learning (2-4 minute video clip for each lesson) Whole group guided practice of learned skill Independent Practice (problem solving/skill work) Small group/enrichment/reteach opportunities Homework pages in student book * The program offers many other components that will be explored and experienced throughout our year.

8. Literacy:
What materials will we use this year for teaching Literacy and Writing?
Storyworks – put out by scholastic.
Scott Foresman Reading Street anthology
Reading Strategies book for a variety of teaching methods.
AR (Accelerated Reader)
Scott Foresman Spelling
Word Work (new spelling series coming in October)

9. Accelerated Reader:
We will use AR throughout the year. This daily reading assignment is intended to improve each students’ reading comprehension.
Students are expected to read at least 3 AR books per term with an 80% or above score. “At least” is the operative phrase, we encourage students to complete as many as possible.
Tests are multiple choice and are taken online
AR Literacy projects are encouraged all year! Kids teach kids!

10. Writing:
Many writing opportunities in all areas of curriculum will be used : marble journals, written responses to reading, science work and social studies information
Structured writing activities are included in each unit using tools from Scott Foresman and Empowering Writers (including, but not limited to, personal narratives, how-to- reports, persuasive essays, letters and postcards, Look Back and Write Essays, feature articles, and research reports)
Weekly spelling sentences rubric

11. Appreciating Poetry
We will read and discuss poems by famous authors as part of our literacy time. We will create a variety of poems, such as haiku and cinquain. Watch for a special project coming this fall!

12. Science: Vertebrates Geology Sound Energy/ transfer of energy
Simple/Complex Machines (taught in each unit)

13. Social Studies: Map Skills/ Geography/Landforms Regions of USA Canada
Mexico (covered in Spanish class)
Current events

14. Miscellaneous:
Volunteers- I do need copying volunteers (just one a week on Fridays). Classroom volunteers are on an ”as needed” basis now but that will change soon- look for an soon that outlines the specific time and type of help needed in the classroom.
Please keep snacks simple (including spoons/forks).
AR books are used in class everyday so please help our readers remember to bring them to school after reading at home.