1. 4th Grade Curriculum Night
Reminder: Conferences will be scheduled through Sign-Up Genius!!

2. Readers Workshop

3. 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.

4. 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

5. 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.

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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).

9. 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)

10. 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.

11. 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

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

13. 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

14. 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)

15. 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.

16. 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