1. BACK-TO-SCHOOL NIGHT SANDY O’BRIEN 4 TH GRADE, ROOM D5 August 26, 2014

2. This is my 11 th year teaching, and my 5 th year at Pleasant Valley. It is easiest to reach me via email: sobrien@nusd.orgsobrien@nusd.org For important classroom information, visit our website: mrsobrienpv.weebly.com mrsobrienpv.weebly.com I am always willing to meet in person before or after school, especially by appointment (so you can be sure you’ll have my undivided attention). About Me!

3. The Top 10 Things You Need to Know About 4 th Grade!

4. New Common Core Standards are in full-effect Focus on depth instead of breadth, the 4Cs, and technology (more to come on this later!) Changes to Spelling and Homework Report Card Changes Coming Soon Change is scary…but it can be great! #10

5. Language Arts: Making the shift from “learning to read” to “reading to learn.” Writing: Narratives, Informational, and Persuasive Science New science standards focus on Energy, Waves, and Earth’s Systems Social Studies California History…Sign up for the Sonoma Mission tonight!! Math…part 1 Working with numbers up to the hundred millions. Double digit multiplication and long division. Units of measurement, geometry, and mathematical reasoning. Focus on showing work, solving problems multiples ways, and being able to explain through words, writing, and models how answers were derived. Speaking of Standards…Let’s talk about curriculum! #9 A full list of standards can be found on our classroom website!

6. 4 th grade teaches the basis of skills that will travel with students through middle school and beyond! Focus on studying and note-taking, goal-setting, tracking test scores, etc. Student takes responsibility for due dates, announcements, etc. More students in the classroom means more responsibility/maturity from each child. If your child has a question, have them email me! We are cursive only as of Oct. 1 st ! Expectations are high! #8

7. Students will keep all important papers in their binders. EVERYTHING IS IN THERE FOR YOU TO SEE!!! TEST SCORES! HOMEWORK ASSIGNMENTS! GOALS FOR THE MONTH! CHECK IT OFTEN! Set up a calm work station at home with everything your child may need: Please ensure your child has plenty of lined paper, pencils, and erasers. A computer with internet access and printing capabilities will come in handy! Organization is key! #7

8. Students who passed timed tests in 3 rd grade but didn’t regularly practice them over summer will need refreshing. Nightly practice will be an expected piece of homework. Counting on fingers or taking more than 3 seconds to answer a problem means the problem is not mastered. A math side note: 4 th grade math begins by expanding on basic skills (place value, addition, subtraction, etc.). This is because mid-year math (such as fractions, double-digit multiplication, etc.) needs all of these skills to be in place and done with ease…this does not mean that 4 th grade math is “too easy.” Students who gloss over basic skills often struggle later on.  To be successful in math, multiplication facts MUST already be memorized! (This was a 3 rd grade standards.) #6

9. Did you solve it like this? How about like this? Who solved it like this? We focus on how to find an answer and why it is correct. Standard algorithms are shortcuts, and many who first learn the standard algorithm have difficulty going back and figuring out why the algorithm works. Therefore, please don’t skip ahead at home! We can’t rush straight to the shortcut! Speaking of math, the ways we teach many concepts have changed! Solve this problem: 78x46 #5

10. All major projects will be done IN CLASS!!! Ease with using technology academically is key! Students will work with a variety of groups and learners. Focus on being able to concentrate and be productive in a group setting. A warning about unexcused absences and even Independent Studies… Less worksheet-based work! We use 21 st Century Skills and Project- Based Learning! #4

11. Talk to your child daily about what we are currently studying. Look out for emails from me or newsletters from the class about classroom happenings. Check your child’s binder regularly. Fewer worksheets means less work coming home in Friday Folders. #3

12. Drama is common in 4 th grade…don’t have your child wait until it’s spiraled out of control to have them talk to me. If you have an issue/question/concern, bring your child with you to discuss them with me. Stop the drama before it starts! #2

13. For the best success of your child, we all must focus on the skills your child needs to be successful! At school and at home: If we take your child’s learning seriously, so will they. If we put work before play, so will they. If we stay positive, so will they. If we respect and follow school rules and procedures, so will they. If we hand over key responsibilities, they will rise to the occasion! We are a team! #1

14. Review homework with your child, but let them try it on their own. Go though your child’s Friday Folder with them, so they can see their class work and grades. Make school a priority and make reading and learning a family activity. Donate if you can (Check out the board for current needs) Next steps: What can you do to help?

15. Write a note to your child! Sign-in with contact info Conference sign-ups Volunteer sign-ups Thank you for coming!! Don’t forget!!