1. Welcome to Back to School Night 2010-2011 4 th Grade Mrs. Gorges

2. Dear Fourth Grade Parents, We welcome you and your child to the fourth grade at Countryside School. This presentation will provide an overview of the upcoming year and answer questions you may have. Although it is just one grade higher, fourth grade is a giant step from third grade in terms of curriculum, academic requirements, and expectations. As the fourth grade curriculum is broad, there is more content for teachers to present and for students to learn. In order to maximize the potential of every fourth grade student, we feel that there are specific goals all of us can work to achieve.

3. Teacher Goals 1.Establish an atmosphere of trust 2.Focus on developing self-esteem in each child 3.Focus on the positive 4.Develop lesson plans that creatively facilitate district curriculum, emphasizing critical thinking whenever possible 5.Encourage a sense of student responsibility and pride in his/her work 6.Be a positive role model

4. Student Goals 1.Believe in oneself 2.Be committed and determined to learn 3.Be responsible for your work and behavior 4.Take pride in the quality of your work 5.Be positive to other students and adults 6.Become actively involved in helping Countryside run as a true community

5. Countryside/Classroom Rules BE RESPONSIBLE and Ready to Learn BE RESPECTFUL BE SAFE

6. 4 th grade testing Reading Levels (benchmark reading assessment) CogAts (Fall-end of September) MAPS (math and reading- Fall, Winter, and Spring) ISATs (Spring)

7. RtI Response to Intervention Students who do not meet grade level benchmarks in reading or math for fall, winter, and spring will be receiving additional support through means of reading/math interventions. Parents will be notified. Interventions will be given by our classroom assistants, classroom teachers, speech pathologists, reading resource, diagnostician, extended resource teacher, etc. Interventions will take place during your child’s science and social studies block.

8. Progress Monitoring Students receiving interventions will be progress monitored weekly if not bi-weekly to ensure they are making progress and that the intervention is working.

9. Organization Homework and Note trays Subject Trays for completed work Labeled Folders: Friday Folder, Daily Take-Home Folder; Unfinished work folder Reading and Writing Binder Box for misc. supplies Predictable Routine Schedules are posted

10. Math Emphasis will be on developing students’ ability to use math problem solving processes and on developing students’ math facts, skills, and concepts. We will be covering place value (thru trillions), rounding/estimation, number sense, multiplication (2 digit by 1 digit and 2 digit by 2 digit), division (long division), fractions (adding, subtracting, reduce/simplify, unlike/like denominators), measurement, hands-on algebra, decimals, geometry, patterns, and problem solving.

11. Math Facts!!!! Please make sure your child is working towards mastering their MULTIPLICATION and DIVISION facts!

12. Reading We will continue to teach our students to be active readers by using skills and strategies throughout the reading process. We will be reading a variety of genres through leveled books, self-selected books, magazine articles, short stories, nonfiction, as well as novels and selections from the Junior Great Books. Books Reports-Mystery and Newbery Award Winners, Self-Selected Book Report

13. Making Meaning Our core reading program Delivered in a “Reader’s Workshop” model –Shared reading/writing & Guided reading/ writing Sharing with partners Interactive Read-Aloud Teacher Modeling Strategies and skills are explicitly taught and are in a systematic order Individual Reading Conferences Small guided reading groups (instructional reading level) Genre Studies

14. Ideas to support Reading at Home Model a love for Reading –Conversations about books and various texts Books on Tapes Read together as a family Read to younger siblings Read aloud to your children

15. Language Arts Using Step Up to Writing, students will be writing narrative and expository essays (6 Traits of Writing) Students will also be free writing, completing writing prompts, and responding to literature through writing We will be using the Rebecca Sitton Spelling program which focuses on creating everyday spellers instead of just “Friday spellers”. (more information in parent folder) Grammar-supplemental material will be used Making Meaning vocabulary program Word Sorts

16. Science Scientific Method/Science Process Skills Science Kits: –Land and Water (Fall) –Electricity and Magnetism (Winter) –Ecosystems (Spring) Review of: Space, Rocks and Minerals National Geographic

17. Social Studies Geography/Regions (Map Skills and Globes) Early Americans thru the Revolutionary War Current events

18. Computers Ultrakey-keyboarding (three weeks each day for 30 minutes) Additional computer times will vary depending on activities and projects Compass Odyssey (MAP goals) Literacy Activities

19. Communication Daily Take-Home Folders Friday Folders Email/Phone Weekly Newsletter (Fridays) Assignment notebooks/planner (teacher and parent initial each night) Teacher webpage

20. Homework All homework is due the following day unless specified. 40-50 minutes per night including self- selected reading and studying math facts. Late/No homework tickets issued for late or missing homework. All homework assignments will be recorded in daily assignment notebook.

21. How can I help my child with homework/school organization? Encourage and support Independence Routine, routine, routine Provide minimal assistance with homework Encourage your child to reread assignments or directions before beginning homework Have your child read directions aloud Encourage your child to ask specific questions Use textbooks when needed Use notes when provided Encourage your child to ask teacher for help

22. Grading A = 90-100% B = 80-89% C = 70-79% D = 60-69% F = 50-59% On some assignments students may receive an assignment grade as well as a spelling grade. Quarter averages are composed of test, quiz, homework, and participation grades. All tests and quiz grades are final.

23. ISAT ISAT testing will take place during the month February. Students will be tested on the following: –Reading –Math –Science Parent power point presentation available on my webpage.

24. T.E.A.M. Together Everyone Achieves More

25. Thank you so much for coming!!! Please sign up for classroom parties and fall conferences!