1. Welcome to Curriculum Night! Mr. Shields’s 4 th Grade Language Arts/Math Class

2. A little about your child’s teacher… Grades taught: 2 nd, 3 rd, and 4 th (18 years in all) Degrees/Certifications: MAT in Elem. Ed., National Board Certification Children: Lucas (13 yrs. old), Cecilia (10 yrs. old) Hobbies: fishing, hiking, corn hole, golfing and reading

3. A little about 4 th grade… This is a maturing year. Students are expected to become very independent. Personal responsibility is very important in the learning/growing process. Good habits are hard to break too. Consistent discipline works best. Praiseworthy: Praise when it’s worthy. High, but not unrealistic expectations.

4. Class Rules 1. Talk at appropriate times. 2. Be prepared with your supplies and homework each day. 3. Keep your hands, feet, and all other objects to yourself at all times. 4. Raise your hand to speak, unless directed otherwise. 5. Be respectful to everyone at all times. This refers to your teachers and your friends. 6. Follow directions in specials and outside play. 7. Use good manners at lunch and in the restroom.

5. 1 st Quarter Math Objectives Place value to 9,999,999 Compare/order whole numbers Estimation/rounding of whole numbers Problem solving with addition and subtraction Operations and problems involving time Factors, prime and composite numbers Measurement

6. Language Arts Reading- 1 st Quarter emphasis is on theme, main idea, details, inferences, summarizing, Writing- Focus is on 4 areas: Narrative Persuasive/Opinion Informative/Explanatory Conventions

7. Social Studies All about North Carolina with 1 st quarter emphasis on Native Americans and European explorers Social Studies Workbook NC Social Studies Weekly Field Trip to see Freedom Train On 2/12/15

8. Science Ecosystems and Molecular Biology (animals and nutrition) Earth Matter Properties (Rocks and Minerals) Energy *Hiddenite- May 1 *Natural Science Center– Nov.14

9. Absences Please don’t send your child sick. On the other hand, please encourage your child to develop good attendance habits. The office won’t send a child home unless they have a fever/ upset stomach. DON’T FORGET AN ABSENTEE NOTE when you return. Please try to make all doctor appointments after school or during specials.

10. Homework Homework will be assigned most school nights (Mon.-Thurs.). It will usually consist of math, reading, and spelling. Your child will be given the responsibility of recording homework assignments in his/her planner each day. Unless returning homework becomes a problem, you do not have to sign the planner. Students get a quarterly grade for completion of homework. They start with a 100 and each time they don't have their homework, it's a 5 point deduction.

11. Tuesday Packets Most Tuesdays, I will send home graded papers. Every paper that your child does in class will not be in the folder. The folder is mainly for test papers. Please look over the papers, discuss with your child, and keep for your records. If it has been noted that the paper is to be redone, the child should do so and return the next day. This could improve a grade and reinforce a particular skill. Papers from PTA, parents and the office will also be in the Tuesday packets. Please sign and have your child return the next day.

12. Parent Communication I prefer to communicate through email. It is quick, efficient, convenient, and allows for us to keep a record of our communication. I try to check my email 2 or 3 times a day. But, understand that the school server can be down and I won’t be able to access my email (kshields@wsfcs.k12.nc.us). Webpage: Go to wsfcs website. Click on schools, Sherwood then websites.

13. Website Newsletters sent home will be downloaded onto the website. Field trip information will also be there for easy access. Links to good websites Various activities/ upcoming events/ important reminders

14. Teaching Practices *Coach, Model, Facilitator, Guide *I will try to handle most situations in the classroom. *I like to provide choices. *I am not robotic. I try to be passionate.

15. QUESTIONS?

16. Thank you for attending 4th Grade Curriculum Night!