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In 4th grade, students are using the new Pearson/Scott Foresman reading series, Reading Street. It is a complete, balanced literacy program targeting multiple genres. The reading program aligns with language arts instruction through lessons and activities in spelling, writing, grammar, and vocabulary. Students receive both whole group lessons as well as flexible, ability-grouped instruction that meets individual needs. Research-based McRel strategies are integrated into our literacy program, including compare/contrast, analogies, and classifying. Essential literacy skills such as summarizing, author's purpose, main idea/details, cause/effect, drawing conclusions, fact/opinion, and story elements are practiced through high-interest texts. Our 90 minute literacy block includes reading, spelling and grammar. We use the Rebecca Sitton spelling program in conjunction with the spelling portion of our Reading Street program. Our goal is to develop independent readers through phonics, fluency, and comprehension proficiency. The writing curriculum is taught in a 60 minute block using the program Writer's Advantage. We focus on sentence structure, parts of speech, word choice, and writing a variety of paragraphs. We also work on research reports, letter writing, and response to literature. Writing rubrics aid students in improving their skills. Math: The fourth grade series is Everyday Math. Emphasis is on building understanding of multipication and division. Mastery of multiplication and division facts is essential. We stress problem solving and math reasoning skills. Geometry, pre-algebra, data/graphs, measurement and number sense are taught. Science/Social Studies: The science kits used are Electric Circuits, Human Body, and Chemical Tests. Science notebooks are used in conjunction with each of these kits. We use the Dutton/Humphries text called A Rendezvous with Colorado History in Social Studies. Economics is addressed through the Junior Achievement program. Classroom Management/Parent Communication: Our classroom rules include respecting yourself and others, being prepared to learn, staying on-task, and practicing responsibility. Consequences vary slightly by teacher. Students have a planner in which they write daily assignments and upcoming events. Friday Folders are sent home weekly with student work. Folders and planners are signed by parents. Since we value every moment of instructional time, we ask that unannounced classroom visits be kept to a minimum. If you would like to visit or schedule a conference with your child's teacher, please call to arrange a time. |