Fourth Grade Open House



4th Grade Curriculum InformationReadingReading is comprehensive. In the area of Reading, we will concentrate on meeting the individual needs of all the 4th grade students. To do this we will use our Reading series called Reading Street. We are collecting data, designing individual and small group lessons, as well as, some large group activities with the use of this series. Fluency Folders, Reading Response Journals, Independent Reading, and Read Aloud books will also be used to help students improve their reading. Flexible grouping will be based on individual needs utilizing DIBELS, and Reading Street Assessments will be used to create flexible small groups during our Reading block.SpellingThe spelling series is included in Reading Street. Each week focuses on a specific spelling feature (examples: long a, VCCV, homophones). On the first day of the week students are given a pretest. This will determine the number of words on their differentiated spelling test each week. Daily assignments will be given to practice the spelling feature. On the last day of the week students will be given their graded spelling test. At the end of every unit, a unit spelling test will be given to assess student’s retention of the spelling features. The words this year are much harder than previous years, so extra time will need to be put into studying words. MathOur school district has adopted enVisionMATH Common Core edition 2012 as its math program in grades k-5. This exciting program was specially developed to provide comprehensive coverage of the Common Core Standards for Mathematics. In fourth grade students will utilize their mastery of math facts in algebra, with numbers and operations, to manipulate fractions and decimals, in solving measurement problems, and to investigate concepts in geometry. We will continue practicing math facts using Rocket Math and other activities. After the first week of school, students will be grouped and assigned a math teacher. For additional resources, please visit your math teacher’s web site for access to the Pearson Success Net web site. ScienceIn science, three units of study are taught using the FOSS kits (Full Option Science System). The largest unit of study is magnetism and electricity. Through the course of this unit, students will explore properties of permanent magnets; use magnets to detect objects made from iron, explore and measure the force of magnetism, investigate changes in force of attraction, find ways to detect magnetic forces, record data on a graph, and use scientific thinking processes to conduct investigations and build explanations. This unit will also require students to build and compare series circuits, identify components of a circuit and understand their functions, demonstrate evidence of the flow of electricity, identify materials that are conductors and insulators, and draw pictures and schematic diagrams to represent circuits. For a complete list of concepts and vocabulary students are expected to know, understand, and do, please refer to the KUD (Know, Understand, Do) organizer and Learning Map in your child’s science folder. Other learning units covered during the school year include “The Human Body” and “Earth Materials.” For more information please visit or your classroom teacher’s website. Mrs. Allwine and Ms. Sladinski teach Science.Social StudiesIn Social Studies, our main focus is the study of Pennsylvania, using the text Pennsylvania Our Home. Units will include geography, civics and government, early inhabitants of Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania as a colony, Pennsylvania as a state, and the economic growth and development of the state. Please encourage your child to bring their book home and read it with you. Also refer to the KUD organizer and Learning Map in your child’s social studies folder and visit your classroom teacher’s website for more information. Mrs. Hahn and Ms. Sladinski teach Social Studies.Please note: Students must remember to put their best effort forward in every Science and Social Studies assignment, since there are only a few opportunities for formal assessments each marking period. WritingOur course of study includes basic grammar skills, writing skills (both creative and responding to literature), and communication skills including speaking and listening. Students will be expected to write across the curriculum in all subject areas. Fourth grade students will compose personal narratives, as well as descriptive, persuasive, and research pieces. GradingReport Cards- A report card will be sent home quarterly. The report card envelope requires your signature upon review. Quizzes and Tests- In addition to your child’s performance in class, several quizzes and tests will be given throughout the quarter. It is your student’s responsibility to record advanced notices and daily assignments in his or her weekly planner. Your support and help with studying at home will ensure your child’s success in school. Major tests are to be signed by a parent/guardian and returned. Daily signatures are required in your student’s weekly planner. Homework- The district guideline is that 4th graders should spend about 30-40 minutes each night on their homework. If your child takes more than this amount of time, please call. On occasion there may be slightly more, but this is rare. Reading, writing, and studying math facts are good ways to practice fourth grade skills any day of the week.Math, Science, and Social Studies are given letter grades based on percentages. Reading and Writing are reported as a proficiency level. Proficiency levels include: 90% and above is Advanced, 67%-89% is Proficient, and below 67% is considered Below Proficient. Parental Concerns/ SuggestionsCOMMUNICATION- Please call us at 469-2686, 204 (Sladinski), 205(Hahn), or 206(Allwine). Email addresses are msladinski@ , thahn@, eallwine@, or send a note in the assignment book.SUPPORT- Please provide a quiet place for your child to work at home. Also make a habit of checking his or her work and signing their weekly planner on a daily basis. Just a few minutes of your time each day means so much to them. ................
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