Welcome to Curriculum Night TH 4 Grade Welcome

Welcome to Curriculum Night TH 4 Grade

Welcome th To 4 Grade 2017 -2018 “Striving to Reach Our Next Level of Greatness”

Teacher Introductions Mrs. French-ELAR/SS Mrs. Askew- Math/Science Miss Morrow-Student Teacher Mrs. Winans- ELAR/SS Mrs. Freeney- Math/Science Mrs. Tims-ELAR/SS Mrs. Gressett-Math/Science

Tardies • The day begins promptly at 7: 50 am. • Students not in their seats by 7: 50 am will receive a tardy. • Tardies and early pick up will count against a students perfect attendance. Early Drop Off *Students dropped off before 7: 30 MUST be dropped off by the cafeteria doors. *The front doors of the building will not be unlocked/opened until 7: 30 am. *There is NO adult supervision until 6: 45 am.

Transportation Changes All transportation changes must be made by PHONE CALL to the office prior to 2 pm. No notes/emails or voicemails will be accepted. • Car Line • Bus • Walkers

Technology usage in the classroom… • Chromebooks • Student devices • Promethean

Checking your students grades in Skyward

Reading/Language Arts – 90 Minutes of Instruction The Balanced Literacy approach engages children in a variety of reading and writing experiences that model powerful examples of effective literacy practices using fiction, and nonfiction, informational, persuasive, prose, drama, and media texts. Children learn in a supportive environment where lessons are designed with appropriate scaffolding to meet the needs of all. A gradual and anticipated release of responsibility from teacher to student moves learners along a planned continuum on their journey toward independence.

Reading/Writing Instructional Approach… The elements of a Balanced Literacy approach are as follows: • Read Aloud • Shared Reading • Literature Circles • Independent Reading • Word Work/Vocabulary • Shared Writing • Interactive Writing • Writing Workshop • Independent Writing

Spelling/Word Work Purpose The purpose of Word Study/Word Work instruction is to develop and promote fluent writing. Research shows that students need to develop strong visual images of whole words and demonstrate correct English spelling in everyday writing. (Fitzgerald Method and Marie Clay’s Method). The traditional method of memorization of spelling words does not support the development of spelling skills. Word Study allows students to observe words to discover their patterns and conventions in order to read, write, and spell.

Spelling/Word Work q There is a pre-assessment spelling inventory given at the beginning of the year. Based on the pre-assessment, a list will be created for an individual’s spelling needs/results. This will be placed in the student’s writer’s notebook. q Words will need to be spelled and read. The pre-assessment will be used at parent conferences in the fall.

Social Studies 45 Minutes of Instruction The elements of a rigorous and relevant social studies classroom in PISD include: • DBQ Project – A coordinated plan for advanced level and technical writing in the social studies classroom. (4 th grade and up) • Charts/Maps/Graphs – A primary source for interpreting, analyzing and application of data. • Inquiry Based Learning – Learning how to solve, defend or develop knowledge or solutions. • Content Area Reading and writing – Read materials that are related to social studies and apply historical writing techniques. • Primary Sources – Original materials that have not been altered or distorted in any way. Examples are not limited to the following: music, time period speeches, articles, maps, photographs or artifacts.

Math 90 Minutes of Instruction The Prosper ISD K-12 Math Department believes in purposeful teaching that allows students to make the connections between concrete explorations and abstract concepts. Teachers develop conceptual understanding and move students to abstract application through the use of three phases: (1) concrete, (2) representational, and (3) abstract.

Math Prosper ISD math teachers use a variety of teaching methods including: modeling, inquiry, direct instruction, guided practice, interactive models, differentiated tasks, electronic demonstrations, and cooperative learning.

UPS Check and Reflect Problem Solving Model • Prosper ISD will be implementing a standard problem solving model for students in grades K -12. • Math problem solving should be based on an understanding of any problem, initiate a plan, execute it, and evaluate the reasonableness of the solution.

Science 45 Minutes of Instruction Inquiry-based learning, use of technology, and investigative activities promote high engagement and curiosity of our students. Therefore, the Prosper ISD Science classes seek to: • Promote and support all aspects of effective science • • teaching, including new technologies and instructional strategies; Encourage the natural curiosity of learners at all levels; Increase scientific literacy and the application of science to everyday life; Promote science as a vehicle for lifelong learning for all students; Assume a leadership role in advocating for science education and creating an understanding of the value of science.

Extensions and Challenges • • • Differentiation Small group instruction Pre-assessment Formative assessment Data to drive instructional decisions

What STAAR test will my 4 th grader be taking this year? Writing: April 10 Math: May 14 Reading: May 15

Intervention/Tutoring • Small group instruction • Data to drive instruction –Fountas and Pinell Benchmark Assessment, curriculum based assessments, performance tasks, etc.

Homework… • Twenty to twenty five math fluency problems and ten word problems • Reading nightly 20 minutes minimum • Spelling 5 minutes

WIN Time (“What I Need”) • Students will rotate during a 30 minute period each day to receive additional support or enrichment based on academic needs (formerly known as Tier Time).

Learning and Working Together Daily • • Math 90 min ELAR 90 min Science 45 min Social Studies 45 min Lunch 30 min Recess min Specials (art, music, technology) 30 min • PE 30 min • Homeroom 15 min Classroom Management • • • Expectations Ticket system with rewards Golden Spatula Award REACH Award Ranch Hand Award Planner Communication

Communication is the Key

Communication • • • Newsletters/Brochures Teacher Website Skyward Messages Remind Email/Phone Calls Parent University (Prosper ISD Web Site)

How to contact your child's teachers • Email • Conference (9: 20 -10: 15) • Phone 469 -2100 • Note from home • Daily Planner How to get information on happenings • Weekly/E-mail • Weekly Newsletter (grade level, PTO, Campus) • Home Folder • Teacher Web Pages • Skyward Please make sure the school and teachers have the most current e-mail.

“You can teach a student a lesson for a day; but if you can teach him to learn by creating curiosity, he will continue the learning process as long as he lives. ” ~Clay P. Bedford