Mrs. Knudsen and Ms. Dahm
WELCOME TO FOURTH GRADE!
Here is a quick overview of the 4th grade curriculum:
READING
Two reading programs, Making Meaning and Toolkit, along with novels will be our primary sources of reading instruction. Students will be required to keep a reading journal reflecting their thinking from independent reading each month. In addition, students will be required to read 25 minutes 5 out of 7 days each week. They will need to record it on their reading log. The reading log will be turned in at the end of every month. Reading strategies focused on include: questioning, inferring, sensory images, determining importance, and synthesizing.
SPELLING
We will be using the Rebecca Sitton Spelling Program. Spelling lists will go home on Mondays and there will be bi-weekly assessments. Each week there will be one skill building activity sheet for your child to do. These tasks compliment the skills we are working on in class.
VOCABULARY
The purpose of the vocabulary instruction is to expand the student’s oral and written vocabularies and develop a love for words. We will focus on enrichment vocabulary and academic vocabulary.
· Enrichment vocabulary-two week cycle:
8 new words per cycle introduced through read aloud
Parent letter sent home with words, descriptions, and activities to do at home
Follow-up activities to reinforce word knowledge
Written and oral assessment
· Academic vocabulary instruction:
Words introduced in each content area
Children write description and picture of word’s meaning
Follow-up activities and games to reinforce
Written assessment
MATH
The Everyday Mathematics series is a rich and varied interactive program which includes these main features:
· A problem-solving approach based on everyday situations.
· Frequent practice of basic skills
· An instructional approach that revisits concepts regularly.
· A curriculum that explores mathematical content beyond basic arithmetic.
It is important that your child is fluent in their basic facts – addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. The Everyday Math Program assumes that fourth graders know these facts. It is important for you to spend time (5 minutes) practicing math facts with your child nearly every night.
SOCIAL STUDIES
Social studies focuses on the five regions of the U.S. (Midwest, Southwest, West, Southeast, and Northeast) using the textbook, Regions. In our study of the U.S., students will learn how geography, climate, and natural resources have impacted the development and history of the areas. The regions are also compared to one another. Students extend their skill in geography, problem solving, and study skills.
SCIENCE
Science units studied will include:
Scientific Process
Life Science
Earth Science
Physical Science
Natural Resources and the Environment
READING HOMEWORK
Students are expected to read 25 minutes five out of seven days each week. At the beginning of the month students will bring home a Home Reading Log. You and your child can decide what times are most convenient. Your child may read to or with an adult or sibling, listen to the book read aloud, or read independently. Each night your child reads, write the book information in the log. Try to encourage students to read a variety of genres.
Thinking About Reading
In addition to recording the titles read, students must also write about their thinking two nights each week in the think boxes. At the end of the month, students will have completed eight reading responses.
Guidelines for Reading Responses – showing your thinking
· Write the title and date of the book on the top line
· Read a section to yourself (or to your parents)
· Stop and write down your thinking
· Use the writing stems on the strategies sheet to help if needed
· Your responses should be neat and easy to read
· Reread you response before turning it in to make sure it says all you want it to say
· Turn in your reading responses at the end of the month with your Home Reading Log
The Home Reading Log is due at the end of each month. Parents must SIGN it before it is returned to school. Look for reminders in your child’s assignment notebook. If your child misplaces his/her log, it is your child’s responsibility to get another form either in the classroom or online BEFORE the due date.
