Mrs. Kelly’s 4th Grade Class

All About Me∙ My background∙ From Seattle, WA∙ B.A. in English Literature∙ K-8 Teaching Certificate

∙ Elementary Education∙ Second year at CMS∙ 12th year teaching∙ Taught 1st, 4th 5th, 6th grades

Welcome to 4th Grade!∙ The Perfect Storm

∙ Rigor/pacing∙ Learning environment∙ Bridge to independence∙ Social/Emotional growth

Classroom Community∙ Our classroom is a community. In our community, we

have expectations to help us get along with each other. Class norms intro!∙ Morning circles and greetings.∙ Closing circles and wrap-up.∙ Weekly class meetings: compliments & problem

solving.∙ Students practice responsible learning behaviors =

self-awareness & self control.

Problem Solving Is it your problem?Is it a big problem or small problem?**Ant, dog, or elephant?**Big - tell adult.Small - how can you problem solve? Compromise? Ignore? Ask them to stop? Choose a new game? Talk it out?

Schedule∙ 8:15-8:30 - Morning Circle (Social/Emotional)∙ 8:30-9:20 - Literacy Workshop∙ 9:20-9:30 - Snack/Read Aloud/Bathroom∙ 9:30-10:45- Math∙ 10:45-11:30 - Writing or SS or Science∙ 11:30-12:00 – Lunch ∙ 12:00-12:50– Language Arts & Novel Studies∙ 12:50-1:10 - Interventions & Enrichment∙ 1:15-2:00 – Specials∙ 2:00-2:40 – Wrap-up & RECESS

SpecialsPEHealth & FitnessMusicMedia CenterComputer LabTheaterArtScience

Agendas/Communication∙ Student responsibility to stay current and fill out.∙ Parent responsibility - check agenda on daily/weekly

basis.∙ Communication notes - place in agenda.∙ Checked beginning & end of day. ∙ Questions or concerns∙ E-mail is best method of communication most of

the time, but I cannot always check during school day.

Homework∙ 120 minutes of weekly reading - aimed to support busy schedule and

help with time management - always due Monday.∙ 4 reading responses on Google Classroom or written (1-2 sentences)

weekly - always due Monday.****INDEPENDENT READING IS VITAL FOR GROWTH IN ALL AREAS****

∙ Math practice - Mon.-Thurs.∙ Completing home projects or studying for tests∙ HW should be no more than an hour of focused time - if student is taking more than an

hour to complete and has reached frustration level, please have them STOP and e-mail or send in note. Ideally, 4th graders should have about 20-30 minutes of reading (independent/novel studies or nonfiction) and about 20-30 minutes of math, vocabulary practice, or studying on a nightly basis. If math home practice is not fully independent, please let me know, as I use their homework to help guide my class instruction.

Field Trips∙ We have two fun field trips planned for

this year!∙ Old Salem - October 25th∙ Raleigh Trip - May 2nd

Class Subjects∙ The subjects we cover during fourth

grade are:∙ Literacy ∙ Math∙ Science∙ Social Studies∙ Health

Literacy/Reading∙ Fiction/Nonfiction – Proving ALL

through text evidence and text analysis∙ Read to learn vs. Learn to read∙ Novel Studies-differentiated

groups based on assessments, MAPS∙ Stamina reading – predictor of

success

Math∙ Engage and Envision ∙ Rigorous-proven results∙ Show and explain HOW you

know∙ Effective strategy =

independent and correct answer∙ Nightly Homework

Writing∙ Focus on academic writing∙ Narrative ∙ Poetry∙ Opinion∙ Informational∙ Prompt Writing – organizing

and developing responses- proving with text evidence

Science∙ Moon∙ Animals/Adaptations∙ Rocks/Minerals/Weathering/Erosion∙ Magnetism/Electricity∙ Nutrition

HALLS OF WONDER Spring Science Project:

Magnetism/Electricity focus

Social Studies∙ North Carolina

Geography∙ Native Americans∙ Thirteen Colonies∙ Revolutionary War∙ Government

WAX MUSEUM - JanuaryStudents will study and portray a Revolutionary

War historical figure.

Let’s Have a Great Year!