Welcome to Curriculum Night 2015

Who is Your Child’s Teacher?

• Bachelor of Arts in English, Arizona State University Tempe, Arizona

• Master of Arts in

Teaching Goucher College Baltimore, Maryland

• I have been a part of the Tarwater faculty since 1999.

• K-8 Certified

Types of InstructionWhole Group

The teacher provides direct instruction to the entire class. This type of instruction may be based on students’ needs.

Homogenous Groups

Students with common strengths or needs work together in small groups.

Cooperative Groups

Students work together on a project or task. This may be a mixed group of differing strengths and abilities.

Independent Activities

Students work alone to complete a task (journal writing, workbook pages, etc…).

English Language Arts

Reading/ELA• Journeys

– Vocabulary – Spelling (Spell grade-

appropriate words correctly)

– Grammar/Writing – Fluency (teacher read

alouds, cold reads)– Comprehension

Accelerated Reader

• AR (Accelerated Reader): A program that monitors independent reading levels and reading

comprehension• Set goals on quarterly goal sheet (85% average

on tests, personal point goal), 3 week checks• Students do NOT necessarily need to take an AR

test each week (encouraging reading longer, chapter books)

Reading Makes a Difference

MathStudents in fourth grade will receive math instruction from the Saxon Math program. This program builds foundational concepts and gives students daily practice in the following areas:

•Numbers and Operations (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, fractions, decimals, and percentages)•Algebra•Geometry•Measurement•Data Analysis & Probability•Problem Solving

•We will be switching classes to better meet the needs of our students. •Power Up, Lesson Practice, Written Practice (HW)•In-class help with homework (at least 20 minutes)

Science & Social Studies

Science

• Life Science (types of plants and living things)

• Physical Science (energy)

• Earth Science

Social Studies

• Arizona History • American History • World History• Civics/Government • Geography

Grade Issuing Guidelines

Homework

•Saxon math will come home Monday - Thursday. Even if your fourth grader has completed his/her daily written practice, review each problem with your child for accuracy and detail.

•Reading 20 minutes is required homework. Your fourth grader set an Accelerated Reader point goal for first quarter.

•Study spelling patterns for the week (as opposed to memorizing word lists) . Tests are on Fridays.

•Sign the bottom of your child’s daily agenda.

Binders and Agendas

4th grade binder:Tabs for each subject (graded work)AR goalsAgenda (filled out daily)

Saxon math binder: homework, references, lesson practice, notes

Binders go home and come back to school EVERY DAY!

Communication•“Important Binder”

Keep student work in the binder until the end of the quarter.

•“Important Folder”

Check daily

•Agenda

There is a spot at the bottom of each daily column for you to sign.

•Quarterly Progress and Report Cards

•Communication (e-mails, notes & phone calls)

mitchell.dawn@cusd80.com

Parent Volunteers

Volunteers are always welcome in 4th grade!

•Field Trips

•Art Masterpiece

•Jr. Achievement

….and more!

•Please sign the volunteer papers on the back table.

•Volunteers must have a volunteer form on file in the office.

•Don’t forget to sign in at the office!

Volunteer in our

Classroom!

Fourth Grade Procedures & Policies

Birthdays (volunteer needed for class directory)

Health Assistant & Bathroom VisitsClass Schedule

6 day rotation (Know our PE & library days. Schedule is posted on website.)

Behavior & DisciplineClip chart-ability to move up and down (Outstanding Jar)Red slip (1-warning, 2-take home)

Absences (please call the attendance line at 480-883-4303)

Thank You for Coming to Curriculum Night!