ITERACY
Reading Workshop
The following components are all a part of the literacy block in 4th grade. The Daily 5 components are based on the work of Gail Boushey and Joan Moser.
- Read to Self: The best way to become a better reader is to practice each day, with books students choose based on their interests and just-right reading level.
- Read to Someone: Reading to someone allows for more time to practice strategies, helps students work on fluency and expression, check for understanding, hearing their own voice, and sharing together in our learning community.
- Listen to Reading: Students listen to examples of good literature and fluent reading. Students expand their vocabulary and become better readers.
- Work on Writing: Just like reading, the best way to become a better writer is to practice writing each day.
- Spelling/Word Study: Correct spelling allows for more fluent writing, thus speeding up the ability to write and get thinking down on paper. This is an essential foundation for writing.
- Small/Large Group Instruction: Reading comprehension is taught in whole group, small group, and individually based on the needs of students.
Spelling
Spelling is an important skill that requires individual practice to succeed. The 22 words are divided into four categories: ten regular spelling words, four “no excuse” words, four challenge words, and four “Word of the Day” words. “No excuse” words are words that students are expected to use in their everyday writing. Challenge words are words that break the rules of phonics, have irregular spellings, or contain the phonics or word study skill in a more challenging way. Students will be given a list of their spelling words at the beginning of each week. On the back of each list is a skill building activity to complete and return to school by Tuesday. Spelling tests will be given each Friday.
You can access the spelling assignments through the classroom website.
· Click on Spelling Lists
· Click on current week’s theme to get PDF file
Spelling City is also a great site that has all of the year’s spelling words organized by weekly lists. Students can practice spelling words through games and even take a practice test. You can access the website through the classroom website or
http://www.spellingcity.com/paulabaragary/
MATH
Each of the 12 units in the “Everyday Mathematics” curriculum presents the following eight strands: algebra and use of variables; data and chance; geometry and spatial sense; measures and measurement; numeration and order; patterns, functions and sequences; operations; and references frames. The parent/guardian letter sent home at the beginning of each unit will be very helpful as you assist your student with daily math homework. The units are listed below.
Unit 1: Naming & Constructing Geometric Figures
Unit 2: Using Numbers & Organizing Data
Unit 3: Multiplication & Division; Number Sentences & Algebra
Unit 4: Decimals & Their Uses
Unit 5: Big Numbers, Estimation, & Computation
Unit 6: Division; Map References Frames; Measures of Angles
Unit 7: Fractions & Their Uses; Chance & Probability
Unit 8: Perimeter & Area
Unit 9: Percents
Unit 10: Reflections & Symmetry
Unit 11: 3-Dimensional Shapes, Weight, Volume, & Capacity
Unit 12: Rate
SCIENCE
- Matter: The investigation of liquids, solids and gases. (Taught by Mrs. Haar.)
- Body Systems: The Six major body systems will be taught: skeletal, muscular, digestive, circulatory, respiratory and nervous.(Taught by Mrs. Fox)
- Electricity/Magnetism:Understanding how energy is transformed and appears in a variety of forms. (Taught by Mrs. Fox)
- Rocks, Fossils and Minerals: Investigating how they are formed and their specific characterisitics that make them unique. (Taught by Mrs. Pemrick)
- Water Cycle: How water moves through the cycle of land and air. (Taught by Mrs. Pemrick)
SOCIAL STUDIES
- Native Americans: Migration, Environment of cultural settlements, and adaptations to the region (Taught by Mrs. Pemrick)
- The United States: U.S. regions; physical features of the U.S.; individual character and unique attributes of different states (Taught by Mrs. Haar)
- European Explorers: Key European explorers and voyages. (Taught during literacy block by classroom teachers.)
- Colonization: Early English Colonies and Comparing Colonies. (Taught during literacy block by classroom teacher.)
- Williamsburg: Slavery and Colony of Williamsburg (Taught by Mrs. Fox)
TECHNOLOGY
- Computers: Students will utilize the 2 computers in each of our individual classrooms on a regular basis. Students will also periodically have access to the school’s computer labs and laptop computers. Technology will be integrated into the classroom experience throughout the school day.
- Keyboarding: Students will have a 5 week unit to learn proper typing techniques and will work toward increasing their speed and accuracy. This unit will begin in January.
ART, MUSIC, PHYSICAL EDUCATION, & MEDIA
These classes will be taught by specialists as noted below:
- Art: Mrs. Hauck
- Music: Mrs. Fischer
- Physical Education: Mr. Jaynes and Mr. Pietsch
- Media: Mrs. Hehr
