Overview of Fourth Grade
Reading/L.AInstruction will be aligned to the literacy CCSS (Common
Core State Standards) on a monthly basis. The standards provide
a clear learning goal for teachers, parents, and students. We
implement the Daily 5 into our guided reading and centers time.
Daily 5 is a program that helps students make the most of their
independent time while the teacher works with a group of
students. It consists of Read to Self, Read to Someone, Listen
to Reading, Word Work, and Work on Writing.
Comprehension Reading Strategies
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Making Connections
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Inferring
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Questioning
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Visualization
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Determining Importance
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Synthesizing
Monitoring for Meaning
Writing - 6 Traits +1
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Ideas
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Conventions
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Sentence Fluency
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Word Choice
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Voice
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Organization
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Presentation
Spelling:
We will continue with the Spelling program, Words Their Way.
This program is a developmental spelling, phonics, and
vocabulary program. Words Their Way includes fluency,
comprehension, and writing. Words Their Way is an open-ended
individual process. A spelling inventory is given to determine
where to begin instruction. Based on assessment results,
students are given words to study in order to discover the
common attributes. In this manner, students are actively
constructing their own knowledge of spelling patterns. Students
learn features by completing activities such as word sorting,
word hunts, games and drawing and labeling. Students work
individually, with partners, and in small groups to encourage
cooperative learning and individual responsibility. Your child will
receive an extra spelling list to keep at home. They will also be
bringing home a baggie with the words cut out to practice sorting.
This baggie will go home and come back to school. The test will
be given on Day 5.
Mathematics:
Instruction will be aligned to the CCSS for Math. These are
based on high-level expectations to ensure that our students are
college and career ready. In addition to unit tests, the students
will be assessed using an exit slip that requires the student to
show their work and explain their steps as to how they arrived
at their answer.
Science/S.S:
Science:
Foss is research-based science curriculum for grades K-8. It is
dedicated to improving the learning and teaching of science.
The FOSS program materials are designed to meet the challenge
of providing meaningful science education for all students to
prepare them for the 21st century. Science is learned best when
the students are able to observe objects and events, think about
how they relate to what is known, test their ideas, and generate
explanations. A typical science lesson begins with a question
posed by the teacher. Then, the students are provided with
hands-on materials to investigate possible solutions. Each lesson
is wrapped up with a discussion of vocabulary and new content
learned. There are also science stories to accompany each
science investigation for reading enjoyment. We will cover,
Magnetism & Electricity, Earth Materials, and Plant& Animal Life
Cycles. Should your child miss the hands on portion, a teacher
video is available through the Foss website via my website.
Social Studies:
We utilize the Regions Social Studies Book. Topics covered from
the CCSS include Election, our Government and Geography. Study
guides are provided for each chapter/unit in both subjects. I
usually send them home towards the end of each chapter, so that
the students can review the ideas and concepts taught in class.
The test dates will be given 3-4 days in advance via the
assignment notebook or weekly newsletter. A fourth grader
needs assistance with studying. I do discuss various ways of
preparation for tests with the students. Guidance and
reinforcement of good study habits at home now, paves the way
for independence and future success.
Rules and Consequences
Proper behavior creates a beneficial learning environment for all
students. The rules and consequences have been taught and
discussed with the students during the first week of school.
The rules and consequences are posted in the classroom. If a
student happens to move their medal, they will be required to fill
out a half sheet that explains the choices they had made to
their parents and what they will do next time to make a better
choice. My goal is to instill self-discipline and responsibility for
individual actions and learning.
Homework Policy
I encourage and expect 100% neatness and effort from my
students’ work. A fourth grader should have about 40-45
minutes of homework daily. I also expect students to read at
least 20 minutes every school night and 40 minutes on the
weekend. They have been given a Reading Log to keep track of
their reading. This is homework and will be collected every
Monday. If there happens to be no written assignments that
day, perhaps your child could study spelling words, play math
games, or prepare for upcoming tests. Please be sure to visit my
webpage for links. Look for your child’s completed and graded
work in their Take Home Tuesday folder.
Assignment Notebook I DO NOT require a parent signature because I believe in
building the students’ level of responsibility in fourth grade.
However, I do encourage dialogue between you and your child
about topics and skills taught in school as well as assignments
completed at home.
Discipline Policy
Rules/Consequences - Posted
PBIS - Positive Behavioral Interventions and Support
Eagles - feathers
bi-weekly Eagle of the week
~ Be Respectful ~ Be Responsible ~ Be Safe ~
Reward TimeThis is an incentive to complete homework on time and to
display appropriate behavior throughout the week. If the
student meets requirements, they will be included in Fun Friday.
Every Friday, a 15 minute free time will be provided for those
students. One late or incomplete assignment as well as the first
level of consequences will still enable the student to participate
in Fun Friday.
For more information regarding schedules, newsletter,
reinforcement games, please visit my website at:
www.d123.org
Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to educate your child.
I am looking forward to a prosperous school year! It was a
pleasure to meet you, and thank you for attending our Open
House.
~ Mrs. Ahmad
If you should need to contact me please feel free to e-mail or call
me and I will get back to you as soon as possible.
aahmad@d123.org
(708)-423-7820