Welcome to 4th Grade! 2013-2014 Curriculum Night

About Mrs. Cox

School Policies Refer to the student handbook for various policies and procedures including: Attendance (notes within 3 days – cannot accept email) Birthdays (treats can be shared in the classroom, no invitations passed out at school) Transportation (send written note for changes) Medication (must be taken in clinic with a note) Cafeteria (no outside fast food or soda) We have intruder, fire, tornado and bomb drills

Safety If you would like to come in on WRAD or to volunteer in the classroom you need to: Fill out the volunteer safety information form. Watch the video and print the completion form. Turn in a copy of your drivers license. Visitors must enter through the front office door and sign-in at the front office.

Fourth Grade Philosophy I hear and I forget.  I see and I remember.  I do and I understand -Author unknown Together, we believe that children learn most efficiently in a comfortable environment, through active learning, with cross-curricular connections. We incorporate these ideals into our daily classroom lessons and routines.

Fourth Grade Procedures GOAL: for students to become more independent & responsible - Signed papers on Friday ( alternate subject areas) Binder (learning how to be organized) Tests and Projects Dates written in agenda at least three days in advance Homework Written in agenda (signed by parent every night until winter break) Assigned daily (Mon – Thur) Homework should be completed in 40-50 minutes (which includes 20 minutes of reading)

Grading Policies Numerical grades are used on report cards On-level students will be offered recovery for failing grades on summative assessments (tests) in order for them to achieve a maximum grade of 70% Advanced and Accelerated students will not be offered grade recovery per Fulton County policy Grade categories and weights ( for all subjects) 10% Homework / 10% Class work/ 20% Quizzes 20% Projects/ Unit Assessments 40%

Discipline Step 2: Sign folder Step 3: Lunch alone Step 1: Verbal reminder Step 2: Sign folder Step 3: Lunch alone Step 4: Action Plan filled out – copy sent for parents to sign Step 5: Office referral * Owl Eggs & Brownie Points

Don’t Forget Please send a healthy snack each day Please be on time-the first bell rings at 7:10 and the tardy bell is at 7:40 Please remember to sign up for a conference with your homeroom teacher! If you need to contact me, please e-mail me and I will respond within 24 hours Visit our team website http://coxandclement.weebly.com/

S.M.A.R.T. Introducing S.M.A.R.T. Time: We are excited to let you know about a new instructional format we began August 26th called S.M.A.R.T. Time (Students Moving Around Teachers). S.M.A.R.T. Time is time allotted in the day to master core concepts and elevate learning to the next level. S.M.A.R.T. Time will occur from 7:45 a.m. to 8:15 daily. During this time students will review key concepts and/or engage in enrichment activities to further extend their knowledge. Students may be with their homeroom teacher or may be working with other 4th grade teachers based on their instructional needs.

Reading Balanced Literacy Best of both worlds ~ Whole Language and Phonics Modeled reading Guided reading Students are put into small groups and the teacher works with each student to help develop the skills they need. Shared reading The students and teacher read together.. Independent reading The students are allowed to choose the books they want to read. Word study (root words, spelling, vocabulary) Focus on context clues and comprehension - Learn to make inferences Expand vocabulary both in verbal and written expression Foster a love of reading!!

Writing Workshop Purposes of Writing Idea development Organization Style Convention Purposes of Writing To inform To entertain To persuade To respond to literature

Purposes of Writing To inform To entertain To persuade To respond to literature

Purposes of Writing To inform To entertain To persuade To respond to literature

Conventions/Grammar Basic understanding of parts of speech Relationship to the writing process Understanding of how to use appropriate reference materials Use of correct spelling in daily work

Social Studies Content: Geography Native Americans Exploration in North America Colonial America American Revolution New Nation Westward Expansion Personal Finance

Health Education School Bus Safety Safety Mental Health Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drugs Personal Health and Wellness Eating Healthy Violence Prevention

Technology Many technological resources allow us cross-curricular connections with reading, research, and investigating. Mimios Computer lab Classroom computers Wireless cart laptops

4 Goals for the school year: Closing Remarks 4 Goals for the school year: * Help students become more independent * Provide students with the tools to monitor, evaluate, and have ownership over their own learning * Help students establish good work and study habits at both school and home * Have students grow as individuals inside and outside the classroom environment