Welcome! 4th Grade Advanced ELA

All About Mrs. Venable I grew up in Frankfort, attended 157C schools and Lincoln-Way. I attended St. Xavier University for Elementary Education, then Concordia University for my Reading Specialist Master’s Degree. I have 3 beautiful daughters who also attend Frankfort Schools. My passions are reading, vacationing, and spending time with my family. This year will be my 18th year of teaching- throughout my years, I have taught grades 2-12.

All About Advanced ELA Students: are placed in Advanced ELA if they met certain criteria. The criteria can be found on the district website: http://www.fsd157c.org/static.asp?path=2851,8623 will leave their homeroom teacher to come to an Advanced ELA classroom, unless the homeroom teacher is the same. will receive English Language Arts, Writing, Words Their Way, and Reading instruction and letter grades through their ELA teacher.

All About Advanced ELA (cont’d) Students will be reading a variety of texts in Advanced ELA in both literature and nonfiction. We normally read 2 novels per quarter that address a specific theme and essential questions related to the theme. We typically use the homeroom novels to model and introduce skills and students use our Advanced ELA texts to dive in deeper and refine those skills.

Advanced ELA Expectations Students will need to bring supplies for ELA class every day. Some of these supplies will need to be replenished throughout the year. Students will be doing an increased amount of reading in comparison with the homeroom classes. The expectation is that most of the reading is done at home. The advanced ELA student will have additional reading and word study homework on most days throughout the year. Students should come to class ready to discuss or work on activities related to the reading.

Advanced ELA Expectations Access to a computer and internet access may be required for certain homework assignments. If this will be a problem, please let your teacher know and other arrangements will be made. Students must be ready to collaborate and take an active approach to ELA. Efficient work habits and behavior is expected throughout the course of the year.

Advanced ELA Titles Quarter 1 Quarter 2 Quarter 3 Quarter 4 Theme: New Beginnings Animals/ Adaptations Perseverance Heroes Core Novel The Orphan of Ellis Island by Elvira Woodruff The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate Bud, Not Buddy by Christopher Paul Curtis The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan Advanced ELA Novel Esperanza Rising by Pam Munoz Ryan Touching Spirit Bear By Ben Mikaelson **Book Club with many titles for students to choose from.

Frequently Asked Questions Q: What is the structure of ELA classes in 4th grade? A: Students will walk to their assigned ELA class for Word Study, Writing and Literature instruction every day. Other subjects will be taught with their homeroom teacher. Q: How will ELA grades be communicated? A: ELA grades will be completed by ELA teachers, Math, Science, and Social Studies will be completed by Homeroom Teachers. The grade breakdown is: 75% Summative (Outcome Assessments and Summative Quizzes) 25% Formative (assignments that take place throughout the formation of a skill or standard) Q: How will parent-teacher conferences be scheduled? A: Parents will receive a sign up link for both the homeroom teacher and the ELA teacher. They will need to be scheduled separately. If your homeroom teacher is your ELA teacher, you will need to sign up for two 10 minute slots. Q: What is the best way to communicate with my child’s ELA teacher? A: Email is the best form of communication. A phone conversation and/or meeting can be scheduled from there.

How can I support my child at home? Join the class text message reminders Check our classroom websites on a weekly basis Consistently check in with your child: Check their assignment notebook Help them develop an organizational system that works for them Offer a quiet place to read and work with a consistent schedule. Offer praise for effort and perseverance rather than just the grade- we are working hard on encouraging Growth Mindset!

Resources for Parents Supporting the Social and Emotional Needs of High Achieving Students http://www.parenttoolkit.com/topics/social-and-emotional Growth Mindset Tips for Parents https://www.oxfordlearning.com/growth-mindset-tips-for-parents/

Thank You! We are eagerly anticipating developing a partnership with you and your child next year. Your support from home is invaluable and always appreciated! As always, feel free to contact us with any questions or concerns you may have.