Mrs. Boyer’s Fourth- Grade Class Welcome

Welcome to Fourth Grade! I will introduce you to fourth grade and to our classroom. If you have any questions during my presentation, please let me know.

All About Me My background I am from Upstate New York and San Diego. I have a B.A. in psychology from Cal State, Long Beach I also have a M.A. in education with an emphasis in school counseling. My experience I’ve been teaching for 11 years. I have also taught fifth grade, but fourth is my favorite.

My Goals To teach students the academic and social skills you need to progress to fifth grade. To provide a supportive and fun classroom environment. To help students make new friends and discover new interests.

Class Subjects The subjects we cover during fourth grade are: Reading and writing Math Science Social studies Music and art Technology P.E.

Specialist Schedule Monday – Computer Lab 8:05 – 8:55 Tuesday – P.E. 8:05 – 8:55 Wednesday – Art 8:05 – 8:55 Thursday – Music 8:05 – 8:55 Friday – Library 8:05 – 8:35

Reading Guided Reading - focus on literary themes, reading workshop, comprehension, fluency and decoding strategies. Self-Selected Reading focus on fluency, independent use of the strategies taught during guided reading and fostering a love of reading.

Book Reports Every quarter there will be one book project. I will send home information on the book project at the beginning of each quarter. Students must get their book approved by me to make sure that it is appropriate for the project.

Wranglin Reader There is a new program this year. Students will write down the number of minutes they read on a monthly calendar. The calendar is due at the end of the month. Please look for more information in notes home.

Writing This year we are starting a new writing curriculum called “Teaching the Qualities of Writing” Writing works well when it is strong in ideas, design, language, presentation and infused with voice.

Spelling Emphasis: Correct spelling in daily writing Students will be tested every Thursday on their spelling words. The 1st six weeks students will be working with 300 words. These are the words that students should know by the time they enter 4th grade. We will start using the spelling words in the spelling book on the 7th week. The challenge words in the unit will be given for extra credit. Students will be completing their spelling worksheets at home. Spelling worksheets are due on Thursday.

Handwriting D’Nealian Method Emphasis on neatness/legibility on all assignments Spelling homework and journals are to be written in cursive.

Math Emphasis on using addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, geometry, fractions, decimals, probability, algebra and graphing. Multiplication/Division timed tests will begin approx. the 2nd week in September. Hands on activities and games to reinforce concepts taught.

Science Foss Kits are used in 4th grade. Science as inquiry History and nature of science Life science Physical science Earth and space science

Social Studies US regions All about Arizona History Geography Civics/Government Economics (Tourism, current events, etc.) Behavioral Studies (Cultural influences)

Technology Students will visit the computer lab weekly. They will learn basic computer skills including keyboarding, word processing, inserting clip art, saving to a disc and/or the school server, blogging, podcasting. They will be working with Microsoft Word, Excel, Power Point as well as the Internet.

Classroom Community Our classroom is a community. In our community, we have rules to help us get along with each other. Our class rules are: Be respectful and responsible. Be organized and follow directions. Be on time. Be prepared.

Positive Rewards Pay Day Friday Class parties Free Time Computer Time Call to parent Stickers, pencils, extra recess, praise, treats, etc.

Consequences 1st offense: Verbal Warning 2nd offense: Time out in my office and complete a behavior plan 3rd offense: Go to the Responsibility Room and phone call home

Pay Day Friday 30 min. reward for hard work and good behavior Kickball, games and puzzles, free choice, art project, etc. Three requirements to earn Pay Day Friday: Complete homework on time Good behavior Assignment book must be signed each night

Homework Homework will be assigned on a daily basis. All homework is expected to be turned in on time. Call homework hotline if you have any questions about what is due.

Homework If your child was not able to complete their homework, a parent note must be given to the teacher and an extra day will be given. All homework may be corrected for a higher grade but it must have a parent signature. All late work turned in must have a parent signature.

Assignment Books Assignment books come home daily. It is a means of communication to and from school. Please sign the assignment book every night. If homework is not finished on time the student will need to go to the responsibility room to finish it. We will be asking for a donation of $3 per student to pay for them.

Field Trips We have lots of fun field trips planned for this year! We will attend a play at Ironwood Ridge High School in September. In November we will be going to Saguaro National Park West. The cost of using the bus for field trips has gone up.

Classroom Website www.amphi.com/teachers/lboyer Updates every week about activities in the classroom. Monthly calendar of important dates. Links to educational websites. Link to this parent orientation PowerPoint.

Grades Online You will have access to your child’s grades online. Please look at my website for the link www.amphi.com/teachers/lboyer I will try and update grades two times per week.

Birthdays Birthday treats are welcome but not mandatory. Please send in individual items such as cupcakes, cookies, popsicles that has a nutritional label. Home baked goods are not allowed. Please no whole cakes.

Book Orders I place multiple book orders once a month. Please write a check to the book order company. No cash please.

Tax Credit Money The Tax Dollars you contribute help our classroom and the 4th grade here at Wilson. The money can be from you or anyone else. The goal this year is to get a permanent SmartBoard in the classroom and to use the money for field trips.

Before you leave… Please fill out the parent information form and turn it in to the basket on my desk. There is also a volunteer form if you want to volunteer in the classroom. Please write your child a quick note in their journal. Sign the parent portion of the 4th grade contract and turn it in.

Let’s Have a Great Year!