WELCOME TO MARY TOVEY’S CURRICULUM NIGHT ROOM 17! We are all part of a School Family!

Goals  Research shows that the brain works best when it is relaxed, therefore, my goals are to:  Create a positive disposition for learning.  Help each child to maximize their learning potential.  Provide a safe and secure school environment.

Conscious Discipline  What is Conscious Discipline?  Conscious Discipline is a comprehensive emotional intelligence curriculum and classroom management program based on current brain research, child development and effective classroom practices. It uses everyday life events to teach:  *Self-control  *Conflict resolution  *Character development  *Social skills

Conscious Discipline Conscious Discipline teaches 7 separate skills: *Composure *Encouragement *Empathy *Assertiveness *Choices *Positive Intent *Consequences

Reading/Language Arts  Reader’s Workshop Format  Students assessed in the fall and the spring to help teacher drive her instruction.  Workshop format:  *Mini-Lesson  *Active participation (IDR Individual/Independent Daily Reading)  *Sharing Time  Guided Reading groups/ individual conferencing

Reading Comprehension Strategies  Making Connections (text-to-self, text-to-text, text-to world)  Self-Questioning  Visualization  Inferencing  Synthesizing  Determining Important Ideas  CAFÉ model used (Comprehension, Accuracy, Fluency, Expanding Vocabulary) for individual goal setting.

Word Wisdom Vocabulary Development Program  There is strong research to support the connection between student achievement in comprehension and knowledge of word meanings. (research and references can be found at  Students introduced to a set of words developed around a certain theme and used in the context of non- fiction articles.  Pretest on Mondays, post test on Friday (10 words)  Unit homework will be completed throughout the week  Emphasis is on meaning and application not spelling.

MATH EXPRESSIONS IS… Focused – Fewer standards in each grade level with higher expectations in terms of depth of knowledge. Students have time to master mathematical concepts. Coherent – Learning follows a carefully planned sequence that allows students to build their understanding while making connections between mathematical concepts. Rigorous – Math Expressions puts all children on the pathway to college and career readiness. Students develop procedural fluency (“how to do it”), conceptual understanding (“why it works”) and strategic competence (“when to do it”).

Math Expressions Fourth Grade Units  Place Value and Multi-digit Addition and Subtraction  Multiplication with Whole Numbers  Division with Whole Numbers  Equations and Word Problems  Measurement  Fraction Concepts and Operations  Fractions and Decimals  Geometry

Program Strengths:  Provides support for students through hands-on activities, manipulatives, visual activities, and online opportunities for at home reinforcement  Research based instructional strategies  Fact fluency is a priority  Real life context problem solving and reasoning opportunities  Focus on inquiry and fluency, which ensure student achievement of the Common Core State Standards

Social Studies  Michigan History  Our book is called Michigan  Topics covered include:  Geography of Michigan  Michigan’s First People  Europeans Come to Michigan  Territory And Statehood  Michigan And The Civil War  Michigan’s Government

Science  Foss Science (Full Option Science System)  Hands-on, kit approach to Science  Four Units of Study throughout the year:  Earth Materials  Magnetism and Electricity  Mixtures and Solutions  Environments  Access student materials at: 

Homework  Math homework frequently (a workbook lesson in class and homework practice pages)  Good rule of thumb: 10 minutes of homework per grade level. Therefore 4 x 10 = 40 minutes of night for homework (no more).  If your child is struggling, please let me know.  Homework is about managing time and responsibility!

Special Events  MEAP testing at the end of April  Sheepshank Sam “A Day in the Life of A Lumberjack” November  Lighthouses February/March  Wax Museum March  Disabilities Awareness Workshop Parent Volunteers are desperately needed to run this worthwhile program (timing varies but usually second semester)  Lansing Trip in June Parent Volunteers Needed!

Visible Thinking At Bemis

Weekly Word  I post my weekly newsletters my blog under the “Newsletter” tab. You can access it through the Bemis Website. Keep informed about what your child is learning by visiting this helpful tool.  Also, sign up for Remind 101 for text reminders!

Thank You For Coming Tonight!  You are your child’s first teacher.  Together we can make this year a wonderful learning experience for your student.  Remember to encourage independence! It is o.k. to make mistakes. It is how we learn!  I look forward to working with each of you to help your child learn and grow!