Welcome to Fourth Grade

Meet the 4 th Grade Team 4HMs. Julie Holton 4KMrs. Lindsey Katz 4WMrs. Krista Waldron 4Y Mrs. Jennifer Young

A bit about Mrs. Young *I grew up in South County *My family: Husband, Christian, daughter, Aubrey and 2 dogs *UMSL and Webster University *McKelvey, Staff Development, and now RB *

My Family

Our Class Community Teamwork Class Constitution River Bend Core Values Respect, Responsibility, Integrity, Perseverance, and Caring

Character Education Buddy Classes: Each fourth grade class is paired with a first grade class. Students will have an opportunity to be good role models to the younger buddy while making new connections. School Families: Multi-age families that promote self-esteem, community, and service. Parent Involvement Team: Making connections between school and home.

Lines of Communication *Student Planner: Filled out everyday *Home Reading Log: Sent home weekly *Voice Mail: *

Math Big Ideas: –Number and Operations 1: Addition, Subtraction, Multiplication, and Division –Geometry and Measurement: Area and Perimeter, Angles –Measurement and Data: Line Plots, Mean, Median, Mode, Range –Number and Operations 2: Fractions, Decimals, Multiplication and Division of Larger Numbers –Algebra: Algebraic Expressions, Patterns Problem solving through multiple strategies Focus on thinking process (verbal, mental, written)

Science Units –Motion and Design –Electricity –Living Systems –Water and Weather Scientific Process Inquiry-Based Hands-On Learning Notebook –A place for reflection of students drawings, observations and journaling

Social Studies Text focused on regions of the United States, Missouri, and some American History. –Regions of the United States –Show Me Missouri: Geography –History of Missouri: Early Settlements –History of Missouri: Westward Expansion –History of Missouri: Slavery, Civil War, and Reconstruction –History of Missouri: New Challenges Arts Partners and Service Learning Spring field trip to St. Charles

Writing Workshop Routine –Mini-lesson to introduce a specific skill or strategy. –Practice with individual notebooks or writing. Practice can be a “try it” time for students and also a time to give each other feedback. –Celebration and share time to end the workshop. Units of Study –Building a Community of Writers –Informational Article –Studying the Craft of Language Through Mentor Authors –Poetry to Explain, Persuade, and Convey an Experience –Persuasive Essay –Fiction Writing: Short Stories –Literary Essay

Language/Word Study We will be continuing with the Word Study program. –List of Accountable Words in your family packet. –No “Weekly Spelling Test” Vocabulary –Instruction in all content areas –Going beyond the definition –Inquiry based Handwriting –Readable

Reading Workshop Routine –Interactive Read Aloud and Mini-Lesson to introduce a specific skill or strategy. –Students practice that specific skill in whole group, small group, or with partners using a shared text. –Students try the skill independently with an instructional “Just Right” book. –Text is not too easy, not too hard –Students may also participate in Book Clubs and Strategy Groups.

Reading Workshop Units of Study –Building a Community of Readers –Using Historical Fiction to Tackle Fourth Grade Texts –Reading to Understand the Views, Values, and Cultures of Others –Navigating Nonfiction –Interpretation –Nonfiction Reading to Become Experts –Understanding Mythology Through Questioning and Inferring

Students Accept Responsibility for their Actions * Classroom Expectations (Class Constitution) *Consequences: Appoointment Sheet *Communication is KEY! *Planners *Homework & materials

Homework Policy The purpose of homework is to reinforce material presented in class, develop student responsibility and problem solving skills, and extend classroom learning. Monday-Thursday for approx. 40 min. Grading: √- Needs Improvement √ Meets Expectations √+Exceeds Expectations

Homework (Continued) Reflected in the “Citizenship” and “Work and Study Habits” Used to reinforce skills recently learned Students will use Planners to keep track

Grading Scale Letter grades are used to grade class work, tests, quizzes, projects, and presentations … Notice will be given ASAP for upcoming tests. Scoring Guides will be used throughout the year to assess notebooks and other assignments.

Helpful Hints for Home * Decide upon a study place. *Practice real world situations. *READ! *WRITE!

Helpful Hints for School * Please send dismissal notes if your child is going home a different way than usual *Please report to the office when visiting (sign in and name tag) *Students must be dismissed from office. *Birthday Treats: non-edible; invitations for all/boys/girls

Just a Few Reminders Cafeteria Sign Ups : Conferences Volunteer Opportunities Room Parents ***Specialists Presentation-Library

Thank you so much for coming tonight! I look forward to working with you throughout the school year! ~J. Young