Welcome to 4 th Grade Back to School Night! Penelope Silva Sarah Gamble (Stephanie Reasoner) Kris Wolfgang Marcy Shapiro

What’s Happening in 4 th Grade?  Goals for 4 th Grade  Reading  Writing  Math  Science  Social Studies  Vocabulary  Growth Mindset vs Fixed Mindset  Life Skills- Anti-Bullying

Goals for 4 th Grade Not only do we want to cover all of the Texas standards but we want to teach it in a way that is effective and engaging. We will also work this year to prepare students for the challenges of 5 th grade.

Reading – Reader’s Workshop  Mini Lessons – we will focus on comprehension skills  Independent Reading –  students will be reading fiction and nonfiction books that are on their level  They will also use reading response journals  Vocabulary & Word Study – word parts, context clues and figurative language are a main focus

Reading – Reader’s Workshop Continued  Guided Reading – this happens in a small group setting to focus on individualized skills that need more attention.  Conferences – with all students to help maintain an open dialogue about what students are reading.  Book Clubs/Literature Circles – will be utilized to encourage students to have open discussions about a shared book that they are reading.

Writing – Writer’s Workshop  Mini Lessons – we will focus on different craft lessons to help students develop their writing.  Genres - we will be focusing on writing personal narratives and expository pieces.  Peer and Teacher Conferences – students will learn how to conference about their writing with other students, and with the teacher.

Math  CGI- Cognitively Guided Instruction. CGI asks the students to solve problems and to talk about and share strategies. We will use this metacognition to develop more complex skills and mathematical algorithms.  Place value, fractions, addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division are key to 4th grade math. We will spend a long time developing these number skills in order to create a solid foundation for more complex math concepts.

Math  CGI- students use problem solving skills to work on and then discuss a word problem.  Mini Lesson - we will focus on different math skills and students will learn steps and strategies for each concept.  Independent Math - students work on independent math projects, small group rotations, and math activities and games.  Instruction is differentiated daily both in small groups and for homework assignments.

Science Science will include a number of hands-on activities, as well as research and experiment design. This year we’ll study:  Earth and Space  Ecosystems and Organisms  Alternative Energy and weather  Energy and electricity  Matter  Life cycles and heredity

Social Studies  In 4th grade students learn about Texas History  We will move through the history of Texas chronologically, slowing to spend more time on certain time periods  Much of the learning is done across content areas  Read primary sources and informational texts  Written journal entry assessments  Students will:  Work on projects  Participate in class discussions that relate history to their lives today  Take notes in their spirals

Study Trips  Possible study trips include:  The Thinkery  Pioneer Farms  Mission San Jose and Mission Concepcion  Central Library  McKinney Roughs Nature Preserve  Texas State Capital  LBJ Library  We love parent chaperones but remember you are on the trip to assist the class’ learning and to keep everyone safe. Please refrain from using your phone or talking while a presenting is speaking.

Vocabulary  This year we have a heavy focus on academic vocabulary  In addition to in-class vocabulary instruction we set aside a daily 20 minute period where we can further practice the language that is imperative to higher level learning

Growth Mindset vs. Fixed Mindset  Carol Dweck Explains Mindsets Carol Dweck Explains Mindsets

Tribes- Life Skills- Anti-Bullying  Tribes Agreements  Attentive Listening  Mutual Respect  Appreciations / No Put Downs  Right to Pass  These agreements act as our classroom rules. Our 4 th grade curriculum is taught with many cooperative learning groups and the TRIBES agreements allow for greater productivity and respect for others in all school settings.  Life Skills and Anti Bullying Curriculum – designed to have students create tools and coping mechanisms for various social situations. We will define bullying and work toward a common understanding of why it will not be tolerated at NYOS.

 Homework  Drop Off- 7:30AM  Pick Up- 3:20-3:45- If you have an older child and would like your 4 th grader released to him/her we need a signed permission slip.

Questions?

Thank You and Have a Great Evening!