Welcome to Curriculum Night 2014 “If all meanings could be adequately expressed by words, the arts of painting and music would not exist." --John Dewey

Who is Your Child’s Teacher? Bachelors of Arts in English, Arizona State University Tempe, Arizona Masters of Arts in Teaching Goucher College Baltimore, Maryland I have been a part of the Tarwater faculty since K-8 Certified Before coming to Tarwater, I worked for several community education programs holding jobs in various capacities. I taught both preschool and kindergarten programs, as well as supervising K-8 enrichment programs.

Types of Instruction Whole Group  The teacher provides direct instruction to the entire class. This type of instruction may be based on students’ needs. Homogenous Groups  Students with common strengths or needs work together in small groups. Cooperative Groups  Students work together on a project or task. This may be a mixed group of differing strengths and abilities. Independent Activities  Students work alone to complete a task (journal writing, workbook pages, etc…).

Enlgish Language Arts Reading/ELA Journeys –Vocabulary (apply knowledge) –Spelling (Spell grade-appropriate words correctly) –Grammar (capitalization, complete sentences, etc…) – Writing (Narrative writing, focus traits such as word choice) –Fluency (teacher read alouds, cold reads) –Comprehension (summarize, story structure, etc…) AR/Self Selected Literature Curriculum

Math Students in fourth grade will receive math instruction from the Saxon Math program. This program builds foundational concepts and gives students daily practice in the following areas: Numbers and Operations (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, fractions, decimals, and percents) Algebra Geometry Measurement Data Analysis & Probability Problem Solving We will be switching classes to better meet the needs of our students. Curriculum

Science & Social Studies Science Life Science (types of plants and living things) Physical Science (energy) Earth Science Social Studies Arizona History American History World History Civics/Government Geography Curriculum

Grade Issuing Guidelines

Homework Saxon math will come home Monday - Thursday. Even if your fourth grader has completed his/her daily written practice, review each problem with your child for accuracy and detail. Reading 20 minutes is required homework. Your fourth grader set an Accelerated Reader point goal for first quarter. Study spelling words however you choose. Tests are on Fridays. Sign the bottom of your child’s daily agenda.

Reading Makes a Difference

Communication “ Important Binder” Keep student work in the binder until the end of the quarter. “Important Folder” Check daily Agenda There is a spot at the bottom of each daily column for you to sign. Quarterly Progress and Report Cards Communication ( s, notes & phone calls)

Parent Volunteers Volunteers are always welcome in 4 th grade! Field Trips Art Masterpiece Jr. Achievement ….and more! Please sign the volunteer chart on the back table. Volunteers must have a volunteer form on file in the office. Don’t forget to sign in at the office! Volunteer in our Classroom !

Fourth Grade Procedures & Policies Birthdays (volunteer needed for class directory) Health Assistant & Bathroom Visits Class Schedule 6 day rotation (Know our PE & library days. Schedule is posted on website.) Behavior & Discipline Absences (please call the attendance line at )

Thank You for Coming to Curriculum Night!