1. Curriculum Night
4th Grade ELA
Mrs. Hasler

2. A Bit About Karen Hasler
Professionally
Personally
Degrees in Elementary Education; Curriculum, Instruction, and Leadership; Learning Disabilities
Obtained National Board Certification
Has taught ASD, LRC, 5th, 4th
Still has the passion for teaching!
A daughter, wife, mother, and grandmother
Enjoys reading,
gardening, and
golf

3. Creating a Class Culture that Empowers Students
Using the Starfish Story as a basis, students discussed ways that the smallest actions of kindness can make a big difference.
They also used the acronym STARFISH to identify ways that they can take action to make a difference in their own learning.

4. Classroom Expectations
Students are expected to follow the Harlan Habits of showing
Respect
Responsibility
Kindness

5. Class Behavior Plan
Choice tickets…a quiet reminder that student needs to think about choices he/she is making
High five tickets…recognition that the student has gone above and beyond expectations
“Paws and Think” Sheet…a reflection sheet provided to child for a serious action that they have taken that can be hurtful. May be accompanied by phone call to parent and requires parent signature.

6. Snacks
Students will have the opportunity to eat a snack mid-morning every day in the classroom. This snack must be peanut-free and tree nut-free. We must keep our students safe who have severe allergies.

7. Birthday Celebrations
* Students will be honored on their birthdays with a book of cards and a homework pass. *The birthday boy/girl may choose a game or recess for the class to play *Summer birthdays will be celebrated on ½ birthdays. *Due to food allergies, we will not celebrate with food

8. Absences
* Per school policy, vacations are considered “non-exempt” (except in special circumstances) *If a student arrives after 9:50 AM, the student will be marked “absent” for the morning. *If a student leaves earlier than 3:00 PM, he/she will be marked “absent” for the afternoon *Please let the teacher and office know of upcoming absences First bell rings at 8:44; students should not arrive before 8:30 Dismissal bell rings at 3:50

9. Unified Arts Schedule A Days: Art, Spanish, Media Center
B Days: Physical Education
C Days: Spanish
D Days: Music
Lunch: 12:25-12:45
Recess: 12:45-1:05

10. Special 4th Grade Events
*River Rouge Water Festival
*Detroit Symphony Orchestra
*Detroit Institute of Arts
*Nature Center
*Morley Candy Factory Tour
*Music Concert
*Disability Awareness Day
*Trading Day
*Class Parties

11. Nightly Homework Materials
*Planner (Filled out!)
*Homework Folder with Math Homework Inside
*Math Journal
*Reading Book
*Spelling Homework
Homework should take about 1 hour per night. Please contact classroom teacher if homework is frequently taking longer than this.

13. Health Curriculum Unit 1: Social/Emotional Health
Unit 2: Personal Health
Unit 3: Safety
Unit 4: Alcohol, Tobacco, and Other Drugs
Unit 5: Reproductive Health
PE Unit: Nutrition and Physical Activity
Health Curriculum
Reproductive Health will be taught toward the end of year. You will receive notice of when you can view materials and have the opportunity to opt-out if you desire.

14. Reading
*Common Core Standards is the guiding curriculum. *Exposed to all genre through book clubs and read-alouds. *Taught strategies to use for both fiction and non-fiction texts. *Goal-oriented.

15. Word Study Words Their Way is the program used for word study.
Emphasis is on patterns and meaning vs memorization.
Homework should take about minutes per night.
Sorts introduced on Wed.
Test is on Tues.
Students must know “headers” for their tests.
Words Their Way is the program used for word study.

16. Cursive Handwriting
Handwriting without Tears is the program used to teach cursive handwriting.
The letter formations were introduced in 3rd grade, 4th grade will be focused on accuracy and fluency.

17. Writing
Writing across different genre: narrative, opinion, research, literary essay, poetry
Writing for different purposes: to entertain, to inform, to persuade.
Mini-lesson format
Goal-setting with the use of rubrics and checklists
Instructional emphasis is placed on developing a community of writers who are willing to take risks with writing and enjoy the process

18. Parent/School Connection
Together we can make it a positive year for your child!
Please contact me with questions/concerns. The best way is by
Check the classroom WIKI if you have questions about homework assignments. It is updated daily.
I am looking forward to working with you and your child!