1. Back-to-School Night Torrey Pines Elementary
September 13, 2017
Jamie White

2. Weekly Schedule Monday Morning-Spanish Friday Morning- Science Lab
Friday- Rotation (Art, Music/Theater/Dance, P.E.) (12:30- 3:00)
Technology- TBA

3. There are two perspectives of our Fourth Grade year…
Mine
Theirs
Critical Literacy
Math: 4th and beyond
Social Studies: California History
Word Study: Greek and Latin Roots
Science
Writing
Character Education
Class Dojo
Kinder Buddies
Field Trips
Class Poetry Books
California Cake
Read Alouds
Brain Ticklers

4. Reading Seminars in Critical Literacy Building up to Theme (Fiction)
Determining Central Ideas (Nonfiction)
Traditional Literature: A Study of Purpose & Structure (Fiction)
Poetry: Analysis and Critique
Setting Emerges: Seeking Universal Truths in Context Specific Stories (Fiction)

5. Writing Five Genres: Interpretation of Literature/Literary Essay
Narrative
Summary
Informational Writing
Persuasive Writing
*Writing strategies and conventions will be embedded throughout

6. Word Study Spelling Instruction Vocabulary Instruction Word patterns
Prefixes and suffixes
Greek and Latin roots
Vocabulary Instruction
Content Specific Vocabulary
*Writing conventions will be embedded throughout

7. Math
Exposure to 4th Grade Common Core Standards (Operations and algebraic thinking, Number and Operations in Base Ten, Fractions, Measurement and Data, Geometry, and Mathematical Practices)
Differentiation (Acceleration, Algebraic Thinking and Problem Solving/Critical Thinking)

8. Social Studies California History Geography Native Californians
Explorers
Mission System
Rancho Period
Gold Rush
Becoming a State
Government

9. Science NGSS: Content will be taught through an inquiry-based approach
Earth Science (Rocks and Minerals)
Physical Science (Matter and Energy/Electricity and Magnetism)
Life Science (Ecosystems)
Investigation and Experimentation (Scientific Method)

10. STEAM
Students will be engaged in highly motivating challenges and experiences
Perseverance and Problem Solving
Collaboration is key
Engineering Design and Construction

11. Health Understanding/practicing healthy behaviors regarding:
Physical Activity
Conflict Resolution/Empathy Training (Second Step)
Character Development (Respect, Responsibility, and Kindness)

12. Coach Sergio teaches… P.E. Movement Coordination Balance Strength
Endurance
Motor and cooperative skills
*Please dress appropriately for P.E. on Friday

13. Homework Recorded in Success Calendar
Signed Weekly Reports due Mondays
Nightly Reading (30 minutes/night)
Math Weekly Bonus Problem or Fourth Grade Review due Fridays
Optional Daily Bonus Math
Book Report Projects
*Homework should not exceed 40 minutes a night, including Home Reading.

14. Communication
Weekly Reports: (Sent home Friday, signed and returned on Monday) student work and other important papers attached
Class website:
If you have questions about your child’s success in any area, please me and we will set a date and time to meet

15. Grading Common Core Standards-Based Report Cards
First two grading periods reflect progress toward 4th grade standards
Last grading period reflects actual achievement of 4th grade standards

16. Grading 4 (ADVANCED)- exceeds standards
3 (PROFICIENT)-consistently meets standards
2 (BASIC)-occasionally meets standards
1 (BELOW BASIC)-rarely meets standards

17. Maintaining a Positive Learning Environment…
Behaviors/Choices that help us learn
Class Dojo (rewards)
Swag Tags
Celebrating positive choices and attributes we see in the classroom every day
Behaviors/Choices in need of support
Verbal Warning/Redirect
Weekly Report/
Administrator Support/Detention Notice
*Positive psychology: a focus on Character Strengths

18. Field Trips Reinforce 4th Grade Standards
USS Midway: Electricity & Magnetism (Donation for admission)
Cabrillo National Monument: Explorers (National Monument)
Star of India--Gold Digger’s Express: Gold Rush (Donation for admission)
Optional Sacramento Trip: Gold Rush & CA State Government (Saturday, June 9th, 2018), Register Online with World Strides by October 15, 2017 (Limit 55 participants)

19. Birthday Party Policy
Due to food allergies in class, if you decide to bring in a “birthday treat,” we would prefer non-edible items such as fun pencils, erasers, stickers, etc.

20. Ways to Support our Class
Driving on field trips
Item donations or giftcards for class rewards (Target/Michael’s/Amazon)
$5 donation for Spelling City and STEAM supplies

21. We’re looking forward to a wonderful year together!