1. Welcome to Curriculum Night for the 4th Grade

2. Reading Workshop Reader’s Workshop
Mini-lessons on grade level skills are taught at the beginning of the lesson
Fountas and Pinnell testing
Differentiated Groups based on reading level

3. Writing Workshop
We will be focusing on the four types of writing each quarter:
Narrative
Informational
Opinion
Document Based Questions (DBQ)
Writing Process
Effective Writing Skills
Grammar

4. Spelling Spelling is still on the report card.
We will use a rubric to determine your child’s “Spelling” grade. This is aligned with GCPS expectations. We began implementing these changes last year and will continue to implement best practices.
Spelling grade will include all of the anchors of Word Study:
*Phonemic Awareness *Greek/Latin Root Words
*Spelling *Vocabulary
*Handwriting *Fluency

5. Spelling Continued
There will be a heavy emphasis on applying their word study knowledge in writing. We will analyze students writing throughout the day in all curriculum areas to determine his/her level of spelling.

6. Root Words 2nd-5th Greek and Latin Roots Focus
One of the anchors of Word Study is vocabulary
We will study a variety of Greek and Latin Root patterns throughout the year
Students will have daily practice and tests for these roots

7. Science
Units of study: Think like a Scientist, Water cycle, Weather, Solar system: stars, planets, constellations, seasons, moon phases, Light, Sound, Force and Motion, Simple machines, Ecosystems, and Adaptation/Survival
Science Interactive notebooks
Science Workbooks
Science Lab
Study guides before tests
Mrs. Klein to support in Science Special

8. Social Studies “Those who never learn history are condemned to repeat it.” -Unknown
Interactive Notebook
Practice Book
Units of Study
Geography Unit
Native American Cultures (Inuit, Kwakiutl, Nez Perce, Hopi, Pawnee, and Seminole)
European Explorers (Ponce de Leon, Columbus, Hudson, Cabot, Nunez de Balboa, and Cartier)
Colonial America
American Revolution
Founding of America
Abolitionist Movement

9. Math Math Units: First Nine Weeks: Number Sense, Data Analysis
Second Nine Weeks: Multiplication, Division, Measurement /Weight, and Order of Operation.
Third Nine Weeks: Decimals/Fractions, Plane Figures, and Measurement/Angles.
Fourth Nine Weeks: Algebra.
Math Interactive Notebook
Math Workbooks
Homework: Nightly math homework (Math Club)
Review/Preview Work
Math Online Textbook

10. Online Textbooks

11. Online Textbooks

12. Extensions

13. Grade Level Policy Check-out: No check outs after 2:45.
Birthdays: If your child has a birthday, please make sure to get the correct number of treats for the students in your child’s homeroom. Please do not bring anything we need to use a knife for.

14. Make-Up Work
Make-up work is to help your child to master the missed AKS, not necessarily to do every activity and assignment that he or she missed.
Please Note: If a parent desires, he/she may phone the school in the morning prior to 9:30am (any later and we will not receive the message in time) and request that the assignments be available for pick-up in the office after 3:30pm of the same day.
Any missed assignments/homework will be completed during “study hall” at our recess time.

15. Reporting Student Progress
Parent portal: If you have not signed up, please make sure you visit the table in the foyer before you leave!
Teachers can collect forms, must verify ID.
Parent/student portal is how grades will be communicated with parents.
Midterm Progress reports printed. Report cards will be sent home quarterly.

16. Grading Policies
For all tests, students will receive a study guide in advance. As a 4th grade policy, tests can not be redone for a better grade.
Quizzes and classwork can be redone if a student scores a 73% or below. The 1st and 2nd attempt will be averaged for their new grade.
For any assignments not turned in, a “NTI” (NTI=O) will be temporarily added into the grade book. This will change once the work is turned in. This allows you to see more clearly what is not turned in.

17. Important Dates Conference Dates:
* September 24th Wednesday and 25th Thursday * February 25th Wednesday and 26th Thursday
Interim Testing Interim’s at the end of 1st and 3rd nine weeks Post tests – end of 2nd and 4th nine weeks
Standardized Testing Dates (Georgia Milestones):
The month of April
*Reading/Language Arts
* Math
* Science
* Social Studies

18. Georgia Milestone Assessment
For more information on Georgia Milestones:

19. Classroom Newsletters & Friday Folders
Newsletters will be posted on the Taylor website on homeroom teachers’ websites as well as on eClass.
We will post a newsletter every other week.
Please read the newsletter to ensure you are aware of current events and targeted AKS.
Friday Folders are sent home on the last day of the week.
Eagle cards will communicate any concerns/compliments from the week.
Multiple checks in one area (i.e. homework)
reflect more than one occurrence.

20. Behavior Refocus Strategy (if they receive 2 checks in one day)
Refocus Tickets will be sent home in the agenda.
In the classroom,
First – a warning has been issued
Second – partial recess
Third –Refocus, no recess

21. Refocus Form REFOCUS FORM
Student Name: ___________________________ Date: ________________
Subject in which Refocus was given: _______________________________________
Why were you asked to Refocus: __________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________ _______
What will you do differently to prevent this type of behavior from reoccurring? __________________________________________________________________________________________ ______
Are you ready to return to class? ______________
Student signature: ___________________ Teacher signature: __________________
Parent signature: ____________________

22. What Can Parents Do?
Encourage reading and writing in every situation you can
Support students through homework, studying, projects
Keep up communication with teacher
Check agenda and homework nightly
Read the newsletter 
Volunteer for school events
Sign in with front office if visiting

23. Absence Excuse

24. Student Expectations Effort Team work Responsibility Respect Honesty
We will be leading students through a tough year, and they (along with you) have our word that we will work hard; that is what we expect from my students as well 