1. Welcome!

2. Meet Ms. Kasmarcik Born and raised on Long Island
B.S. in elementary and special education from Boston University
M.S.Ed. in literacy education from Binghamton University
9 years teaching experience

3. Communication Classroom webpage: http://kasmarcik4thgrade.weebly.com/
Twitter: @4thGradeFlock

4. Volunteer Opportunities
We welcome volunteers in different capacities:
working directly with students
copying/housekeeping
preparing items at home
room parent
field trip chaperones
Complete form indicating interest and availability

5. Classroom Community Goal to develop the whole child
Academics and social-emotional skills
Focus on Core Values:
Respect
Responsibility
Honesty
Caring
Achievement
Weekly student-directed class meeting

6. Schedule

7. Homework Homework daily routine from Monday – Thursday 45 minutes
Homework packet on Monday
Encourage independence
Resources available in STAR binder and on website

8. Reader’s Workshop Reader’s Workshop consists of three components:
Focus Lesson (where explicit instruction takes place)
Independent Reading (students engage in individual reading, conferences with teachers, small group strategy instruction and guided reading groups, and literature circles)
Group Share (whole class comes together to reflect on reading and review focus lesson topic)
Students choose just-right books from the classroom library to read during independent reading.

9. Writer’s Workshop Process writing : 1. pre-writing 2. drafting
3. revising
4. editing
5. publishing
Units of Study:
- Narrative Writing
- Persuasion
- Informational Writing

10. Word Study Spelling/phonic patterns Vocabulary development
Assessment data
Instruction at developmental level
Multisensory approach to differentiating instruction

11. Math Workshop Whole group/small group instruction Assessment data
Explicit instruction at students’ current developmental level
Challenges (real-world application)

12. Social Studies and Science
In Social Studies, students study U.S. regions, Mexico, Canada, and Immigration.
In Science, students engage in hands-on inquiry learning on multiple concepts.

13. WIN “What I Need” Opportunities for reviewing and extending learning
Differentiated groups based on assessment data
Small groups for interventions
Enrichment opportunities for students needing more rigor

14. Musical Instruments Choose instrument for lessons
Lessons during the school day
Participate in band (meets Thursdays at 7:30am)

15. Finally, a Few Gentle Reminders
Our district strives to maintain a safe environment for all students. For that reason, we ask that you remember the following:
Please send nut free snacks and lunches with your child each day.
If there is a change in the way that your child is going home from school, please send in a note explaining the dismissal procedure for that day.
We cannot allow a student to take a different bus home, other than for permanent after-school care, even with a note.