1. Welcome to Open House!

2. Common Core Standards for Reading http://schools.nyc.gov/NR/rdonlyres/337BF93A-95FF-4A48-9434- CE9EA0B70E06/0/p12common_core_learning_standards_ela_final.pdf http://schools.nyc.gov/NR/rdonlyres/337BF93A-95FF-4A48-9434- CE9EA0B70E06/0/p12common_core_learning_standards_ela_final.pdf Read closely to determine what the text says explicitly and to make logical inferences from it; cite specific textual evidence when writing or speaking to support conclusions drawn from the text. Determine central ideas or themes of a text and analyze their development; summarize the key supporting details and ideas. Analyze how and why individuals, events, and ideas develop and interact over the course of a text. Interpret words and phrases as they are used in a text, including determining technical, connotative, and figurative meanings, and analyze how specific word choices shape meaning or tone. Analyze the structure of texts, including how specific sentences, paragraphs, and larger portions of the text (e.g., a section, chapter, scene, or stanza) relate to each other and the whole.

3. Common Core Standards for Reading (continued) Assess how point of view or purpose shapes the content and style of a text. Integrate and evaluate content presented in diverse media and formats, including visually and quantitatively, as well as in words.* Delineate and evaluate the argument and specific claims in a text, including the validity of the reasoning as well as the relevance and sufficiency of the evidence. Analyze how two or more texts address similar themes or topics in order to build knowledge or to compare the approaches the authors take. Read and comprehend complex literary and informational texts independently and proficiently. Respond to literature by employing knowledge of literary language, textual features, and forms to read and comprehend, reflect upon, and interpret literary texts from a variety of genres and a wide spectrum of American and world cultures.

4. Reading Our Reading block is 45 minutes each day. Novel studies used for reading activities and skill development. We will encourage the students to use reading clues and text structure while they are reading.

5. Common Core Standards for Writing http://schools.nyc.gov/NR/rdonlyres/337BF93A-95FF-4A48-9434- CE9EA0B70E06/0/p12common_core_learning_standards_ela_final.pdf http://schools.nyc.gov/NR/rdonlyres/337BF93A-95FF-4A48-9434- CE9EA0B70E06/0/p12common_core_learning_standards_ela_final.pdf Write arguments to support claims in an analysis of substantive topics or texts, using valid reasoning and relevant and sufficient evidence. Write informative/explanatory texts to examine and convey complex ideas and information clearly and accurately through the effective selection, organization, and analysis of content. Write narratives to develop real or imagined experiences or events using effective technique, well chosen details, and well-structured event sequences. Produce clear and coherent writing in which the development, organization, and style are appropriate to task, purpose, and audience. Develop and strengthen writing as needed by planning, revising, editing, rewriting, or trying a new approach. Use technology, including the Internet, to produce and publish writing and to interact and collaborate with others.

6. Common Core Standards for Writing (continued) Conduct short as well as more sustained research projects based on focused questions, demonstrating understanding of the subject under investigation. Gather relevant information from multiple print and digital sources, assess the credibility and accuracy of each source, and integrate the information while avoiding plagiarism. Draw evidence from literary or informational texts to support analysis, reflection, and research. Write routinely over extended time frames (time for research, reflection, and revision) and shorter time frames (a single sitting or a day or two) for a range of tasks, purposes, and audiences. Develop personal, cultural, textual, and thematic connections within and across genres as they respond to texts through written, digital, and oral presentations, employing a variety of media and genres.

7. Language Arts We are continuing Writer’s Workshop this year. The students will be required to write for at least 45 uninterrupted minutes. Book-It will be assigned every month. We will complete October’s project together. –Students will be required to read for at least 20 minutes. They will fill in a calendar for their reading. Please sign the calendar before your child hands it in to me.

8. Spelling Lists formed primarily from the Scott Foresman reading series. Please go to my website hamburgschools.org to view our spelling lists.hamburgschools.org Homework for spelling is: –Monday – 3 times each –Tuesday – 2 workbook pages –Wednesday – spelling activity –Thursday – study –Friday – corrections five times each

9. NYS Tests English Language Arts test – April 14 th - April 16 th (Make-up April 17 th – April 21 st ) –There are three days of testing. »Day 1 Reading »Day 2 Reading/Writing »Day 3 Reading/Writing

10. Mathematical Practices http://www.engageny.org/sites/default/files/resource/attachments/nysp12ccls math.pdf starts at pg. 25 http://www.engageny.org/sites/default/files/resource/attachments/nysp12ccls math.pdf Make sense of problems and persevere in solving them. Reason abstractly and quantitatively. Construct viable arguments and critique the reasoning of others. Model with mathematics. Use appropriate tools strategically. Attend to precision. Look for and make use of structure. Look for and express regularity in repeated reasoning.

11. Math Math is taught for 60 minutes each day. That includes writing notes, hands-on activities and practicing the skill for the day. The last 10 minutes of the class is used for starting on homework and individual questions/help. Your child must know their math facts. This will help them be more successful with their homework.

12. Math Problem solving very important! During our math lesson, we solve at least 1 word problem each day. Homework everyday except Friday. Tests must be signed by parent (PS) and corrected. C+R = correct and return You will see this on homework. Your child must correct and return the paper the next day.

13. NYS Testing Math test – April 22 nd – April 24 th (Make-up dates: April 27 th – 29 th ) Three days of testing »Day 1 - Multiple Choice »Day 2 – Word Problems »Day 3 – Word Problems

14. Science Hands-on experiments Students will work in small groups. The notebook/folder is a source of material to study Topics covered will include: Land & Water, Electrical Circuits, Crayfish, Plant Growth and Development

15. NYS Testing Science test Performance test –May 20 th – May 29 th (It’s only one day!) Written portion– June 1 st (Make up June 2 nd – June 3 rd )

16. Social Studies We will study New York State this year. I will be asking students to bring in pictures of the different places we are studying. If your child would like share his/her pictures, please put them in an envelope labeled with his/her name.

17. Responsibility Planners Please check them daily. They help you stay informed. I check them each day to make sure they are correct. Mrs. Brand’s Homework Bunch

18. Communication  Please use my website on there you will find: Spelling words, and helpful links.helpful links.  If you would prefer to have me email you a Missing Homework notice, please let me know. Next week I will email you a bi-weekly newsletter.  Email: abrand@hamburgschools.org

19. Final Thought…

20. Please sign up for a Parent Teacher Conference!