1. Welcome to Curriculum Night 2015

2. Who is Your Child’s Teacher? Bachelor of Arts in English, Arizona State University Tempe, Arizona Master of Arts in Teaching Goucher College Baltimore, Maryland I have been a part of the Tarwater faculty since 1999. K-8 Certified

3. Types of Instruction Whole Group  The teacher provides direct instruction to the entire class. This type of instruction may be based on students’ needs. Homogenous Groups  Students with common strengths or needs work together in small groups. Cooperative Groups  Students work together on a project or task. This may be a mixed group of differing strengths and abilities. Independent Activities  Students work alone to complete a task (journal writing, workbook pages, etc…).

4. English Language Arts Reading/ELA Journeys –Vocabulary –Spelling (Spell grade- appropriate words correctly) –Grammar/Writing –Fluency (teacher read alouds, cold reads) –Comprehension

5. Accelerated Reader AR (Accelerated Reader): A program that monitors independent reading levels and reading comprehension Set goals on quarterly goal sheet (85% average on tests, personal point goal), 3 week checks Students do NOT necessarily need to take an AR test each week (encouraging reading longer, chapter books)

6. Reading Makes a Difference

7. Math Students in fourth grade will receive math instruction from the Saxon Math program. This program builds foundational concepts and gives students daily practice in the following areas: Numbers and Operations (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, fractions, decimals, and percentages) Algebra Geometry Measurement Data Analysis & Probability Problem Solving We will be switching classes to better meet the needs of our students. Power Up, Lesson Practice, Written Practice (HW) In-class help with homework (at least 20 minutes)

8. Science & Social Studies Science Life Science (types of plants and living things) Physical Science (energy) Earth Science Social Studies Arizona History American History World History Civics/Government Geography

9. Grade Issuing Guidelines

10. Homework Saxon math will come home Monday - Thursday. Even if your fourth grader has completed his/her daily written practice, review each problem with your child for accuracy and detail. Reading 20 minutes is required homework. Your fourth grader set an Accelerated Reader point goal for first quarter. Study spelling patterns for the week (as opposed to memorizing word lists). Tests are on Fridays. Sign the bottom of your child’s daily agenda.

11. Binders and Agendas 4 th grade binder: Tabs for each subject (graded work) AR goals Agenda (filled out daily) Saxon math binder: homework, references, lesson practice, notes Binders go home and come back to school EVERY DAY!

12. Communication “ Important Binder” Keep student work in the binder until the end of the quarter. “Important Folder” Check daily Agenda There is a spot at the bottom of each daily column for you to sign. Quarterly Progress and Report Cards Communication (e-mails, notes & phone calls) mitchell.dawn@cusd80.com

13. Parent Volunteers Volunteers are always welcome in 4 th grade! Field Trips Art Masterpiece Jr. Achievement ….and more! Please sign the volunteer papers on the back table. Volunteers must have a volunteer form on file in the office. Don’t forget to sign in at the office! Volunteer in our Classroom !

15. Fourth Grade Procedures & Policies Birthdays (volunteer needed for class directory) Health Assistant & Bathroom Visits Class Schedule 6 day rotation (Know our PE & library days. Schedule is posted on website.) Behavior & Discipline Clip chart-ability to move up and down (Outstanding Jar) Red slip (1-warning, 2-take home) Absences (please call the attendance line at 480- 883-4303)

16. Thank You for Coming to Curriculum Night!