1. Welcome 4th Grade Curriculum Night September 11, 2012 Mrs. Freeney Math/Science Mrs. Hinshaw Language Arts/Social Studies Mrs. SwallsMath/Science Mrs. MontgomeryLanguage Arts/Social Studies Mrs. Harris Math/Science Mr. CrisseyLanguage Arts/Social Studies

2. Teacher Websites Beck WebpageBeck Webpage www.nisdtx.orgwww.nisdtx.orgwww.nisdtx.org Select Schools buttonSelect Schools button Select Beck Elem.Select Beck Elem. Access teacher webpages / “Staff”Access teacher webpages / “Staff” Ashlee Freeney Julie Hinshaw Kendra Swalls Christe Montgomery Cori Harris Jeff Crissey

3. Language Arts Reading Workshop- this block consists of 15 minutes of direct instruction, a 40 minute independent work period, and a 10 minute closing. During the reading workshop, students will focus on reading strategies, novel studies, independent reading, guided reading, and reading response. Writing Workshop- this block consists of a 10 minute mini-lesson, 40 minute independent work period, and a 10 minute closing. Students will focus on the writing process while working on expanding and supporting their writing ideas. This time will include independent writing, peer editing, one on one conferencing, grammar instruction, and peer collaboration. Word Work- this time will focus on spelling and vocabulary development. www.tea.state.tx.us Mr. Crissey, Mrs. Hinshaw, Mrs. Montgomery

4. Social Studies It’s All About TEXAS!!! Geography Citizenship Government History Economics Culture Technology www.tea.state.tx.us

5. Math Target the Question and 10 Minute Math will warm your child’s mathematical mind up at the beginning of class. Investigations lessons will encompass solving problems to learn mathematical concepts (operations, geometry, number sense,etc..) Workshop times are weekly and will provide opportunities to reinforce, develop and extend concepts. Fact Fluency is a must. To be successful, your fourth grader needs to be efficient, fluent and accurate with addition and subtraction facts. We will focus on multiplication and division facts this semester. Please review at home daily! www.tea.state.tx.us Mrs. Swalls Mrs. Freeney, and Mrs. Harris

6. Science Science class will be a mixture of hands on discovery, non-fiction reading and expository writing…We will discover science, read about it and write to reinforce our understanding. Students will keep a science notebook in class to record labs, respond to videos and articles. We will use the notebooks to display data, charts and graphs and write conclusions in CER format. Several formative grades will come from their notebook work. www.tea.state.tx.us Mrs. Swalls, Mrs. Freeney, and Mrs. Harris

7. Communication Planners – Primary source of communication (transportation changes can documented in the planner) or email to beckelem@nisdtx.orgbeckelem@nisdtx.org Webpages: check frequently Email / Phone: Our contact information is on the webpage. Due to the district filter, if you do not receive a response to an email within 24 hours, please call the school.

8. 4 th Grade Conference Time: 9:40 – 10:35 4 th Grade Lunch Time: 12:15 – 12:45 Please feel free to eat lunch with you child anytime. We ask that only your child sit with you, rather than them having a friend join you. Times to Know

9. Grades: Communication & Access 3 week progress reports 6 week report cards Access in E-School Plus through NISD website

10. Homework: check each teacher’s website for policies District Policy for daily and test grades: check each teacher’s website or on the district website www.nisdtx.org, “Grading Guidelines”www.nisdtx.org

11. Birthday Celebrations If you would like to provide a treat for your child’s class in celebration of a birthday, the treat can be sent with your child, or you may bring it to the front office to be delivered to your child’s classroom. The teacher will determine the appropriate time in the afternoon for sharing the treat. We would ask that you not bring party favors. ***The birthday treats must be single servings, ex. cupcakes, cookies, etc. Parents also need to provide napkins for the treats.

12. DisciplineLove&Logic What is Love and Logic? Love allows children to grow through their mistakes. Logic allows children to live with the consequences of their choices. www.loveandl ogic.com 2012 – 2013 NISD Student Handbook and Code of Conduct is on the NISD website under the Parents Tab.

13. Volunteering Parent volunteer forms from PTA NISD Background Check must be completed in order to volunteer. See the Beck website for a link for background checks. They must be completed each year.

14. Thank you so much for spending this time with us! We are looking forward to a great year!! 4 th Grade Team