WELCOME!
Welcome to Room 108 and the fourth grade. This is a very important year in your child’s education, as we prepare for fifth grade and make the big jump in curriculum from third to fourth. We will be putting a great deal of emphasis on becoming a responsible student. This responsibility will include being responsible with our work at school and home, as well as behaving appropriately, being respectful and safe. The following information applies to the fourth grade in general, not just my classroom.
Homework Policy
My goal is for students to NOT have homework- however, sometimes that can be unavoidable. Work that was assigned in class and not finished should be taken home and completed. Most often students may have a few math problems because of the time it takes to complete. Additionally, having students read at home for approximately 20-30 minutes per night will help to build students stamina and increase reading fluency. Students will also be given silent reading time during the day, and be given the opportunity to take AR Tests as needed. What they read is up to them, as long as it is in their reading level. The goal is to get students reading. The more they enjoy what they are reading, the more they will read, and the more they read, the better at it they'll become. Daily homework is due the day after it is assigned (unless otherwise specified).
Students absent due to illness will be given the necessary time to make up missed assignments. All work must have the student's name, teacher, and the date.
Students are given several restroom breaks throughout the day. Students should not seek permission to leave during instruction, but wait until work time- unless there is an emergency. Students should remember that classes start promptly, and should be ready for the day (pencils sharpened, work turned in, and taken a restroom break) before the bell rings.
Absences:
If you know your child will be absent in advance, please follow the school policy posted in the handbook. I will try to get assignments gathered in advance. If your child is absent, due to sickness, please contact the office or leave voice mail requesting assignments.
Reading
We will be using our language arts curriculum from Scott Foresman. We will also be participating in the Accelerated Reading program. Students may also be required to do book talks or a written book report at various times throughout the year. Accelerated reading points are used to determine a portion of the reading grade, as are the A.R. test scores. Students are to check out 2 AR books a week that are within their reading level and test on them.
Vocabulary
Vocabulary Lists and Activities are assigned weekly. A vocabulary list will be sent home at the beginning of the week. The regular list will consist of 14 basic words. Some students may be given an adjusted list or assessment to meet their individual needs.
Science and Social Studies
Most of the units we cover in science and social studies will require students to take notes, keep a journal, or complete a study guide. A basic outline of notes or study guide will be provided by the teacher. It will be the students responsibility to follow along as the lesson is taught, and fill in necessary information with teacher suggestion. Students may also get lesson packets or study guides as the teacher feels necessary.
Math
Blissfield Community Schools have recently adopted the My Math Curriculum series. Students are not issued a book, but will be given a small packet each day that covers the required material. Students will generally have time to complete most of the math assignment in class each day, but may need to take it home to finish. Students that struggle with fact recall should be practicing facts at home to ensure mastery. To receive credit, your child should included their name at the top of the paper, otherwise the grade for the assignment will be a zero. All work should be shown on the paper. We never use calculators for daily math.
Welcome to Room 108 and the fourth grade. This is a very important year in your child’s education, as we prepare for fifth grade and make the big jump in curriculum from third to fourth. We will be putting a great deal of emphasis on becoming a responsible student. This responsibility will include being responsible with our work at school and home, as well as behaving appropriately, being respectful and safe. The following information applies to the fourth grade in general, not just my classroom.
Homework Policy
My goal is for students to NOT have homework- however, sometimes that can be unavoidable. Work that was assigned in class and not finished should be taken home and completed. Most often students may have a few math problems because of the time it takes to complete. Additionally, having students read at home for approximately 20-30 minutes per night will help to build students stamina and increase reading fluency. Students will also be given silent reading time during the day, and be given the opportunity to take AR Tests as needed. What they read is up to them, as long as it is in their reading level. The goal is to get students reading. The more they enjoy what they are reading, the more they will read, and the more they read, the better at it they'll become. Daily homework is due the day after it is assigned (unless otherwise specified).
Students absent due to illness will be given the necessary time to make up missed assignments. All work must have the student's name, teacher, and the date.
Students are given several restroom breaks throughout the day. Students should not seek permission to leave during instruction, but wait until work time- unless there is an emergency. Students should remember that classes start promptly, and should be ready for the day (pencils sharpened, work turned in, and taken a restroom break) before the bell rings.
Absences:
If you know your child will be absent in advance, please follow the school policy posted in the handbook. I will try to get assignments gathered in advance. If your child is absent, due to sickness, please contact the office or leave voice mail requesting assignments.
Reading
We will be using our language arts curriculum from Scott Foresman. We will also be participating in the Accelerated Reading program. Students may also be required to do book talks or a written book report at various times throughout the year. Accelerated reading points are used to determine a portion of the reading grade, as are the A.R. test scores. Students are to check out 2 AR books a week that are within their reading level and test on them.
Vocabulary
Vocabulary Lists and Activities are assigned weekly. A vocabulary list will be sent home at the beginning of the week. The regular list will consist of 14 basic words. Some students may be given an adjusted list or assessment to meet their individual needs.
Science and Social Studies
Most of the units we cover in science and social studies will require students to take notes, keep a journal, or complete a study guide. A basic outline of notes or study guide will be provided by the teacher. It will be the students responsibility to follow along as the lesson is taught, and fill in necessary information with teacher suggestion. Students may also get lesson packets or study guides as the teacher feels necessary.
Math
Blissfield Community Schools have recently adopted the My Math Curriculum series. Students are not issued a book, but will be given a small packet each day that covers the required material. Students will generally have time to complete most of the math assignment in class each day, but may need to take it home to finish. Students that struggle with fact recall should be practicing facts at home to ensure mastery. To receive credit, your child should included their name at the top of the paper, otherwise the grade for the assignment will be a zero. All work should be shown on the paper. We never use calculators for daily math.