Our 2014-2015 Learning Adventure
Reading- Students will have a 90 minute block Reading Adventure, using our Journeys Reading series aligned to the new Florida State Standards. As we read, students will learn and practice essential reading skills such as : Fluency, Vocabulary, Main Idea, Supporting Details, Compare & Contrast, Chronological Order, Text Features, Text Structure, Descriptive & Idiomatic Language, Theme, Author's Purpose & Perspective, and Cause & Effect. Students will also be reading a variety of literature to further enhance their reading skills and reading ability within a small group, one-on-one with teacher, or independently. This year I will be implementing Daily 5. The Daily Five is a way of structuring the reading block so every student is independently engaged in meaningful literacy tasks. These research based tasks are ones that will have the biggest impact on student reading and writing achievement, as well as help foster children who love to read and write. Students receive explicit whole group instruction and then are given independent practice time to read and write independently while I provide focused, intense instruction to individuals and small groups of students.
When it is up and running smoothly, students will be engaged in the Daily Five, which are comprised of:
More information will be sent home the second week of school. Please look out for the Daily 5 letter.
Language Arts- This year students will learn how to apply the six traits of writing to write a persuasive essay. Students will explore how to dissect a writing prompt, brainstorm writing topics, and create a plan for writing. They will then make sure their writing is focused on the topic, is organized with a beginning, middle, and end, has ample support through elaboration of details, and follows proper conventions. We will also work on increasing their vocabulary and grammar skills. Students will take a grammar quiz every Wednesday (unless otherwise stated).
Math- In Math, students will be mastering their place value and multiplication skills at the beginning of Our Go Math series. Continuing with Fractions, Algebra, Decimals, Geometry, and Measurement. Students will also have the opportunity to work on a number of Math Projects, Problem Solving, and Enrichment Activities throughout the year.
Science - We will begin by reviewing the Scientific Method and Science Process Skills. They will apply this knowledge with ongoing science experiments and our annual Science Fair Project. In addition to our textbooks, we'll access educational science videos to further review science topics, conduct experiments online, and in class, to help us learn and understand new scientific concepts.
STEM- The acronym STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. This approach to education is designed to revolutionize the teaching of subject areas such as mathematics and science by incorporating technology and engineering into regular curriculum by creating a “meta-discipline". As a part of our classroom the STEM curriculum will attempt to transform the typical teacher-centered classroom by encouraging a curriculum that is driven by problem-solving, discovery, exploratory learning, and require students to actively engage a situation in order to find its solution. All students will benefit from the STEM curriculum because it teaches independent innovation and allows students to explore greater depths of all of the subjects by utilizing the skills learned; these skills are going to be required in order for today’s students to be tomorrow’s global leaders.
Social Studies- The 4th grade Social Studies curriculum focuses on helping students learn all about our state, Florida. Students will research, create, role-play, and apply many of these historic events to everyday learning.
When it is up and running smoothly, students will be engaged in the Daily Five, which are comprised of:
- Read to Self
- Work on Writing
- Read to Someone
- Listen to Reading
- Word Work
More information will be sent home the second week of school. Please look out for the Daily 5 letter.
Language Arts- This year students will learn how to apply the six traits of writing to write a persuasive essay. Students will explore how to dissect a writing prompt, brainstorm writing topics, and create a plan for writing. They will then make sure their writing is focused on the topic, is organized with a beginning, middle, and end, has ample support through elaboration of details, and follows proper conventions. We will also work on increasing their vocabulary and grammar skills. Students will take a grammar quiz every Wednesday (unless otherwise stated).
Math- In Math, students will be mastering their place value and multiplication skills at the beginning of Our Go Math series. Continuing with Fractions, Algebra, Decimals, Geometry, and Measurement. Students will also have the opportunity to work on a number of Math Projects, Problem Solving, and Enrichment Activities throughout the year.
Science - We will begin by reviewing the Scientific Method and Science Process Skills. They will apply this knowledge with ongoing science experiments and our annual Science Fair Project. In addition to our textbooks, we'll access educational science videos to further review science topics, conduct experiments online, and in class, to help us learn and understand new scientific concepts.
STEM- The acronym STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. This approach to education is designed to revolutionize the teaching of subject areas such as mathematics and science by incorporating technology and engineering into regular curriculum by creating a “meta-discipline". As a part of our classroom the STEM curriculum will attempt to transform the typical teacher-centered classroom by encouraging a curriculum that is driven by problem-solving, discovery, exploratory learning, and require students to actively engage a situation in order to find its solution. All students will benefit from the STEM curriculum because it teaches independent innovation and allows students to explore greater depths of all of the subjects by utilizing the skills learned; these skills are going to be required in order for today’s students to be tomorrow’s global leaders.
Social Studies- The 4th grade Social Studies curriculum focuses on helping students learn all about our state, Florida. Students will research, create, role-play, and apply many of these historic events to everyday learning.