Welcome to the Fourth

Grade Curriculum

Night

The Fourth Grade Team

• Mrs. Christian• Mr. Permenter• Mrs. Hrebenar• Mrs. Allen (Mrs. Johnson)

• Ms. Adkison• Mrs. Sonnier• Ms. Romero

English Language Arts

Spelling

Spelling lists concentrate on a spelling pattern. On Monday, they copy the list down in their planners (Please check your child’s spelling words to make sure they are spelled correctly). We play spelling games during the week, and the test is on Friday unless it is a short week. *The spelling menu in the D.O.T. folder are ideas you can use at home to study for spelling tests each week.

Word Study

For word study, we will work on learning spelling patterns, expanding vocabulary for use in both reading and writing, and improving usage (grammar) in writing.

Reading

In 4th grade, we teach reading by theme via independent study, genre studies and reader’s workshop. Some of the genres we’ll study this year are biography, realistic fiction, fantasy, historical fiction, poetry, and drama. We use mini-lessons to guide readers and to help them develop reading strategies. Our emphasis is on “reading to learn” as opposed to “learning to read.”

Writing

Fourth graders are assessed by the state on their writing skills. Students must be able to edit passages for errors in punctuation, grammar, and spelling. In addition, they are required to show mastery of writing skills by creating a one-page personal narrative essay and a one-page expository essay. These compositions must provide evidence of understanding of such basic writing skills as ideas, organization, appropriate word choice, voice, sentence fluency, conventions, and presentation. To practice their writing skills, students participate in many writing projects. Sometimes, they work on isolated skills, such as learning how to write compelling introductions. Other times, they practice the entire writing process, from pre-writing to publishing.

Math

Warm-Ups•Math 4 Today/Math Facts – test every Friday pertaining to

work done during the week.

•Everyday Counts, Target the Question

•Problem Solving by Randall Charles & Creative Publications

•Guided Math 3 times a week

TEKS Covered

•Place Value to Hundred Millions with decimals up to hundredths

•Double Digit Multiplication

•Long Division

•Fractions – Equivalent and reducing it to lowest form

•Geometry

•Measurement

•Problem Solving covered throughout the year.

Social Studies

•History: Texas Indians; European Explorers; Early Texas Settlers; Texas Missions; and the Texas Revolution.

•Geography: Interpreting a map, Describing distinct features of the different regions of Texas; understanding the migration of different groups of people over time in Texas.

•Economics: Understanding basic economic patterns of our society and that of the past; surplus, producer/consumer, and free enterprise.

•Government: Understanding how different groups of people organize their government in both early and present day Texas; citizenship and the democratic process.

Science

Scientific MethodPurpose, Hypothesis, Research, Experiment, Analysis, and Conclusion. We also cover scientific tools and safety.

Earth ScienceProperties of soil; natural Resources and conservation; the water cycle and weather patterns; the Earth, moon, and sun relationships; and changes to the Earth’s surface.

Physical ScienceForms of energy; physical properties of matter and mixtures/solutions; forces and motion

Life ScienceCharacteristics of animals and their adaptations; ecosystems

Things to Remember

• Planner filled in on Mondays: You must sign your child’s planner.

• Important papers go home throughout the week. Please sign the chart to acknowledge that you have received the papers in your child’s folder each week.

• E-mail – BEST way to communicate.• Change in dismissal—must e-mail or call front office or

bring in note at the beginning of the school day.• Dress code- No spaghetti straps or shorts shorter than

fingertips on legs.• Rainy Day Dismissal: You must give written permission if

you allow your child to walk or bike home when it is raining, lightning, or thundering. If you do not give written permission, your child will be sent to the car rider line.

• LATE WORK POLICIES CAN BE FOUND ONLINE IN THE WSE STUDENT HANDBOOK.

• Absences: You have two days to submit an excuse for your child’s absence (via e-mail or handwritten note).

• Volunteering: On the FBISD website, you must fill out a criminal background check in order to volunteer or chaperone field trips.

• Field Trip on October 16 to George Ranch.• Please try to schedule doctor/dentist

appointments for after school whenever possible!

• STAAR Testing Dates - Writing – April 1 and 2, 2014: TWO DAYS Math - April 22, 2014 Reading - April 23, 2014• Choir starts TBA per Mrs. Martin

Safe and Secure Schools

• You must sign in at the front desk to receive a sticker that identifies the area in which you are authorized to visit or volunteer.

• Please sign out when you leave.

If you would like more information on the fourth grade curriculum, you can access it at the Texas Education Agency’s website or on the FBISD website www.fortbendisd.com.