Class Syllabus
Mrs. Jackson, Fourth Grade
Subjects:
Reading – We will use several different resources for reading. The
Comprehension Toolkit, Interactive Read-Aloud, contemporary and classic
novels, and a basal reader will be rotated and correlated throughout the
school year. The students will participate in book clubs, literature
circles, small groups, and guided reading instruction. Upon completion of
many novels and books, the students will complete various graphic organizers
and comprehension tests and activities. Vocabulary terms will be pulled
from books and articles read in class as well as other sources.
English/Writing – We will use the English textbook to learn grammar and the
basics of English. We will also use writing prompts and learn to write in
the narrative, descriptive, and expository forms. Students will work on
their handwriting skills during this time. Teacher-selected writing
materials will be utilized during this time as well.
Spelling – We will use an Evan-Moore 4th grade Spelling workbook for
spelling. The weekly words will usually follow phonetic patterns or have
some other commonality such as “compound words” or “synonym pairs.”
Math – We will use the math textbook, AMSTI math books and hands-on
activities, and other teacher-selected material for math. We will build on
the basic concepts mastered in 2nd and 3rd grades and continue to work on
number concepts as well as addition, subtraction, multiplication, and
division facts.
Science – We will use the AMSTI Science units for 4th grade for Science.
These units consist of Electricity, Sound, Motion and Design, and Animals.
We may also use the Science textbook to supplement during the year.
Alabama History – We will use the Alabama History textbook for Alabama
History. We will learn a variety of interesting things about our state. We
will learn about Alabama Indians, Early Explorers, Slave Times, The Civil
War, and The Civil Rights Movement.
Conduct - Students will be expected to follow the posted class rules and the
East Elementary Code of Conduct at all times. For further information, see
those documents.
*For more detailed lists of specific skills to be taught in each subject,
see the Fourth Grade Curriculum Guide sent home at the beginning of the
school year.
Mrs. Jackson’s Grading System
The following grades will be averaged to derive your child’s averages in
each subject.
Reading: AR Goal met (3 points per week)
Reading Log
Book tests (teacher-made and computer)
Vocabulary Tests
Skills Tests (teacher-made and computer)
Projects/Presentations/Reports/Group Work
Spelling: Weekly assigned pages
Weekly tests
Math: Chapter Tests
Timed Fact Tests (add, subtract, multiply, divide)
Vocabulary Tests
Weekly skill review tests (DROPS)
English: Chapter Tests
Weekly skill review tests (DLR)
Writing Samples/Journal
Projects/Presentations/Reports
Science: Content Tests (Teacher-made and AMSTI)
Class work/Participation/Group Work
Projects/Reports/Presentations
History: Chapter Tests (Teacher-made and Book tests)
Class work/Participation/Group Work
Projects/Reports/Presentations
Conduct: See classroom rules and consequences
Most tests given will have study guides. If a study guide is not given,
study class notes, textbooks, and/or worksheets that contain tested
information.
***Homework Policy: All subjects: Homework is any incomplete class work and
study for upcoming tests.
Reading: 1) Read 30 min. nightly 2) complete reading logs and turn in on
Tuesday. Math: Assigned workbook or textbook page.
I do not advocate excessive amounts of homework. Students should be able to
complete all homework within one hour each night. If you have an emergency
and cannot complete an assignment, please write a short note or send an
email and I will be glad to give an extension date for homework to be turned
in.
(*These are subject to change if the need arises.)
