|
FOURTH GRADE TEACHERS
Classroom Ms. Wehrlie
Instructional Aide Mrs. Ainsworth
Music Mrs. Davis
Art Mrs. Johnston
Spanish IES Language
P.E. Rhythm and Moves
2008-2009 CURRICULUM
Manners, citizenship skills, and Christian behavior will be modeled, reinforced and expected to be shown daily.
All fourth grade students are expected to write in cursive.
RELIGION
Silver Burdett Ginn text entitled, Blest Are We (level 4), as well as The Good News Bible will be used with numerous supplementary materials to explore:
• Awareness of God’s presence in our lives
• Gifts of God’s love
• Study of morality
• Various forms of prayer such as meditative, group, and community
• Celebration and participation in the Mass and the Holy Eucharist
• Seasonal periods (e.g. Advent, Lent, Holy Days, etc.)
• Reconciliation
• Beatitudes
• Contributions to the larger community: Community outreach projects will vary
• Building of one faith community, beginning with our class and expanding to our school, nation and world
LANGUAGE ARTS
SPELLING
Houghton Mifflin text entitled, Spelling and Vocabulary, will be used with continued emphasis on phonological awareness and development.
• words most commonly misspelled will be taught
• using the dictionary and the thesaurus as resources for spelling and grammatical
enhancement
In general, vocabulary will be a large part of our Language Arts program. New words will be acquired from not only the weekly spelling lists, but from
Literature, History, Science and Religion curricula as well. Students will define words and be encouraged to put them to use in writing and on spelling tests.
READING
Within our reading program we will utilize five main strategies to improve comprehension and reading fluency: echo, choral, modeled, repeated reading and
repeated listening. All of these strategies will aid in the growth and development of your child’s skills and foster a love for reading. We will be using several
great Children’s Literature books throughout the course of the year, as well as a few short stories and comprehension worksheets selected to complement
other areas of the curriculum. Numerous book reports will be expected throughout the year.
Weekend reading will be required most all weekends throughout the school year. Reading logs will be sent home each Friday and are to be signed by a
parent each weekend. All activities in the fourth grade reading program are designed to encourage the love of reading, strengthen comprehension, critical
thinking and deductive reasoning. Each child is to have at least one free reading book in his/her desk at all times throughout the year.
ENGLISH
Silver Burdett Ginn text and workbook entitled text entitled, World of Language, will be used in
conjunction with Daily Oral Language. This text will provide a basis for continued exploration within the English language. Many skills practiced here will
be reinforced within general work and writing activities.
Daily Oral Language program(morning warm-up activity) and the Writing process will strengthen grammar and usage skills. Student writing will be the
main indicator as to which of the areas are in need of extensive attention.
The following skills are those which will be closely monitored and taught:
• parts of speech • grammar
• punctuation and capitalization • sentence structure
• oral presentations and speech • use of resource materials
MATH
Scott Foresman-Addison Wesley text entitled, Math 4 will be used along with numerous supplementary materials. Long division is to be mastered in 4th
Grade. Drills of multiplication and division facts will be given in order to strengthen memory and reinforce concepts.
The math strands include:
• problem solving strategies • word problems
• measurement • numbers (place value, rounding off, estimation)
• patterns and functions • basic geometric concepts
• statistics and probability • logic, reasoning, and critical thinking
• time • fractions
Daily Oral Math program will be utilized, (morning warm-up activity).
SCIENCE
Houghton Mifflin text entitled, Discovery Works: California Edition will be used along with
supplementary materials. Units of study will focus upon the Earth’s Land, Populations & Ecosystems, Rocks and Minerals, the Earth’s Structure, and
Nutrition. Studies allow for exploration and discovery of the delicate balance of the basic scientific principles that govern our world. In the environmental
science component program we will take an in depth look at those individuals who contribute to the preservation of California’s environment, with greater
emphasis on the naturalist John Muir. Fourth grade is in charge of the (non-paper) recycling.
HISTORY/SOCIAL STUDIES
Houghton Mifflin text entitled, Oh, California, will be used along with numerous supplementary materials to focus upon California: A Changing State.
• The Physical Setting
• Native American Cultures
• Explorers, soldiers, missionaries
• Missions, Ranchos
• Gold Rush, Statehood, Westward Movement
• Events of history and lifestyles during the 1800’s
• Agriculture
• Modern California
• Immigration, Technology and Multicultural Awareness
California Missions and Immigration, will be explored in depth. Reports and projects will be explained in detail at a later date.
LIBRARY, COMPUTERS, AND INTERNET USAGE
The class library and the school library will be used for book check outs. Research and library skills will be incorporated into this time. We will rotate into
the computer center at this time. In the computer center students will work on iMac computers learning basic operations, begin to type documents, and
internet use.*
I have visited all internet sites that I use in the lessons and have found them to be appropriate for children. Students are never left unattended while on the
internet.
*Any web site I may suggest to the students throughout the course of the year I have found to be “student safe.” Also, I stress the importance of using the
internet with a parent each time I suggest a new site so that you are aware of your child’s activities on the web.
I will not require nor allow any research for reports to be done via the web or electronic encyclopedias. At this age it is important that students develop
library research skills.
Please see the “Internet Safety” page on my website for helpful tips on keeping your family safe on the internet.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Cheating or Conversations During Quizzes or Tests:
Students who are talking or cheating will (both) be given a ZERO ("F") grade on the paper and require a parent signature.
THERE WILL BE NO MAKE UP OF THE QUIZ OR TEST.
Birthdays:
PLEASE DO NOT SEND ANY TREATS WITH PEANUTS, OR NUT PRODUCTS.
If you would like to send a treat in celebration of your child’s birthday you may.
Please limit the celebration to one snack only , (i.e. a piece of fruit, fruit roll-up; no drink).
If at all possible please send goodies all one flavor. Party bags or party favors of any sort will NOT be handed out at school, but returned home.
John Muir Environmental Learning Program (ELP):
We may be returning to the John Muir National Historic Site in Martinez for an Environmental learning program. Participation in this program is selected on a
lottery. If we are selected we need all parents to be involved in some aspect of this program to make it a success for our children. Two or three months
before our ELP there will be a mandatory parent meeting. One parent must attend in order for your child to participate in both field trips. Details on this
meeting will be sent home in ample time so that you may attend this meeting.
Student behavior prior to and during the ELP is expected to reflect the norms of our school.
Field Trips:
Fourth graders and their teacher love field trips!!! We usually have many trips each year, depending upon which programs out there will best enhance our
curriculum. I invite you all to try to attend one throughout the year if you are able.
Please know that in 4th grade there may be a limit of parents who will may attending some trips. Often times the field trip site has limits, and I must
comply. “Rain Check” coupons will be issued as needed, for future trips.
Parents accompanying our class on trips are asked to turn off cell phones, refrain from smoking, and be attentive to our students at all times (chaperone
guidelines on next page).
Contacting your teachers:
1. School: 685-8700 leave a message for Ms. Wehrlie or Mrs. Ainsworth
2. e-mail: msw4@sbcglobal.net
3. Note with your child
4. Website: http://TeacherWeb.com/CA/QueenofAllSaintsSchool/MsWehrlie
Mrs. Ainsworth and I will do our best to personally respond within 48 hours either with a note home or a phone call, or e-mail when appropriate.
A GUIDE FOR CHAPERONES
Here are a few reminders for chaperones. I imaging that these are review and common sense, but it never hurts to read them again.
• Chaperones are expected to be on time for the trip. We leave without you if you are late.
• Chaperones are expected to watch the children at all times, and model proper behavior.
• Chaperones are expected not to use cell phones, other electronic devices, cigarettes, or other distractions. If they are used you will be asked to put them
away. You may have your cell phones, however, they are to be used for emergencies. This is a time to be with your child and their friends, therefore
distractions should be left at home.
• Chaperones are expected not to bring siblings on trips, as our school insurance does not cover them. The ONLY exception may be the trip to the zoo.
• Chaperones are expected to drive to and from the destination only. There are to be no side trips anywhere.
• Chaperones are expected not to buy things for their child or child’s group. This puts the teacher and other parents in an awkward position.
NOTE: Our trips usually do not allow time to visit gift shops.
• Chaperones are expected to bring their own lunch and a bag/backpack to help carry their group’s lunches. |
