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Ms. Wilkinson |
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Classroom OverviewIf you have any questions or concerns or if you would like to visit our classroom, schedule a conference, or volunteer to help out, please let me know. I encourage parents to be hands-on and participate in our classroom and your child's learning. I am looking forward to the best year ever! Contact Information
I am available during school hours Monday - Friday 7:30 am to 3:30 pm. I will return all messages within 24 hours. Stephanie Wilkinson, M.Ed 4th Grade Teacher Sarah Smith Elementary
Email: stwilkinson@atlanta.k12.ga.us Class Website
http://teacherweb.com/ga/sarahsmith/wilkinson Please check our website for weekly updates and daily homework. Classroom Overview Curriculum and Instruction The Georgia Department of Education and Atlanta Public School System set the academic program forth. The International Baccalaureate model guides classroom instruction. In addition, instruction is differentiated among all learners. The International Baccalaureate (IB) offers high quality programs of international education to a worldwide community of schools. Our three programs for students aged 3 to 19 help develop the intellectual, personal, emotional and social skills to live, learn and work in a rapidly globalizing world. There are more than 554,000 IB students at 2,097 schools in 125 countries. For more information please visit the following websites: www.ibo.org Language Arts Writing Students will be writing across the curriculum using the writing workshop model. The writing workshop utilizes all stages of the writing process prewriting, draft, revision and production. Students will be writing in various modes including narrative, informational, persuasive and literature response. Grammar, Usage and Mechanics is taught and reinforced through writing; Daily Oral Language exercises (DOL) and mini lessons using the Mountain Language program. Every other week, students will complete daily DOL practice Monday through Thursday with a quiz on Friday. DOL includes grammar, usage, mechanics, analogies, geography, science and logic practice. Spelling and Vocabulary Development Spelling patterns and strategies are taught and reinforced using the McGraw-Hill Spelling series. Spelling pretests are given on Mondays. Homework should be completed each night Monday through Thursday. Unit posttests are given every Friday. In addition, vocabulary is pulled from the content area and various literature selections. Handwriting All assignments will be required to be completed in cursive. Book Projects Two book projects will be assigned this year.
Social Studies and Science concepts are taught using a variety of resources and instructional techniques. Fourth grade IB Units include: Ecosystems, Exploration Investigation, Location Location Location, Express Yourself, Astronomy and Easy Way Out. Mathematics Everyday Mathematics is a research-based series used to develop mathematical reasoning using a variety of activities such as problem solving, manipulatives, daily life situations and games. These activities require students to think critically and use a variety of strategies and computation skills. Computation will be reinforced by a variety of supplemental games and assignments. Technology Technology will be integrated across the curriculum where appropriate. Journals
Students will keep journals to compose creative writing pieces and record their reflections concerning school and their learning. The goal, and hope, of this activity is to encourage students to think more deeply about their learning and role as a student. Daily Independent
All students are required to keep a book for independent reading in their desk. Homework
Homework may include studying for spelling, DOL, math study links and reading activities. In addition, 20 minutes of independent reading is recommended each night. Homework will not be given for the sake of having homework. It is given in order to reinforce the skills and concepts being taught in school. Projects assist in reinforcing your child¡¯s ability to manage their time. I encourage you to use homework and projects to strengthen your child¡¯s independence and ownership of their learning. In the case that a student is unclear about homework expectations, homework is posted daily on the class website. Parents should initial agendas for the first quarter of school. You will find your child's agenda, assignments and PTA information in your child's binder. Incomplete homework will be reflected on the Bi-Weekly Progress Report sent home in the Friday Folder every other week. Private Tutors I will assist a private tutor in helping support your child's academic needs. In addition, you might purchase the Spectrum Grade 4 CRCT test preparation workbook. This workbook outlines fourth grade instructional standards in all academic areas. Monthly Newsletter
I will highlight upcoming units of study and important dates in a monthly newsletter. The newsletter will be posted on the website and sent home in the Friday Folder.
Parent Teacher Conferences
We will discuss various beginning of year assessments and goals for your child. If you have concerns prior to the scheduled conference, please let me know. School and PTA information will be sent home on Wednesday. Please check your child's binder for important information.
Friday Folder
Your child's take home folder will go home every other Friday. The folder will include student work and a Bi-Weekly Progress Report. This report serves as a communication tool of your child's progress, performance, and behavior in class. Please read, sign, and return the report and folder to school on Monday. Teacher comments will be included when necessary.
Assessment
A variety of assessment techniques will be used to assess your child's learning. Formative assessment is interwoven with daily learning and assesses what the students already know in order to plan the next stage of inquiry. Summative assessment occurs at the end of the teaching and learning process and provides students with opportunities to demonstrate what they have learned. Student portfolios will reflect your child's learning in the form of authentic work examples. Grading Report cards are distributed quarterly. In addition, you will receive a mid-quarter report. Grades are based on the following: 30% tests 20% quizzes 30% performance assessments: projects 20% effort in learning: class assignments, homework and participation Attendance and Tardiness
Attendance is very important to your child's success in school. Illnesses will always occur and I will make every effort to help your child understand the concepts he or she missed. Students arriving after 8:00 am must obtain a tardy pass from the office. Classroom Management and Essential Agreements
My goal is to create a classroom where the very best learning can take place. A common vocabulary and understanding is important to creating a learning environment. I will refer to the IB attitudes in the development of positive attitudes towards people, classroom environment and learning. These attitudes will be fostered in an implicit way. We will be addressing these during classroom discussions about how these can help our classroom work more efficiently. In addition, we have created our classroom Essential Agreements to guide our learning environment. You might use the following vocabulary at home to reinforce attitudes we are fostering in school Appreciation
Commitment
Confidence
Cooperation
Creativity
Curiosity
Empathy
Enthusiasm
Integrity
Respect
Tolerance
Organization and Neatness will be required in our classroom. Students will be required to keep a neat and organized desk and classroom at all times. Assignments should be completed in pencil with student name and number. To foster responsibility, your child should come to school prepared. Three ring binders are used to help your child develop organizational skills.
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