The Sign of the Beaver
We are beginning our 2nd class novel, The Sign of the Beaver.
The year is 1768, and the story takes place in what will eventually become the state of Maine. It tells the story of a twelve-year-old boy who is left alone in the wilderness while his father leaves to bring back the rest of his family. He must use skills he learns from the Indians who live nearby in order to survive. When he meets a young Indian boy about his own age, they grow together into manhood. In the process, both the parallels and differences between the two cultures are examined.
Accelerated Reader (AR)
As part of our Reading program, we will be using the AR program. After thorough testing, students have been given an approximate reading range from which to choose books. This range estimates the level (grade.month) of reading
material that will ensure reading success. Testing will be done 3 times a year in order to track
progress and adjust level as needed.
The AR program is designed to
challenge your child at his/her reading level. The book cart located in the
hallway outside my classroom houses the AR books. Your child will choose a book within his/her reading
range. After reading the book,
your child will take a quiz on the computer. A passing grade of 70% is required. Please note that the books are “checked
out” and are not free for the taking!
J
The database on our AR system is
much larger than the number of books on our cart. Therefore, feel free to look for titles at the Peter White
Library. A list of titles at or near your child's reading level will be sent home for your convenience. Use the “book level” column to
determine appropriate book choices.
If you have any questions or
concerns, please feel free to contact me.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tales_of_a_Fourth_Grade_Nothing
We are starting
our first class novel, Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing by Judy Blume. In
the story, Peter feels a constant sense of DOOM when his little brother, Fudge
is around. Students with siblings
will enjoy comparing their life with Peter’s. Students without brothers and sisters will find humor in the
relationship between two brothers.
The book is a fun story that had me laughing the whole way through. J
Generally, we will
read a chapter as a whole group.
Then a second chapter will be started in small groups - to be finished for homework. Comprehension questions, writing
responses and vocabulary work will accompany the novel. Usually Reading homework will be given
2 days for completion. Please take
care of the novels – they are brand new.
The focus of Reading instruction in 4th grade shifts from "learning to read" to "reading to learn". Independent reading in our Literacy Cafe will guide students to think about themselves as readers. Comprehension, Accuracy, Fluency and Extending Vocabulary will be the focus of reading instruction.
We will be reading 5 novels during the year in a workshop style setting. This allows students to read and work at their own level. Reading journals will be a main focus of our work allowing
students to use and apply comprehension strategies as they read. The Accelerated Reader program will also be used to challenge students at their individual reading levels.
Writing will be taught using the 6 + 1 Traits of Writing method. This approach gives students a common language for understanding important aspects of any type of writing. My goal is for every
student to have several published pieces by the end of the year. To be successful in life, students must be able to communicate well in our written language. Therefore, students will also be held accountable in Math, Science, Social Studies, and Religion for complete sentences and well-written paragraphs and papers.