General Curriculum
I teach using the “workshop” format. The workshop format consists of teaching students a mini-lesson together on the rug (~ 15 minutes), independent work time for students to experiment/investigate what was taught (times vary depending on the subject area), and a debrief/share time back on the rug (~ 5 minutes).
Reading
Students are not really reading unless they truly understand the words they are reading. That said, all students need to be reading books that are "just-right" for them-- books that are most appropriate for their own reading level and which will help them grow as readers. I expect students to read everyday at home, and students will have silent reading time in class most days. Therefore, students' books should be brought back and forth between school and home each day to promote continuity in reading. To support their reading growth, students will be asked to do reading responses in their notebook, jot thoughts on post-its, and share ideas with classmates and with me. Often times, I will use Read Aloud to model the reading strategies that I expect students to be doing in their independent reading.
Writing
Becoming a better writer comes from repeated practice with a variety of genres. Fourth graders will learn to write personal narratives, responses to literature, informational reports, and summaries. Writing units will follow the writing processs of gathering ideas, choosing an idea, nurturing a seed idea, drafting, revising, editing, and publishing. Third grders will learn to write a paragrph on a particular topic including supporting details and a concluding sentence. They will write narratives, personal and formal letters including thank you notes and invitations, as well as write descriptions.
Word Work
Word work includes spelling, vocabulary, and handwriting. Students will be responsible for practicing a list of ninety commonly misspelled words, and spelling those words correctly in their work. We will also be looking at how prefixes and suffixes can affect the meaning of a root word. Weekly spelling/vocabulary tests will include these words and words that I see students misspell in their work. Vocabulary words will be introduced through a vocabulary packet, as well as through science and social studies content. Third grade students will learn cursive handwriting and will be given a packet to work on throughout the year.
Math
We will be using the Houghton Mifflin California Math book. Topics for both 3rd and 4th grades include Number Sense (place value, comparing numbers, adding/subtracting simple decimals, multiplication/division of multidigit numbers), Algebra and Functions (interpret variables, simplify expressions, manipulate equations), Measurement and Geometry (perimeter, area, coordinate grids, geometric objects), Statistics (data analysis, probability), and Mathematical Reasoning (problem solving, generalizing to other situations). Each grade level will receive it's own content. Each grade level will learn grade appropriate skills. Each grade level will be taught the State Core Content Curriculum appropriate for their grade level.
Daily homework is assigned and is a review of class lessons. We will do a lot of sharing and talking about math this year, through activities such as number talks and Problem of the Month.
Please do not teach your children "tricks" for how to do math problems. Our goal as upper grade teachers is to teach the students the "why" of the problem, so that they can explain their thinking. Often when children are taught "tricks" or "shortcuts" they can show you how to solve a problem, but they cannot explain HOW to solve it, or why they used that particular strategy to problem solve. One of the most important things I teach them is how to explain their mathematical thinking. Feel free to review concepts already taught, but please do not introduce any concepts that have not been covered in class.
Fourth Grade Sciencece (taught by Mrs. Higgins)
Science is based on the California State standards and utilizes hands-on kits in the FOSS program. This year's topics are Environments (Life Science), Solid Earth (Earth Science), and Electricity & Magnetism (Physical Science). Each topic has several investigations that uses many hands-on materials, and is accompanied by readings, written responses, and home/school connection activities. Students will learn much more by participating in class and writing thoughtful notes than by reading the textbook. Students are encouraged to do an enrichment project on any unit topic to extend their learning.
Third Grade Science (taught by Mrs. Pearson & Mrs. Nucci)
Our kit-based science curriculum promotes the goals of science literacy by providing the tools necessary for students to engage in an activity-based, intellectually challenging program. Students learn the processes and techniques of science by doing them. The adopted science kits offer a balanced science curriculum with meaningful integrations with math, literacy, and technology. Units of study include:
- Physical
- Physics of Sound Earth
- Water Life
- Structures of Life
- Creek Studies (supplementary) Health
- Here's Looking at You 2000 – (drug education and prevention)
Social Studies
Students in grade four study California history, using Scott Foresman's History-Social Science: Our California text. This year's topics will include: map skills, California geography, Native American tribes of California, explorers, missions and ranchos, gold rush and westward movement, Asian immigration, and modern California. Simulation games, group activities, and individual projects will be assigned to promote problem solving, critical thinking, and cooperative learning skills.
Students in grade three learn more about our connections to the past and the ways in which particularly local, but also regional and national, government and traditions have developed and left their marks on current society, providing common memories. Emphasis is on the physical and cultural landscape of California, including the study of Native Americans, the subsequent arrival of immigrants, and the impact they have had in forming the character of our contemporary society.
P.E./Music/Art
P.E. is Monday and Tuesday from 11:05-11:50 Students should remember to wear appropriate clothes and shoes on these days. Music is taught by Melanie Zhao on Thursday afternoons. Spectra Art is taught by parent volunteers every other Friday.