Reading and Writing:

I will be using the workshop model. Students learn during a mini-lesson and then practice skills independently while I work with small groups and have conferences with students about their reading and writing goals. Small groups will be utilized almost every day in the classroom to ensure that students are practicing the skills they need to become a proficient reader (in the form of comprehension, accuracy, extended vocabulary, and fluency).

Math: We will be using the Bridges Mathematics program. Math will take place in both whole group, small groups, and using stations and centers. Mrs. Reardon will also be joining us this year as a co teacher in math.

Word Study: This year we will be working with Words Their Way. We will work in small differentiated groups and students will learn about patterns within words to make them stronger spellers and create a rich vocabulary. Spelling in our classroom will be referred to as word study. We will also work on vocabulary skills through vocabulary workshop where we will work on dictionary skills and using context clues to expand our vocabulary.

Social Studies: We will cover a variety of topics this year with a main focus on geography, economics, Vermont history, and citizenship. We will use project based learning this year in social studies.

• Regions unit
• vermont history unit
• laws and government unit

Science: We will do 3-4 big science units this year in 4th grade . The units tentatively will be on extreme weather, energy transfer and waves, earth’s place in the solar system, and animals from molecule to organism.. We will also have our exciting Four Winds program and use project based learning for many of our science units!

Contact Information

It is our job to work together to support your child through the learning process. If you have any questions, concerns, or logistics to work out please feel free to contact me. I will do my best to reply within 24 hours! A weekly newsletter with upcoming events, notes, reminders, and what we have been learning will also be sent home via email every Thursday or Friday. If you prefer a hard copy of the weekly newsletter please let me know.

Email: courtney.elliott@rcsu.org