Academic Subject Information and Weekly Updates

This week we will be working of the following topics.

Grammar/Writing

Language Arts

Language Arts grades will be taken from direct instruction in grammar and writing. We use Mystery Writing and various resources to teach grammar in application rather than a stand-alone approach.

Math

Math is still pretty straight forward. I typically do whole group instruction for math and then chunk independent work so that I make sure that students understand the concept before moving on to graded work. For each math lesson there is an Additional Practice page. If students complete the page in class they will bring it home to be checked and signed. If it isn't yet complete feel free to give your child as much help as they need to complete it correctly and be sure to sign it. I do grade these pages and take an average homework grade for the unit. Tests will be when we finish a unit. Some units are longer than others. I will have the students do a small quiz each week to assess their understanding on the week's material. These will typically be on Friday and won't be much more than 8-10 questions.

Science

Most of our science curriculum is from a program called Mystery Science. The kids love it, and it is very interactive. We are thrilled to have this fantastic resource. I alternate between science and social studies throughout the quarter so we'll either be doing one or the other.

Social Studies

Our social studies content is from the myWorld Interactive textbook. Our focus in 4th grade is Indiana geography and history. We will celebrate Dec. 11, Indiana's birthday, in style so that is something to look forward to. The chapters are long, so I typically do open book quizzes after each lesson (which may take 2-3 days). I encourage my students to use their resources because I know I don't miss a day without having to look up something on the internet.

This is a big one! I'm sure you've heard something about The Science of Reading and the initiatives that the state of Indiana has taken to implement this in schools. We are embracing this initiative in the Sunman-Dearborn Community Schools and have a 90-minute uninterrupted reading block at each grade level. Each part is briefly explained below.

Morphology-

Grammarly.com defines morphology as the study of how parts of words, called morphemes, create different meanings by combining with each other or standing alone. We are following the 95 Phonics Core Program by the 95% group. This program covers the 5 pillars of the Science of Reading which are: phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension.

Vocabulary-

This is just what it sounds like. We will be using Flocabulary and many other resources to study content specific vocabulary to help support math, science, and social studies as well as reading comprehension.

Fluency-

Google defines fluency as the ability to read with accuracy, speed, and expression, and to understand what you're reading. Fluent readers can read smoothly and easily, without having to sound out each letter/syllable or spend a lot of effort on the mechanics of reading.

Reading Comprehension-

This year, we are using picture books, novels, and the program called Read to Write to support our reading curriculum. We will use this program to teach and assess the students' comprehension.

Language Arts-

Also included in the Read to Write program is support for our Language Arts curriculum. Along with our Mystery Writing Curriculum, we will be teaching grammar and writing through the use of the same picture books, and novels as used for reading comprehension.

Grades for Reading & Literature will come from the 95% Word Study program and the Read to Write program.

Grades for Language Arts will come from various resources including Read to Write and Mystery Writing.

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