Welcome to 4th Grade

2012-2013 School Year

Mrs. Farah Hauser Room 25 Email: hausersclass@gmail.com Mrs. Patricia Dant Room 19 Email: pdant@lausd.net

Website: http://www.mrshausersclass.blogspot.com

Website: http://www.mrsdantsclass.weebly.com

Contacting the Teacher

Parent/Teacher communication is absolutely vital to the success of each student. Please keep in mind, however, that from 8:00a.m. to 2:30p.m., my time is reserved only for my students. Please do not enter the classroom in order to ask a quick question. Also, please wait until I have dismissed the students if you would like to enter the classroom after school. Thank you for your cooperation.

Email Correspondence
Emails are the preferred method of communication between teacher and parent. I do my best to respond to emails by the end of each day. I will definitely respond within 24 hours. If your child has an urgent homework question, try contacting a classmate first or looking at the class website. Email me if your child is sick and wont be attending school, you would like to schedule a conference, you want information about something, or want a quick response to a quick question.

Phone Conversations
School Phone: 818.348.1975. Fax: 818.704.8726 I do not give out personal numbers and I try to avoid calling a parent on my cell phone. However, if I happen to call you from home or my cell phone, please do not call me back on that number. Teachers are not provided with cell phones at work.

Written Notes
Please send a note if your child was absent on a previous school day. We need written notification of your childs absence in the office. Parents can send a note to class with their child if they have a quick question and I will send the note back the same day. Please note that while you may have a quick question for me, my response might be more detailed and lengthy. In this case, I will ask you to come in to the classroom for a conference.

Conferences
Conferences are vital to student success! We will meet during the first reporting period (November) to discuss your childs academic progress. Additionally, I am available to meet with parents on most days before and after school and with advance notice, we can make an appointment that is convenient for both of us.

Our Daily Schedule

8:01-8:15 8:15-9:50

Morning Warm Up and Class Business English Language Arts Program Includes writing, spelling, vocabulary, grammar, reading and responding through comprehension skills and strategies, fluency, literary elements and analysis, research and study skills. Beginning in September, students will rotate in leveled groups that will focus on Reading Comprehension, Writing/Grammar, and Word Knowledge throughout the week. More information will be sent home in September. RECESS Mathematics Program Includes review of previous concepts, Math vocabulary, guided lesson, independent practice, differentiated activities and games LUNCH Science or Social Studies Rotation with Mrs. Hauser or Mrs. Dant (3-4 days per week) Music/Art/PE/Other Wrap Up: Clean Up, Homework, and Learning Logs

9:50-10:10 10:10-11:30

11:30-12:15 12:20-2:00 2:00-2:20 2:20-2:29

Special Activities
Other weekly activities include o Computer Class o Psychomotor o Music with Mr. Courtney o Library o Physical Education o Ballroom Dance

4th Grade Curriculum Overview

The Fourth Grade curriculum is based on the California State Standards in all of the academic areas listed below.

English/Language Arts
Program: California Treasures 2011 By McGraw-Hill Online: http://treasures.macmillanmh.com/california/families Big Ideas: Reading is a complex system of skills, strategies, knowledge, and activities. Reading includes the following Understanding how sounds are connected to print Ability to decode words Reading with fluency Appropriate background knowledge and vocabulary to assist in comprehension Ability to use comprehension strategies to gain meaning from reading materials Foundations of the Treasures Program Phonemic Awareness the ability to recognize that spoken words are made of discrete sounds Explicit, systematic instruction in phonics - teaching reading through sound symbol relations Fluency Comprehension Strategies and Skills see lists below Learning through themes Spelling, Word Knowledge, and Vocabulary Grammar, Usage, and Mechanics Literary Analysis Writing narrative, expository, and creative writing Research and Inquiry

Comprehension Strategies
Summarize Generate Questions Visualize Make, confirm, and revise Predictions Make Interferences Evaluate Monitor Comprehension Make Connections

Comprehension Skills
Authors Point of View Main Idea and details Cause and Effect Compare and Contrast Sequence Classify and Categorize Fact vs. Opinion Drawing Conclusions Authors Purpose

Fluency - the ability to read words with little attention to decoding, grouping words into
meaningful phrases, and reading with expression. By the end of 4th grade students should be able to read 125-145 words per minute.

IWT (Independent Work Time)

Students will work independently, in small groups, or in a directed lesson with the teacher on activities to reinforce and enrich lessons in class.

Mathematics
Program: Scott Foresman-Addision Wesley enVision Math California Edition Online: http://pearsonsuccess.net The Big Idea: Knowing how to use math in a variety of purposeful ways to solve problems Goal: Your child should be confident in their ability to do math, solve problems, and learn to communicate mathematically. Objectives:

Students will be proficient in understanding numbers and operations, such as place value to millions, whole numbers, multiples, factors, decimals, fractions, negative numbers, long division, multiplication, subtraction, and addition. Students apply basic computation skills to their real word problems, such as organizing data, graphing data, analyzing information, and drawing conclusions. Students use standard measurement units and tools to measure area, perimeter, time, and measurement. Students understand word problems and translate the questions into mathematical terms. Students will be able to explain the process and reasoning used to reach solutions, both orally and in writing.

 Social Studies
Program: Scott Foresman Our California The Big Idea: Emphasis on learning the uniqueness of Californias history, geography, and cultural diversity

Major Concepts and Ideas:

Physical and Geographic Regions of California Early Californians Native American tribal communities Spanish Explorers

California Mission System Ranch Life, Miners, Gold Rush, immigration, etc. Modern Day California Californias Government

Science
Program: California FOSS Full Option Science System

Units of Study:

Physical Science focus on properties of matter, electricity, and magnetism Life Science focus on living things, especially animal, fish, and plant communities Earth Science focus on the Earths natural resources, land features, rocks and minerals

The Arts integrated into the core curriculum

Visual Arts - We will study various styles, periods and genres of art through the works of famous artists. Students will participate in activities to develop the following concepts through drawing, painting, collage, crafts and sculpture. Ballroom Dance Program Unbelievable opportunity for students to learn how to dance and perform a variety of dance moves Music - Weekly classes and opportunities for students to try out for chorus and/or Welby Way Singers

Physical Education
Physical Fitness Sportsmanship Game Strategy

Health Education
Program: Health & Wellness, Macmillan/McGraw-Hill Themes:
Personal Health Nutrition Physical handicaps and abilities Use and misuse of substance

Computer Lab Students will attend brand new computer lab with specific curriculum in which students learn to use Microsoft Word for presentations, publishing and word processing, appropriate Internet research, Power Point, proper use of Pearsonsuccess.net, etc.

Special Events Students will be presented with the following enrichment activities:

Fieldtrips - incorporated into the Social Studies and Science standards and curriculum Interpretive Outreach Mission Life Outreach, Olivas Adobe, Gardens of the World, IBD Day, and Gold Rush Day

WHAT ARE THESE COMMON CORE STANDARDS?

Currently, each state has a separate set of education standards, lists of skills that students are expected to do by the time they graduate each grade. However, in response to concerns about American student achievement and just how prepared students are for college and careers, education leaders in 48 states, along with the National Governors Association and the Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO), have written a set of standards for student across the U.S. The common core state standards were released in 2010. Now, 44 states are working to implement them by 2013-2014. Heres what you should know and how to help your child prepare for the common core: The Common Core Standards are State-Driven

The common core state standards are a set of learning skills that all American students should achieve, not a federal curriculum. They set the benchmarks and guidelines for what each student should learn, not how or what teachers teach. Parent Tip: Find out if your state has adopted the common core at the common core standards http://www.cde.ca.gov/re/cc/

The Standards are a Progression

In general, standards set a progression of skills that students learn as they move through school. Kindergartners work on phonics and letter sounds, while eighth graders work on building vocabulary and reading fluency. Parent Tip: Look through the common core standards to get a feel for what your child will be learning as he moves through school. Read the English-language arts standards and the math standards at the common core web site.

Students will Delve Deeper into Core Concepts

One complaint about separate state standards was the concern from teachers that students were learning about too many topics in a year to fully understand them, says Carrie Phillip, CCSSO program director of common core standards implementation. The common core state standards, on the other hand, focus on the most important topics that students need to know. In math, that means that students focus on really understanding numbers in elementary school before they start to apply that understanding of numbers to data in middle school. Parent Tip: As your child completes homework, help them hone in on the most important aspects and core concepts.

The Reading Standards will Get More Difficult

As the common core is implemented, students will be expected to read more difficult text sooner, and discuss what they read at a more complex level. For example, instead of pulling out individual text elements, such as characters, plot, and setting, students will be reading or listening to various stories, and will compare stories using their understanding of text elements. Parent Tip: As you read with your child, ask her in-depth why and how questions that encourage her to analyze and synthesize texts. For example, read three different versions of the Goldilocks and the Three Bears and ask your child to compare and contrast them as you read. 7

Focus on Informational Text

To prepare students for college-level work, there will be more of a focus on informational and expository text. In middle school especially, students will be reading informational text, including original documents, from the Declaration of Independence to presidential speeches. Parent Tip: Encourage your child to research a topic hes interested in using informational texts and original documents.

Assessments Will Change

Compared to current achievement tests, common core assessments will likely be more difficult. Ideally, instead of multiple choice tests, students will be analyzing and synthesizing information, writing essay responses, and answering in-depth questions to show how much they understand. Parent Tip: Ask your child to explain or show how theyre solving problems. Then, have them think of multiple ways to solve a math problem, or answer a reading discussion question.

Focus on Practical Skills

The common core standards were designed with the workplace in mind. So, students will be working on taking the role of scientists, historians, researchers, and more. For example, says Bill McCallum, co-author of the standards and professor at the University of Arizona, the standards describe what a mathematical practitioner does, make sense of problems, preserver and solve them, and critique the reasoning of others. Parent Tip: As your child works through his homework, ask him how someone might use what hes working on in real life. Help connect thinking in school to thinking at work by explaining how you solve problems, or use math every day.

As the common core state standards start to be implemented in schools, there will be some changes, but many things will stay the same. The most important aspect, as always, is to stay in contact with your childs teacher to find out how you can support this latest educational advancement.

Classroom Policies
Attendance Policy
Students need to attend school on a daily basis. Chronic absenteeism directly impacts your childs performance in classroom activities and tests. Students do much better on tests and assignments when the whole class is given instruction and learn together in the appropriate setting. Therefore, please try to avoid scheduling doctor or dentist appointments during school hours.
Students who are absent are responsible for all work and homework that is missed, but will be given make-up time. For example, if your child misses one day, he/she will be given an additional day to complete the work. Your child will be given time to make up tests as well. If your child has an unexcused absence, no make-up work will be provided. You may contact me to make arrangements to pick up work for your child by calling the office before 10:00am. Please do not enter in the classroom during the day or after school and ask for work. This is extremely disruptive and doesnt give me enough time to prepare the work. Students can also check the website or call a friend for help. Students who are absent more than 10 times per school year will receive a notice from the State of Californias Board of Education regarding truancy.

Punctuality
Students are expected to be in line before the 2nd bell rings promptly at 8:01. Students who enter the classroom after we are in the classroom are considered tardy. Tardiness is disruptive to those who are punctual. Students who come to school late always state that it is not their fault, so please work with your child to ensure that there is no unnecessary tardiness. All tardies are noted on the report card and after 7 tardies, you will receive a notice from the state.

Monthly Curriculum Newsletter

On the first week of each month, starting in September, you will receive our Monthly Curriculum Newsletter that will include the topics and concepts we are covering that month. It will also include tests or project deadlines and important events. Please keep this newsletter handy for the entire month. It will give you an idea of what we are learning in class and can help you start conversations with your 4th grader about our curriculum.

Graded Work Envelope

At the end of each month, you will also receive a packet of some of your childs graded assignments, classwork, and tests in most subject areas. Once you have reviewed the packet with your child, please send it back to class in the provided envelope. There will be a place for you to sign the entire packet. You will be given a week to review the work. Thank you.

HOMEWORK FOLDER
Please check your childs Homework Folder at least 2-3 times per week, especially on Wednesday when you receive the BEE LINE from the school. I will use this folder to communicate with you. The folder contains a pocket for notices from the class or school and a pocket to return any papers as well. Feel free to use the folder to send any other papers or notes to class.

CLASSROOM VOLUNTEERS
All volunteers who work our classroom and attend fieldtrips MUST be cleared through the school office first. Parents must have TB test clearance and watch a video on school safety. When volunteering in the classroom, please DO NOT use cell phones, reprimand your child or other children, or take pictures.

Classroom Economy
The class economy system that I use introduces students to some basic economical concepts, as well as develops a sense of how money is earned and how it is to be spent. It also provides additional practice in decimal calculations. Students learn how to manage money appropriately. Students receive money for working and contributing to the classroom, turning in homework, following classroom rules and directions, and completing their daily job. All students will record their money in the balance sheet inside their checkbook and then decide how they want to spend it each week on Class Store!

Birthdays and Parties

Birthdays are an important part of a childs life and its always fun to share with this special day with classmates. However, we do not spend instructional time on birthday parties in fourth grade. If your child would like to celebrate his or her birthday at school, please following the rules listed below. Students whose birthdays are in summer may celebrate their half-birthday. Please note that bringing a treat is not a requirement! We will sing and honor each child no matter what! Please follow the guidelines below Bring a little snack or treat wrapped or cut in individual portions at home. Absolutely no full sized cakes, no knives, any candles or matches. Examples are donuts, cupcakes, cookies, snack packs, etc. Although kids love treats, feel free to bring a healthy snack, like fruits, cheese, veggies, etc. If you bring drinks, please bring juice boxes. You must also supply paper goods, like plates and napkins. We celebrate and share treats before the end of the school day around 2:15pm. Please send the treats before then and feel free to join us at that time. Please send in a note no later than the day before your childs birthday to let me know that you will be sending in food so I can work that into our schedule.

Birthday Party Invitations

If you wish to hand out invitations to your childs party, you may do so BEFORE or AFTER school and outside of the classroom. Passing out invitations in class hurts students who are not invited. Therefore, if you are inviting every child in our classroom, invitations may be distributed in class.

Classroom Economy
The class economy system that I use introduces students to some basic economical concepts, as well as develops a sense of how money is earned and how it is to be spent. It also provides additional practice in decimal calculations. Students learn how to manage money appropriately. Students receive money for working and contributing to the classroom, turning in homework, following classroom rules and directions, and completing their daily job. All students will record their money in the balance sheet inside their checkbook and then decide how they want to spend it each week on Class Store!

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Behavior Policy
This year, students will begin a transformation into more independent and self-conscious human beings. At this age, children are developmentally able to understand that every action has a positive or negative reaction. Students are allowed to make educational and personal choices of their own, whether they are good or bad, and then deal with the consequences of their choices. In my classroom, the specific information regarding consequences is very straightforward and clear. Students will be given tools and strategies for making a wise choice. In fact, the biggest rule in is to Make Good Choices. I believe that the classroom is not a place where students are sheltered from the outside world, but a place where the outside world is introduced to them. The rules of the classroom resemble the rules of the outside world, but softened and accommodated to suit the needs of elementary school students.

Warnings and Consequences (within 1 day)

First Offense - Verbal Warning from teacher Second Offense Fine given by the Police Officer (debt from checkbook at the end of the week) Third Offense Student will complete a Think Slip Reflection at recess or lunch or at home and get parent signature Severe Offense - Parent Conference with Teacher and/or Principal

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Grading Policies
About Grading
A students overall grade in each subject is based on many assignments, quizzes, tests, performance assessments, projects, group work, participation, and reflections. In order to maintain and earn the grade you want, students must be consistent in their efforts and work hard at all times. Parents of students who consistently earn 1s and 2s on assignments, homework, and/or projects will receive progress reports and a conference will be scheduled. Please note that the majority of students are proficient in most subjects and assignments. In order to earn a 4, the students must go above and beyond what is required in all assignments and be able to work independently. This means that the assignment is done correctly, in addition to an advanced or extra task.
Grading Rubric for Achievement Grades Score 4 Rating Advanced Criteria I did what was asked and more! I am working above grade level independently. 3 Proficient I did exactly what was asked. I am working at grade level independently. 2 Approaching Proficient I did what was asked, but made a few mistakes. I am working at grade level with assistance. 1 Below Basic I did not do what was asked. I am working below grade level.

4th Grade Cheating Policy:

The students are told the following policy at the beginning of the year, and before each and every test and quiz: If your eyes are not on your own paper, or you are talking during the actual test (which includes mouthing and particular body language), your test will be taken away, a 0 will be posted in the grade book for that exam and your parents will be notified.

Effort Grades
Students who put in a consistently strong effort into their work each day will retain a deeper understanding of the material being taught. Students who try hard, listen, and work out problems will earn 4s for their effort grade. Those who sit back and let the education happen to them are often dissatisfied with school and cant wait until 2:30. Effort in daily work and practice will be a huge indicator of a students success. Earning a 4: Students who work above and beyond the grade level in all subjects will earn a 4 for their effort. This is a student who does more than the required amount and works on solving problems, even when they are difficult. This is a child who does not rush and works to perfect his/her paper. This child asks what else he or she can learn or do and works independently. Earning a 3: This student works at grade level and completes the task at hand. This student is focused and finishes his/her work and for the most part, works independently with some assistance. Earning a 2: This student does not focus on the task and is often easily distracted. He/she puts in minimal effort and does not always follow directions and instructions from the teacher and may take a long time to complete the assignment. Earning a 1: Students who rarely or never put in any effort will earn a 1 on their progress report. This will result in a parent conference.

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Homework Policies
Purpose of Homework
Homework is meant to be an opportunity for independent practice , to reinforce learning and to help students master specific skills. Homework in 4th grade may be used as a preparation for introducing material to be presented in future lessons. Homework is an opportunity for students to extend their current skills into new situations. Homework is a means by which students may integrate many different skills to a larger task, such as book reports, projects, or other creative avenues.

Homework will be assigned Monday through Thursday nights only. Homework will a typical 4th grader 40 minutes to complete each night. Because individual students work at different speeds, this is an estimate, and will vary from day to day depending on how comfortable your child feels with the assignment that night. In addition to the above minutes, we require reading for pleasure every day`, logging in hours on ixl.com, and studying for tests or working on long-term assignments from time to time. Extra-curricular activities are a wonderful way to develop other interests for your children. When making a practice/rehearsal/lesson schedule for your childs activities, please bear in mind that your child needs time to devote to homework. We will not correct all homework Daily Homework Requirement 40 minutes - From English/Language Arts and Science or Social Studies 30 minutes (minimum) - Reading from an AR Chapter book within your reading level 10 minutes - students will review skills on Pearson Success.net or ixl.com Students Responsibilities I expect students to do their best job on their homework. I expect homework to be neat. All written work must be in pencil or typed on the computer. I also expect students to do the work on their own and only ask for help after they have given it their best effort. I expect all assignments to be turned in on time. Each student will maintain a planner journal to keep track of assignments and upcoming tests. Missing or Incomplete homework If a student does not complete homework, he/she will receive a HAM notice. Incomplete work will effect your childs work habits grade and homework grade on the final report card. Please review the information below regarding grades on homework. Classwork can be sent home for students to complete so that parents are aware of what was not completed in school. Rubric for Quarterly Homework Grade on Report Card 0-2 assignments missing............ 4 3-4 assignments missing............ 3 5 assignments missing................. 2 6 or more assignments missing.... 1

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How to Support your 4th Grader

Parents Responsibilities for Homework Parents are the key to making homework a positive experience for their children. Therefore, we ask that parents make homework a top priority, provide necessary supplies and a quiet working environment, set a daily homework time, provide praise and support, not let children avoid homework, and contact your childs teacher if you notice a problem. Parents are asked to review their childs homework planner and sign it once all assignments are complete. Please have students pack homework in the evening. The homework that I cannot physically see in the morning will not count as completed because I cannot check it in. Please do not drop off your childs homework during the day if he/she forgot it at home. Let your child deal with the consequences of this mistake and allow them the opportunity to learn from it. I promise that your child will not be punished or publicly embarrassed for forgetting homework. Besides, consider this...do you really want to do this when your child is in middle or high school? I dont think so. Some students who need to be closely monitored in their homework completion will receive a Homework Contract that needs to be signed by their parents every day. I assign homework contracts only after a conference with the parents. Please do not take over your childs homework. Homework is a practice in independent study, which is a very difficult thing to acquire for a young child. Please let them figure out things on their own. It is okay to help a little bit, but it is not okay to complete the homework for them. Remember that homework is done by the person who is doing the thinking. Other Responsibilities Read with your child on a daily basis if you can. We encourage students to read everyday for at least 30 minutes. Sign the planner to verify that your child is reading. Provide a variety of experiences involving counting, flashcards, coins, money, measurement, time (standard time clock), use of fractions and mental math. Once a month, you will receive your childs graded work for you to review. Have a discussion about the work. Ask what went well and what could be improved. Help your child review for tests. Most of our weekly testing takes place on Thursday. This includes spelling, vocabulary, grammar, and comprehension. Math, Science, and Social Studies tests will be announced 3-4 days in advance and noted in your childs planner. Give your child responsibilities at home that they are capable of doing well like helping prepare dinner, fold and put away clothes, or take out the garbage. Encourage and praise your child for good behavior and achievement. If your child is absent, please call the office or send a note with your child explaining why he/she was absent. If you wish to pick up classwork and homework, please let me know in the morning so that I have an adequate amount of time to prepare. Communicate! If you have any questions, concerns, or anything else, please let me know.

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