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.

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.

Math

We will be using the Houghton Mifflin California Math book. Topics 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). Daily homework is assigned and is a review of class lessons. We will do a lot of sharing and talking about math this year!

Science

Science is based on the California State standards and utilizes hands-on kits in the FOSS program. This year's topics are Electricity & Magnetism, Environments, and Solid Earth. 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.

Social Studies

Students in 4th grade 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.