Throughout this year, we will utilize the Journeys textbook, whole class novel studies, and small group literature circles.
Students will also participate in a Choice Book Challenge. I will meet with students to set a reading goal for the school year. They will read, at their level, throughout the school year. Students will track their reading progress in their Reading Comprehension Journals.
Spelling
We will use the Words Their Way spelling program. All students will be assessed for spelling level the first week of school. Your child will bring home their weekly spelling list on Fridays. This will give them the opportunity to begin practicing and learning their phonetic patterns over the weekend. Weekly spelling tests will be given on Thursdays, unless otherwise noted. The spelling tests will begin the second week of school.
For students who graduate out of the Words Their Way program, I will move them into the K-12 Reader Spelling program. This program consists of 21 words each week including sight words, pattern words, and grade level content specific words.
Vocabulary
We will use the Word Wisdom vocabulary program this school year. I have used this program for the past three years. It is a very effective way to teach students to decode the meaning of words through the use of context clues and greek/latin roots. Each unit consists of three weeks with 10 words in each. Then the 4th week of the unit is a review of all 30 words learned in the preceding three weeks. There will be a vocabulary test on Friday of each week, unless otherwise noted.
English
English is a foundation to both written and oral communication. Proper use of our English language in speaking and writing is important at all grade levels. English instruction and practice is part of our Journeys program, and we will also use an outside program for additional practice of our skills.
Writing
Writing is an important skill that we will work on throughout the school year. By the end of 4th grade, students will be able to write a clear and concise paragraph with a topic sentences at least three detail sentences, and a concluding/summarizing sentence. We will then work on writing a five paragraph essay.
We will utilize the Paragraph of the Week program to work on making our writing detailed, descriptive and clear for our readers.
Students will also have the opportunity to practice their writing skills through short essays.