This document provides information for parents about Brian Liu's 4th grade class at Shanghai American School. It summarizes the curriculum, which includes core subjects like reading, writing, math, science and social studies. It describes the reading and writing workshop models used to teach literacy. For math, it outlines the learning modules covering topics like place values and operations. It also introduces support staff and special events throughout the year. Homework expectations are 40 minutes per night up to 4 days a week, plus 30 minutes of reading daily. The goal is to foster lifelong learning skills and keep parents informed about their child's education.

1. Welcome to 4BLWelcome to 4BL
Shanghai American SchoolShanghai American School
Brian Liu
Grade 4
Brian.liu@saschina.org
Blog: http://sites.saschina.org/bliu

2. Goal for Open House
➣To help you understand the work your child will be
doing throughout the school year.
➣To work in partnership with you and explain the
expectations for your child.
➣To help remind them of their character traits and
how this will help them become successful learners.
➣To share information that will help you support
your child’s learning.

3. EAGLES - Our EAGLES define the learner profiles we hope to
instill in our children:
Empowered-Adaptable-Global-minded - Literate- Ethical-
Skilled Inquirers.
Mission Statement
Shanghai Amercian School inspires in all students:
A passion for lifelong learning,
A commitment to act with integrity and compassion,
A courage to live their dreams.

4. Grade 4 Curriculum
Five core subjects
➣Readers Workshop
➣Writers Workshop
➣Math
➣Science
➣Social Studies
Specials (7 Day Rotation)
PE (3x)
Art and Music (2x)
Library Checkout and Guidance (1x)
Technology and Library are integrated

5. Support Teachers
Helen Jin - EAL (English Additional Language)
Ms. Claire - EAL TA
Caty Romero- Academic Support for Math
Jeff Dungan - Technology Support
Kelly Barons – Academic Support
Jemer Danao - AS TA

6. Reading
The goal of our reading program is to foster a love of
reading. We do this through:
➣Shared, guided and independent reading activities.
➣Reading strategies and skills instruction.
➣Instructional read alouds.
➣Projects which encourage reading and celebrate book
read.

7. Readers Workshop Model
Each Readers Workshop session begins with a mini
lesson that focuses on a reading strategy.
Students then read independently and practice the
skills from the mini-lesson. This may include:
➣Meeting with reading Partners
➣Writing a reading response
➣Working in a Guided Reading
➣Conferencing with the teacher
➣ Having discussions in book clubs

8. Writers Workshop Model
Each Writers Workshop session begins with a mini
lesson that focuses on a writing strategy.
➣Students develop writing strategies.
➣The writing process includes planning, drafting,
revising, editing and publishing.
➣ Celebrating ourselves as authors.

9. The Writing Process
Five step writing process
➣Pre-write(planting the seed, organize thoughts)
➣Draft (put ideas on paper)
➣Revise (verbs, adjective ,adverbs and elaborating)
➣Edit (correct spelling, mechanics and grammar)
➣Publish (prepare a copy for others to read)

10. MATHLEARNING MODULES:
Module 1: Place Values, Rounding and Algorithms for
addition and subtraction.
Module 2: Unit Conversions and Problems Solving with
Metric Measures
Modules 3: Multi- Digits Multiplication and Division.
Modules 4: Angle Measure and Plane Figures
Modules 5: Fractions Equivalence, Ordering and Operations
Modules 6: Decimal Fractions
Modules 7: Exploring Multiplication

11. Common Core Math
• 1. Make sense of problems and persevere in
solving them.
• 2. Reason abstractly and quantitatively.
• 3. Explain and support their strategy and
reasoning, and conceptualizing.
• 4. Demonstrate real life application.
• 5. Use appropriate strategies.

12. Spelling & Grammar
➣Spelling patterns / rules
➣Grammar rules
➣Working with Words
Spelling and grammar are taught and
through readers and writers
workshop.

13. Science
➣Inquiries
➣Investigations
➣Analysis
Three units studied
➣Structure and Functions
➣Processes that Shape the Earth
➣Energy and Waves

14. Social Studies
Trimester 1
➣Geography: Maps, Atlas, Longitude/Latitude, Landforms
➣Geography of Asia and China
Trimester 2
➣Ancient China
Terra-cotta Warriors
Chinese artifacts
Dynasties
Trimester 3
➣Modern China
Ongoing
➣ Service Learning

15. Technology
Each class has a one to one laptop
➣Integrated into all curriculum areas
➣Support from Technology Integrationist

16. Technology
From 4th grade on we have become 1:1
BLOGS
PUBLISHED WORK
REFLECTIONS
READING LETTERS
CURRENT EVENTS
AUDIENCE
OTHER RESOURCES USED ARE:
TYPING ACE
MATHLETICS
ACCEPTABLE USE
COMPUTER/INTERNET AT HOME

17. Super Fourth Events
➣Soccer days
➣Halloween Party
➣Field trips - Shanghai Museum
- China Alive
- Shanghai Aquarium
➣Sharing Lunch
➣Classroom Holiday Party
➣Other planned events

18. Homework
Homework is an opportunity for students to practice
and fine-tune the skills we are working on in class.
Each student will have an assignment book that they
are expected to carry to and from school each day.
Monday –Thursday Night!
➣30 minutes of reading each night. ( excluded from HW time)
➣40 minutes max of homework (including Language Block)
reading response assignments, word study activities, math
practice, writing assignments and science/social studies
work.

19. Class Agreement
As Life Long LEARNERS...
4BL will show …
• Collaboration
• Communication
• Commitment

20. Thank you!