This document provides information for parents about their child's upcoming 4th grade year. It introduces the teachers, outlines academic goals and subject areas, and discusses homework, field trips, and class websites. Parents are encouraged to check homework daily, read with their child, and contact teachers with any questions. The year will focus on developing responsibility, lifelong learning, and catching the "W.A.V.E." of being respectful, orderly, on task, safe, and caring for property.

1. 4th Grade Parent OrientationWelcome, parents and students!

2. Welcome to 4thGrade!Thank you for coming tonight! We hope that you will learn valuable information regarding your child’s 4th grade year.

3. Meet the TeamTEAM TEACHERS:Amanda Cook~Math and ScienceWynde Clark~ELA and Social StudiesKitty Ashley~Math and ScienceCathy Peake~ELA and Social StudiesAngie Gillis~4th Grade Self-Contained

4. 4th Grade GoalsTo give your child the academic and social skills needed to progress to fifth grade and thrive in an ever changing societyAccept RESPONSIBILITY for one’s own actionsBecome Life-Long Learners.

5. Classroom CommunityEach classroom is a community. In our community, we have rules to help us get along with each other. Doby’s Mill Dolphins… “Catch the W.A.V.E.”…with the Fin-tastic FiveWe are respectful.

6. We are orderly.

7. We are on task.

8. We are safe.

9. We take care of property.Grade Level SubjectsThe subjects we cover during fourth grade are:Reading and WritingMathScience/HealthSocial studiesRelated Arts

10. ReadingAll curriculum instruction is guided by the South Carolina Curriculum Standards.Do not be shocked if you do not see your child bringing home the reading textbook each night. In 4th Grade many novel sets are used to teach the standards.Students must read however, for 20 minutes each night to increase fluency.

11. WritingAll curriculum instruction is guided by the South Carolina Curriculum Standards.During the school year, your child will be creating various types of writing including: Narrative, Descriptive, Expository, Persuasive, Letter Writing, Poetry, Journaling, and Creative Stories

12. Social StudiesUnits of Study include:Native Americans, Explorers, Colonial Times, Revolutionary War, Civil War, and the Westward MovementHistorical Novels are also used to teach the South Carolina Social Studies Curriculum Standards.

13. MathAll curriculum instruction is guided by the South Carolina Curriculum Standards.EVERY DAY Math is the curriculum that is used at Doby’s Mill Elementary for grades 5k~5th. Remember to be on the lookout throughout the school year for the unit Family Letters. Also, check out our websites.

14. Useful Everyday Math Websiteshttp://everydaymath.uchicago.edu/educators/http://www.swsd.k12.pa.us/baresvle/MathMaterials/alternat_algor.htmhttps://www.wrightgroup.com/parent_connection/index.htmlhttp://dme.kcsdschools.com/home.aspx

15. ScienceUnits of study include:Scientific Inquiry, Organisms and their Environments, Astronomy, Weather, and Properties of Electricity and MagnetismThe 2010~2011 Science Fair will be held in late January. There will be a Science Fair Workshop held before Christmas Vacation…more information will be forthcoming.

16. VocabularyThe vocabulary program that we use in 4th grade concentrates on Greek and Latin roots. Every TWO weeks, Students will have a list of ten vocabulary words. We will spend two weeks learning and reviewing the definitions of the words and how to use them in writing and reading.Assessments are given every two weeks meaning your child has TWO WEEKS to learn the 10 vocabulary words for each unit.

17. HomeworkStudents will have homework Monday through Thursday. Math homework along with reading for 20 minutes is every night. Students will have their homework written in their agenda books.

18. Doby’s Mill Checklist for SuccessAsk if nightly homework is completed