This document provides information for a Grade 4 Back to School Night at Qatar Academy on September 19th, 2011. It outlines the curriculum including units in Math, Literacy, and Units of Inquiry. It describes the instructional approach, homework expectations, and how parents can support their children's learning. Progress will be communicated through report cards, conferences, and student-led conferences. Parents are encouraged to check the class wiki page for additional information.

1. Welcome to Grade 4Back to School NightSeptember 19th 2011

2. The CurriculumMaths

3. Literacy

4. Units of InquiryMaths We will be using a range of resources, including the “Scott Foresman” text book, mathletics teacher resources, Everyday Counts and other math resources including websites.

5. Children will be assessed using a range of strategies including written tests, daily observations and open ended investigations.

6. Differentiation will occur either through task or outcome, and groups will be determined through pre –tests, continual daily observations or marking of work.

7. A variety of hands on materials will be used to assist the children in mastering a range of strategies.Literacy Reading – Children will be tested using the PM Leveled running record kit. This will determine your child’s independent and instructional reading age. Guided reading lessons will be taught to increase your child’s knowledge and use of reading strategies.

8. Writing – Your child will be learning to write using a variety of genre that is closely linked to the Units of Inquiry so the writing has real life meaning. We will also be using the 6 plus 1 writing traits.

9. Spelling –The children will have a list of vocabulary to learn during our Units of Inquiry. Given words will come from the UOI, math and writing genre. Personal words will be added from all areas of the curriculum. Oral Language – Throughout the year children will be encouraged to develop strong oral language skills with many opportunities to present and discuss units of work.Units of Inquiry Who We Are – Its My Choice/ Decision making

10. How The World Works – Human survival is connected to understanding the changing nature of the earth.

11. Where We Are In Place And Time – Exploration and Discovery

12. Sharing The Planet – Humans have an impact on the earths water (SWW)

13. How We Express Ourselves – Communication of ideas and traditions.

14. How We Organize Ourselves – How organizations bring about changeInstructional ApproachPYP, Learner Profile, Concept driven rather than content

15. Lessons are integrated to fit with the current UOI. Some stand alone lessons

16. Science/Humanities are incorporated into PYP unitsHomework Displayed on the Grade 4 Wiki Home Page

17. Same expectations for all Grade 4 Students, some extra worksheets/tasks maybe given.

18. Given on Sunday, collected on Thursday

19. No Homework given during major assessments such as Arabic.How you can support Listen to your child read, sign and comment in the homework diary

20. Provide a quiet area for work to be done

21. Make sure your child has a break – They have been at school all dayHow I Know my Child is Progressing Term Report Cards

22. Progress Reports

23. Parent /Teacher Conferences

24. Student Led ConferencesWikiPlease check out our wiki page for more information http://grade4.qataracademy.wikispaces.net School Website - http://www.qataracademy.edu.qa/output/page25.aspQUESTIONS?How to get in touchDetails on your child’s class homepage