back to school night 2014-15 mr. lees room 21 4 th grade
TRANSCRIPT
Back to School Night 2014-15
Mr. Lees
Room 21
4th Grade
Introduction
• My Experience and Background
• The Classroom
• No Excuses University/College Readiness
• Why San Jose State?
Our Classroom Web Site
• “SPARTAN PRIDE” www.powayusd.com/teachers/blees
• Updated as needed a few times a month
• A critical resource for both students and parents
• An added communication/contact piece
Contact Info
• School e-mail: [email protected]
• School phone and extension: (858-748-4334 x-2121)
• Weekly e-mail distribution of class newsletter (also posted to classroom web site)
4th Grade Curriculum
• Language Arts: Journal Writing, Mountain Language, Spelling, Wordly Wise, Reading Series, Core Literature Books/Lit Circles/Novel Studies, Common Core Standard Modes of Writing (Narrative, Summary, Response to Literature, Expository/Reports of Information)
4th Grade Curriculum
• Math: Math Expressions Common Core Journal and Homework & Remembering Book, California Math Book supplementation, Basic Math Facts, Math Word Wall
4th Grade Curriculum
• Science: Biomes, Habitats, and Plant and Animal Adaptations (Life Science); Rocks, Minerals and Basic Geology/Physical Geography (Earth Science); Matter, Energy, Electricity, and Magnetism (Physical Science)
4th Grade Curriculum
• Social Studies: California History, Geography, and Basic Economics
• The Arts
• P.E.
• Listening/Speaking Skills
• Character Education
Curriculum Enhancement
• Compass Learning (cl.powayusd.com)
• Sumdog (www.sumdog.com)
• RIT games linked to classroom web site
Assessment Plan
• At least once a week: Math Facts drills, Spelling tests, Reading Selection tests
• At least once every two weeks: Wordly Wise tests
• About once a month: Reading Theme tests, Science chapter tests
• 5 times a year: Social Studies unit tests• After every unit (could be 2-3 weeks long
or one month or longer): Math unit tests
Assessment Plan
• MAP testing 3 times a year (fall, winter, spring) in Reading, Math, and Language
• SBAC testing in writing
• SBAC in English/Language Arts and Math and performance tasks
• Report cards each trimester
Organization
• Desk• Notebooks (Reading,
Writing/Spelling, Math, Science, Social Studies)
• Binder with dividers (same subjects as above)—goes home, comes back each day
• Supplies and replenishing them
Homework• Primarily core subjects of Reading and Math
—daily written math assignment, daily 30 minutes of reading, weekly written reading log
• Unfinished classwork (Due Friday list)• Prepare (STUDY!) for tests• Parent Signature Items• Assignments copied in Homework Calendar
and communicated in weekly Newsletter, which is posted to Web Site
Extra Credit/Challenges• Covers wide range of curricular and extra-
curricular areas• Emphasis on creativity and leadership
(based on learning pyramid research)• Competition and pacing/rigor also important• Opportunities offered in class and/or posted
to classroom web site and communicated in weekly newsletter
• Changes every few weeks
Learning Pyramid• Lecture 5%
• Reading 10%
• Demonstration 20%
• Audio-Visual 30%
• Discussion 50%
• Practice By Doing 75%
• Teach Others 90%
Assertive Discipline
• Colt Way/Character Counts
• Optimal Learning and Working Environment (Emphasis on Focus and Work Ethic and Engagement)
• Rules/Guidelines/Policies for Behavior and Work Completion
Assertive Discipline• The Weekly Behavior Chart: goes home
Monday, comes back signed by parent each week
• The classroom Weekly Hall of Fame• The Weekly Spartan Bucks Checkbook• Prizes/Rewards• Warnings/Time-Outs/Missed Recesses/Seat
Changes/Other Parent Contact/Effect on Report Cards
• Referrals
Goals and Incentives
• Goals Assemblies: based on goals set by students after MAP testing reveals areas of needed growth.
• Running Club Goal
• Read My Way to College Program—earn an honorary degree!
• Scholastic Book Orders: About 2-3 times a month; passed out on a Monday, due on Friday of that week; checks can be made out to “Scholastic Book Clubs” or you can order at scholastic.com; takes 2 weeks to arrive usually.
Odds and Ends
Odds and Ends• Field Trips: We are allowed 3 per year
—last year we went to University of San Diego (college readiness), Indian Hills Camp in Jamul (social studies and science), Gemology Institute of America (science).
• Mission Reports/Projects: Info on this starts coming home in December; entire process is finished at end of January.
Odds and Ends• Birthdays: Store-bought treats may be
brought in (one for each child); per school board policy, we pass out upon dismissal for afternoon recess
• Box Tops for Education: Please look for these and save them for us—they earn money for our school (and bragging rights for our Little Spartans!)
How Can Parents Help?• Encourage your child/Support the teacher
• Communicate with child and teacher
• Join PTA/Support Foundation
• Donations for requested items or events
• Room Parents/Party Help
• Special Projects/Events (ex: Jog-a-Thon)
• Homework Mentor/Reading Buddy
Wishlist?• College shirts for all our students (PTA is
in the process of setting up an online ordering opportunity with an outside vendor)
• Board Games for Rainy Day Recess
• Additional needed items will be communicated throughout the year as projects are planned.
Observations…
• Spelling is a growth area• Math facts—rusty?• Writing—will need lots of practice• Reluctant Readers• “Frequent Fliers”• Very social• Organizational skills stronger• Interpersonal skills stronger
In Closing…
• Optional Parent Homework Assignment
• Article “We Can Get Our Kids Reading”
• Q and A