Integrated Language Arts

Reading

We will focus mainly on full-length works, including:

• A Wrinkle in Time
• Sadako and the Thousand Paper Cranes
• Three Cups of Tea
• Island of the Blue Dolphins
• Little House in the Big Woods
• Tuck Everlasting

As we develop our reading, we will:

• Predict/Infer
• Decode
• Question
• Monitor/Clarify
• Summarize
• Evaluate

Writing Workshop

We will create works of:

• Personal narrative
• Descriptive writing
• Fiction, including fantasy, realistic, and historic
• Biography
• Poetry
• Essay

We will follow the writing process:

• Prewriting
• Drafting
• Revising
• Editing
• Publishing

Spelling

We will focus on spelling patterns found in the words we use every day.

We will complete exercises that include:

Stretch it                                         Sort It                                Fix It

Find it                                              Finish It                            Add It

We will begin each week with a word preview and a story cloze pretest.

We will end each week with a sentence dictation quiz.

Handwriting

We will use the Zaner-Bloser methods for manuscript and cursive writing.

We will strengthen our foundation in manuscript writing, and we will introduce cursive when it is appropriate for each student.  At some point, cursive writing will be required for classwork and homework.

Literature

We will share respected works of literature, simply for the joy it gives us.  We will choose among a selection of books together by reaching a consensus.

Grading Policy:

Grades for Reading will include test and quiz scores, classwork and participation points, and homework and project points.

Grades for Spelling will be comprised of the sentence dictation unit test grades, classwork points, and homework completion.

Grades for Writing will be comprised of the grading of finished pieces of the student’s choice.  Attention to the writing process and individual progress will play an important factor.

Grades for Handwriting will be noted as Satisfactory/Needs Improvement.  Technique will be emphasized, and progress from manuscript to cursive will be discussed between each student and the teacher.

Math

Scope and Sequence

• Number sense and place value
• Addition and subtraction concepts
• Addition and subtraction
• Multiplication of one and two digit numbers
• Division
• Measurement
• Statistics and probability
• Fractions
• Geometry
• Perimeter, area, and volume
• Division with two digit divisors
• Decimals
• Moving on:  algebra

Grading policy:

50% of the student’s grade is comprised of test and quiz scores

25% of the student’s grade is comprised of homework completion

25% of the student’s grade is comprised of participation and classwork

Social Studies

Yearlong focus:  Maryland

Units of Study:

Mapping Skills- We will:

• Learn and use mapping vocabulary, including scale, index, grid, compass rose, bird’s-eye perspective
• Measure and estimate features and represent them on paper
• Understand and discuss the difference between permanent features and changing features

Early Maryland- We will:

• Trace the history of man in the area that is now Maryland
• Compare and contrast Paleo-Indians, Archaic Indians, and Woodland Native Americans
• Recognize the relationship between man and his natural environment

Colonial and Revolutionary Maryland- We will:

• Research and reenact the early meetings between European settlers and Native Americans
• Discuss the formation of government and its changes throughout this period
• Imagine and practice some of the skills and techniques used in Colonial homes

Civil War and Post-Civil War Maryland- We will:

• Document the circumstances and journeys of African-Americans in Maryland
• Note the changes in lifestyle due to technological advances
• Explore the diversity of thought during this period

Into the 20^th Century- We will:

• Research the immigrant experience in Maryland
• Explore the consequences of further advances in technology
• Describe the common occupations of Marylanders during this time

Modern Maryland- We will:

• Describe the current population of Maryland using appropriate demographics
• Recognize the structure of state government
• Note patterns of change in Maryland throughout its history

Projects:

Create replicas of everyday life in different time periods and in different social classes.

Create and maintain a class “Marylandscape”, that will include pictures and words that describe life in Maryland.

Research and write about influential Marylanders in history.

Communicate with current government officials about issues of the student’s concern.

Other assessment and learning tools:

Written tests will occasionally be used to assess the students’ learning; however, in Social Studies, more emphasis is placed on classwork, projects, and discussions.

Science

Dear Students and Families,

I am so excited to be returning to HFS and expanding my role in the science department.  I can’t believe I GET to bring science to the little ones – their excitement and enthusiasm for learning is so contagious!  This year promises to be full of many wonderful experiences, including the utilization of our new science lab.  I am also thrilled to be partnering with Mrs. DeMey as we work to provide you with an integrated, challenging and rewarding 3^rd/4th grade year.  During the course of this year, I hope to interest your child in the pursuit of science as we inquire into the various content areas.  Lab work will be a large component of our coursework.  It is so much more satisfying and educationally rewarding to be up and “doing” science rather than sitting still, so we will be spending much of our time at the lab counters, in group work or in active discussions.

In order for your child to get the most out of their year of science, I recommend the following:

*Come to class excited – ready to learn and participate in the class.

*Bring your science notebook, folder and a pen or pencil with you to every class.

*Work to maintain a warm, caring environment by treating everyone with respect.

*Help to keep the lab area safe and clean.  Prove by your actions that you can be trusted with lab equipment.

*Complete your homework on time, and make any revisions necessary.

*Be sure to laugh when I make a joke – even if it’s not funny : ).

I will be working hard this year to provide you with:

*Well-planned and carried out lessons

*Lab experiences that help to develop your problem solving skills, your understanding of the content and your appreciation for science.

*Timely feedback on your progress in class.

*Many opportunities to practice your writing and reading skills

*Work that is appropriate for your skill and development level

*Lots of warmth, support, help and laughter

Our content areas this year include:

Diversity of Life       Biomes in Maryland        Heat, Electricity and Force         Science Fair

Alternative Energy Sources

Our schedule this year includes a double-period lab block once a week.  We will focus on skill development during this time, including measuring, identifying appropriate glassware, recording data, using magnifiers, making observations, inferences, and conclusions.

As students enter the classroom each day, they should put on their lab jackets (provided for them), find their seats and get to work completing the “Do Now” assignment.  They will find their homework assignment written on the whiteboard near the door and should copy it down after completing the “Do Now”.

Please feel free to contact me at anytime.  Parents, if you have a science interest and would like to volunteer as a guest speaker, I will welcome you most heartily.