Homework is expected to be done when it is assigned and shouldn't take a fourth grader more than 40 minutes to finish. If homework exceeds this on a regular basis, please contact me so we can make adjustments. Written homework may be collected, checked, and recorded as complete or incomplete. Grades may be taken from homework assignments.

Your child is responsible for copying assignments accurately from the chalkboard into his/her assignment book and for remembering to take home all the books and materials needed to complete homework. He/she is responsible for turning in completed assignments on time.

Please ask to see your child's assignment book every school night. It's a good idea to initial the day's column every evening after your child has completed the assignments. Parents are encouraged to look over homework and to offer help when needed.

Language Arts
Reading is very important. Your child should read at least 20 minutes every evening Monday through Friday. This is part of his/her homework. Your child will record the number of minutes he/she reads every day on his/her reading calendar. Please initial the calendar and let your child return it on the due date.

Significant blocks of time will be spent engaged in reading and writing independently. Through Reader's Workshop, students will learn to adjust their reading approach to various forms of text. They will read for meaning and paraphrase texts while also connecting, comparing, and contrasting ideas within text. Fourth graders will produce summaries of text and engage in more sophisticated analysis of characters, plots, and settings. 

Writer's Workshop will immerse your child in writing on assigned and unassigned topics with specific focus on the descriptive, narrative, informative, persuasive, and creative writing modes. Writing mini lessons will focus on grammar, the writing process, writing techniques, and the Six Traits of Good Writing: ideas, organization, word choice, voice, fluency, and conventions. Students will also practice techniques for responding to PSSA writing prompts. Writing portfolios will come home at the end of the year. Word study lessons will occur daily, and assessments will be given every Day 6. Students' writing throughout the year will also be used to assess word study progress. 

Math
Students will engage in a variety of discovery methods that will help them to understand the math concepts. We will study place value, geometry, measurement, fractions, and patterns. There is a strong focus on problem solving and mathematical thinking throughout all of the units. We will continue to strengthen our addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division skills in working with greater place values.

Most of the fourth grade math curriculum is built upon multiplication, and students will find that they are falling behind if they cannot recall the basic facts quickly. Your child will most likely need to practice these facts for a few minutes every night. Our goal is immediate, accurate recall of addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division basic facts for use in problem solving and critical thinking skills throughout the year.

Science
Most of the science curriculum will be taught through labs. Students will engage in hands-on experiments following the scientific process. Assessment occurs as everyone demonstrates their understanding of major science concepts focusing on earth science, physical science, and life science.

Home-School Communication
As your partner in the education of your child, I want to hear from you anytime you have a question or a concern. The school phone number is 761-5052. The best time to reach me is between 8:15-8:40 in the morning. My email is scunningham@cvschools.org or simply send a note with your child.

Check this website for updates regarding homework, newsletters, and information about our classroom. If you do not have internet service, please let me know.

I look forward to working with
you and your
Fabulous Fourth Grader!