What curriculum do you use?
Math
Our math curriculum addresses the Common Core State Standards using the Stepping Stones Program. With each new module (or unit), I will provide a parent newsletter from that is from Stepping Stones or you can look ahead by clicking this link: missurabe.weebly.com/math-lessons/category/parent-newsletter. This program is different in that it's a spiraling curriculum, returning to concepts but at a different level each time.
Reading
Reading Wonders is our basal reader. Stories are engaging, and we often tie it in to other subjects such as science and social studies. Reading Wonders is also used in language arts and spelling.
Writing
In fourth grade, we use Becoming a Writer as our writing curriculum. We begin our school year with building a writing community and then we start to delve into book studies on various types of writing.
Health
While health topics such as nutrition and drug awareness is taught in 4th grade. As a school, Daniel K. Inouye Elementary also focuses on social emotional learning (SEL) to which the curriculum all grade levels use is Second Step (not to be confused with our math curriculum).
Social Studies/Hawaiiana
This year, we will be using a new textbook called Hawaii the Pacific State in conjunction with our previous text, Hawaiians of Old. Every week students also have Hawaiiana with Kumu Kapua beginning at a date to be determined within the near future.
Our math curriculum addresses the Common Core State Standards using the Stepping Stones Program. With each new module (or unit), I will provide a parent newsletter from that is from Stepping Stones or you can look ahead by clicking this link: missurabe.weebly.com/math-lessons/category/parent-newsletter. This program is different in that it's a spiraling curriculum, returning to concepts but at a different level each time.
Reading
Reading Wonders is our basal reader. Stories are engaging, and we often tie it in to other subjects such as science and social studies. Reading Wonders is also used in language arts and spelling.
Writing
In fourth grade, we use Becoming a Writer as our writing curriculum. We begin our school year with building a writing community and then we start to delve into book studies on various types of writing.
Health
While health topics such as nutrition and drug awareness is taught in 4th grade. As a school, Daniel K. Inouye Elementary also focuses on social emotional learning (SEL) to which the curriculum all grade levels use is Second Step (not to be confused with our math curriculum).
Social Studies/Hawaiiana
This year, we will be using a new textbook called Hawaii the Pacific State in conjunction with our previous text, Hawaiians of Old. Every week students also have Hawaiiana with Kumu Kapua beginning at a date to be determined within the near future.
How is my child assessed and graded?
You child will be assessed through formative and summative assessments throughout the year.
Formative Assessments
These are the opportunities students use to practice skills and concepts that are being learned. These are given prior to collecting and using information to assign grades. Formative assessments are used to monitor student learning. Examples of formative assessments:
Summative Assessments
This takes place after a unit has been taught. Evidence from the summative assessment will be used to determine report card grades. Examples of summative assessments:
Formative Assessments
These are the opportunities students use to practice skills and concepts that are being learned. These are given prior to collecting and using information to assign grades. Formative assessments are used to monitor student learning. Examples of formative assessments:
- In-class practice
- Homework
- Informal observations
- Quizzes
- Discussions
- Worksheets
- Teacher questions
- Learning log entries
- Exit slips
Summative Assessments
This takes place after a unit has been taught. Evidence from the summative assessment will be used to determine report card grades. Examples of summative assessments:
- End of unit tests
- Research projects
- Final draft of a writing assignment
- Exhibits
- Performance-based assessments (such as oral reports or presentations)
How can I contact you?
Parents are more than welcome to drop by the classroom after school to talk to me. Other ways to contact me is through Class Dojo, Weebly, or via email at [email protected]
What is Class Dojo?
Class Dojo is an app/website that's a great way to stay connected and see what we're doing in the classroom. It is also used a form of classroom management. Students receive point for things like homework, exemplifying the GLOs, etc; they can also lose points. Once connected, you as a parent can view how your child did throughout the day. Students can also use this as a sharing tool to show what they're doing outside of school. I've had students send pictures of new pets and extracurricular activities.
If you haven't already signed up for Class Dojo, please contact me and we'll set you up!
Find out more about this helpful communication tool here: https://www.classdojo.com/#LearnMore
If you haven't already signed up for Class Dojo, please contact me and we'll set you up!
Find out more about this helpful communication tool here: https://www.classdojo.com/#LearnMore
my child's birthday is coming up, what can I do to celebrate?
Per the Parent Handbook:
"The Department of Education has a wellness policy, which stresses physical activity and healthy eating. Schools are discouraged from serving or selling foods, which have little nutritional value and contribute to obesity or other health-related conditions.
We are requesting that class parties serve healthy refreshments and that birthdays be celebrated without cupcakes or other sweets. If parents would like to celebrate a child’s birthday, please check with your child’s teacher. He/She can suggest other ways to
celebrate such as donating a book or game to the class. The students will enjoy these items long after your child’s birthday. Please help us comply with the Department health and wellness guidelines."
Healthy Treat Alternatives:
- Fresh fruit (please verify with teacher first to see if there are any allergies)
- Regular popcorn
- Bring in your child's favorite book for a read aloud
- Give a gift to the class (book, game, music, etc)
- Small Goodies (fun pencils, temporary tattoos, stickers, and small toys.)
"The Department of Education has a wellness policy, which stresses physical activity and healthy eating. Schools are discouraged from serving or selling foods, which have little nutritional value and contribute to obesity or other health-related conditions.
We are requesting that class parties serve healthy refreshments and that birthdays be celebrated without cupcakes or other sweets. If parents would like to celebrate a child’s birthday, please check with your child’s teacher. He/She can suggest other ways to
celebrate such as donating a book or game to the class. The students will enjoy these items long after your child’s birthday. Please help us comply with the Department health and wellness guidelines."
Healthy Treat Alternatives:
- Fresh fruit (please verify with teacher first to see if there are any allergies)
- Regular popcorn
- Bring in your child's favorite book for a read aloud
- Give a gift to the class (book, game, music, etc)
- Small Goodies (fun pencils, temporary tattoos, stickers, and small toys.)