Classroom Expectations and Routines
Our classroom supports a cooperative and hands-on approach to learning. In our classroom “we” support and follow the belief that “learning is for life” and each of us learns in our own way. As unique individuals we have our strengths and weaknesses that we must continue to develop and strengthen.
SCHEDULE
Agnes G. Hodge works on a five day rotation schedule. A copy of the 5 day schedule is posted on our class website at: http://www.cadavies.com/5-day-schedule-and-important-dates.html
CLASS ROUTINES
The lessons and activities in all subject areas (science, math, social studies, and language arts) are done during class time. The assignments are overviewed, discussed, and any questions or concerns are addressed during class. A great deal of our “learning” is done in the classroom where curriculum content is continuously highlighted and reviewed in a number of different ways appealing to the variety of different learning styles and intelligences.
A great deal of time will be spent time teaching important research skills. It is important to note that in grade 4 the focus in reading switches from learning to read to understanding what has been read. As such, we will spend time in the first term reading passages and learning how to highlight and underline important points and create jot notes. This skill takes a great deal of time and practice but once it is mastered the results are extraordinary. These skills will prove extremely beneficial in the near future when students are required to complete independent and group research projects in different subject areas including science and social studies.
Math is most effective, I believe, when it is applicable to the topics we are studying. In this light, it seems that math is always “popping” up in one of our classroom discussions in science, language arts, spelling and social studies.
CURRICULUM EXTENSIONS AND ENHANCEMENTS
Each of us is unique and special in our own way. Students are always encouraged to challenge themselves. This includes developing their weaknesses and furthering their strengths. Students are strongly encouraged to attempt “enhanced” activities and/or assignments such as additional reading comprehension assignments, interesting and unusual word challenges (ie. listing as many words with a double consonant and ending in ‘ed’), and realistic math problems (ie. calculating the tax on items).
BORROWING TEXTBOOKS
Students are permitted to borrow resources in the classroom. Students are simply asked to sign out the title, copy number, and the date whenever a book is borrowed. Students will be responsible for the borrowed textbook and any associated costs should the book become lost, stolen or damaged. This mandate simply arises out of the increasing costs of replacing materials given our limited school budgets.
INSIDE/OUTSIDE FOOTWEAR
For safety reasons, your child is asked to have a pair of running shoes to be worn in the school and in the gym for Physical Education classes. The shoes must be appropriate for running, jumping, and other physical activities. Outside shoes are those that your child/guardian will wear to school every day and on the yard at recesses. Occasionally, the Clothes Closet might have a pair, please simply have your child/guardian ask me.
AGENDAS
Each student will be given an agenda. The agenda, as an important organizational tool, students are expected to write down their homework assignments and any reminders or upcoming events etc. As part of the “learning team”, I ask that you read your child/guardian’s entry each night and check to make certain that the work has been completed in an acceptable and timely manner. You are asked to initial the agenda. Your signature indicates that everything written by your child/guardian has been attended to. An entry should be made every day, and I will check agendas on a daily basis.
WORKING TOOLS
It is important for the students to have all the tools they will need to be successful in their school work. Most importantly, students are asked to have a POSITIVE ATTITUDE!
Hopefully many of your questions have been answered. A great deal more information is also available on the classroom website www.cadavies.com. Please feel free to contact me through the agenda if you have further questions or concerns about your child/guardian’s learning.
Thank you for your support and co-operation. Let the exploration and love of learning begin!
Your Partner in Education,
Carrie Davies
SCHEDULE
Agnes G. Hodge works on a five day rotation schedule. A copy of the 5 day schedule is posted on our class website at: http://www.cadavies.com/5-day-schedule-and-important-dates.html
CLASS ROUTINES
- Morning Arrival – each morning the students are expected to place their signed agendas and any incomplete work into the appropriate bin upon arrival into the classroom.
- Silent Reading – once they are seated the students are expected to read a book of their choice silently at their desk. Students are to read until the announcements begin around 9:00AM/9:15AM.
- Homework – students are expected to do 40 minutes of homework each night (10 minutes per grade). Nightly homework will include having the agenda signed, practicing weekly spelling words, reviewing all math facts (addition, subtraction, multiplication and division), reading, and any homework that may be assigned (e.g. lyrics to favourite song, discussing work studied in the day with parents/guardians)
- Reading – students are encouraged to read each night. Materials may include novels, comics, newspapers, menus, magazines, computer game instructions and books.
- Agenda – students are expected to have their agendas signed each night and to be familiar with upcoming events, tests, and school activities.
The lessons and activities in all subject areas (science, math, social studies, and language arts) are done during class time. The assignments are overviewed, discussed, and any questions or concerns are addressed during class. A great deal of our “learning” is done in the classroom where curriculum content is continuously highlighted and reviewed in a number of different ways appealing to the variety of different learning styles and intelligences.
A great deal of time will be spent time teaching important research skills. It is important to note that in grade 4 the focus in reading switches from learning to read to understanding what has been read. As such, we will spend time in the first term reading passages and learning how to highlight and underline important points and create jot notes. This skill takes a great deal of time and practice but once it is mastered the results are extraordinary. These skills will prove extremely beneficial in the near future when students are required to complete independent and group research projects in different subject areas including science and social studies.
Math is most effective, I believe, when it is applicable to the topics we are studying. In this light, it seems that math is always “popping” up in one of our classroom discussions in science, language arts, spelling and social studies.
CURRICULUM EXTENSIONS AND ENHANCEMENTS
Each of us is unique and special in our own way. Students are always encouraged to challenge themselves. This includes developing their weaknesses and furthering their strengths. Students are strongly encouraged to attempt “enhanced” activities and/or assignments such as additional reading comprehension assignments, interesting and unusual word challenges (ie. listing as many words with a double consonant and ending in ‘ed’), and realistic math problems (ie. calculating the tax on items).
BORROWING TEXTBOOKS
Students are permitted to borrow resources in the classroom. Students are simply asked to sign out the title, copy number, and the date whenever a book is borrowed. Students will be responsible for the borrowed textbook and any associated costs should the book become lost, stolen or damaged. This mandate simply arises out of the increasing costs of replacing materials given our limited school budgets.
INSIDE/OUTSIDE FOOTWEAR
For safety reasons, your child is asked to have a pair of running shoes to be worn in the school and in the gym for Physical Education classes. The shoes must be appropriate for running, jumping, and other physical activities. Outside shoes are those that your child/guardian will wear to school every day and on the yard at recesses. Occasionally, the Clothes Closet might have a pair, please simply have your child/guardian ask me.
AGENDAS
Each student will be given an agenda. The agenda, as an important organizational tool, students are expected to write down their homework assignments and any reminders or upcoming events etc. As part of the “learning team”, I ask that you read your child/guardian’s entry each night and check to make certain that the work has been completed in an acceptable and timely manner. You are asked to initial the agenda. Your signature indicates that everything written by your child/guardian has been attended to. An entry should be made every day, and I will check agendas on a daily basis.
WORKING TOOLS
It is important for the students to have all the tools they will need to be successful in their school work. Most importantly, students are asked to have a POSITIVE ATTITUDE!
Hopefully many of your questions have been answered. A great deal more information is also available on the classroom website www.cadavies.com. Please feel free to contact me through the agenda if you have further questions or concerns about your child/guardian’s learning.
Thank you for your support and co-operation. Let the exploration and love of learning begin!
Your Partner in Education,
Carrie Davies
