Math Curriculum
Each morning we begin the day with the “Every Day Counts” math meeting to review basic math concepts with real word applications (money, time, calendar). Our “Math in Focus” program is based on Singapore math. Students begin most units using physical objects and models to demonstrate how to solve equations. This concrete approach allows students to have a tactile experience instead of trying to imagine the problem in their heads. The program is focused on building problem-solving skills and an in-depth understanding of essential math skills. Students are not just talking about concepts but seeing it through hands-on activities. In fourth grade we’ll be working with numbers up to 100,000 (counting, place values, comparing and ordering and problem solving), estimation, multiplication, division, money, measurement, fractions, decimals, graphs, time and temperature, and geometry.
You can find the curriculum we use at thinkcentral.com
Literacy Curriculum
READING PROGRAM
Reading Workshop is a way to teach skills and strategies that good readers need to assist them in comprehending text and analyzing (or thinking) about the text. During Reading Workshop there is a mini-lesson where a skill is explicitly taught. Then students choose their own “Just Right Books” and practice the skill within their own book, while the teacher works with students in small needs-based groups. Students are continually reading, writing about their reading, and discussing their reading while conferring with the teacher.
WRITING
Writing Workshop teaches skills and strategies essential to the writing process. Writing Workshop begins with a mini-lesson where a strategy is modeled, then children are invited to use the strategy within their own writing. The lessons are short and help students learn what they need to know in order to write in a variety of styles and genres for a wide range of audiences. Writing Workshop is a student-driven process of drafting, revising, and publishing student writing. Independent writing is at the heart of Writing Workshop. It is the time when students are: working on their writing (brainstorming, drafting, revising and editing); conferring with peers or teacher; and finalizing a publication (typing or illustrating).
Each morning we begin the day with the “Every Day Counts” math meeting to review basic math concepts with real word applications (money, time, calendar). Our “Math in Focus” program is based on Singapore math. Students begin most units using physical objects and models to demonstrate how to solve equations. This concrete approach allows students to have a tactile experience instead of trying to imagine the problem in their heads. The program is focused on building problem-solving skills and an in-depth understanding of essential math skills. Students are not just talking about concepts but seeing it through hands-on activities. In fourth grade we’ll be working with numbers up to 100,000 (counting, place values, comparing and ordering and problem solving), estimation, multiplication, division, money, measurement, fractions, decimals, graphs, time and temperature, and geometry.
You can find the curriculum we use at thinkcentral.com
Literacy Curriculum
READING PROGRAM
Reading Workshop is a way to teach skills and strategies that good readers need to assist them in comprehending text and analyzing (or thinking) about the text. During Reading Workshop there is a mini-lesson where a skill is explicitly taught. Then students choose their own “Just Right Books” and practice the skill within their own book, while the teacher works with students in small needs-based groups. Students are continually reading, writing about their reading, and discussing their reading while conferring with the teacher.
WRITING
Writing Workshop teaches skills and strategies essential to the writing process. Writing Workshop begins with a mini-lesson where a strategy is modeled, then children are invited to use the strategy within their own writing. The lessons are short and help students learn what they need to know in order to write in a variety of styles and genres for a wide range of audiences. Writing Workshop is a student-driven process of drafting, revising, and publishing student writing. Independent writing is at the heart of Writing Workshop. It is the time when students are: working on their writing (brainstorming, drafting, revising and editing); conferring with peers or teacher; and finalizing a publication (typing or illustrating).