Our 4th Grade Gifted Reading Program
Our reading program is one that infuses creative thinking through the
use of several innovative reading strategies. Students are exposed to shared
inquiry discussions, literature based studies, and a SSS benchmark skills
intergrated model.
In our classroom students will learn the "Using Connections Approach".
This approach improves critical thinking and reading skills and helps develop
an enjoyment of varied genre in literature. Students learn
to "CONNECT" their thoughts as they read. The one most important skill that
improves the quality of a student's reading ability, is that of "thinking" as
they read. When using this strategy, students are constantly making
connections such as, text to text, text to self, and text to world. Last, but
not least, in our classroom we will implement other strategies developed in
the book, "The Mosaic of Thought". The following reading strategies will also
be integrated into our curriculum:
*Making Connections
*Questioning
*Visualizing
*Determining Importance
*Monitoring Comprehension
*Infering
*Synthesizing
In our classroom we will enjoy using the gifted series, The Junior
Great Books, which dynamically involve the student in real life problem based
situations which allow them to develop and explore evaluative thinking
techniques. In addition, we will also read several classic literature novels
that will cover all ranges of genre.
Independent reading at comfortable levels of ability are required by all
students. I strongly ask that parents encourage daily reading at home.
Students receive a weekly spelling/vocabulary list of words from the
current reading series on which they will be assessed.
The mechanics and usage of the standard English Grammar, parts of speech
and curriculum are taught in fourth grade.
The technique of paraphrasing will also be developed so that students
are well prepared for the 4th grade FCAT reading test.
Students will engage in listening and speaking activities throughout the
curriculum.
Our Math Program
Mathematics
"Everyday Math" is used to recognize and build on student's capabilities by
expanding the range of their mathematics experiences and ideas. Mathematics
is integrated into other curriculum areas, special emphasis is placed on
applications in science and social studies, on the origins and uses of the
language of mathematics, and on the close relationship between mathematics
and the visual arts.
Some of the key features of "Everyday Mathematics" are problem solving for
everyday situations, automaticity with basic number facts, arithmetic skills
and algebra, practice through games, ongoing cooperative learning and
projects.