Children begin their first assignment of the day as BELLWORK. The order of the daily assignments is posted on the assignment board when the students enter the room. Students start the day reciting and discussing our poem of the week before listening to a story read aloud (usually the next chapter in a longer selection), followed by WRITING WORKSHOP. Writing projects could include a functional writing project such as a "Birthday Book" page, Thank You letter, penpal letter, class newspaper articles, etc.; a story; a poem, a comic strip; or, work on a longer writing project such as a Young Author book or a research report. Students write on topics of their own choice as well as some suggested themes, with an emphasis on being able to express their own ideas in written form. Students are taught the steps in the writing process and learn to plan, draft, conference, revise, edit, and publish their works. During the editing stage, language mechanics will be stressed including spelling, capitalization, and punctuation. A "Spelling Pattern of the Week" will be emphasized each week with the pattern and focus words listed on the weekly homework assignment sheet. Third graders spend some time learning cursive handwriting. All students get practice word-processing in our classroom computer corner.

CLASS MEETINGS provide a time for student committees to meet. Students identify issues and problems and use this time to work on making improvements. Cooperation and teamwork between 3rd and 4th graders is promoted during this period as well as during the joint writing, discovery, and literature study periods.

Students will be attending MUSIC with students from other homebases. They will spend 12 weeks with each of the three music specialists who will focus on his/her specialty area of musical expertise.

MATH WORKSHOP includes whole group, small group, and individualized lessons and assignments. Mathland, our core program, is an activity-based program that is very different from the traditional math programs with which most of us are familiar. Lessons deal with mathematical concepts through the use of math manipulatives, problem solving experiences, and cooperative learning, as well as individual assignments.

DISCOVERY refers to the inquiry-based theme studies that are based on our science, social studies, and health curricula. Student-generated questions which relate to the overall theme being studied are highlighted and projects to develop understandings are posted on the Discovery bulletin board. During Discovery periods, each student works on these projects, in any order, with the goal of completing, to the best of his/her ability, all or almost all of the projects. Projects can extend all curricular areas. Most projects are open-ended and stress student critical thinking and creativity. Whole class activities also take place during this time block including collaborative reading, AIMS (Activities that Integrate Math & Science), and activities which build group spirit and unity. A special emphasis is being placed on group and individual research into topics related to the theme and chosen by the students for more in-depth study.

During LITERATURE STUDY children read independently or with partners, discuss the literature read with small groups (Literature Circles) or with the whole class, share ideas in individual teacher conferences, record thoughts in Reading Logs, and work on reading extension activities. The reading choices offered for Literature Study correlate with the overall Discovery theme being emphasized. Books might be part of an author, illustrator, or genre study. SQUIRT refers to periods of Sustained, Quiet, Uninterrupted Reading Time, or quiet independent reading. The best way to improve a child's reading skills is to have him/her read as much as possible. Students who need extra help are given direction/attention from the teacher as needed during the reading period.

CALENDAR EXTRAVAGANZA includes a variety of activities that include adding to a daily numberline and timeline, a calendar pattern of the month, math problem-solving, number games, current events, etc. Our Calendar Extravaganza bulletin board highlights the on-going activities.

Each Open Room student will have one week to display information about him/herself on our "Look At Me Now" bulletin board (third graders) or our "Studying My Past" board (fourth graders). Specific directions and materials will come home approximately two weeks before your child's assigned time. The preparation can be a project that you and your child enjoy together.

This classroom program encourages family involvement in each student's growth in literacy. Our weekly homework will have a strong element of parent involvement including a parent-child reading/writing conference, help with the weekly spelling pattern and focus words, and math support.

Communication between teacher and parents is important. The "Take Home" folder will come home at the beginning of each week with work from the previous week and classroom/school information. You can expect weekly notes at the bottom of the homework assignment sheet ("Parent Particulars") and an almost-weekly student-written/edited class newsletter. Parent conferences will be held in November and February. A note will go home with students if they owe additional homework due to unfinished classroom work or homework. You will be contacted by note or phone if there is a problem that we need to work on together. A phone number and times you are available would be helpful.

Parents are always welcome in our classroom. This classroom has an Open Door Policy. You do not need to call first, but you do need to sign in at the school office as a visitor. Volunteer time on a regular weekly basis is gladly accepted. If you have any questions or concerns during the school year, please call us at home or school.

Gail Wood Barbara Enos

3rd/4th Grade Open Room

Reading, Writing, and Math in the Open Room

Return to Gail Wood Home Page