1. 2010 – 2011 Fourth Grade Focus Class

2. Essential Question: What are we doing in Focus this year? In Fourth Grade Focus we are concentrating on math, language arts, and social studies

3. This year for the first time, we have offered as part of the Focus program, math to all fourth and fifth grade gifted students. The students were eligible for one of two areas in math.

4. AC Math is an advanced math class , designed to go more quickly through the AKS required for the year. They will also spend more time on problem solving and in-depth study of how to problem solve in math.

5. The second course, Gifted math, will also work on problem solving in math, but will spend more time completing fourth and fifth grade AKS required for the year.

6. Essential Question What are the grading Procedures for Fourth Grade AC Math and Fifth Grade Gifted math? Students will have at least two to three grades taken each week. They complete review and refresh mini-assignments that are used for grades. Tests will be given during, and at the end of each unit. Most homework assignments for the week are given on Monday. All assignments are recorded in student agendas each week, and Are on the Focus webpage each week.

7. English FRom the Roots Up

8. Essential Question: How does learning Greek and Latin help me with vocabulary? English from the Roots Up is a new unit that teaches root words from Greek and Latin origins. Vocabulary and reading are more easily understood when students know the meaning of root words. Knowing root words also helps when taking tests, such as the PSAT, the SAT, and the ACT. Students will be introduced to 2-5 new root words each week, and will be quizzed on new and previously learned information every week.

9. Students will be tested on all new vocabulary given each week. For example, this past week they were given two root words, photos and graph . Once the students start adding more words they Will be tested each week on the new words, and on 5-10 of the words learned previously. *All words and definitions are on the Focus webpage

10. Logic/Problem Solving:

12. Analogies Student: knowledge as :: sponge: water “ An analogy is a comparison between two things. It points out the similarities or likenesses between things that might be different in all other respects. Analogies draw a parallel between two things and cause us to think analytically about forms, usages, structures and relationships.” Lynne Chatham Advancing through Analogies

13. READING PROGRAM Jacob’s Ladder Center for Gifted Education, The College of William and Mary

14. J acob’s Ladder J acob’s Ladder is a supplemental reading program from the College of William and Mary, and through the Gwinnett County Gifted department. It implements targeted reading from short stories, poetry, and nonfiction sources. With this program, students to engage in an inquiry process that moves from lower order to higher order thinking skills.” Center for Gifted Education, The College of William and Mary Essential Question What is Jacob’s Ladder?

15. We will be working on logic, analogies, reading, and technology throughout the year, as well as a special building project (with toothpicks). We will cover English from the Ground Up weekly, and rotate the other materials throughout the year. Information concerning the building project will be posted in the coming months.

16. All math work, Focus work, and most any question you may have can be found on Mrs. Silverio’s webpage.

17. www.ksilverio.com FOCUS

18. FAQ ? Question: Why is there less resource time on their Focus day this year? Answer: Due to the two new options of AC Math and Gifted Math for all fourth and fifth grade gifted students, time does not permit for an entire day of Focus resource. However, we now have, fortunately, even more minutes with the gifted children in our classrooms each week.

19. Question: When can I see my child’s grades? Answer: The process to finalize the gradebooks is currently underway. As soon as it is complete, your student’s grades will be promptly be available to you. Question: Are AC Math and Gifted Math the same? Answer: Instruction in AC Math and Gifted Math is based on grade level AKS for fourth and fifth grades. However, differentiation will be made for each class according to student needs and learning.

20. OR see the Focus Webpage http://www.ksilverio.com/ AND Contact Mrs. Silverio [email_address] Email Mrs. Silverio and see the Focus webpage by accessing the K.E. Taylor website.

21. I am looking forward to what I hope will be a wonderful school year for the children.