Grade 4 Cross Curricular Unit: Explorations in Canadian History
This unit uses inquiry and stories to delve into understandings of culture and family. A loose parts kit is available to use with this unit (please contact me).
More information is available here.
What is Balanced Literacy?
Balanced Literacy is a framework for literacy instruction that assumes reading and writing achievement are developed through instruction and support in multiple environments using various approaches that differ by level of teacher support and child control (Fountas & Pinnell, 1996). Balanced Literacy assumes that children construct their own understanding of literacy learning while immersed in literacy. A successful balanced literacy program must combine a balance of teacher directed instruction (including teacher modeling of skills, strategies and processes) and student-centred activities (Au, Caroll & Scheu, 1997; Freppon & Dahl, 1998; Pressley, Rankin & Yokoi, 1996; Snow, Burns & Griffen, 1998). In addition, recent research suggests that essential components of literacy should mirror principles of effective learning and teaching. Thus, well-implemented balanced literacy programs must include elements of community, authenticity, integration, optimism, modeling and student control and connectedness (Asselin, 1999; Pearson, 1999). To best achieve this goal, research suggests that teachers need to:
This unit uses inquiry and stories to delve into understandings of culture and family. A loose parts kit is available to use with this unit (please contact me).
More information is available here.
What is Balanced Literacy?
Balanced Literacy is a framework for literacy instruction that assumes reading and writing achievement are developed through instruction and support in multiple environments using various approaches that differ by level of teacher support and child control (Fountas & Pinnell, 1996). Balanced Literacy assumes that children construct their own understanding of literacy learning while immersed in literacy. A successful balanced literacy program must combine a balance of teacher directed instruction (including teacher modeling of skills, strategies and processes) and student-centred activities (Au, Caroll & Scheu, 1997; Freppon & Dahl, 1998; Pressley, Rankin & Yokoi, 1996; Snow, Burns & Griffen, 1998). In addition, recent research suggests that essential components of literacy should mirror principles of effective learning and teaching. Thus, well-implemented balanced literacy programs must include elements of community, authenticity, integration, optimism, modeling and student control and connectedness (Asselin, 1999; Pearson, 1999). To best achieve this goal, research suggests that teachers need to:
- emphasize reading, writing and literature by providing long, uninterrupted periods of successful reading every day
- create a positive, reinforcing, cooperative environment in the classroom,
- set high but achievable expectations for all students,
- thoroughly integrate reading and writing across the curriculum (Asselin, 1999; Pressley & Allington, 1998).
- What is Balanced Literacy
- Lesson plans for starting a balanced literacy program K-7
Literacy Ideas
- Reading independently and out loud to one another
- Choosing a variety of writing (news, graphic novels, comics, magazines, poems, music lyrics, recipes) to read, posters
- Writing letters to self, friends, family, organizations, and companies.
- Starting a book club with your friends
- Sharing recipes, jokes, favourite books, or song lyrics
- Epic books for kids (French and English titles)
Math Games
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Check out some math games you can play with a deck of cards, some dice and your brain!
Adapted from Box Cars and One Eyed Jacks (thanks to Madelyn Flood for sharing) | ||
Math Ideas For Getting Started
- Budgeting for meals, books, games, toys, electronics and considerations for the purchase
- Cooking: Doubling or halving the amount
- Working with time and estimates (chores – the time it takes to make and eat breakfast, activities – the time it takes to run around the block)
- Numeracy Support Surrey Schools includes math resources and activities for K-12
- Math Activities from Richmond School District
- Numeracy Tasks with Peter Liljedahl
- Mrs. Jones Let's Talk Math Activities