Eagle Clan-  Grades 4-5
Andy Darring

afdarring@seattleschools.org

Eagle Clan Syllabus

Regular (1-3 per week) class meetings to solve problems affecting entire class, to develop problem solving and conflict resolution strategies and to develop democratic decision making skills.

Community Building lessons on a regular basis to include anti-bullying, self esteem and health lessons.

Talking circle once per week to facilitate community building.

Consistent class routines and expectations developed by students and teacher from the beginning of the year.

Reader’s workshop is scheduled 5 times a week for 60 minutes.

Individual reading levels are assessed based on comprehension, fluency and vocabulary using the DRA.

Story elements (e.g. plot, setting, character, etc.) and reading skills (e.g. prediction, comparison, etc.) will be introduced and maintained throughout the year.

Instruction and assessment will include mini-lessons, book groups, reading journals, and individualized assessments.

Students are expected to keep a reading log of reading at home as part of weekly homework assignment.

20 minutes per day will be dedicated to read aloud – discussions and mini-lessons will often accompany read aloud.

• Problem Solving/ Mathematics is scheduled 5 times a week for 60 minutes.
• Computation skills, number sense, reasoning, communication and problem solving are developed through math journals and math games using a constructivist approach based on the work of Constance Kamii.
• TERC Investigations will be used to teach number sense as well as other strands during the year, including statistics, geometry, algebraic thinking, and measurement.

Ongoing assessment will be based on math journals, TERC assignments and projects, teacher observation and classroom based assessment.

Writer’s workshop is scheduled 5 times a week for 60 minutes.

Focus of writing is on the writing process. Writer’s notebooks serve as rough draft material; selected pieces will be revised, edited and published.

During Writer’s Workshop, students will write in a variety of genres, including personal narrative, fiction, poetry, memoir and literary essays.

Spelling, grammar and conventions will be specifically taught through workshop mini-lessons.

Writing is also a key component of reading journals, math journals, expedition work and individual projects.

• The Water Hall will be participating in two expeditions this year:

Spirit of the Salmon (a school-wide expedition this fall), and Struggle and Resistance (an in-depth look at US history with a focus on slavery, civil rights, women’s suffrage, Japanese internment, Indian removal and migrant farm workers).

• We will also complete at least one science kit - Ecosystems
• Outdoor education will be taught through camping and day trips.
• We will also maintain our ongoing relationship with Mee Kwa Mooks Park through service work coordinated with the city parks department.