Mrs. Ream's Classroom
curiosity, respect, resilience
Grading
Tests are sent home for signatures. Report cards are mailed home three times a year and use this grading scale:
4 - Exceeding Standard
Consistently demonstrates advanced understanding and application of concepts.
3 - Met Standard
Consistently meets 4th-grade expectations and understands core concepts independently.
2 - Progressing
Approaching standard; requires some support or prompting to complete tasks.
1 - Area of Concern
Requires significant support and is currently working below grade-level expectations.
About 4th Grade
Homework
Homework begins after Labor Day.
Math Practice
Expect to see a math page each night to reinforce the day's lesson.
Reading Comprehension
Nightly reading homework that includes reading and answering two comprehension questions.
Field Trips
We have three big field trips:
Woodside Store
Sanchez Adobe
Columbia State Historic Park (Gold Country, 3 night trip)
Volunteering
Parent volunteers make these wonderful field trips possible. Please see Konstella for the latest sign-ups.
English Language Arts
Reading
In 4th grade, we transition from learning to read to reading to learn.
-
Literature groups and book clubs foster deep comprehension
-
Reading coordinates with Writer's Workshop
-
Read-alouds connect across curricula
Word Work
Differentiated stations that build mastery of 4th-grade words and give students autonomy. Groupings change as student needs change.
Grammar
Students will study fourth-grade grammar and mechanics to help them clarify and elevate their writing skills.
Writer's Workshop
Students learn diverse strategies and writing processes and compose essays of 5 or more paragraphs.
Realistic Fiction (Narrative): Creating stories that follow a clear story arc and small moments.
Argument / Persuasive: Analyzing text and using specific evidence to build strong arguments (a 4th-grade favorite!).
Literary Response & Analysis: Diving deep into character motivations and themes.
Informational Writing: Utilizing text structures to engage in non-fiction writing.
Math
Music
We have Music every Monday, Wednesday, and alternating Fridays. A note from the music teachers:
✨ A Year of Musical Discovery ✨
This year, our fourth graders embark on an exciting musical journey filled with mastery of string instruments, medieval theater, and outdoor performance! Students will build music literacy, chord knowledge, and performance confidence through hands-on playing and historic storytelling. Throughout the year, fourth graders deepen their music theory foundation by reading chord charts and standard notation, exploring multi-part harmonies, and practicing ensemble collaboration as confident young musicians and performers.
Ukulele Program (Ms. Dameron)
Fourth graders take their instrumental skills to new heights as they learn the ukulele with Ms. Dameron!
End-of-Year Outdoor Showcase: The Pied Piper of Hamelin (Ms. Sokalova)
To cap off our year, fourth graders will present a medieval-themed musical performance of The Pied Piper of Hamelin in the school Amphitheater! Taking the outdoor stage, students bring this historic story to life through character acting, choral singing, and dramatic storytelling.
🌟 Thank you for joining us on this musical adventure! 🌟 - Ms. Sokolova & Ms. Dameron
Physical Education
We have PE every Tuesday, Wednesday, and alternating Fridays. A note from Ms. Jones, the PE teacher:
I believe that physical education is vital to the growth and development of children. Our physical education program teaches students how their bodies move and how to perform a variety of physical activities. Students learn the health-related benefits of regular physical activity and the skills to adopt a physically active, healthy lifestyle.
Social and Emotional Learning, SEL, is a natural fit in physical education and will be an emphasis throughout the year.
Please help your child participate to their fullest by sending them in athletic shoes and comfortable clothes on their PE days. Students wearing flip-flops, sandals, heels, Crocs, Ugg boots, or cowboy boots will not be allowed to participate due to safety concerns. Shoes that cover all toes and heels and stay on the childʼs feet are generally okay. Athletic shoes with non-marking soles are greatly appreciated!
If your child is at school but will be unable to participate due to illness or injury, please send them to school with a note or email me. A doctorʼs note is required for excuses lasting more than three days. On your note, please indicate your childʼs restrictions. For example, they have a sprained wrist but are fine to run.
If you have any questions or concerns about your child, the physical education program, or after-school sports, I would love to hear from you. I can be reached at kjones@woodsideschool.us
I look forward to getting to know you and your children,
Kathy Jones
Science, Social Studies & SEL
Science (FOSS Science Curriculum)
Students engage in hands-on activities to explore:
-
Rocks, Soils & Landforms
-
Environments
-
Energy - waves and electricity
Social Studies
Big Idea: "Understanding others helps us understand ourselves."
Students will explore California's diverse Native American cultures, early-settler missions and townships, as well as modern communities, fostering empathy and self-awareness through understanding of others. Additionally, they will analyze how regional geography shapes daily life, reflecting on how their own location influences how they live. Students will...
-
Explore original sources, including maps, pictures, artifacts, and music.
-
Create a timeline. This will help students see how events are connected and gain a better understanding of how much of the past we do not fully understand.
-
Keep a notebook of their wonders and learning.
-
Engage in Design Thinking activities/projects to connect with history.
Social Emotional Learning (SEL)
Our SEL program directly reflects the needs of our students. We observe students' interactions and needs and tailor the instruction accordingly. Lessons include topics such as conflict resolution and self-advocacy skills.