Fourth Grade
Jennifer Weber
"Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn." ~ Benjamin Franklin
About the Teacher:
My name is Jennifer Weber and I am entering my tenth year teaching at Bishop Dunn Memorial School. During my time at Bishop Dunn, I have taught fourth grade, fifth grade, and middle school science. Prior to teaching at Bishop Dunn, I worked in the Wappingers Central School District as well as the Newburgh Armory. In addition to my degrees in the math and science fields, I have a MS degree in Literacy.
For me, teaching is more than a job; teaching is my passion. I have known since the first grade that I wanted to be a teacher. It is my hope to instill a love of learning in my students and to give them opportunities to find success as they grow.
"Knowledge will bring you the opportunity to make a difference." ~ Claire Fagin
Teaching Philosophy:
The key to being a successful teacher is not only increasing students’ knowledge but also inspiring them. Unfortunately, there are certain obstacles that may occur even before teaching a lesson that may make this a more daunting task. While I am of the firm belief that everyone has the ability to learn any topic, I have found that many students have the misconception that they are incapable. Therefore, to be a successful teacher, my first role is to help my students overcome any fear they may have and to help them believe that each one of them is capable of understanding the concepts that are being taught. In order to eradicate students’ fears, it is important to create an inclusive environment that provides continuous opportunities for success.
My goal as a teacher is to inspire and support students as they secure and increase their knowledge. As students are guided through their lessons, it is my responsibility to stress that learning is not about getting the correct answer but about continually trying and growing. By providing knowledge and tools in an accessible manner, every student will have the opportunity to be successful.
"Anyone who thinks they're too small to make a difference has never met the honey bee." ~ Unknown
Welcome to Fourth Grade
Religion
The overall theme in religion this year is understanding, as God’s people, we are called to live as Jesus did, choosing a life of love, characterized by obedience to God and service to others. In addition to reviewing the parts of mass, we will practice the following prayers: Sanctus, Luminous Mysteries of the Rosary, and the Apostles’ Creed.
Reading
Throughout fourth grade, the students will build their confidence as independent readers. Students will be taught various strategies on how to read for meaning. Students will build and practice their reading skills in small groups, independently, and as a whole class.
Writing
During our writing time, students will learn and practice key grammar concepts, such as sentence formation, punctuation, and parts of speech. Students will be given multiple opportunities throughout the year to apply their writing knowledge to various genres of writing pieces. For each writing piece, we will work through the writing process, from brainstorming to publication.
Word Study
This year we will be using the 180 Days of Spelling & Word Study book to guide our word study lessons. We will study word patterns to help build spelling skills as well build a stronger understanding of word meanings.
Math
Our fourth grade mathematics program is aligned with the Next Generation Learning Standards. The fourth grade curriculum focuses on the significance of place value in whole numbers, using the four operations to solve problems, measurement conversions, fractions, and geometry. In geometry this year we will focus on classifying shapes and identifying angles. To help students grow at their pace, we will be using our MAPS Accelerator program daily in the morning. To help students be successful, it is very helpful for students to continuously practice their math facts.
Science
Throughout the year in science, the fourth grade students will practice thinking like a scientist and following the scientific method as we explore different topics. Some of the topics we will cover this year include: the scientific method, energy, the Earth's features, and the behaviors of living organisms. Our fourth grade curriculum follows the Next Generation Standards for Science.
Social Studies
Social studies in fourth grade focuses on the history of New York State. Throughout the year we will study the geography of New York, local Native American tribes, explorers important to the history of New York, the French and Indian War as well as the Revolutionary War.
Our 4th Grade Classroom Rules
- Be kind to others and yourself
- Keep all body parts to yourself
- Keep your space clean and organized
- Respect others, yourself, and our school
- Don't talk when someone else is talking
- Use an inside voice in the classroom and be silent in the hallway
- Keep positive thoughts and try your best every day
Summer Reading Suggestions
- The Lemonade War by Jacqueline Davies
- Frindle by Andrew Clements
- James and the Giant Peach by Roald Dahl
- Percy Jackson by Rick Riordan
- Superfudge by Judy Blume
- The Mouse and the Motorcycle by Beverly Cleary
- The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate
- Where the Mountain Meets the Moon by Grace Lin
- Love, Amalia by Alma Flor Ada
Please click on the link to access this year's parent-teacher conference sign-up.