Grade 4 Curriculum
Fourth grade continues to develop independent reading and writing, involving students in stories, poems and non-fiction works. Our school uses the readers and writers workshop model to instruct our students as independent learners focused on reading and responding to literature, communicating with others, and understanding English language conventions. Our program emphasizes a balanced approach and includes interactive read aloud, shared reading, guided reading, independent reading, word study, literature study, writers workshop and independent writing.
Our program is based on Math Investigations which allows students to develop their own mathematical reasoning and use their communication skills in small groups. Concepts of unit conversion, distance, force measurement, predicting the probability of events and solving word problem extend fourth grade math to the "real" world. Fractions, rounding, and basic multiplication and division facts provide the foundation for many higher level math skills.
Science becomes a more formal study in the upper elementary grades with students designing their own experiments and learning the scientific method. The skills of observation, description, measurement and communication are developed through our inquiry based program. In fourth grade students explore force and motion, ecosystems, electricity, magnetism and weathering and erosion. Science journals provide support to our literacy program as well as a written record of our discoveries.
Our social studies program focuses on the communities and how they adapt to human and environmental changes. Students study the major geographic regions of the United States including their resources, climate, economy, physical features, and demographics. Students study immigration and settlement in our country. Students learn about the three branches of government and gain an understanding of our our state is represented on the federal level.
Students in Fourth Grade participate in weekly instruction in Art, Music, Physical Education, Library Media, and Spanish. Students also have the option to participate in Chorus. The Physical Education curriculum at this grade level includes swimming.