Fourth Grade

Language Arts

The fifth grade language arts are divided in several subsets of subject matter: grammar, spelling, vocabulary development, reading comprehension skills, writing, and literature appreciation in all genres.  Students will participate in small guided reading groups while learning comprehension skills and strategies.  Literature circles, in which the students discuss their reading experiences, are another form of reading instruction utilizing class novels and independent reading. They also practice the important skills of listening to and accepting others’ interpretations of literature.  A goal of fourth grade language arts is to apply all knowledge in this area to other subjects as they read, write, and discover through language.  Some of the fourth grade literature selections include A Christmas Carol, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, The Mouse and the Motorcycle, and My Side of the Mountain.

Math

Fourth grade Everyday Mathematics provides students with a hands-on, multifaceted, and engaging opportunity to immerse themselves in math. Students in fourth grade focus on critical areas:
-understanding and fluency with multi-digit multiplication
-understanding of dividing to find quotients involving multi-digit dividends
-understanding of fraction equivalence
-addition and subtraction of fractions with like denominators
-multiplication of fractions by whole numbers
-understanding that geometric figures can be classified based on their properties

Science

Fourth grade science provides students with hands-on learning experiences that allow them to relate what they learn in the classroom to their daily lives. Topics covered in fourth grade science are: the water cycle, clouds, severe weather, earth and space, light and sound, states of matter, ecosystems, marine biology, the human body. Students participate in “The Human Body Olympics” at the end of the school year. Games demonstrate the different functions of each system of the body.

Social Studies

Fourth grade social studies takes students on a journey around the world.  Geography and culture of the seven continents are explored.  Students apply map skills, use an atlas, and identify landforms as they collect information to keep in their “passport”.  At the end of the school year, students participate in a “Tastes of the World” while creating dishes from various countries.

Technology

Fourth grade technology labs provide a time for students to perform and create using the technological skills they have learned through Microsoft programs along with other web-based media.  Integrating technology into every curriculum area allows students to apply their knowledge and produce meaningful documents and presentations.