4th Grade

Art

Fourth-grade children have the opportunity to explore and discuss a wide range of two- and three-dimensional forms of art. This class encourages fourth-grade children, through a hands-on approach, to experience a variety of media, learn more advanced techniques, and sharpen their maturing appreciation of many artists and artistic styles. A strengthening of their basic design knowledge and skills is fostered through each assignment.

Language Arts

Students in fourth grade will read independently, as well as in a variety of groups, to acquire knowledge and information relating to all content areas. Fourth-grade children are given guidance toward quality genres of literature and are responsible for sharing their knowledge in various methods within the classroom such as written book reports and book talks. Activities that highlight grammar, punctuation and the mechanics of writing are assigned to strengthen students’ reading and writing skills. Student vocabulary is strengthened through the use of vocabulary units that challenge students to identify relationships among word groups. Throughout the course of the fourth grade school year, students will display growth in the contents of reading and writing through the application of learned skills.

Mathematics 

Fourth-grade Mathematics program enables students to encounter math in a meaningful way and translates mathematical skills from the concrete to the abstract. Skills are developmentally progressive from previous grades and guide students to develop logical thinking and critical problem-solving skills. Students learn to identify alternative algorithms and cover geometric figures, multiplication and division, number sentences, decimals, estimation, computation, measures of angles, fractions, chance and probability, perimeter and area, percent, reflections and symmetry, shapes, weight, volume and capacity, and rates.

Music

Fourth graders in music learn to read, write, sing, and play the melody on instruments including the voice and recorder. Students learn to read, write, sing, and play the harmony on multiple instruments including the voice, the xylophone, the glockenspiel, West-African drums, and the ukulele.

Physical Education

Through skill drills and games, fourth-grade students begin to put all skills and movement patterns into team games. Game concepts, strategies, and positioning continue to be taught and practiced. Sportsmanship is stressed in competitive-game situations while demonstrating respect for opponents and pride in their own performance. Fitness concepts continue to be taught and practiced.

Science

Our fourth-grade program utilizes project-based learning. Students can expect to engage in a variety of hands-on science inquiry activities during each unit of study.   These projects focus on building presentations, design, and research skills. Students will use primary sources and information texts to gather research facts for each study.

Social Studies 

The social studies curriculum is project-based and promotes increased awareness of self, the community and our place in the world. Recognizing that community begins in the classroom, children actively learn the meaning of respect, honesty, cooperation, responsibility, and empathy. Social Studies is taught through project-based learning.  Students will use primary sources and information texts to gather historical, economic, and political facts for each study. Students will apply their knowledge from their research into projects that focus on developing their research and presentation skills. 

Spanish

Fourth-grade students have a developmental foundation that allows them to begin a more formal approach to foreign language learning. The five basic skills for second language acquisition, listening, speaking, reading, writing, and cultural awareness, are emphasized in the content to maintain and strengthen foundational abilities. Fourth grade Spanish highlights basic grammar structures, such as gender, the formation of plurals, and subject-verb agreement.

Technology

By fourth grade, students are comfortable using technology tools appropriately and often for classroom work. They will be using email for connections with teachers and schoolwork and will be introduced to and engaging with various palatforms. The fourth-grade year focuses on an in-depth study of innovative technologies, using more student-driven and open-ended projects. Students are required to have a personal laptop compter, headphones, mouse and charging cable. Students will also take an active part in using STEM materials for basic coding and engineering design.