Fourth Grade Curriculum
Math
Our fourth grade uses the district’s math program, Math Expressions. This program aligns with the new Common Core Standards. In fourth grade we will be focusing on the following: Multi-Digit Addition and Subtraction, Multiplication, Division, Place Value, Fractions, Decimals, Geometry and Measurement. Our math time we generally consist of: a short math lesson, time to practice the new skill, some small group work, fact practice, and math games to reinforce concepts.
Reading
In our classroom, reading instruction will take place in a variety of ways. We will use reader’s workshop, read aloud, independent reading, reading buddies, Reading Counts, and Book Commercials. Our main goal is to get students reading as much as possible.
Reading Workshop- The main reading goal we focus on in fourth grade is comprehension. We will focus on seven strategies that good readers use. We will introduce, model, and review a specific strategy and then the students will practice it with their own reading. The seven strategies students will learn to use are: making connections, questioning, visualizing, inferring, synthesizing, “fix-up” strategies, and determining important of text. During our workshop time students will also be introduced to many different genres, including: historical fiction, mystery, adventure, realistic fiction, traditional literature and non-fiction books.
Read Aloud- Students will hear stories read aloud daily. This is a great way to motivate students and allows them to sometimes experience literature that would otherwise be above their reading level.
Independent Reading- Every day our class will have IDR time (Independent Reading time). Students will generally use this time to read a chapter book of their choice at their level and record what books they are reading and what strategies they are using. We will use this time to conference with each child regularly about what he/she is reading.
Reading Counts- This year our school will continue using the Reading Counts program. Reading Counts allows children to read at their own level and take comprehension quizzes on the computer to see how well they read the text. Each student will have a point goal to work towards. Each book they read will be worth a certain amount of points. The number of points they actually receive will be based on the percent correct they got on the quiz.
Writing
This year our fourth grade will continue using the Lucy Calkins’ Writing Workshop in accordance with the Common Core Standards. In writing workshop, we begin by teaching a mini-lesson, and then students have time to write in their writer’s notebook. As students are writing, we take time to conference with individual students. At the end of each session, we come back together to wrap up what we have learned. This year, your child will write from many different genres: narratives, informational essays, and opinion essays.
Spelling
This year we will continue using a spelling program by Rebecca Sitton. In this program, students are exposed to fourth grade priority word. This program also emphasizes grammar. Most spelling work will be done in class, but your child will also have words to study at home.
Science
In fourth grade this year we will be studying Phenomenal Science units that align with the new science standards. Our first unit will focus on energy. Another unit will focus on life science, in which students will learn about plants and animals. Our third unit will focus on physical science, with students learning about waves and information transfers. Our last unit will focus on the Earth. We will do many activities with each unit and end each unit with a project or final assessment.
Social Studies
This year in Social Studies, we really focus on the United States. We will begin by learning all about the geography and regions of the United States. Then, we will take time to study the government and economics of the US.
Keyboarding
Your child was introduced to keyboarding in third grade. This year, we will continue practicing our keyboarding skills.
Specials
Our special schedule will be every morning from 9:50-10:40. We will have PE, music, art, and STEAM on a rotating basis. Each day your child will write in their agendas what special he/she has the next day.
M-Step Testing
The fourth graders take the M-Step test this year in the areas of Math and ELA Testing dates will be in the spring. We will send out more information about M-Step testing, as we approach the testing dates.
Math
Our fourth grade uses the district’s math program, Math Expressions. This program aligns with the new Common Core Standards. In fourth grade we will be focusing on the following: Multi-Digit Addition and Subtraction, Multiplication, Division, Place Value, Fractions, Decimals, Geometry and Measurement. Our math time we generally consist of: a short math lesson, time to practice the new skill, some small group work, fact practice, and math games to reinforce concepts.
Reading
In our classroom, reading instruction will take place in a variety of ways. We will use reader’s workshop, read aloud, independent reading, reading buddies, Reading Counts, and Book Commercials. Our main goal is to get students reading as much as possible.
Reading Workshop- The main reading goal we focus on in fourth grade is comprehension. We will focus on seven strategies that good readers use. We will introduce, model, and review a specific strategy and then the students will practice it with their own reading. The seven strategies students will learn to use are: making connections, questioning, visualizing, inferring, synthesizing, “fix-up” strategies, and determining important of text. During our workshop time students will also be introduced to many different genres, including: historical fiction, mystery, adventure, realistic fiction, traditional literature and non-fiction books.
Read Aloud- Students will hear stories read aloud daily. This is a great way to motivate students and allows them to sometimes experience literature that would otherwise be above their reading level.
Independent Reading- Every day our class will have IDR time (Independent Reading time). Students will generally use this time to read a chapter book of their choice at their level and record what books they are reading and what strategies they are using. We will use this time to conference with each child regularly about what he/she is reading.
Reading Counts- This year our school will continue using the Reading Counts program. Reading Counts allows children to read at their own level and take comprehension quizzes on the computer to see how well they read the text. Each student will have a point goal to work towards. Each book they read will be worth a certain amount of points. The number of points they actually receive will be based on the percent correct they got on the quiz.
Writing
This year our fourth grade will continue using the Lucy Calkins’ Writing Workshop in accordance with the Common Core Standards. In writing workshop, we begin by teaching a mini-lesson, and then students have time to write in their writer’s notebook. As students are writing, we take time to conference with individual students. At the end of each session, we come back together to wrap up what we have learned. This year, your child will write from many different genres: narratives, informational essays, and opinion essays.
Spelling
This year we will continue using a spelling program by Rebecca Sitton. In this program, students are exposed to fourth grade priority word. This program also emphasizes grammar. Most spelling work will be done in class, but your child will also have words to study at home.
Science
In fourth grade this year we will be studying Phenomenal Science units that align with the new science standards. Our first unit will focus on energy. Another unit will focus on life science, in which students will learn about plants and animals. Our third unit will focus on physical science, with students learning about waves and information transfers. Our last unit will focus on the Earth. We will do many activities with each unit and end each unit with a project or final assessment.
Social Studies
This year in Social Studies, we really focus on the United States. We will begin by learning all about the geography and regions of the United States. Then, we will take time to study the government and economics of the US.
Keyboarding
Your child was introduced to keyboarding in third grade. This year, we will continue practicing our keyboarding skills.
Specials
Our special schedule will be every morning from 9:50-10:40. We will have PE, music, art, and STEAM on a rotating basis. Each day your child will write in their agendas what special he/she has the next day.
M-Step Testing
The fourth graders take the M-Step test this year in the areas of Math and ELA Testing dates will be in the spring. We will send out more information about M-Step testing, as we approach the testing dates.