Fourth grade is a fun and exciting year! Students begin to expand on basic mathematical skills and operations like multiplication, division, fractions, measurement, and geometry. Students develop more analytical and complex understanding of concepts as the year progresses, especially in the areas of mathematics and science. Often, the fourth grade will work together in mixed class groups for centers and activities in social studies and science. Fourth grade is an important year as they continue to learn to be responsible and independent. They begin to learn how to multi-task and manage their time efficiently for daily, long-term, and project-based tasks and assignments.
+ MATHEMATICS
The fourth grade math curriculum utilizes Into Math, by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. This program correlates with math Common Core.
Students will:
Demonstrate knowledge of values through millions
Solve word problems using a variety of strategies
Use estimation to determine reasonable answers
Apply basic facts to solve more complex multiplication and division problems
Demonstrate knowledge of both standard and metric units of measurement
Construct and interpret tables and graphs: line, bar, and circle
Add and subtract fractions with like denominators
Identify figures as lines, line segments or rays
Explore plane and space figures and their parts
Work with decimals
+ RELIGION
Fourth graders follow the Spirit of Truth religion curriculum. Each unit focuses on what and how Catholics believe, worship, live and pray. Students learn about the Ten Commandments, the Beatitudes and the Sacraments through role play, class discussions, group projects, and videos. Daily discussions and conversations about how to deal with life’s everyday problems and what we can do to follow in Jesus’ footsteps are also part of our curriculum.
+ LANGUAGE ARTS
Reading:
Fourth grade utilizes Journeys, by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, a basal reading program aligned to Common Core. In addition, students also receive supplemental reading opportunities with chapters books. Fourth grade students are exposed to a variety of literature genres and styles. Fourth grade students are given multiple exposures to vocabulary in the textbooks and chapter books. Students work independently and in groups to read, discuss, summarize, and analyze literature. Fourth grade places emphasis on reading strategies and reading skills to build comprehension. Students are expected to complete book reports.
Writing/ Grammar:
For grammar and writing, fourth grade uses the textbook, Voyages by Loyola Press. Students in fourth grade build on their skills from third grade to compose multi-paragraph writing pieces. Students will learn to use the writing process to become confident writers. Through varied writing assignments students will develop better understanding of the six traits of writing; working towards developing more fluency and organization in their writing. Every writing assignment is assessed with a rubric.
Students will review, identify, and apply parts of speech to complex and compound sentences in the grammar program. They will use these skills to create and use sentences of varying lengths.
Vocabulary/ Spelling:
Fourth grade uses Wordly Wise 3000 as a resource for academic vocabulary and spelling practice and development. Wordly Wise 3000 provides vocabulary rich instruction which will help with students’ reading comprehension across the curriculum as well as with assessments. Each lesson of fifteen words provides daily and weekly spelling practice by connecting spelling to thinking, reading, writing, and vocabulary. Each spelling lesson continues to reinforce previously learned phonics instruction and applies those skills to multi-syllabic words used in fourth grade.
+ SOCIAL STUDIES
The fourth grade curriculum focuses on the United States of America. Students learn the 50 states and capitals and the four regions. Each unit covers: land, climate, natural resources, economy, and the people of that region. Students are also introduced to world geography by locating and identifying the seven continents and major oceans in our world. Students also learn how to find exact location using lines of longitude and latitude. To help students learn about the 50 states we’ve implemented the Traveling Teddy Bear Project. This exciting project allows students to practice the skills of graphing, locating, journaling, and recording learned information Image may contain: one or more people and outdoorthroughout the year. Students leave fourth grade with a notebook filled with information about their teddy bear’s travels. Students also work in groups on state books and give oral presentations while learning about our nation’s history.
+ SCIENCE
The fourth grade utilizes Science Dimensions to discover Earth science topics including the makeup of the Earth specifically land-forms, exploring the oceans, soil, weathering and erosion, and the study of rocks and minerals. In Physical Science students explore matter and energy, including solids, liquids and gasses, force and motion, electricity, magnetism, light and sound, and simple machines. Students learn through hands-on activities, experiments, group projects, and nature walks to explore and learn about the world around us. Visual media such as science videos are also used throughout the year.
+ SPECIALS
All students participate in specials that compliment the rigorous classroom curricula throughout the school year. Art, Physical Education, Music, STEAM, and Spanish are offered to all students from grades Kindergarten through grade 8.
Students begin to experience the Spanish language 1x per week starting in kindergarten through grade 5. Middle School students take Spanish 3x per week.
A Glimpse Inside Fourth Grade
