LANGUAGE ARTS & READING
Fourth Grade features a literature-based, integrated curriculum, where students are placed in small groups and encounter a variety of texts with themes and content that directly support the social studies curriculum. Emphasis is placed on vocabulary development, inferential comprehension skills, fluency in oral reading, and the ability to share one’s views of a text through writing and class presentations. Auditory comprehension is developed through group literacy discussions and read-aloud books. Also, students use a Reader’s Notebook to record reflective entries, track genre preferences, and monitor reading and writing goals. Guided, shared, and independent reading allows for personal growth and targets individual skills.
WRITING
Students are taught to write in a variety of forms, including poetry, personal essays, and responses to literature. They also conduct genre studies and compare texts. In each case, students fully engage with the writing process, developing and refining their ideas. Fourth graders are expected to apply correct spelling and grammar rules when writing and sometimes use word processing software.
SPELLING & GRAMMAR
Students are taught to write in a variety of forms, including poetry, personal essays, and responses to literature. They also conduct genre studies and compare texts. In each case, students fully engage with the writing process, developing and refining their ideas. Fourth graders are expected to apply correct spelling and grammar rules when writing and sometimes use word processing software.
MATHEMATICS
Grade 4 math emphasizes number sense and builds student confidence while tackling challenging and open-ended problems. The concepts of multi-digit multiplication and long division are explored through the use of models and algorithms. Students also investigate decimals, fractions, algebra, measurement, and geometry. Students' understanding is developed through the use of manipulatives, cooperative activities, and critical thinking exercises. Math vocabulary is emphasized, and students use math language to communicate and explain their thinking in detail.
SCIENCE & DESIGN LAB
Fourth graders continue to participate in a program that highlights science, engineering, design thinking, and technology. Through their extended work in the course, students prototype solutions, present original experiments, and become tenacious and agile problem solvers. At the same time, students continue to build their lab skills through observation, measurement, and the formulation of hypotheses. Emphasis is placed on logical thinking and problem-solving. Dynamic Earth systems are explored through research, experimentation, data collection, and presentations. Students also investigate energy transformation and the relationship between structure and function in various organisms.
SOCIAL STUDIES
Students learn about the birth of the United States and the over two-hundred-year history that has brought us to our present state. We look at major events over the course of our country's growth: from military engagements to the intrepid work of the diverse people who helped shape our culture, government, and world-leading industry. This allows students to better understand where we have come from and how understanding our past will enable us to move forward. Research techniques, use of technology, and hands-on activities present students with a variety of approaches to engage with this rich subject.
SPANISH
In fourth grade, students are presented with an ambitious curriculum, as they conjugate verbs in the singular form and use them in sentences. The use of other grammar rules (such as noun-adjective agreement) prepares students for the upper school language program. Students enhance their listening, reading, writing, speaking, and pronunciation skills with the use of student-centered activities. By practicing useful verbs (such as ser, tener, ir, gustar, comer, beber) and adding practical vocabulary (such as sports, places to go, food, hobbies, and adjectives) students can communicate about their daily life and needs. The cultivation of respect and understanding for different cultures, as well as the development of a global perspective, is honed through discussions of current events and the study of the rich traditions and history of several Hispanic countries.
Note: For native and heritage Spanish speakers, small group instruction during class time teaches grammar, reading, and writing skills at the appropriate level with an additional teacher.
TECHNOLOGY & DESIGN
Technology skills are developed through an integrated approach, directly supporting academic learning goals. Students learn to use digital tools to become empowered learners, responsible digital citizens, innovative designers, knowledge constructors, creative communicators, computational thinkers, and global collaborators. Students continue to explore the collaborative and more advanced features of Google Workspace. They build and program robots, prototype original solutions, and work through multiple iterations based on feedback and testing. In addition, students refine word processing skills, as well as keyboarding fluency, using All the Right Type and various typing games. Students continue their design work through an iterative process that encourages creative thinking and problem-solving.
ART
Fourth-grade students begin to view and execute the basic elements of design and drawing in a more sophisticated manner. In addition to contemporary artists and the Masters, students also study American and world folk art. Because fourth graders can successfully express a mood through their work, they can begin to critique that work, as well as make thoughtful judgments about the art in their environment. Fourth-grade artists confidently employ Agency by Design in their creative building projects.
MUSIC
Fourth-grade students are regularly engaged in singing, moving to music, learning to read music, creating music, and listening to, analyzing, and evaluating music and music performances. In addition, students play a variety of musical instruments, including Orff instruments, hand chimes, and ukuleles. Carefully selected materials are utilized for their aesthetic value to the program and provide a framework whereby students learn to understand and appreciate their own historical and cultural heritage, as well as those of other cultures.
WOODWORKING
Fourth-grade students are regularly engaged in singing, moving to music, learning to read music, creating music, and listening to, analyzing, and evaluating music and music performances. In addition, students play a variety of musical instruments, including Orff instruments, hand chimes, and ukuleles. Carefully selected materials are utilized for their aesthetic value to the program and provide a framework whereby students learn to understand and appreciate their own historical and cultural heritage, as well as those of other cultures.
PHYSICAL EDUCATION
Students in fourth-grade focus on improving sport-specific skills, game strategies, and spatial awareness through challenges, activities, and games. Intramural play focuses on positioning, team strategies, and teamwork. Sportsmanship, being a good teammate, and leadership skills are major emphases during the lessons, as students continue to strengthen their InDeCoRe values.