The Fenn School Curriculum Guide
Mathematics
Fourth Grade Mathematics
The fourth grade curriculum focuses on exploring arithmetic operations and developing standard algorithms. We also look at alternative procedures and varied strategies for problem solving. The concepts covered include: interpreting data, identifying patterns and relationships between numbers, and basic geometry and algebra concepts. Manipulatives and modeling are used to promote and enrich student comprehension. Students work with estimation to develop a better number sense and to help in computation. To help each boy organize his materials and synthesize classroom discussion, each student maintains a notebook that contains his homework, handouts with examples of algorithms, and other pertinent information. The fourth grade program highlights problem solving from everyday situations, facility with basic number facts, arithmetic skills, and practice through mathematical games and technology. Teachers use multiple methods for basic skill practice and review of whole number concepts include rounding, place value, and all four operations. Two-dimensional spatial concepts are explored with tangrams, puzzles, and games. Concepts in fractions and decimals include comparing and ordering, equivalence, addition, subtraction, and the relationship between fractions and decimals. Problem solving skills focus on using information, data, and mathematical concepts from the curriculum. Throughout the academic year, there is ongoing review and repeated exposure to key mathematical ideas in different contexts to improve comprehension and mastery.
Fifth Grade Mathematics
The fifth grade program explores the relationship among numbers by the study of place value, multiples and factors, prime and composite numbers, divisibility rules, exponents, and integers. Concepts include all operations with whole numbers, decimals, fractions, and percents. The curriculum also encompasses a study of area and perimeter of rectangles, circles, and triangles. The curriculum incorporates graphing and statistics in various forms. Each student maintains a strategy notebook to organize and synthesize his learning. Students explore a variety of mathematical concepts through “Challenge Problems,� write reflections on their strategies, and use a variety of hands-on materials to help them develop a sound conceptual understanding of the mathematical ideas.
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