4th Grade Program of Study

4TH GRADE PROGRAM OF STUDY 2023-24 School Year

LANGUAGE ARTS—READING Our literacy program enables students to become independent, flexible and resilient readers and writers. Children read a range of literature representing our diverse world through specific genres. They develop strong phonics, phonemic awareness, fluency, selfmonitoring skills, vocabulary, and comprehension. Our students understand that a text’s meaning is derived through an interchange between the reader and the text. Instruction is scaffolded so that students gradually learn to read increased text complexity. Writing is taught as an explicit skill and with ample time for independent practice using mentor text to guide them. Students create authentic pieces of writing intended for specific audiences and learn how to generate writing ideas across topics and genres. Grammar is explicitly taught and is integrated and fostered through authentic writing experiences.

Exit Outcomes Use the text-through behavior, thoughts, and dialogue-to accurately describe characters and their traits Understand setting is location, sensory details, and time period, both real and imagined Understand plot, mood, makes a prediction Accurately infer, understands author’s purpose, and describes theme Understand the author’s purpose: persuade, inform, entertain Understand cause and effect State accurate summaries using relevant information and logical sequencing (i.e. beginning, middle, end) Compare and contrast different themes, texts, and characters Reads fluently aloud, self correcting as meaning is lost Read with strong inflection and tone based on mood and dialogue Decodes and encodes multisyllabic words in reading and writing Uses content vocabulary, critical thinking skills, and comprehension strategies in order to participate in whole and small group discussions

Experiences that Support Learning Collaborative discussions Flexible groupings- we use flexible groupings to better individualize instruction Small group instruction Independent reading and writing Hands-on, multi sensory approach Shared Reading Interactive read aloud Systematic benchmark assessments Apply reading for meaning skills Project work

LANGUAGE ARTS—WRITING A fourth grade Luker will be able to write a well constructed, grammatically clear paragraph that connects reading to larger themes. They will also be able to write both formally and informally using unique styles to create personal narratives, poetry, informative descriptions, and argumentative essays. 4th graders will also conduct guided research and produce a preliminary, formal research report.

Exit Outcomes Develop writing by planning, revising, and editing Effectively confer with peers and teachers to discuss and reflect upon their writing pisces Conduct short research projects to build general knowledge about a subject Use transitional words and phrases to connect paragraphs and sentences Write a narrative piece Use dialogue to develop characters Use internal emotion to develop characters Develop strong story arcs Differentiate between a fictional narrative and a personal narrative Write an informative piece Use research facts to prove main ideas Determine a topic's relevance to the greater world Develop introductory and concluding sentences Create longer writing pieces with an introduction, body, and conclusion Learn to disseminate relevant and irrelevant information Write an opinion piece Develop a thesis or main argument Use researched facts to support opinion Identify audience and purpose of writing Develop introductory and concluding paragraphs Connect the topic to the greater world Convince the reader to adopt the student's stance Construct a well developed paragraph citing evidence from the text using the RACE method Use figurative language in writing Write using a variety of simple, compound, and complex sentences Correct fragments and run on sentences

Experiences that Support Learning Collaborative discussions Flexible groupings Small group instruction Independent writing Book reports Note taking Citizenship Breakfast; creating a formal invitation, essay, thank-you note

LANGUAGE ARTS— GRAMMAR & VOCABULARY Exit Outcomes Correctly write the four kinds of sentences with proper punctuation and capitalization Identify common, proper,and abstract nouns Revise sentences by using more descriptive nouns, adjectives, and adverbs Write using present-, past-, and future-tense, linking, action, and progressive verbs Correct errors in subject-verb agreement Write the main verbs and helping verbs to complete sentences Construct original sentences with main verbs and helping verbs Identify helping verbs that agree with the subject of a sentence Correct errors in the use of helping verbs Identify present, past, and future progressive forms of verbs Write the present, past, and future progressive forms of verbs correctly Identify pst forms of irregular verbs Correct errors in the use of irregular verbs Write sentences with irregular verbs Use new vocabulary words in writing

Experiences that Support Learning Collaborative discussions Flexible groupings Small group instruction Independent writing IXL Interactive vocabulary practice using digital resources

MATH The math curriculum is conceptual, challenging, uses a spiral approach, and is grounded in best practices. We also strive to make it fun! Children practice math concepts through intentional games and problem solving tasks. Students learn how to reason, think quantitatively, and communicate using models, numbers and words; form mathematical arguments and choose appropriate tools to explore and make meaning; persevere in solving problems; attend to efficiency and accuracy in solutions; and demonstrate computational fluency. Math instruction is differentiated to support a range of learners, with grade-level benchmarks that are based on formative assessments.

Exit Outcomes Numbers and Operations In Base Ten Write and say aloud numbers to the millions place and thousandths place respectively Ascribe a numerical value to a digit within a number to the millions place and the thousandths place Compare whole numbers to the millions place Place numbers on a number line to the millions place Recognize place value as being a function of base ten (i.e. the same digit in one higher place value will be ten times greater than the same digit in the lower place value)

Experiences that Support Learning IXL Aleks Small group instruction Flexible groupings Math talks Collaborative discussions Manipulatives

MATH Exit Outcomes Operations and Algebraic Thinking Recognize and solve problems involving multiplication and division Understand multiplication as a process of repeated addition Understand division as a process of repeated subtraction Understand the inverse relationship between multiplication and division facts Multiply two, three, and four digit numbers by one multiplier Multiply two digit by two digit multipliers Divide two, three, and four digit numbers by one divisor Recognize and solve problems involving addition and subtraction Add and subtract fluently up to millions place Use a variable to solve for unknown in fluency and word problems Recognize keywords that signal the function of addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division in multi-step word problems Model multiplication with models like arrays

Experiences that Support Learning Differentiated instruction to support concept development Digital resources for review, practice for mastery and introduction to new concepts Small group instruction Flexible groupings Math talks Collaborative discussions Manipulatives

Exit Outcomes Number and Operations - Fractions and Decimals Represents fractions on a number line Explain equivalent fractions Compare fractions using number lines and fraction circles Add and subtract fractions/mixed numbers with like denominators Understand fractions as a part to whole relationship Compare decimals to the hundredths place Place decimals on number line to the hundredths place Use base-ten blocks and visuals to mathematically model the functions of decimals

Experiences that Support Learning Differentiated instruction to support concept development Digital resources for review, practice for mastery and introduction to new concepts Small group instruction Flexible groupings Math talks Collaborative discussions Manipulatives

MATH Exit Outcomes Measurement and Data Recognize and measure inches, feet, and yards Recognize and measure to the nearest centimeter and meter Convert from feet to inches and from yards to feet Convert from centimeters to millimeters Convert from meters to centimeters Understand and interpret data Recognize, understand, and solve for the area and perimeter in rectangles Convert from liters to milliliters Convert from pounds to ounces Convert from grams kilograms Use line plots to graph fractional and whole number data

Experiences that Support Learning Differentiated instruction to support concept development Digital resources for review, practice for mastery and introduction to new concepts Small group instruction Flexible groupings Math talks Collaborative discussions Manipulatives

Exit Outcomes Geometry Identify the properties of quadrilaterals (Trapezoid, Rhombus, Parallelogram, Square, Kite, Rectangle, Quadrilateral) Know that a quadrilateral has four sides and four angles Know that a triangle has three sides and three angles Identify the properties of triangles (Right, Acute, Obtuse) Measure and categorize degree types Create and recognize line symmetry and geometric shapes Measure angles using variables, protractors, and diagrams

Experiences that Support Learning Differentiated instruction to support concept development Digital resources for review, practice for mastery and introduction to new concepts Small group instruction Flexible groupings Math talks Collaborative discussions Manipulatives

LIBRARY In Fourth Grade, students will continue to explore different literary genres such as mysteries, biographies, and award-winning novels. Through additional free-choice book report opportunities, they will also select books from historical fiction, fantasy fiction, sports fiction, animal fiction, humorous fiction, or realistic fiction genres. They will continue to grow a love for pleasure reading, an essential trait of lifelong learners. Their reading will be personalized to their individual interests from our collection of 25,000 items. Students will dive deeper into age-appropriate online library databases and resources to refine their research skills in finding and evaluating information. They will continue to use the Alexandria online library catalog and the Dewey Decimal System to find books by call number, a skill that will transfer to any other library they use in the future. Fourth graders will take three STAR Reading assessments and as many AR quizzes as they wish.

Exit Outcomes Further explore a variety of literary characters, representing our diverse world, through multiple genres such as realistic fiction, sports fiction, fantasy fiction, mysteries, historical fiction, biographies, animal fiction, and award-winning novels Support independent, formative readers who are exploring favorite authors and series Broaden an understanding of the importance of Formative Five traits Deepen skills in utilizing the Alexandria Online Catalog to find any book of interest through author, title, subject, and keyword searches Advance ability to use the Dewey Decimal System of library classification to find any nonfiction book in any library by call number Expand skills in conducting online and print resource research to find and evaluate information on subjects of interest Refine expertise in critically analyzing multiple age-appropriate and library-vetted online resources

Experiences that Support Learning Interactive weekly picture book read alouds on engaging subjects Sharing books from diverse authors and illustrators to support awareness of others’ cultures, experiences, and contributions to the world at large Monthly focus on a specific Formative Five trait (empathy, self-control, integrity, embracing diversity, and grit) Collaborative class discussions related to the weekly book reading Weekly hands-on opportunities, using our online catalog, to explore the sections of the library from which Fourth Grade readers select books Librarian and student collaboration on selecting books to read in the classroom and at home, with an emphasis on reading for joy and engagement.

Research projects, both assigned and free choice, using online resources such as World Book Student

SPANISH

When children are exposed to other languages at a young age they will be more likely to be interested in learning it as they grow older, also it helps expand their world and become more aware about other cultures and diversity. Students will begin with greetings, all about me, time, weather , seasons, and clothing. We will then progress to daily routines, Hispanic Leaders, parts of the body, feelings, Navidad, pets, household objects and chores, family descriptions, food, and meals of the day. Spanish class will also incorporate seasonal vocabulary, geography, art, music, customs, and food from Hispanic cultures.

Exit Outcomes Begins to work independently and in small groups in reading, writing, and speaking the Spanish language Learns integrated content for social studies, math, and science to acquire Spanish in a meaningful context Explores Latin American culture and traditions Uses technology in and out of the classroom as a learning tool for the acquisition of Spanish.

Learn about Spanish speaking countries, their locations, traditions, and foods

Experiences that Support Learning Collaborative discussions Shared Reading Interactive Read-Alouds Modeling Comparing and contrasting Retelling Predicting Guided conversations Letter-sound correspondence

MUSIC

In Fourth Grade, students experience music through speech, singing, movement, and playing instruments. They will develop their vocal, instrumental, and music reading skills through a diverse selection of songs, pieces, and games. Fourth graders will continue to learn how to use their musical knowledge to improvise and compose melodic and rhythmic phrases. Through folk dances from around the world, students will continue to develop a sense of beat and rhythm. Over the course of the year, students will listen to a variety of music and work to develop keen listening skills.

Exit Outcomes Improvises diatonic patterns on pitched percussion instruments Performs instrumental pieces using a variety of instruments Composes pieces with contrasting sections Performs songs and dances in irregular meter Performs accompaniment patterns with four chords Sings songs with harmonized melodies

Experiences that Support Learning Listening to/singing/playing a variety of music Engaging in creative movement, rhythmic movement, and folk dances Playing instruments: rhythm sticks, hand drums, xylophones, etc.

Reading music notation Following nonverbal cues from a conductor Listening critically for elements of music Performing in front of an audience

ILAB The Fourth Grade curriculum cycles through a 2-year program of study in conjunction with third grade. The first rotation includes Sound, Simple Machines, and the Human Body.

During the first trimester, students will investigate sounds all around them. They will build original instruments based on their knowledge of how vibrations create sound waves. Next, these young engineers will learn about the six different simple machines and build models to represent each one. In the spring, students will explore the structural system of the human body and dissect owl pellets. The second year rotation focuses on Water, Electricity and Magnetism, and Structures of Life. Young scientists begin the year by studying water and investigating its properties, surface tension, temperature, and the water cycle. In the winter, the focus will turn towards electricity where students will have the opportunity to create electrical circuits and investigate robotics. The spring is filled with investigations involving life cycles and the classification of different living organisms.

Exit Outcomes Uses and understands the scientific method Illustrates and labels a scientific diagram Creates Google Slides to demonstrate understanding of key vocabulary Can explain how cycles change both living and nonliving things Identifies the properties of matter and how those properties change when acted upon Conducts independent research on scientific concepts and shares findings Understands how to conduct a controlled experiment

Experiences that Support Learning Uses standard units to measure and graph results Hands-on, multi sensory approach which includes experiments, construction, and arts-based projects Creates models to illustrate scientific concepts Designs and engineers prototypes Incorporates technology to support learning Keeps an organized lab notebook to record data and observations Draws detailed scientific sketches to Works collaboratively with a lab partner and in small groups

ART Fourth Grade art is once a week for an hour and focuses on learning to draw shapes as three-dimensional forms and related 3D sculptural projects using clay and recyclables.

We look at a variety of art and artists from many cultures and learn to see cross-cultural connections. We will integrate some lessons with classroom units. We do block printmaking and tie dye as well. The culminating lower school art project is the fourth grade puppets. This project involves using plaster, sewing, and endless invention. Our expectation of children is that they do their best and that they respect the materials in the art room and each other. We hope that every child gains confidence and skill, and learns to love creating. Please have a smock at school for your child. (An old, large t-shirt works well-no button downs.) As the year progresses, make sure to look in the hallways outside and across from my room to see their wonderful artwork. 3D projects and Holiday projects which will go home as they are finished; the rest of the artwork will go home at the end of the year.

ART Exit Outcomes Work with plaster Create a puppet which involves sewing, plaster, character inventing, painting Create a sculpture with awareness of balance, symmetry, negative and positive space, and good craft for stability Is exposed to chinese calligraphy and learns brush strokes Can make a functional tea pot made from slabs, including handle, spot and lid Can draw a square so that it looks like a 3D form Learn the difference between opaque, transparent, porous and non porous in glazing.

Can work with T-dye and mix primary colors in T-shirt Explores symbolism in other cultures Continues to be exposed to new artists and styles Creates a faux Linoleum block print and learns to use cutting tools and how to get a successful print and in addition use more then one color

Experiences that Support Learning Hands on art making experience in every class Inclusion in all projects the students freedom to create individualized expression and content within the boundaries of the objectives of an assignment Examples and discussion about artwork showing different styles and periods Examples and discussion about artwork from different countries and cultures Modeling/demonstration of technique and correct usage of various materials, including but not limited to clay, printmaking supplies, watercolor and tempera paint, low temperature glue gun, recyclables etc.

Demonstration/instruction of sophisticated collage techniques involving layering Demonstration and instruction in turning square/rectangle shapes into 3d forms (cubes) in an artwork Demonstration of slab building in glay Introduction and demonstration of the use of new materials such as plaster, tie dye, multi-colored printing techniques, india ink and calligraphy brush, etc.

Modeling/demonstration of transferring a photo into a drawing Praise and use of examples of artwork of classmates Use of examples of artifacts (for ex. Masks from all over the world) One on one dialogue and help as needed with students to determine their goals in art and how best to achieve them Availability of a variety of materials and visual references