4TH GRADE PROGRAM OF STUDY
2024-25 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
Exit Outcomes
Measurement and Data
MATH
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
TThe fourth grade curriculum cycles through a 2-year program of study in conjunction with third grade. The first rotation includes Sound, Simple Machines, and Air and Space. 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 more about the atmosphere that surrounds our planet as well as how our planet compares and contrasts to others in our solar system. After spring break, the focus shifts to Lego Robotics and Coding where students will follow schematics to engineer robots to perform specific tasks and apply basic programming
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. After spring break, the focus shifts to Lego Robotics and Coding where students will follow schematics to engineer robots to perform specific tasks and apply basic programming.
ILAB
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
Engineers robots to perform simple tasks
Designs, plans, and build planned and open-ended projects
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
Designs and engineers prototypes using Lego
Follows schematics accurately
Understands and applies basic programming
Works as a team to plan, problem solve, troubleshoot, and edit
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