4TH GRADE PROGRAM OF STUDY
2026-27 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
Uses the text through behavior, thoughts, and dialogue to accurately describe characters and their traits
Understands setting is location, sensory details, and time period, both real and imagined
Understands plot, mood, makes a prediction
Accurately infers, understands author’s purpose, and describes theme
Understands the author’s purpose: persuade, inform, entertain
Understands cause and effect
States accurate summaries using relevant information and logical sequencing (i.e. beginning, middle, end)
Compares and contrasts different themes, texts, and characters
Reads fluently aloud, self correcting as meaning is lost
Reads 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 to better individualize instruction
Small group instruction
Independent reading and writing
Hands-on, multisensory approach
Shared reading
Interactive read-aloud
Systematic benchmark assessments
Apply reading for meaning skills
Project work
LANGUAGE ARTS WRITING
In Fourth Grade, students are able to write well-constructed, grammatically clear paragraphs that connect reading to larger themes. They are also able to write both formally and informally using unique styles to create personal narratives, poetry, informative descriptions, and argumentative essays. Students also conduct guided research and produce a preliminary, formal research report.
Exit Outcomes
Develops writing by planning, revising, and editing
Effectively confers with peers and teachers to discuss and reflect upon their writing pieces
Conducts short research projects to build general knowledge about a subject
Uses transitional words and phrases to connect paragraphs and sentences
Writes a narrative piece
Uses dialogue to develop characters
Uses internal emotion to develop characters
Develops strong story arcs
Differentiates between a fictional narrative and a personal narrative
Writes an informative piece
Uses research facts to prove main ideas
Determines a topic's relevance to the greater world
Develops introductory and concluding sentences
Creates longer writing pieces with an introduction, body, and conclusion
Learns to disseminate relevant and irrelevant information
Writes an opinion piece
Develops a thesis or main argument
Uses researched facts to support opinion
Identifies audience and purpose of writing
Develops introductory and concluding paragraphs
Connects the topic to the greater world
Convinces the reader to adopt the student's stance
Constructs a well-developed paragraph citing evidence from the text
Uses figurative language in writing
Writes using a variety of simple, compound, and complex sentences
Corrects fragments and run-on sentences
Experiences that Support Learning
Collaborative discussions
Flexible groupings
Small group instruction
Independent writing
Book reports
Note taking
Leadership Breakfast: creating a formal invitation, essay, thank-you note
LANGUAGE ARTS
GRAMMAR & VOCABULARY
Exit Outcomes
Correctly writes the four kinds of sentences with proper punctuation and capitalization
Identifies common, proper, and abstract nouns
Revises sentences by using more descriptive nouns, adjectives, and adverbs
Writes using present-, past-, and future-tense, linking, action, and progressive verbs
Corrects errors in subject-verb agreement
Writes the main verbs and helping verbs to complete sentences
Constructs original sentences with main verbs and helping verbs
Identifies helping verbs that agree with the subject of a sentence
Corrects errors in the use of helping verbs
Identifies present, past, and future progressive forms of verbs
Writes the present, past, and future progressive forms of verbs correctly
Identifies past forms of irregular verbs
Corrects errors in the use of irregular verbs
Writes sentences with irregular verbs
Uses 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
Writes and says aloud numbers to the millions place and thousandths place respectively
Ascribes a numerical value to a digit within a number to the millions place and the thousandths place
Compares whole numbers to the millions place
Places numbers on a number line to the millions place
Recognizes 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
Recognizes and solves problems involving multiplication and division
Understands multiplication as a process of repeated addition
Understands division as a process of repeated subtraction
Understands the inverse relationship between multiplication and division facts
Multiplies two, three, and four digit numbers by one multiplier
Multiplies two digit by two digit multipliers
Divide two, three, and four digit numbers by one divisor
Recognizes and solves problems involving addition and subtraction
Add and subtract fluently up to millions place
Uses a variable to solve for unknown in fluency and word problems
Recognizes keywords that signal the function of addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division in multi-step word problems
Models 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
Flexible groupings
Math talks
Collaborative discussions
Manipulatives
Exit Outcomes
Number and Operations Fractions and Decimals
Represents fractions on a number line
Explains equivalent fractions
Compares fractions using number lines and fraction circles
Adds and subtracts fractions/mixed numbers with like denominators
Understands fractions as a part to whole relationship
Compares decimals to the hundredths place
Places decimals on number line to the hundredths place
Uses 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
Flexible groupings
Math talks
Collaborative discussions
Manipulatives
MATH
Exit Outcomes
Measurement and Data
Recognizes and measures inches, feet, and yards
Recognizes and measures to the nearest centimeter and meter
Converts from feet to inches and from yards to feet
Converts from centimeters to millimeters
Converts from meters to centimeters
Understands and interprets data
Recognizes, understands, and solves for the area and perimeter in rectangles
Converts from liters to milliliters
Converts from pounds to ounces
Converts from grams kilograms
Uses 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
Flexible groupings
Math talks
Collaborative discussions
Manipulatives
Exit Outcomes
Geometry
Identifies the properties of quadrilaterals (trapezoid, rhombus, parallelogram, square, kite, rectangle, quadrilateral)
Knows that a quadrilateral has four sides and four angles
Knows that a triangle has three sides and three angles
Identifies the properties of triangles (right, acute, obtuse)
Measures and categorizes degree types
Creates and recognizes line symmetry and geometric shapes
Measures 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
Flexible groupings
Math talks
Collaborative discussions
Manipulatives
LIBRARY
In Fourth Grade, students continue to explore different literary genres such as mysteries, biographies, and award-winning novels. Through additional free-choice book report opportunities, they also select books from historical fiction, fantasy fiction, sports fiction, animal fiction, humorous fiction, or realistic fiction genres. They continue to grow a love for pleasure reading, an essential trait of lifelong learners. Their reading is personalized to their individual interests from our collection of 25,000 items. Students dive deeper into age-appropriate online library databases and resources to refine their research skills in finding and evaluating information. They 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 take three STAR Reading assessments and as many AR quizzes as they wish.
Exit Outcomes
Further explores 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
Supports independent, formative readers who are exploring favorite authors and series
Broadens an understanding of the importance of Formative Five traits
Deepens skills in utilizing the Alexandria Online Catalog to find any book of interest through author, title, subject, and keyword searches
Advances ability to use the Dewey Decimal System of library classification to find any nonfiction book in any library by call number
Expands skills in conducting online and print resource research to find and evaluate information on subjects of interest
Refines expertise in critically analyzing multiple age-appropriate and library-vetted online resources
Experiences that Support Learning
Interactive weekly picture book readalouds 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 are more likely to be interested in learning it as they grow older. A different language also helps expand their world and become more aware about other cultures and diversity. Students will begin with greetings, all about me, time, weather, and clothing. They then progress to daily routines, Hispanic leaders, parts of the body, Navidad, pets, household objects, chores, family descriptions, food, and meal of the day. Spanish class also incorporates 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 develop their vocal, instrumental, and music reading skills through a diverse selection of songs, pieces, and games. Fourth graders 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 continue to develop a sense of beat and rhythm. Over the course of the year, students 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
The Fourth Grade curriculum cycles through a 2-year program of study in conjunction with Third Grade. The second year rotation takes place in Fourth Grade and 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 turns towards electricity, where students 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 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
Explains 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 builds planned and open-ended projects
Experiences that Support Learning
Uses standard units to measure and graph results
Hands-on, multisensory approach which includes experiments, construction, and artsbased 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
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
Exit Outcomes
Learns and explores more artists throughout history
Learns and explores more art movements and their cultural significance
Builds on understanding of different art styles and their applications
Can make a functional teapot made from slabs, including handle, spout, and lid
Can draw a square so that it looks like a 3D form
Learns more advanced glazing techniques
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
Improves application of the ceramic techniques of slab, coil pot, and pinch pot
Improves on collage and layering skills
Learns how to create a landscape
Explores the use of human silhouettes in art
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, 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 clay
Introduction and demonstration of the use of new materials
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