4thGrade
English Language Arts
Fourth grade uses the reading and writing workshop model within the classroom. Components of the workshop model include interactive read-alouds, mini-lessons on targeted skills, independent work time focusing on the mini-lesson skill or independent reading time, guided reading and/or small group work, and conferencing between the student and teacher. With the use of Fountas and Pinnell resources, students strive to become lifelong readers by learning to read fluently and comprehend the text. Students learn about and read a variety of book genres throughout the year. Within these collection of books, students notice similar characteristics amongst the genres, authors, illustrators, characters, and events and make connections between the books. At this level, students begin to read more nonfiction texts than fiction texts. While reading, students will be actively engaged in the text. They will use text details, both orally and in writing, to support their thinking. Citing evidence (providing proof of their answer from the book) is an important skill in fourth grade. Students will also describe characters, the setting and an event within the story and explain how it affects the story. Understanding the author’s purpose and inferring the message in a text will help the reader gain a better understanding of the text.
In writing, students will learn to communicate their thoughts and ideas through written expression in an organized and purposeful way. Emphasis will be on developing and using correct grammar and conventions to produce clear and coherent writing. Students will have many opportunities to practice writing skills in daily cross-curricular activities/assignments in addition to producing formal informative and editorial writing pieces. Throughout the year, Schoolwide Grammar and Writing will be used as a resource in class.
Math
The 8 mathematical practices are used as a foundation to becoming a better mathematician in fourth grade. Students will persevere when solving problems, think about numbers in a variety of ways, use mathematical thinking to explain answers, model/show work, select and use tools to solve problems, review work and strategies used for accuracy, use the structure of the problem when solving, and find and use mathematical patterns. Students will use math manipulatives to show their thinking, draw picture representations/models of the problem, and eventually use numbers and equations to represent the math problem. Over the course of the year, students increase their number sense through daily SNAP activities. The math curriculum begins with understanding and using place value concepts to fluently add and subtract multi-digit whole numbers. A large portion of the year is spent on fractions. Students will add and subtract fractions with like-denominators, compare/convert fractions to decimals, and generate equivalent fractions. Multiplication moves away from basic facts in fourth grade to multiplying two 2-digit numbers, using multiplication to solve area and perimeter, and using factors and multiples to find prime and composite numbers. Division includes dividing a 4-digit number by a 1-digit number. Measurement and geometry skills include generating and interpreting line plots, converting units of measurement, types of lines and angles, and measuring angles. Additionally, students will use all four operations (addition, subtraction, multiplication and division) to solve multi-step word problems.
Science
4th Grade science follows a hands-on, STEM model. Students will actively investigate concepts, design and test models, and communicate scientific findings in four units of study. These units include: 1) The human body, vision, and brain 2) Earth's features: weather, erosion, and rocks 3) Sound and waves 4) Energy and electricity. Mystery Science will be used as a resource during class.
Social Studies
The Social Studies theme in fourth grade is My State, My Nation. Students spend the year learning about the levels of government, geography, economy, impact of historical events and perspectives of different groups or individuals within Illinois and the five regions of the United States. Student magazines from Houghton Mifflin Harcourt are used as a resource for each region of the United States.