Fourth Grade

Ms. Okvist, Mrs. Ansman, Ms. Stone,

Ms. Varghese, Ms. Desuss

ELA

This month in ELA, students explored how traditions bring people together and help connect families, communities, and cultures across time. Through our historical fiction unit, students read stories that showed how traditions are passed down and why they are important to different groups of people. As they read, students practiced identifying the setting, theme, conflict, and character perspective to better understand the experiences of the characters. They also learned how authors use personification and imagery to make stories more engaging and help readers visualize events. In addition, students strengthened their nonfiction reading skills by using text features, identifying central ideas, and finding relevant details to support their understanding. Through class discussions and written responses, students reflected on the role traditions play in shaping our experiences and bringing people together. It has been wonderful to see students make connections between the stories they read and the traditions they experience in their own lives.

MATH

This month in math, students explored decimals and developed a deeper understanding of how numbers can be broken apart and combined in different ways. They practiced decomposing decimals into smaller units, helping them recognize the value of tenths, hundredths, and thousandths. Students also compared decimals and used place value understanding to determine which numbers were greater or less. As they added and subtracted decimals, they learned the importance of carefully organizing and using the information available to solve problems accurately. These lessons encouraged students to think critically about how parts work together to create a whole. Through hands-on activities, discussions, and problem-solving tasks, students strengthened their number sense and mathematical reasoning. It has been exciting to see them grow in confidence as they apply these skills to increasingly complex situations.

SOCIAL STUDIES

This month in social studies, students explored how beliefs, values, and decisions can shape the way people use land, resources, and opportunities. We studied events leading up to World War I and discussed how competition, alliances, and national interests influenced countries’ actions. Students also learned about immigration to the United States, examining why many people left their home countries in search of safety, jobs, and a better life. In addition, we discussed the forced movement of Native peoples from their ancestral lands and considered how these actions affected communities and access to resources. Through age-appropriate discussions and historical sources, students explored multiple perspectives and asked thoughtful questions about fairness and change. These lessons helped students make connections between historical events and the choices societies make about people, land, and resources.

Field Trip: MET

Fourth grade students visited The Met and participated in a guided tour focused on American art. Working in small groups, students explored a variety of artworks and were encouraged to observe, think, and share ideas knowing there were no “wrong” answers. They practiced looking closely at details in the artwork and discussing what they noticed, felt, and wondered. Through these conversations, students not only developed a deeper appreciation for the art itself, but also strengthened their understanding of the historical time periods and stories connected to each piece. This experience helped bring classroom learning to life by showing how art can reflect history, culture, and perspective. It was exciting to see students engage thoughtfully, listen to one another, and make meaningful connections during their museum visit.

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