In 4th Grade we do a combination of the study of word parts including prefixes, suffixes and other endings along with the study of Greek and Latin Roots.

Students will not be bringing home traditional spelling lists to study and memorize. We will send home information for each word study unit letting you know the pattern and several examples of words that fit the pattern. Often, students will have a weekly homework assignment that is a choice board of activities to practice the patterns. At the end of the word study unit, we will check the understanding of that pattern through a test, but it will not be a traditional list type of spelling test.

Additionally, in grade 4, several units each quarter will be devoted to the study of Greek and Latin roots. The assignments will help students to recognize how specific word parts affect the meaning of words. Thus, building a stronger vocabulary on which to draw from while reading and writing.

Our goal is to teach children patterns that they can rely upon when spelling words in their daily writing. Traditionally, we have asked children to memorize a list of words. For many students, it is difficult to transfer that learning to words that are not on the ‘list.’ Our hope is that we will increase children’s spelling vocabulary as well as their ability to use spelling patterns in their writing.