Fourth Grade Curriculum
Mathematics
A Single-Subject Math teacher teaches Math daily. Utilizing the SMART Board, Mrs. Sun engages every 4th and 5th Grade student in active lessons that build sequentially from hands-on activities to written problem solving.
Singapore Math
- A proven world-class curriculum that emphasizes developing a concrete understanding of math concepts by first using manipulative materials and hands-on SMART board exercises, followed by word problems, written exercises, and independent practice to solidify problem solving and computational skills.
- Accurate computation skills are integral to cognitive progress in Math so math facts are drilled and tested in all grades.
- Unique pedagogy emphasizes a Concrete-Pictorial-Abstract approach to build understanding of “why” before proceeding to the abstract “how.”
By 4rd Grade, students are expected to be fluent with all of the above math facts so that they can master each new concept without confusion. Weekly drills reinforce automaticity.
Academic Choice tutoring is available after school at no charge.
Science
The FOSS (Full Option Science System) program is taught three days a week by Ms. Flavin, a single-subject Science teacher. FOSS science includes hands-on learning activities most days.
Fourth Grade units include: Magnetism and Electricity, Ecosystems, Minerals and Rocks. Students record findings in their science notebooks to learn the steps of scientific inquiry.
Students discuss the many new scientific events that are occurring to deepen their understanding of the world they live in.
Reading
Reading material in the Fourth Grade prepares children for advanced study. An enriched vocabulary provides opportunities to apply sounds, rules, and techniques to more difficult words and ideas. Power to attack new words independently now becomes a more fruitful experience as they progress along the road of learning. Students understand syllables and accents, prefixes, and suffixes. They study homonyms and homophones with careful planning. They strengthen personal study habits steadily because more difficult reading requires more concentration and systematic organization. Advanced reading comprehension is introduced and mastered.
Literature
The Literature in Fourth Grade is rich and varied. Students are treated to the classical literature of the nineteenth and twentieth centuries.
- The Island of the Blue Dolphins (CA native American story)
- By the Great Horn Spoon (gold rush)
- The Little Lame Prince (adapted by Carden Foundation)
- Swiss Family Robinson
The book is read by episodes or chapters with class discussions of plot, action, and characters. A journal is kept noting main characters, locations, and new animals and plants. In this way they experience geography and science. New vocabulary words with definitions are written in the journal before the chapter is read.
Students learn about 20 poems a year, which are recited at Friday assemblies
Language Arts
Log
The Log is kept each day as in previous grades. Students write the Language Rule, Fact for the day, and Sound. Spelling words are dictated and written in logs twice a week. Students use the Carden controls to reinforce spelling. Dictation is also twice a week. Student write dedicated sentences. With these sentences, students are taught facts about the early explorers through the Revolutionary War. The Log should go home each evening for study. Homework is written in a planner provided to each student.
Daily Drill
As in previous grades, the Daily Drill is continued. It starts with penmanship which is reinforced each year. The teacher dictates from the Carden Sound Chart the sounds that are in relationship with the spelling lesson. Language is reinforced each day with the conjugation of a verb in the six verb tenses. As well as, the language lesson taught in Rule that day. Work in their language workbook strengthens this activity.
Language
Students master subject and predicate, in company with advanced parts of speech in order that they may apply grammar as a tool of comprehension successfully. They use critical thinking when listening, reading, speaking, or writing. Students focus on sentence structure. Sentence analysis allows students to identify the “who,” “what,” “when,” “where,” “how,” and “why.” From this, they can identify the keyword of the sentence, classify the keyword and create a title based on the keyword.
Book Reports
There are four book reports due during the year. The children can acquire the books from the Fourth Grade Reading List, which can be obtained from the school office. The students will be taught how to write book reports in class and make revisions. This process hones their writing skills. In Fourth Grade, students become adept at writing summaries and are taught how to write an outline. These lessons provide a solid basis for meaningful book reports and literature reviews. In May, students read a biography and learn ow to write a biography book report.Then they give an oral presentation.
Creative Writing
Students learn the Carden Paragraph which teaches them the use of a strong topic sentence, supportive sentences and a concluding sentence. Students will write persuasive, informative, and entertaining essays throughout the year.
Social Studies
History
California history textbook: Reflections- California: A Changing State
Fourth grade history explores the history of the state of California. Students begin by learning about the unique Native American tribes in California. Throughout the year they learn about the geography, people, and industry of California.
Geography
The Fourth Grade works in the National Geographic Map Essential book, studying different maps (climate, topography, product, population) and their applications to modern life. The class also studies California, the state, its history and its economy. Map skills are studied in addition to the workbook.
Field Trip
In the spring the students in Fourth Grade participate in a one-day trip to Sacramento and gold rush country. The group pans for gold and camps overnight near the American River, where gold was first discovered. The students learn about life during the time of the California Gold Rush. The students also visit the state Capitol building, tour Old Sacramento, and visit the historic railroad museum.
Computer
In the Fourth Grade, students apply their knowledge in ten technology areas: applied technology, databases, desktop publishing, graphics, multimedia, operating environments, programming, spreadsheets, and word-processing. Students continue to type by touch and learn basic Internet research.
French
This age group is ready for more advanced French. They are able to read paragraphs in French and translate. Vocabulary continues to be developed. The Grammar is stressed with the plural form of the verb in the present and past tense. Irregular verbs are also taught.
Physical education
Each day our thirty-minute session begins with a warm-up consisting of stretching and running, followed by one skill, and then a game to use what the students have learned. We play baseball, basketball, soccer, football, volleyball, and many other games.
In the second semester we participate in National Presidential Physical Fitness Award Testing, which includes Sit and Reach, Sit Ups, Pull Ups, Shuttle Run, and Mile Run.
By participating in these activities every day, we feel a proper athletic foundation will be achieved so that our young athletes can enjoy sports on many different levels and lead an active healthy life.
Music
The Fourth Grade enjoys two music classes per week. Fourth Graders learn to play the Recorder and will perform during Friday Assembly. Theory is taught at this level. The students learn how to create music by composing music for a set of poems.
The lives of famous composers are studied and their music is played for the students to familiarize themselves with beautiful music.
Art and Art appreciation
Advanced pastel drawing, watercolors, crayon resist, paper maché and cartography are taught to Fourth Grade students. Students of this age are ready for perspective, shading, negative space, and 3D art. In Art Appreciation the students study the Dutch golden age of painting from the 17th century.