Fourth Grade Strands

Mathematics

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Our initial focus is to strengthen and expand number fundamentals. We review the basic operations then extend to multi-digit multiplication, long division, and then fractions, decimals, and negatives.  We emphasize patterns so that students can really feel the numbers.  Students are encouraged to share their approaches with other students so that they can gain practice in the idea that there is always more than one way to approach a problem.  We encourage students to compose their own problems and challenge others with those problems. To extend their mathematical fluency and application of these concepts, we introduce the class to math projects. Projects include outdoor and indoor games, multi step riddles/scavenger hunts and also learning about the history of numbers from ancient civilizations. 

 

Language Arts

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In Language Arts we are working towards growing our relationship with story, information, expression, inquiry, and discovery through the already written. The students will deepen their own reasons to engage with the written word. We integrate this strand with our Social Studies strand, investigating literature from other cultures. Through these investigations and through our book clubs, the students will be developing accuracy of foundational reading comprehension skills and will be able to support their thinking.​ In addition, the students develop accuracy and depth of their written expression in Writer’s Workshop. To do so, they practice writing with stamina and details - learning to trust in their own ideas and impulses. Students practice writing in a variety of styles such as realistic fiction, research papers, and poetry.

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Earth Sciences and Nature

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Students continue their exploration of earth sciences in fourth grade with a focus on the Structure of the Earth, and an introduction to plants and animals and the role they play in relationship to the Earth.  We focus on macro and micro investigations, collecting specimens, and recording their observations. Students create a Naturalist Field Guide with written descriptions and illustrations of their fieldwork.  The focus will be on honing the accuracy of written recollections and visual observations. Students participate in monthly nature adventure activities.
 

Social Studies - Eastern Traditions

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In social studies, we investigate the Eastern cultures of Korea, China, and Japan.  Our work is to begin to understand different discoveries and traditions that developed from these cultures and what we can learn about the people and traditions. We do this through the exploration of  folk tales, food, music, field trips and research projects.
 

The Arts

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In Visual Art, our studio art projects are based on a framework of art history, from cave paintings to contemporary and abstract art. We use multiple mediums including paints, sculpture, wax, ink and other varied materials and techniques.

 

In Theater Arts, students not only participate in theatrical games that focus on collaborative skills and team work; they also build on developing strong communication skills, building empathy by experiencing different perspectives, and broadening the ways they make meaning of the world around them. Students will also learn about the importance of expression through set and costume design.

 

In Music, students participate in a class choir learning confidence in expression through song as well as learning how to focus their body and voice together, listening to each other as they sing and performing songs at both the Winter and Spring Pageants. 

 

In Dance/Movement, students participate in yoga and theatrical movement focusing on using their whole body to express themselves as well as following a movement sequence.  Students are encouraged to find new ways of using their bodies and being confident in their movements.

 

Language 

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Students select to study Spanish or Mandarin. In both languages the emphasis is on oral fluency and comfort with conversations.  Students are taught by specialty teachers who use hands-on projects, discussion and real world activities such as shopping, eating and asking for directions to support children’s learning.​

 

Home Learning

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Our home learning activities serve as an opportunity to practice our habits of learning at home. It is an extension of the work that we do in the classroom. Sometimes it is in preparation for the strand that is to follow in the next class, other times it is a response to an activity we did in class. It is a great opportunity to practice time management over a period of days.