Fourth Grade Program
Teacher Page:
Development of a Fourth Grade Child
It is important to remember that each child is unique and that a wide range of individual differences will be apparent with any group of children. Although there is diversity, there is also consistency. A child’s development is organized and directed. Age characteristics are broad guidelines to help us know what may be expected from children of a certain age.
The Fourth Grade Child…
- searches for perfection
- is affectionate with parents, and has lots of family concerns
- is loyal
- uses simple logic
- likes rules and teamwork
- is highly selective in friendships
- responds to peer pressure
- uses thought and deductive reasoning
- is interested in other people’s ideas
- asserts leadership
- is more independent
- is highly interested in learning
Parents Can Help By…
- keeping communication lines open
- engaging in meaningful conversation frequently
- keeping in contact with your child’s teacher
- setting limits
- encouraging interests and talents
- letting your child make decisions and solve problems
- making sure your child eats healthy foods and gets sufficient rest
- monitor and assist with homework assignments and test preparation
Language Arts – Curriculum
The primary goal for language arts education is for students to communicate effectively at home, school and in the community by reading, writing, speaking, listening and viewing. The Language Arts Grade Level Content Expectations (GLCE) are taught throughout the school year.
By the end of the fourth grade year, most students should be able to do the following:
Reading
- read fluently
- read grade level high frequency words
- read a variety of text (realistic and historical fictions, informational text, magazines, poetry) for pleasure for a sustained period of time
- use multiple strategies to recognize words
Comprehension
- demonstrate understanding of ideas presented within stories and informational text
- compare and contrast stories focusing on story elements
- independently select the appropriate strategy to construct the central meaning of text
Parents Can Help By…
- being a positive reading role model by letting your child see you read different types of materials
- encouraging your child to read a variety of reading materials
- discussing what your child learned from reading
- visiting libraries regularly
- designating a time for your child to read independently
Writing
- write legibly
Spelling
- use spelling grade level words in written work
Writing Process
- gather and organize information
- use prewriting, rough draft, revision, and editing to improve writing
- write text with a beginning, middle and end
- write with voice and style
- edit for complete sentences, correct usage, spelling, capitalization and punctuation
- compose stories and informational pieces with central idea supported with details
Parents Can Help By…
- providing many opportunities for your child to write (directions, letters, journals, stories)
- encouraging your child to write legibly using manuscript and cursive
- practicing spelling words with your child
- helping your child edit for capitalization, spelling, correct usage, complete sentences and punctuation
- providing resources, such as a dictionary to verify spelling
Listening & Speaking
- follow oral directions
- demonstrate appropriate listening behavior
- view themselves as effective communicators
- effectively listen and respond in a variety of situations
- speak fluently to express thoughts clearly
Parents Can Help By…
- talking with and listening to your child
- showing an interest in your child’s school experiences
- giving multi-step directions to your child
- encouraging your child to be a courteous listener
Library Skills
The goal of library instruction is to give the students an understanding of how information is organized and how to access that information using the different types of materials in the library and computer based information tools. The students will be introduced to various types of fiction and non-fiction books.
Fourth grade students will:
- learn what types of books are available to answer homework questions
- learn how to use a books index and table of contents to locate information
- learn about the different types of fiction and information books that are available in the library
Social Studies
The fourth grade social studies curriculum introduces students to the history and geography of the United States, students compare and contrast selected regions of the United States and explore how each contributes to the nation as a whole.
By the end of the fourth grade year, most students should be able to do the following:
- construct and interpret information from maps, charts and graphs
- explain the impact of migration to the New World
- describe the reasons Europeans settled in the New World
- understand attributes of selected regions in the United States
- describe the Core Democratic Values: Life, Justice, Patriotism
- develop a position on a public issue and support the opinion
Mathematics
Singapore Math is designed to equip students with sound concept development, critical thinking and efficient problem-solving skills. In Primary Mathematics, concepts are presented in a clear and sequential way to facilitate understanding and confidence.
Fourth grade students will learn…
- numbers and place values to 1,000,000
- factors and multiples
- the four operations of whole numbers, concentrating on multiplication of multi-digit numbers
- fractions- adding and subtraction with like and related denominators
- fractions of a set
- the four operations of decimals
- coordinate graphs
- data analysis and probability
- area and perimeter of regular shapes
- measures and volume
- geometry- plane figures, solids and nets
