Curriculum Details & Online Resources
Discover more about our curriculum and classroom resources below. You can also access online textbooks and resources for many of our classroom materials. See the Directions for Online Access if you are not familiar with the logon procedures.
Math
Fourth grade students utilize the Saxon GoMath! program. This interactive program is Common Core aligned and teaches students a wide array of methods for solving math equations. There is a strong focus on the process of problem solving and justification for methods. This program includes many useful online resources. You can expect your child to have homework each night. Tests occur at the end of each unit and will include a review beforehand.
Students will also work with constructed response problems on a regular basis. This requires students to solve an equation or word problem and then justify the strategy and steps used. Students must include a specific and in-depth explanation using correct math terms. Students will be assessed on constructed response throughout the school year.
Students will also work with constructed response problems on a regular basis. This requires students to solve an equation or word problem and then justify the strategy and steps used. Students must include a specific and in-depth explanation using correct math terms. Students will be assessed on constructed response throughout the school year.
Literacy
Our Good Habits Great Readers program is used for shared reading and guided reading. The scope and sequence of Good Habits Great Readers can be found below. It outlines topics and concepts we will cover this year, as well as the Daily 5 format that we will follow during guided reading. Most literacy concepts will be covered in 4-5 days and will conclude with a Workshop assessment.
Fourth grade students are required to complete quarterly book report projects. Students will be given two genre choices from which to choose and must have a book preapproved by their teacher. Books should fall within the student's "just right" (independent) reading level according to DRA. Once the approval deadline has passed, students will be given 2-3 project options from which they will select one. The project of choice is completed at home with minimal help from parents after the book has been read. Book report projects are assigned 6-8 weeks before they are due. Additional details can be found at the link below.
Fourth grade students are required to complete quarterly book report projects. Students will be given two genre choices from which to choose and must have a book preapproved by their teacher. Books should fall within the student's "just right" (independent) reading level according to DRA. Once the approval deadline has passed, students will be given 2-3 project options from which they will select one. The project of choice is completed at home with minimal help from parents after the book has been read. Book report projects are assigned 6-8 weeks before they are due. Additional details can be found at the link below.
Writing & Language Arts
Our writing instruction will make use of the 6 Traits of Writing. Students will explore ways to create, review, and improve various writing genres using the traits of ideas, organization, voice, word choice, sentence fluency, and conventions. We will also explore various forms of informational writing. Writing selections will be graded using the 6 Traits Rubric or a variation of that document.
Students will use the Words Their Way program for spelling, phonics, and word instruction. This program explores word concepts to help students understand phonics, letter patterns, and basic spelling guidelines. A preliminary assessment is given to students to help determine current levels. Students will have a weekly word list and are required to complete various word activities at home to promote exposure to words and concepts.
Students will use the Words Their Way program for spelling, phonics, and word instruction. This program explores word concepts to help students understand phonics, letter patterns, and basic spelling guidelines. A preliminary assessment is given to students to help determine current levels. Students will have a weekly word list and are required to complete various word activities at home to promote exposure to words and concepts.
Science
Our science series is Pearson Scott Foresman and includes many hands-on experiments that we will complete throughout the school year. A test will be used to assess each chapter of science. Students will be given a review sheet and vocabulary flashcards to help prepare for each test. Our science series offers online links and activities to help enhance the concepts.
Social Studies
Our Houghton Mifflin Social Studies series is comprised of units that examine each of the four regions of the United States; east, south, midwest, and west. Students will be assessed at the end of each unit in the form of hands-on, interactive projects.
Fourth grade is a big year for the fifty states! Students are required to learn the names and locations of all 50 states and capitals. States and capitals tests will be separated by region. Students will learn state names and locations in each region first and then move on to incorporate the capitals. Flashcards will be created in class to help prepare for the states and capitals tests.
Fourth grade is a big year for the fifty states! Students are required to learn the names and locations of all 50 states and capitals. States and capitals tests will be separated by region. Students will learn state names and locations in each region first and then move on to incorporate the capitals. Flashcards will be created in class to help prepare for the states and capitals tests.