Fourth Grade for Parents

Fourth grade is a year of transition and challenges. Students become more independent, being accountable for studying for tests and learning math facts and spelling words. Problem solving in a group setting is an integral part of the daily classroom environment. The children enjoy a variety of leaning experiences that meet the needs of a diverse group of learners.

The language arts program consists of reading, writing, speaking, listening, and viewing. Students read in large groups, small groups, with partners, and independently. Teachers read aloud a variety of texts in both fiction and non-fiction genre. Fourth grade is using the anthology Invitations to Literacy, and the holocaust novel Jacob’s Rescue. The language arts program is fully integrated, teaching reading comprehension, phonics, composing, and language mechanics through a shared text. Students also work independently, reading and writing in personally selected areas. Spelling is incorporated into the language arts program with the Rebecca Sitton program. Students practice high frequency words for which they are accountable in their everyday writing.

Everyday Math is the math series being used in fourth grade. In this program students discover how math works and how it is used in everyday life. They work in groups and independently, making connections and observations about how math is important. The program includes working with calculators. In order to develop quick and accurate recall of basic facts, students need to practice at home on a daily basis. The students are expected to have mastery of multiplication facts through 10 by the end of fourth grade.

Our Social Studies program is divided into two major studies. In the first half of the year, we study about New Jersey. The students learn about the history and the people, with special emphasis on the Lenape Indians.  They also learn how to apply map skills to study about geography and end the semester learning about the government and economics of our state. The students use technology lab to research and complete projects about New Jersey.

Grade 4 uses the Scott Foresman Science program.  The program is designed to use exploratory and inquiry based models to investigate methods through scientific experimentation as a means of student learning.

Focus:  Unit A - Life Sciences
                          Energy in Ecosystems
                          Surviving in the Environment

             Unit B - Physical Science
                           Electricity and Magnetism

             Unit C - Earth Science
                           The Makeup of the Earth
                           Exploring the Oceans

             Unit D - Human Body
                           The digestive, circulatory, and nervous systems

Students also learn the Scientific Method and science process skills such as:  Observing, Classifying, Estimating/Measuring, Inferring, Predicting, Making/using models, Hypothesizing, Collecting/Interpreting Data, Controlling Variable, Experimenting, and Communicating.

In addition to the areas described above, fourth grade students are enriched with a wide variety of programs. Instrumental music and chorus are offered as choices for fourth graders. All students receive instruction in Spanish, art, physical education, and music. Students visit the library weekly for book exchange and have an extended series of lessons on library skills in the media center. They also receive a series of guidance lessons. In February, fourth graders visit the Philadelphia Museum of Art in conjunction with the Art Goes to School program. Fourth grade is a busy and exciting year for all of the Chairville students!

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