Language Arts
Fourth graders read a wide range of children’s literature. Some units are approached using a whole class structure; while other units include small literature circles or independent reading. The Units of Study Writing Program, developed by Lucy Calkins at Columbia Teachers College, provides the foundation of the writing program from Pre School to Eighth grade.
The essential aspects of the program are that
• Writing needs to be taught with explicit instruction.
• Children deserve to write for real, to write the kinds of texts that they see in the world
• Children need to be immersed in a listening and storytelling culture where their voices are valued and heard.
• Children need explicit instruction in spelling and phonemic awareness. K to Grade 3 students receive daily training in phonological awareness, phonics and word study, fluency, spelling, and handwriting based on the Wilson Fundations program. There is a scope and sequence for spelling and grammar instruction from first to eighth grade.
• Writers read! For children to write well, they need opportunities to read and to hear texts read and to read as insiders, studying what other authors have done that they too could try.
• Children need clear goals and feedback.
In the Units of Study program, each grade level includes four six week units of writing with some combination of the following: narrative, opinion/persuasive/ argument, and informational. Instruction builds on itself from one year to the next. Teaching follows the gradual release of responsibility model of teaching. Students can first learn from a demonstration, accompanied by explicit teaching, then from guided practice in which the amount of scaffolding they receive lessens over time.
Social Studies and Science
Fourth grade Social Studies is divided into two major units of study: The United States and VI History. The first unit begins with students using maps to identify geographical locations and landforms, after which they turn their attention individual states. As a culminating activity, students complete state or regional projects. Students also learn about the Age of Discovery, the time when European explorers navigated the seas in search of wealth and power . Students are then immersed in the study of VI history, beginning with an exploration of Taino and Caribe Native American cultures. Next students study periods of European colonization, and significant events in VI history: Emancipation, Labor revolts, and the transfer from Denmark to the United States in the twentieth century. History comes alive with special guest and field trips to Whim Museum, the Christiansted Fort, or Salt River.
Science
This course utilizes hands-on activities and personal experience to develop an understanding of the natural world. Students learn science by working collaboratively to investigate phenomenon, asking questions, and testing ideas. Fourth Graders engage in the process of engineering and design. The process allows students to apply the understandings they develop to solve problems and generate solutions. Students keep a journal of their challenges, ideas, and projects. The topics explored in fourth grade science include the following: plants, solar system, habitats, solid waste management, the water cycle, and the circulatory system.
Technology
The Technology curriculum develops young learners to be the next generation of creative thinkers and problem solvers. Computer and classroom teachers collaborate to make connections between computer and core classes. As students move to fifth and sixth grade, they deepen their understanding of software applications (Microsoft Word, PowerPoint , Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, GarageBand, iMovie, Lego Digital Design Studio, 3D Tin), and acquiring applied skills (computer programming, robotics, brainstorming, and financial literacy). Applications gradually advance in difficulty and build upon previous programs. Students apply their knowledge to real-world problems and use their skills to create unique solutions. Technology standards covered in class: Creativity and Innovation, Communication and Collaboration, Research and Information Fluency, Computational Thinking, Technology Operations and Concepts, and Digital Citizenship.
Art
The focus of Fourth Grade Art is on aesthetics, balance and creativity – the ABC’s of art. Throughout the year children develop an appreciation for diverse art forms, work to respect individual and group needs and use their creativity as a hands-on approach to problem solving. The art curriculum is organized into units involving sculpture, design, drawing, and art appreciation. When appropriate, art projects are coordinated with social studies, language arts, science and computer classes. Students enjoy participating in local and national art competitions when possible. Student art is showcased at the annual Student Art Show in April.
Spanish
The Spanish program focuses on building a strong foundation in the four areas of foreign language study: listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Students develop correct pronunciation and build their repertoire of practical vocabulary. Teachers emphasize correct pronunciation, intonation, fluency, grammar and verb conjugation.
Students practice verbal skills while performing skits, singing traditional songs from Latin America, and playing group games. Through craft-making activities, reading stories, and watching foreign language videos, students also learn about Latin American customs and holidays, such as the Day of the Dead, Cinco de Mayo and Navidad.
Music
Fourth graders have chorus with an introduction to musical theater and opera. In the second half of the year, students are introduced to band instruments in preparation for that exciting time when each child chooses which instrument he or she will play in fifth grade. There are so many benefits to learning to play an instrument, that we feel all students should be exposed to instrumental instruction in the fifth grade. Many studies show that playing an instrument helps a child develop abstract reasoning skills necessary to learn math and science.