Fourth Grade Class Description
Reading:
Our reading block with include both whole group and guided reading (centers). During this time, students will be exposed to a wide range of material. At times, they will use the reading textbook, which will focus on comprehension and reading skills, incorporating both fiction and non-fiction reading. We will also utilize leveled readers and literature, and short reading passages. Since writing and reading go hand-in-hand, students will be writing on a variety of subjects.
Grammar:
Grammar instruction will cover a wide range of important skills that will help students while reading and writing
Spelling:
Spelling tests will be given on a weekly basis (usually Friday). The words will come from various sources and may be associated with content being read in class or in order to practice a particular sound or skill.
Handwriting:
Cursive handwriting will be reinforced in fourth grade. Your child will be expected to know the correct letter formation and how the letters flow together in all writing. Handwriting (both manuscript and cursive) is evaluated on this work and all other written coursework. Most daily assignments will be written in print.
Math:
We will be using many resources for math instruction, incorporating manipulatives which allow the students to better understand the material through hands-on activities. Creating foldables are a fun way to engage and motivate students and promote understanding. Furthermore, interactive math notebooks allow learners to better organize their materials and thoughts. There will be written practice, as well. Tests will be administered mainly on Fridays. While students will complete the majority of their work in the classroom, incomplete assignments will be sent home as homework.
Special classes:
Students will participate daily in either Music (Monday/Wednesday) or P.E. (Tuesday/Thursday). Friday special classes are half music and half physical education. They will also have a scheduled time in the computer lab in order to practice skills from the classroom (such a math facts, math skills, reading online) or complete projects (such as research and timelines in Social Studies and Science).
Science:
We are working hard to incorporate more science into the curriculum. This will be done mainly through non-fiction reading. However, we will be studying some material from the Scott Foresman textbook, as well. Students will also participate in experiments and research online. Study guides will be provided on all units that are tested. All intermediate students are required to participate in the Science Fair toward the end of the school year. Information will be sent home at a later date.
Social Studies:
We will also be incorporating more Social Studies into our school day. Fourth graders will be focusing on mapping skills and points of interest in the United States, as well as some units of study on explorers. As with science, study guides will be completed in class for material resulting in a test.
Homework:
Homework is generally assigned on Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday. These are very short assignments for skill practice. Also, students may have to finish class work at home due to time constraints.
Reading:
Our reading block with include both whole group and guided reading (centers). During this time, students will be exposed to a wide range of material. At times, they will use the reading textbook, which will focus on comprehension and reading skills, incorporating both fiction and non-fiction reading. We will also utilize leveled readers and literature, and short reading passages. Since writing and reading go hand-in-hand, students will be writing on a variety of subjects.
Grammar:
Grammar instruction will cover a wide range of important skills that will help students while reading and writing
Spelling:
Spelling tests will be given on a weekly basis (usually Friday). The words will come from various sources and may be associated with content being read in class or in order to practice a particular sound or skill.
Handwriting:
Cursive handwriting will be reinforced in fourth grade. Your child will be expected to know the correct letter formation and how the letters flow together in all writing. Handwriting (both manuscript and cursive) is evaluated on this work and all other written coursework. Most daily assignments will be written in print.
Math:
We will be using many resources for math instruction, incorporating manipulatives which allow the students to better understand the material through hands-on activities. Creating foldables are a fun way to engage and motivate students and promote understanding. Furthermore, interactive math notebooks allow learners to better organize their materials and thoughts. There will be written practice, as well. Tests will be administered mainly on Fridays. While students will complete the majority of their work in the classroom, incomplete assignments will be sent home as homework.
Special classes:
Students will participate daily in either Music (Monday/Wednesday) or P.E. (Tuesday/Thursday). Friday special classes are half music and half physical education. They will also have a scheduled time in the computer lab in order to practice skills from the classroom (such a math facts, math skills, reading online) or complete projects (such as research and timelines in Social Studies and Science).
Science:
We are working hard to incorporate more science into the curriculum. This will be done mainly through non-fiction reading. However, we will be studying some material from the Scott Foresman textbook, as well. Students will also participate in experiments and research online. Study guides will be provided on all units that are tested. All intermediate students are required to participate in the Science Fair toward the end of the school year. Information will be sent home at a later date.
Social Studies:
We will also be incorporating more Social Studies into our school day. Fourth graders will be focusing on mapping skills and points of interest in the United States, as well as some units of study on explorers. As with science, study guides will be completed in class for material resulting in a test.
Homework:
Homework is generally assigned on Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday. These are very short assignments for skill practice. Also, students may have to finish class work at home due to time constraints.