4th Grade Curriculum

The students entering this level review the concepts and build upon the foundations set forth in third grade. The level of studies become more in depth and refinement in application of knowledge begins to happen.

Mathematics and Geometry

Math is approached from both of the following methods; the Montessori instructional technique and the traditional classroom technique.

Number Sense

• Review: count, read, write, compare and order numbers into millions
• Place value and expanded notation
• Round off whole numbers through the millions to the nearest ten, hundred, thousand, ten thousand, or 100 thousand
• Write tenths and hundredths in decimal and fraction notations and know the fraction and decimal equivalents for halves and fourths
• Students have the understanding of whole numbers and decimals to two decimal places and how to relate to simple fractions and whole numbers
• Identify on a number line the relative position of positive fractions, positive mixed numbers, and positive decimals to two decimal places
• Students extend their understanding of whole numbers to the addition and subtraction of simple decimals

Calculation and Processes

• Problem solving with two or more processes
• Solve problems involving three digit quotient
• Introduction and understanding of factorization

Algebra and Function

• Use letters, boxes, or other symbols to stand for any number in simple expressions or equations
• Interpret and evaluate mathematical expressions that now use parentheses
• Use of formulas e.g., Area=length X width A=lx
• Students know how to manipulate equations: know and understand equals added or multiplied to equals are equal

Measurement and Geometry

• Review measurement of objects of length, weight, liquids in metric and English system
• Use of formulas to define perimeters
• Recognize that rectangles having the same area can have different perimeters
• Students use two dimensional coordinate grids to represent points and graph lines and simple figures
• Understanding of X axis for horizontal line and Y axis for vertical line
• Students demonstrate an understanding of plane and solid geometric objects and use this knowledge to show relationships and solve problems
• Understand parallel and perpendicular, radius and diameter, bilateral and rotational symmetry
• Know the angles
• Know the prisms and different types of triangles
• Know the quadrilaterals

Statistics Data and Analysis and Probability

• Students organize, represent, and interpret data numerical and categorical data and clearly communicate their findings
• Students make predictions for simple probability situations

Mathematical Reasoning

• Students make decisions about how to approach problems: for example distinguishing relevant from irrelevant information
• Students use strategies, skills, and concepts in finding solutions: use of estimation, checking precise calculations
• Students move beyond a particular problem by generalizing to other situations: for example reasonableness of the solution

Concepts are presented with concrete materials like stamp game, checker board, decimal board, fraction material, division board, division tubes etc. for deeper understanding of concepts. Once the concepts are understood students move to abstract work and use traditional books to practice skills.

 

Reading

Word analysis, fluency, and systemic vocabulary development

• Word recognition
• Read with fluency, expression, and confidence

Vocabulary and concept development

• Apply knowledge of word origins, derivations, antonyms, synonyms, and idioms to determine the meaning of words
• Use of dictionary and thesaurus
• Identify and interpret words with multiple meanings

Reading comprehension

• Structural features of informational materials to strengthen comprehension: identify structural patterns like compare and contrast, cause and effect, sequential or chronological
• Appropriate reading strategies, make and confirm predictions, evaluate new information, compare and contrast, distinguish between cause and effect, follow multiple step instruction

Literary response and Analysis

• Various narrative forms: fairy tales, fantasies, myths, legends etc.
• Compare and contrast tales from different cultures
• Define figurative language: simile, metaphor, hyperbole, and personification
• Comprehend basic plots, of classic fairy tales, myths, folktales, legends, and fables around the world

Writing Strategies

• Consider a purpose, audience, length and format requirements when selecting a focus, organizational structure and point of view
• Create multiple paragraph compositions that include an introductory paragraph, supporting details with facts, details, explanations and concluding paragraph that summarizes points made.

Penmanship

• Write fluidly and legibly in cursive

Research and Technology

• Quote and paraphrase information sources, citing them appropriately
• Understand organizations of almanacs, newspapers, periodicals and how to use them
• Use of basic skills at computer

Evaluation and revision

• Edit and revise drafts to improve coherence and progression by adding, deleting and rearranging text

Writing applications

• Students will write narratives with concrete sensory details
• Write responses to literature
• Write informatory reports
• Writes summaries

Written and Oral English Language Conventions

Sentence structure

• Use simple and compound sentences
• Combine short, related sentences, using appositives, participial phrases, adjectives, adverbs, and prepositional phrases

Grammar

• Identify and use irregular verbs, adverbs, prepositions, and coordinating conjunctions in writing and speaking

Punctuation

• Use parenthesis, commas, and apostrophes in possessives and contractions
• Use underlining, quotations, or italics to identify titles

Capitalization

• Capitalize names of magazines, newspapers, works of art, musical compositions, organizations, and the first word in quotations when appropriate

Spelling

• Spell correctly roots, inflections, suffixes, prefixes, and syllable constructions

Listening and Speaking

• Comprehension
• Ask thoughtful questions
• Summarize spoken information
• Identify language from different regions and cultures
• Give precise directions

Poetry

• Understanding and developing an appreciation
• Able to express thoughts

Organization and delivery of oral communications

• Introduction and conclusion in oral delivery
• Use volume, pitch, phrasing, pace, modulation, and gesture appropriately

Creative Writing
The students continue to refine the written expression by writing short chapter stories. The writing helps them to understand that appropriate writing is a process. It also develops an appreciation of the same. This provides the students a chance to apply the skills they have acquired over a period of time.
Fourth grade curriculum is achieved through carefully selected literature stories and hands on materials.

 

Physical Sciences:

• Electricity and magnetism
• How electricity changed life on earth
• Students will know electric energy can be converted to heat, light and motion

Botany and Zoology:

• Students know the plants are the primary source of matter and energy entering most food chains
• Students understand the food chain
• Review of classifications
• Students understand that living organisms depend on one another and on their environment for survival
• Students know about decomposers
• An introduction of time line of humans

The fourth year lays the ground work for further studies in botany and zoology.

Earth Science:

• Review the formation of earth
• Review the properties of rocks, minerals reflect the processes that formed them
• Students know how to identify common rock forming minerals
• Understanding of the force of water in shaping and reshaping the land

Investigation and experimentation:

• Differentiate observation from interpretation
• Formulate cause and effect
• Follow a set of written instructions for a scientific investigation

History and Social Science

Students will explore the story of their home state.

• Through hands on materials like: charts, maps, pictures, artifacts and research students will develop an understanding of the history of California
• Student describe the social, political, cultural, and economic life and interactions among people of California from the pre-Columbian societies to the Spanish mission and Mexican rancho periods
• Students will continue in studies to explain the granting of the statehood
• Students understand structures, functions, and power of local, state, and federal governments as described in the US Constitution

Geography

Students learn geography in connection with history the history of state.

• Map reading
• Students explain how California became an agricultural and industrial power.
• Understand the lasting effect of pony express
• Development of new industries
• Trace the evolution of water systems like: dams, aqueducts, and reservoirs
• History of education system

Physical Education

• Continue aerobic activity for extended time
• Students will be play waffle ball, pitching, batting, and practice catching skills
• Students will be throwing, catching, dribbling and passing basketball
• Work cooperatively with partners

Art

• Art appreciation
• Cultural crafts

Words

Rock, consider, baking, astonished, entire, passenger, seize, continue, escape, avenue, stride (step), plunge, left, price (cost), terminate, summit, transparent, depart, suit, veterinarian, ingredients, extract, because, breeze, certainly, beads, mouse, handles, spill, suppose, early, feathers, whisper, enough, nickel, sight, nothing, knock, often, listen, worse, lace, dislike, tickets, unkind, laughed, waved, gladly, slidin