What are our fourth graders expected to learn this year?
Reading
This year in reading the students will be switching classes so that all students needs are met. During reading groups students will work in small groups, as a whole class, and independently. At this point in their reading they have moved from learning to read to reading to learn. We focus on being a fluent reader, reading for meaning, inferencing, synthesizing, and making connections. During this time they will be reading a guided reading book that is on their level and working on activities that enrich the book. In all classes students will be expected to read and document 25 books. Students should be reading nightly and always have a good silent reading book ready!
Science
Gems Net provides us with three different science kits each year. In fourth grade we will first explore Magnets and Electricity. During this unit students will work to discover the attributes of magnets and experiment first hand how electricity flows. Our second kit is Motion and Design. Students will be able to test and design different variables of a vehicle. They will explore force, mass, and energy as they try to make their vehicle move. Our last science kit is Land and Water. Through this kit the students are able to study how water affects the land and how land affects water. Through the use of a stream table they work with four different soil components and observe the relationship between land and water. During all of our science units we will be working in our science notebooks. Students will be making predictions, collecting data, and analyzing the results of their experiments.
Math
This year will be the our second year working with the Common Core Math Standards. The students will be working in math centers within their own classroom. Some of the areas that we will be focusing on are: number sense (addition,subtraction, multiplication and division), geometry and measurement, fractions, area and perimeter, making change, and elapsed time. We will also work on problem solving strategies throughout the year.
Writing
In the fourth grade we really focus on writing throughout the curriculum. Students will be using science notebooks, reading journals, and Social Studies notebooks during class lessons. We will focus on forming complete sentences using appropriate grammar and conventions. During creative writing time students will use a lifebook to generate ideas and express their thoughts. We will focus on the Write Traits of: Conventions, Organization, Word Choice, Sentence Fluency, Voice, and Ideas.
Social Studies
This year the students will be work on getting to know their state better! Rhode Island's economy, geography, history, government, and famous landmarks are just some of the exciting things fourth grade focuses on. Students will develop a great understanding of our state through books, games, and research. Our many field trips will enrich their love for learning about Rhode Island.
