Fourth Grade

    The fourth grade curriculum at MES exposes the children to varied and meaningful learning experiences.  The basis for our fourth grade reading instruction is The Harcourt Reading Series, a comprehensive, research-based program.  The primary component of this program is the student anthology, which includes literary selections arranged in thematic units to promote independent reading strategies.   This text is supplemented by literature selections at various instructional levels, enabling us to implement teacher-guided reading groups, as well as independent literature circles.  In addition, students read and listen to our core literature selections, The Cricket in Times Square and In the Year of the Boar and Jackie Robinson to further enhance their enjoyment of reading.  Sustained Quiet Uninterrupted Reading Time (SQUIRT) is encouraged daily.

The fourth grade language arts curriculum is comprised of processed  and timed writing, basic language mechanics, and spelling.  What follows is a brief explanation of each area and a general overview of how each is taught.

Processed & Timed Writing: Processed Writing is exactly that, a process.  It does not just happen. The students must go through the different stages of brainstorming, first draft, conferencing, editing, and rewriting.   Students will also practice timed writing modeled after the writing component of the CMTs.  Students are given a prompt, and then are required to draft a narrative in 45 minutes.  In fourth grade, there is emphasis on becoming a classroom of writers.   The students experiment with a variety of writing genres both in fiction and non-fiction.  Narrative, expository, and poetic writing is taught.  Students are encouraged to apply strategies learned in class and to use the 6+1 Traits to reflect on the quality of their writing.  This creates ownership and enthusiasm for the written piece.  Written products will be shared at regular intervals with classmates.  Completed pieces will be kept in a permanent writing portfolio and will be shared with parents throughout the year and at student-led spring conferences.

Language Mechanics and Spelling: Neatly woven into the Harcourt Reading Program is a language and spelling component.   Grammar skills and spelling strategies are taught.  The expectation is that students will apply those skills in their daily writing.

The Trailblazers Math Program focuses on the development of math skills through exploration.  The students learn to work together building upon each other's thoughts and ideas.  The teacher guides the discussion and exploration.   There are a variety of resources used throughout the course of each unit to support student learning.  Students use a hard cover book called the Student Guide (SG), a workbook called the Discovery Assignment Book (DAB), and a related series of stories called the Adventure Book (AB).  Daily Practice Problems (DPPs) are used in many facets.  Math journals help students put thought into words and share their ideas and understanding of concepts.  Students need to be ready for hands-on experiences in this minds-on active program

Our social studies program begins a unit on geography followed by a study of the Civil War.  From there, we study what life was like in the United States from the mid-1800's to the present.

Our current science program encompasses three major hands-on units:  Water Cycle/Erosion, Magnetism/Electricity, and Environments .  These units cover Earth, Physical and Life sciences and reflect changes made across the region to better align our program with new state standards.  

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