Language Arts:

Reading: Fourth grade students use the Wonders reading program which provides materials that include complex, authentic texts and a focus on close reading and text evidence. Students practice close reading of short, complex text and begin to practice key skills and strategies.

Writing: Fourth grade students are on the verge of writing more academic texts. They begin the year writing realistic fiction and learn to develop rich characters and stories. The units then bring students step-by-step toward increasing proficiency with these genres: thesis-driven persuasive essays in unit 2, historical research reports in unit 3, and writing about fiction in literary essays in the final unit. 

Mathematics:

Everyday Mathematics is distinguished by its focus on real-life problem solving, balance between whole-class and self-directed learning, emphasis on communication, facilitation of school-family cooperation, and appropriate use of technology. Everyday Mathematics provides numerous methods for basic skills practice and review. These include mental math routines, daily sets of review problems called Math Boxes,  curriculum tests and a wide variety of math games.Throughout the Everyday Mathematics curriculum students are encouraged to explain and discuss their mathematical thinking, in their own words. Opportunities to verbalize their thoughts and strategies give children the chance to clarify their thinking and gain insights from others.

Everyday Mathematics in 4th grade focuses on Addition, Subtraction, Multiplication, Division, Decimals, Fractions, Graphing, Problem Solving, Probability, Symmetry, Number Corner.

Science:  

Fourth graders cover a variety of science concepts each year. In fourth grade, the students focus on studying the following topics: Energy, Environments and Earth’s Systems. The students will be using to the Next Generation Science Standards and practices to investigate all science topics covered in fourth grade. Students will be asking questions, developing models, carrying out scientific investigations, making arguments based on evidence, and more. 

Social Studies: 

Fourth grade social studies looks at the essential question, “How does where you live and what you do matter?” Our units focus on how Illinois fits into the United States, who has power in Illinois and the United States and how we can influence and make change in our state. We will focus on the resources, landforms and cultures of Illinois and the surrounding regions of our country. Students will understand where our government gets its power, how it is organized, why we need a government and understand the basics of an election on the local/state/national level. Furthermore, students will understand how a citizen can create change based on issues or problems of a community, understand how local laws differ from national laws, and will examine the idea that they have a voice in our government and how changes are made. 

Student Services:   

The fourth grade Student Services Team consists of the school psychologist, a speech and language pathologist, gifted/enrichment teachers, an ELL teacher, and a special education teacher. This team works together to meet the needs of students with IEPs and 504 plans; in addition, they provide other educational supports to all students.