Grade 4
Art
In art, fourth graders explore, engage and persist with more advanced materials, using drawing, painting, sculpture and printmaking to communicate ideas. They learn to use the elements of art and principles of design, like balance, contrast and pattern, to make thoughtful artistic choices. Students also explore how art connects to community and culture. Reflection and discussion help them understand how artists make meaning through creative expression.
English Language Arts
Fourth graders read more challenging literature, articles and other materials. They give details to support what they’ve read by noting facts and details from the selection. Students compare stories and information from different sources. They read and understand information in charts, graphs, timelines, and illustrations – as well as words! In writing, they use the Reading and Writing Companion to respond to reading and to organize their ideas and develop topics with reasons, facts, details and other information. They learn to take notes and organize information from several sources to learn more about a topic.
Math
Fluency moves to multiplication and division facts in fourth grade math. Multiplication and division move onto multi-digits. Fractions in fourth grade continue and students begin adding and subtracting with like denominators. New to fourth grade are decimals. Students read, write, compare and round decimals. Geometry introduces area as well as digs deeper into triangles and quadrilaterals. Time is spent measuring angles and doing translations such as flips, turns and slides. As fluency in multiplication and division is a big part of fourth grade, continued support at home is appreciated!
Music
Fourth graders apply their growing musical skills to reading, writing and performing more complex rhythms and melodies. They explore how music connects to culture and history and experiment with composing short pieces. Students build confidence through solo and group performances with voice, body and/or instruments. They also reflect on how music can express identity and emotion.
Physical Education
Fourth graders apply skills from earlier grades in more complex activities and team sports. They learn to move efficiently and with control, combining locomotor and manipulative skills such as dribbling, passing and striking. Lessons also emphasize cooperation, goal-setting and personal fitness. Students begin connecting physical activity to lifelong habits that promote health and well-being.
Science
Fourth graders take on deeper investigations into Earth’s materials, energy and living systems. Students study how the Earth’s surface changes over time through weathering, erosion and deposition. They explore how energy moves and changes - from motion and heat to light and sound. They learn how animals, including humans, use their senses to survive and adapt to their environments.
Social-Emotional Learning
Students practice conflict resolution and organization skills that support responsibility and leadership. They learn to identify and manage emotions in challenging situations and to use positive self-talk to stay motivated. Lessons highlight communication, teamwork and respect for others’ perspectives. By building these habits, students strengthen their ability to make responsible decisions and support their peers
Social Studies
In social studies, fourth grade students return to North America to study the geography and population of the United States. Students use different types of maps, charts and photographs to understand landforms, population centers and ways people impact land development in US regions. Students also learn about the decision-making process, how people can influence government decisions and how choices that consumers make impact the marketplace.