Fourth Grade Program Description
Fourth-grade classes are heterogeneously grouped with the assigned classroom teacher responsible for language arts, (reading, English, spelling, writing), social studies, science, and math. Instruction in all areas is based upon common core standards. Please refer to the detailed curriculum descriptions below.
Delivery of instruction in fourth grade includes teacher-directed lessons in whole class or small group settings with individual progress closely monitored. While instruction is quite often textbook-driven, students' application of skills and concepts is demonstrated in projects, demonstrations, reports, and exploratory and investigative units of study.
Instruction in curriculum areas include:
READING - Harcourt Brace is the adopted basal reading textbook used for instruction to ensure students' exposure to a wide range of comprehension levels and literary skills.
SOCIAL STUDIES - The core curriculum includes "The Arizona Story" and corresponding teacher materials. Maps and student booklets are also used to support instruction.
SPELLING - Houghton Mifflin spelling book emphasizes word structure, decoding, and vocabulary development.
WRITING is an important integrated component of the fourth-grade curriculum. The writing elements include ideas; organization; voice; word choice; sentence fluency; conventions; and presentation.
ENGLISH focuses primarily on grammar and mechanics using the Houghton Mifflin language book. Review and reinforcement of spelling and English mechanics are provided through the daily practice and application of skills.
MATHEMATICS - McGraw-Hill series is used in instruction along with supplementary materials, technology and Engineering Math, a district-developed program.
SCIENCE core curriculum includes five science units developed by the school district and designed to meet the district and state science curriculum objectives. The five units are: Survivor; Energy and Magnetism; Every Drop Counts; Earth, Wind and Fire; Variables.
SUPPORT PROGRAMS offer students regular instruction in the computer lab and in the Media Center. Intermediate students receive instruction in vocal music, art, and physical education. Interested students may participate in the orchestra program. In addition, the students participate in field trips, assemblies, and grade-level activities designed to support the curriculum.
Homework is assigned to reinforce skills taught and is considered an important facet of the student's learning experiences. Each student's progress is reported quarterly on a report card. Conferences, phone calls, and notes are means of communicating each student's progress to parents. Parents are considered vital to the child's success in school and are encouraged to volunteer and contribute.
Parent Resources: