Language Arts

The elements of language arts (reading, writing, listening, and speaking) are utilized across the curriculum in fourth grade.

Our objective in reading is to continue to improve each boy’s fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension while emphasizing reading for pleasure and purpose. In small guided reading groups, the boys read a selection of literature representing different genres. The books are discussed and analyzed to promote a deep understanding of the material. Integral to this process are strategies such as character analysis, prediction, author intent, tone, and recognizing different perspectives and opinions. The boys have an assigned book to read at home. On Fridays, the boys have book talks to discuss the section they read that week. Daily independent reading is a vital part of our program. In order to become lifelong and effective readers they are given the opportunity to choose books and to read at their own pace.

The goal is for the boys to be able to write fluently, clearly, and concisely. The boys regularly gather entries in their writers’ notebooks. These entries include observations, questions, and thoughts. Fourth graders are then exposed to many different types of writing such as poetry, persuasive pieces, letters, fiction, and research reports. They spend a considerable amount of time redrafting and using beginning editing skills. Much of the work is typed up for its final presentation. Grammar and punctuation are explored as tools to correctly and clearly express meaning, and are taught within the context of their own writing.

The boys investigate spelling and vocabulary during word study time. Spelling is viewed as a problem solving task where the writer uses many strategies to spell correctly. These strategies include listening for sounds in words, using common spelling patterns, and knowing how to apply common generalizations when constructing words. The students also develop good spelling habits such as trying unknown words, using resources to check their spelling, and memorizing frequently misspelled words.

Reading and writing play a large part in an independent research project that is connected to social studies. The boys read biographies as well as a variety of other nonfiction resources. The final project will include several written pieces that reflect what the boys have learned throughout this in-depth study. Speaking skills will be developed as the boys rehearse and present their projects.

Mathematics

We use a program entitled Investigations in Number, Data and Space, a complete K-5 mathematics curriculum developed under a grant from the National Science Foundation at TERC in Cambridge, Massachusetts. It is designed to help all children understand the fundamental ideas of number and operations, geometry, data, measurement, and early algebra. Investigations includes activity-based mathematics that encourage students to think creatively, develop and articulate problem-solving strategies, and work cooperatively with their classmates. Many Investigations activities involve engaging games that reinforce students’ understanding of important mathematical concepts and skills. We supplement the program with our own materials when necessary.
In fourth grade the mathematics curriculum balances an exploration of concepts with a reinforcement of computational skills. Students are encouraged to use estimation, mental computation, and number relationships to work as efficiently and accurately as possible. Throughout the year, they strengthen their understanding of math concepts and gain confidence in their ability to tackle increasingly complex problems. There is particular emphasis on problem analysis and strategy selection and the boys are regularly asked to communicate their thinking. The math activities foster increasing competence in place value, addition and subtraction with regrouping, measurement (area and perimeter), double digit multiplication, geometry (angles), fractions (adding and subtracting), long division, and graphing.