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Syllabus

Grade 4



Math



~ Review math facts: addition, subtraction,

multiplication, division

~ Multidigit addition,subtraction, and multiplication

~ Division with a one-digit divisor

~ Geometry and graphing

~ Fractions and decimals

~ Problem solving is incorporated in all units



Our math program will feature a variety of strategies which include teacher directed and modeled instruction, cooperative learning and other small group activities, independent assignments and activities.

Along with the Scott Foresman series, a variety of supplementary materials are utilized in our program. There are ample opportunities for children to work at varied levels, as differentiated instruction is incorporated into all units.

Accelerated Math will be included in the curriculum this year and will enhance the current program by generating individualized lessons and customized practice assignments based on identified strengths and weaknesses. Teachers will conduct lessons and generate projects using diagnostic information provided by individual student and class reports.



Science



~ Earth Science =  Rocks and Minerals, Our Changing Earth

~ Weather

~ Light and Sound

~ Life Science

~ Water



Students will learn the above units through a variety of methods/activities. These include, but are not limited to: teacher directed experiments/demonstrations, student experiments and projects conducted in cooperative learning groups, independent assignments/ activities, integrated reading and writing activities, and the use of technology. Although students will learn some concepts and skills through direct methods, an inquiry/discovery approach will be implemented throughout our program. Hands on materials from a variety of sources will be utilized in our program. In addition, literature-based and special theme topics will supplement the units listed above.

The text series for this year is the McGraw Hill/ National Geographic Society, which contains modules of study aligned with the national standards for science. Students will use several Foss kit Investigations to learn to think and act like a scientist, making hypothesis and experimenting, charting results, and making conclusions based upon their data.  We also utilize SCIENCE STUDIES WEEKLY, a newspaper filled with interesting facts, biographies, puzzles, and experiment ideas.  Science is fun in fourth grade !

Social Studies



Regions of the United States, focusing on:

~ Industries

~ Physical features

~ Cultures

~ Climate

~ Principal cities

~ Map skills will be integrated throughout our study

of regions

United Nations

Immigration

NJ - counties, cities, waterways, landmarks

Revolutionary War related to New Jersey

Branches of Government



A variety of strategies will be utilized during our study of regions. These include, but are not limited to, hands on projects, field trips, teacher directed and small group activities, research assignments, integrated reading and writing activities and technology. Although a variety of materials will be used to support our program the major text used will be States and Regions by Harcourt Brace.



Language Arts

~Reading: Primary focus is on developing and utilizing comprehension strategies.

This goal will be reached through: guided reading, read aloud, independent reading and whole class novel studies. Students will be exposed to a variety of genres throughout the year while certain genre studies will be specifically focused on. These will include historical and realistic fiction, biographies, poetry, fairy tales, mysteries, tall tales and multicultural books. Reading will be taught primarily through the use of literature, not a formal reading text. Accelerated Reader will be included to assess individual comprehension of novels.



Writing:

Primary focus is on the writing process, specifically organizing and producing quality writing at a fourth-grade level.

This includes: students incorporating their personality in writing; using more vivid vocabulary; organizing writing to include a clear introduction, body, and conclusion; and using correct grammar skills. Students will begin to analyze their writing in relationship to a scoring criteria (rubric). The primary focus will be for students to learn the craft of writing through teacher modeling, mini-lessons, and small group/independent writing activities.

The text for this year will be The Writers Express, which is in a handbook form for the students. It is a comprehensive writing program which teaches the process of writing, while incorporating mini lessons on grammar, usage, and form. It also provides rubrics and assessment options for student scoring and teacher grading. In handwriting students will continue the process of refining cursive writing.



Spelling:

The main goal of the spelling program is for students to spell correctly during daily writing activities.

This is particularly true as it relates to words that are of the highest frequency. In addition, our program will emphasize the development of skills, strategies, and concepts. Word experiences will integrate language learning such as: usage, capitalization, mechanics, and word etymologies. Students will be assessed periodically through daily writing activities and tests of core words. The Rebecca Sitton Spelling Program will serve as the instructional base of our spelling program.



Special Content Area Subjects:

~All fourth grade students will have (2)40 minute periods of PE under the six day schedule.

~Students will also have a weekly Computer Lab, Foreign Language, Library, Art, and Music.



Assessment

~Students will be assessed through tests, quizzes, projects, teacher observation of classroom activities, and homework. Student effort will be considered as well.

~Additional assessments will include the Developmental Reading Assessment, and student writing using grade level scoring criteria (rubric).

~For proper level placement in the Accelerated Math library students will be assessed using the Star Math program.