Fourth Grade Curriculum
Reading/Language Arts/Writing
In the fourth grade, students expand and deepen their knowledge of reading, writing, and speaking, as well as their understanding of the connections among different types of communication. Fourth grade students read and comprehend texts from a variety of genres (fiction, nonfiction, poetry, and drama). Students also read and understand informational texts from other subject areas in addition to language arts. As they read, students in the fourth grade independently use a variety of strategies to deepen and expand their understanding of the material.
Math
Our mathematics program is the newly adopted Harcourt Math for Georgia. By the end of grade four, students will add and subtract decimal fractions and common fractions with common denominators. They will also understand how and when it is appropriate to use rounding. Students will use common measurement units to determine weight. Students will develop their understanding of measuring angles with appropriate units and tools. Students will understand the characteristics of geometric plane and solid figures. They will also use tables, graphs, and charts to record and analyze data.
Science
The performance standards should drive instruction. Hands-on, student-centered, and inquiry-based approaches should be the emphases of instruction. This curriculum is intended as a required curriculum that would show proficiency in science, and instruction should extend beyond the curriculum to meet student needs. Safety of the student should always be foremost in science instruction.
Science units of study include: (1) Weather/Water Cycle, (2) Light, (3) Sound, (4) Force, (5) Solar System (Constellations), (6) Solar Systems (Planets)
(7) Ecosystems
Social Studies
In fourth grade, students begin the formal study of United States history. At this grade, the four strands of history, geography, civics, and economics are fully integrated. Students begin their study of United States history with the development of Native American cultures and conclude with the antebellum period ending in 1860. The geography strand emphasizes the influence of geography on early U. S. history. The civics strand emphasizes concepts and rights development during the formation of our government. The economics strand uses material from the historical strand to further understanding of economic concepts.