Curriculum Grade 4
Integrated Language Arts - The Grade 4 Reading and English program promotes effective oral and written communication. The program is based on the writing process with all grammar, usage, mechanics, and spelling skills introduced, practiced and reviewed in the context of writing. Writing skills are taught through writing workshops and conferences. Reinforcement is provided through pre-writing, drafting, revising, editing, and publishing activities. Oral language and listening skills are developed through daily formal and informal speaking opportunities. Cursive skills are reinforced with an emphasis on legibility and consistency of letter formation and spacing.
Math - Fourth graders build upon basic math concepts using a combination of manipulative and mental processes. Key areas of study include numeration through 999,000, addition and subtraction with inverse and regrouping, use of inequalities (<, >), multiplication and division of 2 and 3 digits; dividends for a 2-digit quotient with/without remainder, measurement, time to the minute, money, estimation, polygons, perimeter, and fractions (1/3, 1/8, 1/10). Thinking skills are further developed through mental arithmetic, making change, visualization, record keeping, data collection, and graphing.
Science - In science, special emphasis is placed on the research process in all grades. This includes making decisions about the generation and testing of ideas; prediction, measurement, data collection and representation; evaluation of sources of information; collaborative investigation; interpretation and communication of findings; evaluation and verification of findings and considerations relating to the social context of research. Fourth graders repeat observations to verify ideas and to explain unexpected findings. Metric as well as standard units of measure are utilized. Physical models are built to enhance understanding. Students will also be identifying and measuring matter and observing chemical and physical changes in matter. Third graders will study matter and its changes, the water cycle, cells and body systems, and simple machines. Students will use the scientific method to conduct experiments to study these concepts.
Social Studies - Fourth grade will continue to develop map skills by locating the equator, the seven continents, and the four oceans on maps and globes. The student will demonstrate map skills by constructing simple maps, using title, map legend and compass rose. The students will recognize that the U.S. is a land of people who have diverse ethnic origins, customs, and traditions, who make contributions to their communities, and who are united as Americans by common principles. Fourth grade social studies focuses on United States history and the events through the end of the American Revolution.
Spanish- Exploratory Spanish for fourth grade exposes students to the communicative language and the variation of Spanish customs in Spain and Latin American countries. Students learn the commonly asked questions and responses in Spanish while performing daily tasks. Students practice communication in Spanish while maintaining a conversation about sports, likes and dislikes, having breakfast, lunch and dinner. Students learn to differentiate lexical variation during a conversation. Students are capable of using the correct form of Spanish adjectives, nouns and verbs. Students experience the assimilations and differences of Spanish culture versus their own culture.
Art-Fourth grade students will enhance their knowledge of the elements of art. They have built a base from kindergarten through third grade. Fourth graders will do more detailed and sophisticated projects using this base as a launching point for their works of art. Students will be introduced to different artists and artistic styles that will provide them with inspiration for their works of art.
Computer-Students use up-to-date technology in all aspects of the academic program at all grade levels. Computers are used to reinforce and enrich skills in math, geography, science and language arts. Problem solving and logical thought skills are reinforced through the use of appropriate software. Word processing, graphic and desktop publishing programs are used to design and publish documents. Projects call for databases to organize information.
Library-At Ryan Academy all students visit the library weekly for selection of books for course work and independent reading. They learn library organization, proper care of books, and age-appropriate library skills.
Physical Education- The students will demonstrate an understanding of movement that fosters cooperation and sportsmanship. The students will be encouraged to give their best effort at all times.
Independent Project- At Ryan Academy all students follow the steps to complete a research paper. They formulate an outline; find materials both print and electronic, complete note cards, a rough draft and a final copy. For the Independent Project, you should choose something you have not researched before. The project contains three parts.
1. Written Report (50%)The written report will include: a Title page, an Introduction, Answers to the Project Questions, a Conclusion, and a Reference Page.
2. Creative/Artistic Component (30%)This is your opportunity to create an artistic piece, which supports your project. The possibilities for this component are endless. Some suggestions are: a play, poetry, a hand-constructed model, a painting, or drawings. A minimum of 3 hours of work is needed to create & refine a quality piece of work. This piece should be fun to do! It should help us to see how important this topic is to you. It is NOT a visual aide such as a poster or power point presentation.
3. Share & Teach: Oral Presentation with Visual Aide (20%) Each student will present their findings to the class. Care should be given to construct a presentation that is interesting and teaches other students about your topic. INVOLVING the class in your presentation is a good way to ensure they are learning. A visual aide, such as a poster or power point presentation, is required.
Integrated Language Arts - The Grade 4 Reading and English program promotes effective oral and written communication. The program is based on the writing process with all grammar, usage, mechanics, and spelling skills introduced, practiced and reviewed in the context of writing. Writing skills are taught through writing workshops and conferences. Reinforcement is provided through pre-writing, drafting, revising, editing, and publishing activities. Oral language and listening skills are developed through daily formal and informal speaking opportunities. Cursive skills are reinforced with an emphasis on legibility and consistency of letter formation and spacing.
Math - Fourth graders build upon basic math concepts using a combination of manipulative and mental processes. Key areas of study include numeration through 999,000, addition and subtraction with inverse and regrouping, use of inequalities (<, >), multiplication and division of 2 and 3 digits; dividends for a 2-digit quotient with/without remainder, measurement, time to the minute, money, estimation, polygons, perimeter, and fractions (1/3, 1/8, 1/10). Thinking skills are further developed through mental arithmetic, making change, visualization, record keeping, data collection, and graphing.
Science - In science, special emphasis is placed on the research process in all grades. This includes making decisions about the generation and testing of ideas; prediction, measurement, data collection and representation; evaluation of sources of information; collaborative investigation; interpretation and communication of findings; evaluation and verification of findings and considerations relating to the social context of research. Fourth graders repeat observations to verify ideas and to explain unexpected findings. Metric as well as standard units of measure are utilized. Physical models are built to enhance understanding. Students will also be identifying and measuring matter and observing chemical and physical changes in matter. Third graders will study matter and its changes, the water cycle, cells and body systems, and simple machines. Students will use the scientific method to conduct experiments to study these concepts.
Social Studies - Fourth grade will continue to develop map skills by locating the equator, the seven continents, and the four oceans on maps and globes. The student will demonstrate map skills by constructing simple maps, using title, map legend and compass rose. The students will recognize that the U.S. is a land of people who have diverse ethnic origins, customs, and traditions, who make contributions to their communities, and who are united as Americans by common principles. Fourth grade social studies focuses on United States history and the events through the end of the American Revolution.
Spanish- Exploratory Spanish for fourth grade exposes students to the communicative language and the variation of Spanish customs in Spain and Latin American countries. Students learn the commonly asked questions and responses in Spanish while performing daily tasks. Students practice communication in Spanish while maintaining a conversation about sports, likes and dislikes, having breakfast, lunch and dinner. Students learn to differentiate lexical variation during a conversation. Students are capable of using the correct form of Spanish adjectives, nouns and verbs. Students experience the assimilations and differences of Spanish culture versus their own culture.
Art-Fourth grade students will enhance their knowledge of the elements of art. They have built a base from kindergarten through third grade. Fourth graders will do more detailed and sophisticated projects using this base as a launching point for their works of art. Students will be introduced to different artists and artistic styles that will provide them with inspiration for their works of art.
Computer-Students use up-to-date technology in all aspects of the academic program at all grade levels. Computers are used to reinforce and enrich skills in math, geography, science and language arts. Problem solving and logical thought skills are reinforced through the use of appropriate software. Word processing, graphic and desktop publishing programs are used to design and publish documents. Projects call for databases to organize information.
Library-At Ryan Academy all students visit the library weekly for selection of books for course work and independent reading. They learn library organization, proper care of books, and age-appropriate library skills.
Physical Education- The students will demonstrate an understanding of movement that fosters cooperation and sportsmanship. The students will be encouraged to give their best effort at all times.
Independent Project- At Ryan Academy all students follow the steps to complete a research paper. They formulate an outline; find materials both print and electronic, complete note cards, a rough draft and a final copy. For the Independent Project, you should choose something you have not researched before. The project contains three parts.
1. Written Report (50%)The written report will include: a Title page, an Introduction, Answers to the Project Questions, a Conclusion, and a Reference Page.
2. Creative/Artistic Component (30%)This is your opportunity to create an artistic piece, which supports your project. The possibilities for this component are endless. Some suggestions are: a play, poetry, a hand-constructed model, a painting, or drawings. A minimum of 3 hours of work is needed to create & refine a quality piece of work. This piece should be fun to do! It should help us to see how important this topic is to you. It is NOT a visual aide such as a poster or power point presentation.
3. Share & Teach: Oral Presentation with Visual Aide (20%) Each student will present their findings to the class. Care should be given to construct a presentation that is interesting and teaches other students about your topic. INVOLVING the class in your presentation is a good way to ensure they are learning. A visual aide, such as a poster or power point presentation, is required.