Fourth Grade Curriculum

The general objectives for fourth grade students are to:

• build and strengthen academic skills by participating in a structured, enjoyable, and positive school environment
• maintain and promote social interaction through group and class activities
• raise the awareness of each child of the increased responsibilities with regard to classwork and homework
• provide constant and consistent encouragement for each child to attain his or her maximum potential

The specific objectives for fourth grade students are:

Reading:

• read and respond to a variety of classical literature selections
• apply awareness of the sequence of facts and recognize the relationship between facts
• compare and contrast various elements of a text, acquiring skill in interpretation of content, distinguishing fact from fiction, and anticipating endings
• use outlining to further identify and understand the framework of a story, identifying introductions, episodes, and conclusions

Spelling:

• learn and apply the advanced Carden vowel chart
• develop memory skills through recall lessons

Writing and Composition:

• use the writing processes of prewriting, writing a draft, revising, editing, and publishing
• write for a variety of audiences and purposes
• use applied grammar, formal grammar terminology, diagramming, verb conjugation, and parts of speech as tools for comprehension and building sentence structure

Penmanship:

• refine cursive writing skills emphasizing speed and accuracy

Poetry:

• introduce some of the more famous poets, identify, memorize, and recite some of their works
• become familiar with oral interpretation

Mathematics:

• identify place value of digits to the hundred thousand column and demonstrate knowledge of decimals to the tenths column
• estimate and perform four (or more) place addition and subtraction problems using whole numbers and decimals
• identify and demonstrate knowledge of lines, rays, angles, points, and parts of a circle
• find perimeter and area

Geography:

• understand planet earth by identifying all the continents and distinctive landforms on each
• become familiar with all major bodies of water
• focus on migration of people across continents to understand better the beginnings of influential civilizations

Science:

• study ecology and environmental issues
• study electricity, studying currents and magnets
• study the human body and nervous system

Social Studies/History:

• understand history through a literature-enriched curriculum
• compare and contrast daily lives of the people in the California Mission and Rancho periods
• discuss home life of the first Americans, the Native Americans
• identify the contributions of key figures throughout history

Art and Art Appreciation:

• explore a variety of media and techniques
• work in teams to build a model of a Mission as part of California studies
• review the works and lives of famous artists

Music:

• value music by actively listening, singing, and playing an instrument
• identify repetition and contrast in musical forms
• explore the music that reflects various cultures in California
• participate in class and school-wide performances

French:

• strengthen reading and writing skills using text French Is Fun
• conjugate –er, -ir, -re verbs
• learn irregular verbs aller, ir, etre, and avoir

Motor Development:

• continue to develop and demonstrate rhythmic patterns
• continue to improve basic motor skills during games and sports
• participate in class activities designed to build skill and stamina in body control
• develop awareness of the habits and attitudes that support a healthy mind and body

Physical Education:

• continue to perform physical fitness activities
• demonstrate knowledge of sports rules through game participation
• demonstrate good sportsmanship and encouragement of others in all activities
• participate in team activities

Computer:

• keyboarding—achieve accuracy at 20-30 words per minute
• apply individual computer skills and knowledge to create and present a class project on the study of California
• math skills
• develop a multimedia project
• beginning lessons in PowerPoint
• click here to view computer classes

Outdoor Education

Fourth graders will make an overnight trip to Sacramento to study California government and history.

We encourage you to learn more about our curriculum by grade level:

• Back to main curriculum page
• Kindergarten
• First Grade
• Second Grade
• Third Grade
• Fourth Grade
• Fifth Grade
• Sixth Grade
• Seventh Grade
• Eighth Grade
• Outdoor Education
• Athletics
• Computers
• Art

If you are not familiar with Miss Carden and the Carden Method, we encourage you to review the information we have prepared.