Welcome to Fourth Grade!!!

The fourth grade teaching philosophy is centered on instilling in each student a sense of social responsibility through the TRIBES agreements while ensuring academic excellence in all subject areas. Students will understand the practical applications of problem solving, critical thinking, and effective communication through oral and written literacy.

 

STAFF

 

LANGUAGE ARTS

Language arts instruction is differentiated, that is, tailored to the specific needs of each student. Our approach involves a reading component that includes reading groups, guided reading groups, and literature circle groups, and a writing component that focuses on writing aloud, shared writing, guided writing, and independent writing. Skills are taught as a way to gain meaning and increase fluency and comprehension, and not necessarily as ends in themselves.

MATH

Math instruction in fourth grade is taught with the workshop model. A variety of activities are incorporated through independent practice and weekly centers. Our program involves a high level of student interaction while focusing on mathematical concepts dictated by the curriculum. A typical 90 minute math lesson includes a problem of the day, number of the day, a mini-lesson, guided and independent practice, workstations, and journaling.

SCIENCE

A different unit of study will be taught each nine weeks. The four units are Magnetism and Electricity, Human Body, Water, and Ideas and Inventions. FOSS kits provide the students with hands-on experience and are supplemented with textbooks, periodicals, and other non-fiction texts.

SOCIAL STUDIES

The social studies curriculum is based on the history of Texas. The year begins with an in-depth study of geography and is followed by units on Texas regions, Native Americans in Texas, explorers, colonization, early statehood, immigrants, and government.

TECHNOLOGY

Students are exposed to technology every day. Teachers use Activboards to teach and interact with students in all subject areas. Print and electronic materials are integrated primarily in our science and social studies curricula. Our classrooms reflect the multimedia world in which the students live.