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Grade 4

Joel students in the reading nook

 

Grade 4 

English Language Arts


Introduction: As fourth graders, students are regarded as leaders and role models in our Joel School community. Throughout the year students work to build their independence and self advocacy skills to prepare them to move on to middle school. Fourth graders continue to follow the teaming model that was established in third grade. Students rotate between two or three content area teachers throughout the day to meet all of their core reading, writing, math, and science standards. Additionally, fourth graders participate in a WIN (What I Need) block that provides differentiated and individualized instruction along with an additional 30 minute literacy block that allows for small group instruction and independent practice of skills.

EL Education Literacy Overview:  EL Education is designed to provide students with deep background knowledge to assist their reading comprehension. Students read highly engaging and authentic texts that support the focus and standards within each module. All four modules are broken into three units that follow the same progression. In unit 1 students read, discuss, dramatize & write to acquire strong and specific content background knowledge and literacy skills. In unit 2 students participate in close reading across multiple lessons to analyze and discuss rich texts and take their broad understanding from Unit 1 to a deeper level. Finally, in unit 3 students synthesize their learning through a process writing piece and prepare for their final performance task.



Module 1

Module 2


Module 3


Module 4


Focus

Poetry and Literary Essays

Informational Texts and Narrative Writing

Historical Fiction, Informational Texts, and Opinion Writing

Historical Fiction & Informational texts, Figurative Language, Advocacy and Philanthropy, Opinion Writing

Title

Poetry, Poets, and Becoming Writers

Animal Defense Mechanisms

The American Revolution

Responding to Inequality: Ratifying the 19th Amendment


Mathematics

Introduction: Bridges in Mathematics is a comprehensive K-5 mathematics program that equips teachers to fully implement the common core state standards in a manner that is rigorous, coherent, engaging, and accessible to all learners. The curriculum focuses on developing students’ deep understanding of mathematical concepts, proficiency with key skills, and ability to solve complex and novel problems. Bridges blends direct instruction, structured investigation, and open exploration. The program taps into the intelligence and strengths of all students by presenting material that is as linguistically, visually, and kinesthetically rich as it is mathematically powerful. 


Bridges Overview: In fourth grade, students focus on multiplication and division with multi-digit numbers, fractions, and geometry. Throughout the year they

-Find factors and multiples of different numbersCompare fractions and break fractions into smaller parts

-Compare decimal numbers and find decimal and fraction equivalents

-Develop efficient strategies for multiplying and dividing multi-digit numbers

-Calculate area and work with volume

-Measure and draw angles using protractors 


The math might sometimes seem unfamiliar or different than you remember, but there are many ways you can help! 

-Invite your child to talk about the math by asking questions like, “Did you do a problem like this at school? How did you think about it?”

-Focus on the pictures. Bridges uses visual models to make the mathematics accessible to all learners. Talking about the pictures is a great way to get started. Ask questions like, “What do you notice about this picture? Where do you see the numbers in this picture? Can we use the picture to help solve the problem?



Units and Modules



Module 1

Module 2

Module 3

Module 4

Unit 1

Multiplicative Thinking

Models for Multiplication and Division

Prime & Composites

Multiplicative Comparisons and Equations

Measurement Experiences

Unit 2

Multi-Digit Multiplication and Early Division

Building Multiplication Arrays

Arrays & Ratio Tables

Multiplication Stories and Strategies 

Early Division with Remainders

Unit 3

Fractions and Decimals

Equivalent Fractions

Comparing, Composing & Decomposing Fractions and Mixed Numbers

Introducing Decimals

Fractions & Decimals 

Unit 4

Addition, Subtraction, & Measurement

Place Value and the Traditional Addition Algorithm

Traditional Subtraction Algorithm

Measurement

Measurement and Data Displays

Unit 5

Geometry & Measurement

Measuring Angles

Polygons and Symmetry

Area and Perimeter

Angels in Motion

Unit 6

Multiplication & Division, Data & Fractions

Multiplication and Division Strategies

Revisiting Area and Perimeter

Line Plots, Fractions, & Division

More Division

Unit 7

Reviewing and Extending Fractions, Decimals, and Multi-Digit Multiplication

Comparing Fractions and Writing Equivalent Fractions

Decimals and Decimal Fractions

Introducing the Standard Multiplication Algorithm

Extending the Standard Multiplication Algorithm



Number Corner Overview: Number Corner is a program of skills practice as well as ongoing encounters with broader mathematical concepts. It features daily 20-minute workouts that introduce, reinforce, and extend skill and concepts related to the critical areas of study at each grade level.


Number Corner Workouts: The five Number Corner workouts are the springboard for whole-group skills practice. Each is organized into daily activities that support a range of learners and tightly align with Common Core mathematical content and practice standards. Activities incorporate discussion, demonstration, games, and the Number Corner Student Book. The workouts give students many ways to participate: through working with a variety of math models, choral response, or sharing ideas with classmates.


Calendar Grid: Algebraic patterns and structures that introduce and reinforce a variety of key number and geometry skills 


Each month’s Calendar Grid workout features a unique set of markers (a card for each day of the month). Students explore patterns and develop algebraic thinking skills as they make predictions and generalizations. Each day, a new marker is added to the Calendar Grid pocket chart, gradually assembling a complete calendar for each month. The markers create multiple patterns related to a particular concept or skill, such as equivalent fractions; fraction and decimal equivalency; elapsed time; an ancient numeration system’ perimeter and area; line symmetry; algebraic functions; and a study of lines, angles, and polygons. As the month progresses, students begin to look for and make use of structure in repeating, growing, and number patterns, and they work with the teacher to record these observations on the Calendar Grid Observations Chart.


Calendar Collector Collections that promote deep understandings of estimation and counting, value, measurement, and data.


The Calendar Collector capitalizes on children’s natural interest in collecting, counting, and organizing objects and information. Each month, students focus on a different subject for real-world mathematical investigation—they might collect a designated amount each day (six inches, one decimeter, or one cup) or spin for a different amount each day (a different fraction or multi-digit number), or survey data from experiments such as measuring water evaporation on a line graph. During the first week of each month students are introduced to the collection procedure and begin collecting the month’s item each school day. They keep track of their collection using a variety of visual organizers such as graphs, frequency tables, and line plots, which they read, interpret, and discuss as a group. These graphic representations help them understand concepts more deeply as they ask and answer questions about the data using mathematical vocabulary. The Calendar Collector provides a great opportunity to explore multiplicative comparisons. As they accumulate quantities, students can work with comparative statements (e.g., We have three times as many inches as we had last week. How many inches do we have now?). Students work with multiplicative comparisons throughout the year; they become familiar with the language and work on matching multiplicative comparisons to equations and writing their own multiplicative comparisons. Toward the end of the month, students analyze the total collection. Most months, they also complete one or more related page in their Number Corner Student Book.


Computational Fluency: Activities, games, and practice pages designed to develop and maintain fluency.


The concept of fluency encompasses more than the speed at which students solve problems, and it extends beyond paper-and-pencil methods to mental math. Computational Fluency workouts are filled with activities, games, and practice pages to help students work efficiently, flexibly, and accurately with numbers. In fourth grade Computational Fluency, students typically participate in two activities a month. One activity focuses on the number line. Throughout the fall, students explore multiples, factors, prime and composite numbers, and more as they work with a 0–100 number line. For the rest of the year, they investigate fractions, decimals, and mixed numbers on the number line. The repeated structure of the number line work helps students see, reason, and make sense of our base ten system, whether thinking about fractions or whole numbers. The other activity is usually a game in which students do any number of things, from fact practice to working with a coordinate grid to thinking about the associative property of multiplication to exploring fractions. Playing games is an effective way for students to sharpen their skills; the games are fun, setting a light and comfortable tone optimal for learning. Discussion and reflection serve to deepen thinking and understanding.  


Problem String: Careful delivery of a series of related problems designed to bring out certain strategies and ideas through discussion and modeling.


 This whole-group activity engages students in a deeper look at operations, relationships between numbers, and much more. Problem strings are intentionally designed sequences of problems that help students construct understanding about numerical relationships. Ideally, each string brings out or emphasizes an efficient strategy or model, or both. Over time, students participating in strings amass a collection of strategies they can select and use as needed. Efficiency is emphasized, as is clarity and elegance. A string begins when the teacher presents the first problem, often embedded in a context that helps students solve the problem or visualize a model that will help solve the problem. The first problem is generally not very challenging, but it is important in that it lays the groundwork for future problems and creates an entry point for all students. Students solve the problem on paper and then share their answers and how they got them. The teacher continues the string with the next problem, allowing for “think time” as students solve the problem. As selected students share their work, the teacher represents their thinking for everyone to see. The sharing is not a free-for-all in which all strategies are shared. There is not enough time, and this is not the purpose of a string. Strings are designed to highlight a specific strategy or model, so the teacher looks over students’ work and invites sharing from students whose work reflects or leads into use of the strategy. The string continues in this way, with the delivery of one problem at a time, time to solve the problem, and then time to share. The discussion is key. Students are given ample opportunities to ask each other questions as well as being asked to paraphrase each others’ strategies. Strings often end with an “application problem,” a problem that is different from the previous problems, but one that students can solve with the strategy highlighted in the string. This helps students see how they can use the strategy without the support problems or how to create the support problems themselves in order to solve the problem. In fourth grade, strings focus on models and strategies for adding, subtraction, multiplication, and division; composing and decomposing fractions; adding and subtracting fractions; and multiplying fractions by whole numbers. The strategies students learn in problem strings are often echoed in other workouts within the same month. 



Science


Mystery Science Overview: Mystery Science is a unique, standards-aligned science curriculum for grades K-5 designed to help students stay curious! Mystery Guides lead engaging lessons with hands-on investigations and activities that explore scientific phenomena using common classroom items.


GRADE 4 UNITS

THE HUMAN MACHINE

In this unit, students investigate structures and functions of the human body. Students explore how our bones and muscles are interconnected, how our eyes interact with light and impact our vision, and how our brain responds to stimuli in our environment.

ANIMAL AND PLANT ADAPTIONS

In this unit, students explore the adaptations of animals and plants. Students investigate how the external and internal structures of an organism work together as an interconnected system that aid in their growth and survival. They also use models to explore how a combination of instincts and memories influence animal behavior.

THE BIRTH OF ROCKS

In this unit, students investigate features and processes of the Earth’s surface. Students explore the rapid process of volcanic eruptions! In contrast, students also explore the gradual Earth processes of weathering and erosion. Students apply their knowledge and design solutions to mitigate the impacts of these processes on humans.

WAVES OF SOUND

In this unit, students investigate the science of sound. Students construct physical devices to feel the vibrations that allow us to communicate across distances. Students also use digital devices to visualize the characteristics of different sound waves that cause us to hear different things.

ENERGIZE EVERYTHING

In this unit, students explore energy! Students investigate how energy is stored, how it can make objects move, and how collisions transfer energy between objects. Students also construct chain reaction machines to explore the many different ways that energy can be transferred.

ELECTRICITY LIGHT & HEAT

In this unit, students investigate the different forms of energy! Students obtain information about how heat energy, solar energy, wind energy, and water energy can be transformed into electrical energy. They also construct devices that convert energy from one form into another, such as heat into motion and electricity into light.



Social Studies

Social Studies is embedded within the EL Literacy curriculum through the study of The American Revolution in Module 3 and the 19th Amendment in Module 4. Additional social studies topics such as map skills, states and capitals, and US regions will be taught during the science block alternating with Mystery Science units throughout the year.


Extra Curricular Activities


Husky Leaders 4th graders participate in several experiences during their culminating year at Joel. Students have the opportunity throughout the year to apply for a leadership position known as “Husky Leaders.” Selected students will fulfill roles to help our school community. Husky Leader roles include Safety Patrol, Ambassadors, Community Partners, and Husky Buddies.


Chorus All fourth graders have the opportunity to participate in chorus which rehearses once a week during recess. Students perform concerts twice a year.


Project Adventure All fourth graders participate in project adventure. Classes rotate turns throughout the year. In the spring, students who qualify will have the opportunity to do our zipline right here at Joel!


Marine Science Day Our favorite yearly tradition! Lead by the amazing Mrs. Skimore, in conjunction with our Clinton community, fourth graders spend the day at the beach applying their learning of animal adaptations. 


Tour of Eliot Each spring as our year comes to a close, fourth graders have the opportunity to tour Eliot Middle School, meet some of the staff, and have a question and answer session with current Eliot students. 


Farewell to Fourth At the end of the year we do a special culminating event to celebrate students’ time as Joel students. We can’t share any more details because It’s a SURPRISE!





Grade 4 Classroom Teachers

Team 4A

Mrs. Yahwak (ELA & science)

Mr. Florentine (Math & science)


Team 4B

Mrs. Baldwin (Math)

Miss Lorenzo (ELA)

Mrs. Skidmore (Science and Number Corner)






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