English Language Arts

The goal of the fourth grade language arts program is to support children as they continue to
develop reading, writing, listening and speaking skills. In February the students take the New
York State English Language Arts Test.  Although each child is unique in his or her development,
there are typical expectations for literacy and communication at each grade level. By the end of
fourth grade, most children will gain the skills listed in the following areas.

Reading Skills

• use base words, prefixes and suffixes to help define unfamiliar words

• read and understand a variety of literature including short stories, poetry, biography, realistic fiction, and nonfiction

• paraphrase content, including the main ideas and details; take brief notes

• distinguish fact from opinion

• cite references and make inferences from text

Writing

Writing Skills

• write cursive letters and connections more fluently

· understand the basic elements of a sentence and write using varied

sentence structure

· write a well-developed paragraph that includes a topic sentence,supporting details, and conclusion

• formulate and write responses to literature

• use spelling, punctuation, capitalization, and grammar conventions more independently

• revise writing with an awareness of idea development, organization and good word choice.

Spelling

The Sitton Spelling Program is the basis of our spelling instruction.  From this program
students are responsible for learning five core words each unit.  These words are the basis of
our unit.  These five words are both sight words and key words that are the basis for learning
different spelling rules and patterns.

In addition , Words Their Way is used to supplement the spelling curriculum.  This program
provides enrichment and/or support when needed.

Math

Fourth grade students use whole numbers and fractions for problem solving and measurement. They use patterns and relationships to explain mathematical situations. In May the students take the New York State Math 4 Test.

Fourth grade students learn to:

• compare and order numbers with words and symbols,

• understand place value to 10,000,

• calculate elapsed time using time schedules, calendars, or clocks,

• divide 2 digit numbers by a 1 digit divisor with remainder,

• estimate and round to the nearest hundredth,

• use formulas to find perimeter and area of geometric shapes, and

• design investigations to address a question

Magnets and Electricity:

· Properties of magnetism

· Properties of electricity

· Types of circuits

Levers and pulleys:

· Use of and Types of levers

· Use of and Types of pulleys

· Measurement of force

Water:

· Properties of water

· The Water cycle

· Elements of heating and freezing water

Environments:

· Plant parts

· Biomes

· Optimum environment for plants

In the beginning of May all fourth graders in the state of new york are required to take a 
science test.  The test consists of two main parts.  Part 1 is a multiple choice and short
response section.  In Part 2 students must complete 3 hands-on experiments.

Social Studies
The Study of New York State

There are four major social studies units in fourth grade:

¨ Geography and Native Americans

¨ European Exploration and Colonial Life

¨ The American Revolution

¨ The Constitutional Period

¨ Immigration and Migration

¨ New York Today