4th Grade Curriculum

Art

continuation of 3rd grade curriculum
introduction to perspective in drawing, one point, two point and sighting methods to be explored
papier mache masks
woodworking -- emphasis on space and form; introduction to advanced skills
pottery -- continued practice with hand-building techniques, emphasis on independent problem-solving and employment of appropriate techniques when making creative decisions
emphasis on finishing techniques

review of Dewey and classification schemes in general
emphasis on self-service: finding materials both in the Meadowbrook library and public libraries throughout the state via their Online Public Access Catalogs (OPACs)
reading as a group to share ideas about literature
enjoy the ideas of visiting authors and illustrators
augment classroom studies, such as Book Bingo by participating in extended activities in the library; concepts introduced in class are reinforced in the library where students get a chance to apply their newly-acquired knowledge

Digi-Block program
properties and numeration
place value with powers of ten
computation
- all operations with whole number
- add/subtract fractions and decimals
number theory -- divisibility, factors, multiples, primes, and composites
measurement -- standard/metric, area, perimeter, volume, probability, statistics, and graphing
geometry -- points, rays, lines, polygons; coordinate graphing, transformations, problem-solving and logic

explore the concept of ostinato using sound patterns, creating rhythms to accompany a rhyme, and listening to classical compositions
expand upon rhythmic notation by creating a 16-measure piece played on kitchen instruments
write a parody to a song incorporating book characters the class has chosen for the Mask Assembly
sing and rap songs about the states and their capitals and the presidents correlating with the social studies curriculum
explore nutrition through a mini-musical “Feelin’ Your Oats” correlating with the science curriculum
involvement in the Lower School chorus which explores the foundations of good choral singing; the Lower School chorus sings at the Veterans’ Day, Thanksgiving/Grandfriends’, Holiday and Fine Arts Night assemblies
encouraged to participate in the Artist-in-Residence program

physical domain (organic development) -- strength endurance, cardiovascular fitness, flexibility
neuromuscular development -- integration of nervous and muscular systems to produce desired movements
team sports -- cognitive, rules, strategy, terminology, sportsmanship
fall -- soccer (boys and girls)
winter -- basketball (boys and girls)
spring -- softball (girls), baseball (boys)
volleyball
team problem-solving

American History -- explorers and early settlements in Colonial America
map skills -- 50 states and capitals
study skills -- fact-finding, outlining, note-taking, discussion techniques, research
integrated unit -- life in 17th century North America
coordinated field trips
current events
Understanding Differences program
social-emotional learning curriculum

through gestures, acting in mini-skits, and retelling and writing stories, students practice producing language in a natural way
while the emphasis is primarily on listening and speaking, students begin more formal instruction in grammatical structures and gain more practice in reading and writing in Spanish
vocabulary is non-thematic and revolves around the stories told in class
cross-curricular ties include songs, products of the rainforest, Hispanics in American and a literature unit about Don Quixote