Fourth Grade
Literacy
EXTENDING READERS & WRITERS
Read, Think, Write! In fourth grade there is an increased focus, through Reader’s Workshop units on reading non-fiction text, responding to text and reading to learn. Students participate in Writer’s Workshop and take a variety of compositions through the writing process. They use technology to collect, interpret and share new information. Units of Reading include: Interpreting Characters: The Heart of the Story; Reading Weather, Reading the World; and Reading History.
Narrative: Autobiographies, Journals, Responding to Prompt, Poetry, Taking a Perspective
Expository: Newspaper, Historical Texts, Informational Texts, Expository Paragraphs, Book Summaries
Persuasive: Letters, Book Reviews
Math
In Fourth Grade, math learning is focused on three important areas: (1) developing fluency with multi digit multiplication, and dividing to find quotients involving multi digit dividends; (2) developing an understanding of fraction equivalence, addition and subtraction of fractions with like denominators, and multiplication of fractions by whole numbers; and (3) analyzing and classifying geometric figures based on their properties.
Science
Life Science: Salmon in the Classroom (year-long study), Neuroscience: How Brains Work
Earth Science: Citizen Science! Washington State Ecology & Geology
Physical Science: Energy (wind, solar, hydro & human)
Sustainability & Stewardship: Energy Tracking, “Waste Warriors”, Salmon Stewards
Social Studies
My Brain: How I Feel, Think, Learn and Play
Global Issues Through Children’s Eyes: Children’s Bill of Human
Rights (UNCRC)
Washington State History People & Places: Then & Today
(Native Peoples; Lewis & Clark; Today’s Big Thinkers)
Mapping & Research Skills