Thank you for taking the time to read about our curriculum this year. Below you can find brief descriptions of math, language arts, social studies and science.
English/Spanish Language Arts
Our Language Arts instruction is a combination of reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills that has been developed to allow students to meet the goals set by the Massachusetts Curriculum Framework
Reading
The basis for our reading instruction is the McGraw-Hill Reading Wonders Program. The five main components of instruction include:
- ACT – Access Complex Text
- Writing about Reading
- Building Fundamental Skills
- Close Reading – to identify key information
- Collaborative Conversation –speaking and listening
Writing
The fourth grade team will be implementing the Wonders Program in conjunction with The Empowering Writers Program to support the development of strong writers. Some of the skills that will be addressed include:
The Writing Process
- Conventions of the Standard English Language
- Grammar – usage and mechanics
- The three forms of writing students will be developing throughout the year are narrative, informational and opinion.
Math
We will continue utilizing the Go Math program by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. This engaging program embraces a hands-on approach to learning mathematics, through the use of manipulatives, games, and technology. The goal of this math curriculum is to offer students meaningful mathematical problems to solve and emphasizes in-depth mathematical analysis. This program offers significant content and encourages students to develop flexibility and confidence in approaching mathematical problems. The students are encouraged to evaluate their solutions, and use a variety of ways to communicate their mathematical thinking.
Every Friday, students will participate in center activities that practice and enrich taught concepts. The fourth grade teachers welcome interested parents to volunteer during this time.