Fourth Grade

Fourth graders are typically concerned with issues of equity. We address this developmentally by structuring our class meetings to focus on fairness and conflict-resolution strategies. We use role-playing and social skill- building activities. We encourage children to celebrate individual uniqueness and to respect the ways in which others are unique.

Fourth graders are ready to take a cognitive leap forward; it is an exciting time both academically and emotionally. They are starting to be able to grapple with abstract concepts, such as analyzing perspectives and motives in literature, historic and current news events, and, importantly, with respect to their interpersonal relationships. They are intensely drawn to their friends and peers, who are beginning to influence them, and there is a desire for increased independence. They do not always know, or want to acknowledge, that they still need nurturing and guidance from the adults around them. In fourth grade, we are helping them grow intellectually and emotionally as they begin to navigate and understand themselves better in relationship to peers and the larger grown-up world of politics and popular culture, about which they can be tremendously curious. We focus on issues of fairness, conflict resolution, and the development of a strong, independent voice.

Theme

The fourth grade theme is inventions and innovations. During the first half of the year, we focus on early civilizations in the Middle East, exploring the advent of agriculture, and the subsequent specialization of trades and inventions. We learn about geography, mapping, and how people are affected by the environment in which they live and work, and how people, in turn, impact the world. The focus is on the role that natural resources play in economics and culture. The second half of the year centers on innovations concerning human beings’ efforts to govern themselves. Emphasis is on the development of the Iroquois Confederacy, and the formation of the United States as a result of the American Revolution. Students:

• Write, build sets for, and perform a play based on an Ancient Egyptian myth that explores the reciprocal relationship between humans and the natural world.
• Build simple machines that illustrate concepts in physics, including friction, force, and Newton’s Three Laws of Motion.
• Research and write a report, which they present to the class, based on a topic related to the democratic principles of the Iroquois Confederacy, and take on the portrayal of an influential historic figure of their choice.
• Build a temporary shelter that the Iroquois would have used, and reenact some of the debates that occurred at the second constitutional congress, as the formation of leadership principles and careful interpersonal negotiations paved the way for unity among the colonies.

Science

In the course of the school year, students study plants, electricity, and ecosystems. Students are encouraged to question, explore, predict, form hypotheses, and test through experimentation. We also use readings, discussions, and hands-on projects to explore each topic.

Reading/Writing

In fourth grade, the goal is for students to build on their fundamental understanding of plot, character, context, and narrative to start thinking more about larger themes and the meaning behind the stories themselves. Teachers help students make connections between what they are reading and learning and what they know about themselves, the natural world, and the cultures created by mankind. The unit on fairytales, for example, focuses on themes such as good versus evil, redemption, the nature v. nurture debate, and how people make personal choices. Students:

• Write and illustrate their own fairy tales, exploring and defining the genre as they set up themes and dramatic encounters.
• Reflect on their own thoughts and feelings, relationships, temperament, challenges, and learning styles in journals.
• Research and write reports based on class themes and historic figures.

Math

Each day, time is spent on learning math facts. Using the TERC/ Investigations curriculum, and a variety of other sources, students focus on multiplication and division, 3-D geometry, fractions, percentages, statistics, and graphing. Much of our work is based on calculations related to real-life problems. For example, we did math around Green Streets, our school-wide effort to reduce CO2 emissions through increased carpooling and biking and use of public transportation when commuting to the Atrium.