4th Grade Curriculum Guide
Mathematics
SGCS utilizes The Math Learning Center’s Bridges in Mathematics and Number Corner as the instructional resource for mathematics.
- Aligns with the mission, vision, and core values while providing K-5 students with authentic, rigorous, hands-on mathematical experiences.
- Developing students’ deep understandings of mathematical concepts, proficiency with key skills, and ability to solve complex and novel problems.
- Blends direct instruction, structured investigation, and open exploration.
- Taps into the intelligence and strengths of all students by presenting material that is as linguistically, visually, and kinesthetically rich as it is mathematically powerful.
The Bridges in Mathematics and Number Corner programs address the PDE State Standards for Mathematics.
In 4th Grade, students study the following concepts:
- Developing understanding and fluency with multi-digit multiplication, and developing understanding of dividing to find quotients involving multi-digit dividends
- Developing an understanding of fraction equivalence, addition and subtraction of fractions with like denominators, and multiplication of fractions by whole numbers
- Understanding that geometric figures can be analyzed and classified based on their properties, such as having parallel sides, perpendicular sides, particular angle measures, and symmetry
Language Arts
Science of Reading focused literacy instruction
Sadler Grammar Workshop: Tools for Writing
Opinion, Informational, and Narrative Writing
The fourth grade language arts curriculum deepens the development of reading comprehension and communication skills. Through whole group and small group structured literacy instruction, and opportunities for independent reading, students enhance their reading knowledge and comprehension. Writing skills are developed throughout the curriculum, and through a workshop model. Students receive whole and small group instruction and write in all modes. Students develop interpretation and visual representation skills as they use technology to research and communicate information. Students participate in discussions, and formal presentations to further their communication skills.
EIC Units of Study
The fourth grade curriculum revolves around the EIC curricular framework. Two project-based units use the local environment and community as an integrating context for learning. These hands-on, integrated community investigations engage us in real-world explorations of natural and social systems. Fourth grade students study the relationship between a community’s resources and its waste stream, types of energy, alternative energy sources, renewable and non renewable resources, pest management practices, and the overall connectedness of natural and social systems.
Follow the Waste Stream
Students study how humans use both natural and manmade resources, and these resources create different waste. There are various methods/practices of waste disposal in the Lehigh Valley, all of which require energy-both inputs and outputs. Students explore and identify the various methods of waste disposal, and the different types of waste streams and the best method to dispose or reuse various types of waste. The students will identify a community need to explore and problem-solve, which will present itself in the form of an environmental service learning project of sustainable waste practices.
Connectivity
The focus of this investigation is for students to realize that everyone must use energy. Students will define potential and kinetic energy, as well as mechanical, heat and light energy. Students will define electricity and create a variety of working circuits. Students explore energy producers and alternative energy forms, renewable and nonrenewable resources, and energy conservation for long term impact. Laws, responsibilities, and norms of appropriate energy consumption affect our school, town, region, and natural environment.