Grade 4 Curriculum Information

Literacy

Franklin School will continue to implement the Literacy Collaborative model of reading and writing. Each day reading, writing, language, and word study will be taught in a 2 1/2 hour block. The following make up the Literacy Collaborative model:

Writing Workshop

• Whole class mini lesson
• Shared writing
• Independent writing and conferences
• Guided writing
• Group share

Word Study

• Interactive language
• Word study (Spelling, prefixes, suffixes, synonyms, etc.)
• Written language conventions
• Poetry Workshop

Reading Workshop

• Whole class mini lesson and book talks
• Independent reading and conferences
• Small group guided reading
• Group literature study

Library

Children will visit the library on an ‘as needed’ basis for book selection. Children will also utilize the library in small learning groups for research when needed.

Math

Fourth graders will be utilizing Houghton Mifflin Math this year. This is a new program, which was developed using scientifically based research, incorporates models and strategies to reach all learners, and has literature and real world connections. This program also includes test prep and practice throughout the units to help prepare students for standardized testing such as the MCAS.

Some of the components that the children will be using are:

• Student books (text)
• Practice books
• Problem of the Day, Quick review, and Lesson Quiz

HM Math also includes enrichment, reteaching and problem solving for each lesson.

Units of study consist of:

• Place Value and Money
• Operations and Algebraic Reasoning
• Multiplication and Division
• Measurement and Graphing
• Geometry and Measurement
• Fractions and Decimals
• Probability
• Algebra and Graphing

In addition, the children will be learning math vocabulary and journaling (how to express what they have learned in writing)

Science

The following units of study will be taught in the fourth grade:

• The Scientific Method
• Rocks and Minerals
• Magnets
• Electricity
• Simple Machines
• Measurement (metric units)

Social Studies

• Immigration
• Regions of the United States - the land and it’s people.
• Northeast
• Southeast
• Midwest
• Southwest
• West
• Canada and Mexico
• Map skills

Weekly Reader will be used in the classroom to focus on current events in this country and around the globe.