Fourth Grade Overview 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
In  fourth  grade,  your  child  will  be  engaged  in  authentic, 
integrated tasks and discussions, guided by Ms. Peterson and 
Mr.  Wilson.  Students  will  research,  inquire,  experiment,  and 
be  able  to  support  their  thinking;  they  will  frame  and  solve 
problems;  and  they  will  read,  write,  and  create  projects  that 
really  matter  to  them.  Thank  you  for  the  opportunity  to  bring 
these experiences to your child. 
 
   
  
Language Arts 
 
 
All aspects of Language Arts will be explicitly taught through clear learning goals, 
extensive teacher modeling of best practices and strategies for reading and 
writing, ample student practice, and meaningful assessments that show both 
individual needs and growth. Students will be given constructive feedback on 
their work. 
 
 
Reading:  
 
Reading instruction will entail a variety of approaches. At times, students will read 
individually, as partners, or with a whole group. There may be teacher 
read-alouds, literature circles and book clubs. During these different approaches, 
children may be grouped according to varying needs. A plethora of leveled 
literature will be used based on levels, interests, and themes.  
 
We use the Fountas and Pinnell assessment program to monitor progress. The 
focus in fourth grade is on strengthening reading skills and further developing 
reading as a tool for learning and a catalyst for critical thinking. There is more 
emphasis on higher level skills like: 
 
● Comparing and contrasting 
● Drawing conclusions 
● Making inferences 
● Summarizing 
● Predicting 
● Finding cause and effect 
● Utilizing text features 
 
Writing: 
  
Students will be engaged in the writing process working on 6 +1 important writing 
traits. Writing will consist of a variety of forms, such as poetry, narrative prose, 
expository essay, speeches and opinion pieces. Integration with their reading and 
investigations is important. We will emphasize the composition process, on paper 
and digitally, from early planning to writing and editing many drafts until quality 
published copies are complete. 
 
University Lake School uses the 6 + 1 traits writing model in grades one through 
twelve. This gives a common language to the writing process that can be built 
upon as the students’ progress through the grades. The six trait model is an 
analytical model that focuses on teaching the key qualities of good writing. While 
all traits are introduced during the course of the year not all the traits may be 
focused on in each writing assignment. Students may focus on ideas and word 
choice when writing poetry. Letter writing may spotlight ideas, organization, and 
presentation. In Fourth Grade the goal is for students to write in a variety of ways, 
be it stories, research, letters or poetry, and use of more complex sentence 
structures and richer vocabulary. Rubrics will be used to help students understand 
what they have done well and areas of improvement. 
 
The 6 + 1 traits are: 
 
● Ideas – The message and all the details that help develop it. 
● Organization – The way you put your ideas together. 
● Voice – Letting your personality come through. 
● Word Choice – Using rich, precise language. 
● Sentence Fluency – The rhythm and flow of the language both to the eye 
and ear. 
● Conventions – Using correct grammar, spelling, and mechanics. 
● Presentation – The finished look of the work. 
 
Grammar  
 
Grammar​, ​usage, and mechanics are encouraged to be incorporated in their own 
writing. Children receive support during whole group, and one-on-one writing 
conferences, encouraging specific, kind, and helpful critique used to create a 
quality piece of work. 
 
 
Spelling​:  
 
We  currently  use  a  spelling  program  which  emphasizes  review  of  the  phonetic 
principles. Weekly homework and tests will be administered. 
 
 
Speaking and Listening: 
 
Students are encouraged to use their voices to become confident speakers. This 
is done through speaking opportunities that run the gamut, from 30 seconds to full 
length research presentations. Listening is also a skill that is practiced, through 
activities designed to connect students to the subjects they encounter. 
   
 
 
Mathematical Thinking 
 
 
The math environment includes challenging work and activities along with 
evolving discussions, which encourages students to inquire, invent, question and 
explore while practicing important math strategies. EnVision is a program that 
focuses on understanding and fluency, and will be enhanced by other classroom 
activities. Students are encouraged to bring their ideas or misconceptions to the 
discussion. They are asked to be independent problem-solvers and integrate 
their learning into different situations. 
 
 
Our topics of study include: 
 
● Multi-digit Multiplication Strategies 
● Long Division Strategies 
● Solving Multi-step Word Problems 
● Operations with Fractions 
● Operations with Decimal Numbers 
● Pre-algebra Concepts 
● Geometry of Polygons 
● Using a Coordinated Grid 
● Place Values to the Thousandths 
● Counting Money and Giving Change  
● Measurement using standard and metric 
● Probability and Statistics 
 

   
 
Social Studies and Science 
 
Numerous science and social studies concepts are taught through the various 
explorations during the year and are intricately woven into reading and writing 
experiences. Children are very involved in their learning by reflecting on what 
they know and by asking themselves what they want to learn. They are given the 
tools to explore their questions and through various projects, experiments, 
discussions, discoveries, and feedback, they learn important concepts and acquire 
a deeper understanding of the world around them. Children demonstrate their 
knowledge and understandings of science and social studies concepts through 
various authentic projects (self-selected and teacher directed), by writing 
reflections, participating in class discussions, by making and articulating 
connections that they have made.  
 
 
 
Social Studies: 
 
In fourth grade, social studies focuses on several topics, including history, 
geography and commerce of Wisconsin, different Native American tribes, 
American government, the use of latitude, longitude and timelines, and 
national/global geography. Students also research a well-selected topic of their 
choice to create their Magnum Opus. In the third trimester, students create their 
own products to sell during the Business Unit, which focuses on several key 
business topics. 
 
 
Science: 
 
In fourth grade, inquiry and use of the scientific method are focal elements of 
science. Students will be exposed to earth, life and physical science throughout 
the year. Some topics of study may include: Earth science with an emphasis on 
water (properties and geology impact), human body systems (basic anatomy), and 
the physics of flight.  
   
 
Computer Science: 
 
Computers impact the daily lives of students. Beyond the devices used at home 
and in the classroom, computers are found everywhere. They are in our coffee 
machines, televisions, and vehicles. 21st century students ​must​ become fluent and 
responsible users of computers. In fourth grade, students will expand their 
knowledge of the digital world through instruction and project work in creative 
problem solving, logic, computer programming, and effective operation of 
technology. Students will be given clear boundaries and taught responsible habits 
for using technology. 
 
We will use chromebooks to plan and assemble projects, design creative visuals 
for our studies, compose narrative and expository work, and practice a variety of 
skills. They will use email to communicate with the teacher (but not each other 
yet), and Google Apps for Education to collaborate with their peers. They will likely 
use a variety of teacher-guided software applications throughout their 4th grade 
year. Technology will be interwoven into all subjects, but the importance and 
value of analog (pencil and paper) modes of study and communication will be 
stressed as well. The aim is that students are proficient in many modes of learning 
and expression, and that their time using screens is balanced, guided, and 
purposeful.