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Reading
Fourth grade
students will be able to independently read unit novels and
react to what has been read through writing exercises, as well
as sophisticated skills needed to obtain critical information.
By the end of the fourth grade, students will be able to write a
complete summary in sequential order, predict outcomes, make
inferences, locate information vital for research presentations,
and relate personal experiences to the reading assignment. Book
projects and special literature units (mysteries, historical
fiction, animals, and award winners) are also explored and
enjoyed. Students will independently read and comprehend
informational articles for content area materials, especially in
Social Studies and Science.
Language
– Spelling
Grammar, usage,
mechanics, and spelling are integral basics of fourth grade
English. Students use these to write well-rounded, organized
compositions and participate in a strong creative writing
program. They elaborate their writings with relevant vocabulary
lists. These skills are correlated to provide an enriched
language program.
By the end of
fourth grade, students will:
- Write in
simple, compound, and complex sentences using correct
punctuation, grammar, and spelling
- Write a
composition using a main idea, supporting details, and
proper sequencing
- Recognize
nouns, verbs, adjectives, adverbs, and pronouns
Mathematics
Fourth grade
students refine their knowledge of basic skills and develop
problem-solving strategies. Emphasis is placed on the daily
distributive practice of math concepts and computational
skills.
By using the
Saxon program and other supplemental resources, students have
two pillars – incremental development and continuous practice.
Incremental development means that a major concept is not
introduced all at one time. A concept is divided into smaller,
more easily understood pieces that are taught over several
lessons. Continuous practice means that fundamental skills and
concepts are constantly practiced and reviewed.
By the end of
fourth grade, students will be expected to have developed:
- Confidence
in their mathematics ability
- Mastery of
the four basic mathematical operations
- Use of a
variety of techniques to solve problems
- Real-world
applications of mathematical principles
Social
Studies
The geography and history of
Texas are the focal points of Social Studies in fourth grade.
Students learn to appreciate the rich variety of the land as
well as the multi-cultural influences of its citizens.
Science/Health
Fourth graders
at Starkey will participate in earth, physical, life, and human
physiology studies. They learn to recognize relationships
between all living things and their impact on the environment.
Opportunities for student exploration are provided through
hands-on and lab situations. Students will apply their
knowledge to make hypotheses, collect data, and draw
conclusions. Students are encouraged to participate in the
Science Expo.
Weekly
Folders
Students in
fourth grade take home a folder each Thursday which contains
work completed during the previous week. Also included may be
messages of importance about school-wide or grade-level
activities. Parents sign and students return the empty folders
on Friday.
Character
& Citizenship
Good
citizenship, with its rights and duties, is woven into all
activities in which fourth graders are involved. The six
pillars of “Character Counts” (trustworthiness, respect,
responsibility, fairness, caring and citizenship) are
emphasized and reinforced daily. Another important part of good
fourth grade citizenship is managing time wisely, being
responsible, and developing strong study skills.
Special
Events & Activities
The fourth grade
students present a musical program for the school and parents
once annually. The fourth grade Science and Social Studies
curriculum is reinforced with several field trips throughout the
year. Among other, students participate in local events such as
“Living History Day” and “Ag in the Classroom Day”.
Assignment Books
Students in
fourth grade will be given an assignment book which will fit
inside their notebooks. Homework assignments are written in the
assignment book each day and can be checked off when completed.
The assignment book always stays in the student’s notebook and
therefore goes back and forth between home and school each day.
The fourth
grade teachers’ conference time is 9:00 a.m. – 9:50 a.m. Please
call the school office (257-2210) to schedule a conference.
FOURTH GRADE FACULTY
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