Fourth grade students are becoming independent learners. Silent reading and independent work periods become longer and students are responsible for knowing what they need to do and hand in. Projects that may take several class periods to finish are assigned more often..Technology and hands on activities are incorporated into all subject areas.

In Language Arts, we concentrate on expanding complete sentences and paragraphs into short essays. Our writing varies from writing to a prompt, responding to what has been read and creative writing. Reading groups are formed based on the reading level of the students. The children participate in guided reading lessons as well as discussion groups. Spelling words are introduced on Monday and are tested on Friday.

Math is taught using hands on manipulatives and interactive notebooks. Our instruction consists of reinforcing concepts taught last year and taking things a step further. For instance, we review multiplication and division facts, then introduce double digit multiplication and long division.

Social Studies includes the study of the geography and history of our state from the first Americans who lived in Virginia before colonization through Virginia and its economy today.

In Science we study four main units, magnetism and electrictiy, weather, plants and ecosystems.

In Fourth grade, we set high expectations and differentiate instruction to best meet the needs of all students so that they reach their full potential.