Grade 4 Information for Parents and Guardians

The information below helps you understand how the curriculum your child is learning aligns to the progress report standards. The items listed under each standard outline the content students learn over the course of the year. Not all standards will be taught each quarter. Content not taught in a particular classroom or school (e.g., band, strings, World Languages) will be marked as “nt” (not taught) on the progress report.

LANGUAGE ARTS

Listens and speaks for specific purposes

• Participates in group discussions as a listener and a speaker
• Uses specific vocabulary to communicate ideas
• Uses appropriate language and style when communicating
• Differentiates among and identifies the characteristics of auditory, visual, and written media messages
• Works independently and collaborates with teams

Locates and uses information from a variety of sources

• Uses reference materials
• Creates questions about a topic
• Combines information from two or more sources
• Gives credit to sources used in research
• Understands the difference between plagiarism and using own words
• Uses technology to present information

Reads with accuracy and fluency

• Uses a variety of word recognition skills
• Self-corrects
• Uses expression, rhythm, and phrasing

Reads with understanding

• Uses knowledge of roots, prefixes, suffixes, synonyms, antonyms, and homophones
• Uses text and word parts to figure out unfamiliar words
• Explains the author’s purpose
• Uses a variety of strategies including determining importance, drawing conclusions, and summarizing
• Monitors reading and knows what to do when understanding is not occurring
• Identifies and uses text features such as headings, formats, charts, and diagrams
• Uses vocabulary from other content areas

Writes with purpose, clarity, and expression

• Selects a topic and develops a plan for writing
• Organizes writing for various purposes
• Elaborates the main idea
• Uses description, details, and examples
• Varies sentence type and length
• Reflects individuality through word choice and style
• Revises by adding, deleting, and changing information to improve writing
• Uses available technology

Edits for usage and mechanics in own writing

Uses grade-level appropriate editing for:

• capitalization
• punctuation
• paragraphing
• sentence structure
• grammar
• spelling
• Uses available technology

HISTORY AND SOCIAL SCIENCES

Explains how people and events of the past have influenced the present

• Interprets artifacts and source documents to understand historical events
• Makes connections between the past and present
• Sequences events in Virginia history
• Describes archaeologists findings at Werowocomoco/Jamestown
• Describe the lives of American Indians in Virginia today
• Explains the reasons for English colonization
• Identifies importance of the charters of the Virginia Company of London in establishing the Jamestown settlement
• Describes interactions between English settlers and native peoples
• Describes hardship faced by settlers and changes that took place to ensure survival at Jamestown
• Describes the influence of prominent English people and the impact of the arrival of Africans and English women to Jamestown
• Describes everyday life in colonial Virginia
• Identifies reasons why the colonies went to war with Great Britain, as expressed in the Declaration of Independence
• Identifies various roles of Virginians in the Revolutionary War Era
• Identifies key events in Virginia during the American Revolution
• Explain why George Washington is called the “Father of our Country” and James Madison is called the “Father of the Constitution”
• Identifies events and differences between Northern and Southern states and explain major events and differences that divided Virginians and led to secession, war, and the creation of West Virginia
• Describes Virginia's role in the Civil War, including the major battles, roles of various Virginians, and Virginian leaders
• Identifies effects of Reconstruction on life in Virginia
• Describes how national events affected Virginia and its citizens including women’s suffrage and the Great Depression
• Describe the impact made by Maggie L. Walker, Harry F. Byrd, Sr., Oliver Hill, Sr., Arthur R. Ashe, Jr., A. Linwood Holton, Jr., and L. Douglas Wilder

Reads maps and understands the impact of geography on culture

• Analyzes and interprets maps to explain relationships to historical events
• Locates Virginia, bordering states and five regions on maps
• Describe physical characteristics of Virginia’s five regions
• Locates and identifies water features important to early history of Virginia
• Identifies and locates the current state-recognized tribes
• Locates three American Indian language groups on a map of Virginia and locates current state-recognized tribes
• Describes how American Indians adapted to climate/environment
• Describes how geography influenced decision to settle Jamestown
• Describe how the culture of colonial Virginia reflected the origins of American Indians, European immigrants, and Africans
• Explains the reasons for the relocation of Virginia’s capital
• Explains the influence of geography and technological advances on the migration of Virginians in the first half of the 1800s

Recognizes the structure of government and the relationship among rules, laws, and becoming a good citizen

• Identifies importance of Charters of the Virginia Company
• Identifies importance of the General Assembly (1619)
• Identifies reasons why colonies went to war with Great Britain
• Identifies the ideas of George Mason and Thomas Jefferson as expressed in the Virginia Declaration of Rights and the Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom
• Identifies effects of segregation and “Jim Crow” on life in Virginia
• Describes events linked to desegregation and massive resistance
• Identifies three branches of Virginia government & function of each

Understands economic concepts and the impact of economics on culture

• Describes the economic influences on the decision to settle at Jamestown
• Identify the importance of the General Assembly (1619) as the first representative legislative body in English America
• Explains the importance of agriculture and its influence on slavery
• Describes how money, barter, and credit were used in the Virginia colony
• Identifies the effects of reconstruction on life in Virginia
• Describes importance of railroads, new industries, and growth of cities
• Describes economic and social transition from a rural to urban society
• Describes major products and industries important to Virginia's economy
• Explains how advances in transportation, communications, and technology have contributed to Virginia’s prosperity and role in the global economy

MATHEMATICS

Represents numbers accurately and understands number relationships

• Identifies place value, compares, and rounds numbers through the millions
• Compares and orders fractions and mixed numbers
• Represents equivalent fractions
• Reads, writes, represents and identifies decimals through thousandths
• Rounds to the nearest whole number, tenth, and hundredth
• Compares the value of two decimals
• Writes the decimal and fraction equivalents using a model
• Identifies the division statement that represents a fraction

Computes numbers with fluency and makes reasonable estimates

• Estimates sums, differences, products, and quotients of whole numbers
• Adds, subtracts, and multiplies whole numbers
• Divides whole numbers, finding quotients with and without remainders
• Solves singlestep and multistep problems with whole numbers
• Determines common multiples and factors including LCM (Least Common Multiple) and GCF (Greatest Common Factor)
• Adds and subtracts fractions having like and unlike denominators
• Adds and subtracts decimals
• Solves practical problems involving addition/subtraction of fractions and decimals

Measures with accuracy and estimates measurements

• Estimates, identifies and measures weight/mass, length, and liquid volume and describes results
• Identifies equivalent measurements between units of weight/mass, length, and liquid volume
• Determines elapsed time in hours and minutes

Analyzes characteristics of geometric figures and demonstrates an understanding of spatial relationships

• Identifies and describes points, lines, line segments, rays, and angles
• Identifies intersecting, parallel, and perpendicular lines
• Investigates congruence of plane figures after geometric transformations
• Recognizes images of figures resulting from geometric transformations
• Defines and identifies polygons with ten or fewer sides

Uses data to describe, interpret, and predict events

• Predicts the likelihood of an outcome of a simple event
• Represents probability as a number between 0 and 1
• Collects, organizes, displays, and interprets data from a variety of graphs

Represents situations and relationships with algebraic symbols

• Recognizes, creates, and extends numerical and geometric patterns
• Recognizes and demonstrates the meaning of equality
• Investigates and describes the associative property

SCIENCE

Investigates and demonstrates understanding of the natural world in a systematic way like a scientist and applies these skills and knowledge to solve problems

• Understands observations, conclusions, inferences, and predictions
• Classifies and groups objects/events according to characteristics
• Develops hypotheses based on cause and effect relationships
• Identifies independent variable, dependent variable, and constants in an experiment
• Selects and uses appropriate instruments to measure distance, volume, mass, temperature, and elapsed time
• Collects, records, analyzes, and displays data using bar and basic line graphs
• Communicates data using graphs, pictures, written statements and numbers
• Makes predictions and inferences and draws conclusions based on data
• Constructs models to clarify, demonstrate, and solve
• Uses current applications to reinforce science concepts

Demonstrates understanding of the concepts of physical science including matter, force, motion, and energy
Investigates and understands the following:

• motion  an object's direction and speed
• changes in motion related to force and mass
• friction as a force that opposes motion
• kinetic energy
• conductors and insulators
• basic circuits (open and closed, parallel and series)
• static electricity
• electrical energy  ability to be transformed
• simple electromagnets and magnetism
• historical contributions in understanding electricity

Demonstrates understanding of the concepts of life science including life processes and living systems
Investigates and understands the following:

• structures and functions of typical plants
• plant reproduction
• photosynthesis
• animal and plant adaptations
• organization of populations, communities, and ecosystems
• flow of energy through food webs
• habitats and niches
• influence of human activity on ecosystems
• variety of animals and plants in Virginia

Demonstrates understanding of  Earth’s patterns, cycles, changes, and Earth/Space Systems
Investigates and understands the following:

• weather measurements and meteorological tools
• weather phenomena (fronts, clouds, and storms)
• planets in the Solar System, their order from sun and size
• characteristics of the Earth, Moon, and Sun
• phases of the moon
• Earth’s seasons
• historical contributions to Earth Moon Sun system
• watersheds and water resources in Virginia
• minerals, rocks, ores, and energy sources in Virginia
• forests, soil, and land in Virginia

HEALTH

Acquires, interprets, and understands health concepts

• Identify structures and functions of the immune system
• Describe benefits of healthy behaviors
• Identify, describe, and analyze nutrients and how they impact growth and development
• Evaluate a meal plan and determine the impact of serving sizes and sugar content on health
• Identify malnutrition and over nutrition and identify the effect on the immune system
• Describe how diseases are spread and compare and contrast communicable and non-communicable diseases
• Compare short and long-term consequences of alcohol, tobacco, inhalant, and other drug use
• Identify effective refusal skills
• Identify emotions associated with loss and grief
• Explain the difference between teasing and taunting 
• Describe steps to resolve a conflict
• Examine impact of self-concept on health and academic achievement
• Describe effect of air pollution on health

Identifies valid and accurate health information, products, and services to make healthy decisions

• Describe how the immune system defends against germs
• Explain how physical, rest, and sleep affect health
• Compare serving sizes and sugars to the recommended dietary allowance
• Describe why individuals choose to use or avoid ATOD, describe the effects of peer pressure, demonstrate refusal skills
• Explain ways to take responsibility for personal health and health consequences of not following safety practices
• Describe coping skills, identify adults who can help manage emotions, and describe how to exhibit self-control
• Explain the affects of teasing and taunting and identify strategies for reporting
• Identify harmful or abusive relationships and the importance of seeking assistance from a trusted adult
• Identify obstacles to effective communication
• Describe how a healthy self-concept is an essential life skill
• Explain the consequences of air pollution

Demonstrates appropriate health practices and behaviors to promote a safe and healthy community

• Identify ways to boost the immune system
• Compare recommended serving size with actual size
• Create a plan to meet activity, rest, and sleep requirements
• Analyze prevention resources for avoiding ATOD and determine the importance of resistance/refusal skills
• Describe the importance of early detection of health problems, identify accurate and inaccurate health information, and analyze health resources
• Identify strategies and resources for managing feelings, resolving conflict, and practice communication skills
• Describe relationship of self-concept, academic goals, and participation
• Identify problems and solutions for community health issues and discuss the benefits of and opportunities for volunteering
• Develop strategies to reduce air pollution

ART

Engages in the creative process to develop artworks and express meaning

• Develops ideas for artworks before beginning
• Reflects on art and art making by describing and explaining own artwork
• Expresses personally relevant ideas in artworks

Applies art media and techniques appropriately to produce artworks

• Uses a variety of art materials to produce artwork
• Explores methods of representing subject matter
• Follows appropriate steps in art making
• Uses art materials safely and appropriately
• Demonstrates control and craftsmanship with art materials

Demonstrates an understanding of art by engaging with art history, culture, criticism, and aesthetics 

• Engages in discussions about artworks from different places and times to inform art making
• Responds to own and other’s artwork
• Uses art vocabulary appropriately to identify and describe artwork
• Uses and applies knowledge from other subject areas when creating artwork

PHYSICAL EDUCATION

Develops and Demonstrates competency in motor skills

• Demonstrate locomotor, nonlocomotor, and manipulative skills
• Create and perform a partner dance, an educational gymnastics sequence, and a jump rope routine
• Demonstrate use of pacing, speed, and endurance in a variety of activities
• Provide feedback to improve performance

Applies basic anatomy and physiology and movement concepts and principles, to improve motor skills

• Identify and describe the major components of the cardiorespiratory system, skeletal system, and muscles groups
• Locate radial and/or carotid pulse
• Identify bones and muscles needed to perform one activity or skilled movement
• Identify the concept of closing space

Applies knowledge of fitness and active lifestyles to evaluate and plan for personal fitness

• Describe the components of health-related fitness
• Analyze baseline fitness data, create a SMART goal, identify activities to meet fitness goals, and reflect on post-testing data and SMART Goal

Demonstrates skills and behaviors leading to personal and group success in physical activity, both in and out of school

• Identify a group goal and strategies needed for successful completion
• Identify and demonstrate conflict resolution strategies and etiquette
• Define integrity and describe its importance in physical activity

Demonstrates knowledge of the basic nutrition and fitness concepts of energy balance

• Identify calories per macronutrient and describe how the body uses each macronutrient
• Explain the uses of salt and sugar and the harm of excessive intake
• Calculate the calories per gram of macronutrients for a variety of foods
• Explain the importance of hydration and compare hydration choices
• Explain the role of intensity level for energy balance

GENERAL MUSIC

Develops and demonstrates skills in singing

• Sing melodies with expanding range 
• Maintain individual part when singing in two-part ensembles
• Sing expressively using dynamics and phrasing
• Improvise vocally

Develops and demonstrates skills in playing instruments

• Maintain individual part while performing ensemble compositions and accompaniments 
• Perform and improvise accompaniments, ostinati and melodies 

Responds to music with movement

• Perform and improvise movement to a wide variety of music
• Participate in choreographed movement and dances

Develops and demonstrates music literacy skills

• Identify, read and notate rhythmic patterns, melodies and symbols 
• Compose and notate a simple fourmeasure pentatonic melody
• Compose music using contemporary media and technology

Applies critical listening skills when responding to and connecting with music

• Compare and contrast music and music performances from a variety of styles, periods and cultures with music terminology
• Identify selected compositions and composers from four periods of musical history
• Analyze individual music performances and reflect on success and areas for improvement

WORLD LANGUAGES

FLES

Communicates effectively in the target language in a variety of situations and for multiple purposes

Recognize repeated words, taglines, or short quotes from jingles, ads, movies, songs, rhymes, chants, or book titles, including content vocabulary

• Read and understand repeated words, taglines, or short quotes from jingles, ads, movies, songs, rhymes, chants, or book titles, including content vocabulary
• Follow classroom instructions, routines, and schedules when listening and reading
• Greet and leave people in a polite way when speaking and writing
• Ask and answer some simple questions, such as personal information, food, seasons, or any other content-related topic when speaking and writing
• Use words and list/assign preference to items related to content when speaking and writing
• Provide simple information related to content in other classes using a graphic organizer when speaking and writing

Interacts with cultural competence and understanding

• Identify and name typical products and practices from native and other cultures, such as seasons, rooms in a house, or school schedules

Immersion

Category 1 & 2 Languages* (French, German, Spanish)

Communicates effectively in the target language in a variety of situations and for multiple purposes

• Identify the topic and a few main ideas from familiar fiction and non-fiction material/texts when listening or reading
• Exchange information on a variety of general and academic topics when interacting or corresponding with others
• Present with some detail on familiar content topics
• Create fiction and non-fiction texts on familiar content topics

Interacts with cultural competence and understanding

• Identify similarities and differences in familiar products, practices, and perspectives of own and other cultures when listening to or reading authentic materials/texts, recognizing similarities and differences in reflection of ideas, settings, and expression
• Meet needs in familiar situations when interacting or corresponding with people/peers from other cultures
• Express preferences with details on topics of interest within own and other cultures
• Write with detail on topics of interest in own and other cultures

Category 3 & 4 Languages* (Japanese, Korean)

Communicates effectively in the target language in a variety of situations and for multiple purposes

• Identify the topic and a few main ideas from familiar fiction and non-fiction materials/texts when listening
• Read and understand phrases and basic information related to personal everyday life and content taught from familiar texts
• Exchange information on a variety of general and academic topics when interacting with others
• Exchange a variety of written personal and content information when corresponding with others
• Present with some detail on familiar content topics
• Create texts with some details related to a familiar content topic

Interacts with cultural competence and understanding

• Identify similarities and differences in familiar products, practices, and perspectives of own and other cultures when listening to authentic materials/texts recognizing similarities and differences in reflection of ideas, settings, and expression
• Identify similarities and differences in everyday products and practices of own and other cultures when reading
• Meet needs in familiar situations when interacting with people/peers from other cultures
• Exchange information, directions, and plans with teachers and peers
• Express preferences with details on topics of interest within own and other cultures
• Write with some detail on topics of interest in own or other cultures

*Language Categories 1, 2, 3, & 4 follow US Department of State Foreign Service Institute guidelines for language acquisition. Languages are placed into categories based on the level of difference from English, such as pronunciation and/or writing systems.

BAND/STRINGS

Demonstrates skills playing selected instrument as an individual and a member of an ensemble

• Demonstrate correct body and hand positions, finger patterns, tone production, articulation, phrasing and expression
• Demonstrate appropriate ensemble skills

Develops and demonstrates music literacy skills

• Read, write and perform music with various rhythmic patterns and meters
• Identify key signatures and scales

Develops and applies critical listening skills as an individual and a member of an ensemble

• Sing simple melodic tonal patterns
• Demonstrate the ability to appropriately match tone, intonation and volume with others