Fourth grade instruction builds on many of the concepts and skills developed in grades K – 3.

Students have more opportunities to work independently, read and write based on curriculum content, and take responsibility for their own learning. Math and writing activities are often integrated with social studies and science. New York State assessments in English Language Arts, Math, and Science are given to fourth grade students as scheduled during the year. The kinds of tasks asked of students on these tests are appropriate and teachers strive to incorporate them into daily activities.

Teachers include a few common titles for large group literature study, but most of our students’ reading work is based on a balanced literacy program where reading in different reading genres is modeled for students and they make guided choices of the books they will read independently.

Maintaining a writer’s notebook and developing original work through Writing Process are important parts of written language instruction.

Fourth grade social studies have a focus on culture, government, and geography based on the history of New York State.

Science units include buoyancy, insects, electricity, birds of prey, plants, and the Hudson River.

Units of study in math are organized on a monthly basis leading up to the state assessment in March. Math topics are revisited in greater depth in April, May, and June.

Fourth grade teachers strive to differentiate instruction so that each student starts at their appropriate level and works to improve skills, develop understanding, and become better at solving problems.