What's Fourth Grade like in Room 15?
Read on to see what we cover in each subject!
Math
Stoughton has adopted the enVisionMATH program which engages students as it strengthens their understanding of math. enVisionMATH uses problem based interactive learning and visual learning to deepen conceptual understanding while incorporating visual tools to help students be better problem solvers. At the end of every unit, the students will be tested on the skills they have learned. Once corrected, these tests will be sent home for parents to view with their child and signed. Once signed and returned to school, it will be sent home permanently.
In addition, your child will take part in weekly multiplication facts tests. Each time a student passes a facts test, they move their picture to the next level on the "Multiplication Stars" cabinet. Once a student has mastered the multiplication tables they will move onto division fact tests.
Finally, we will be practicing word problems this year in preparation for the Math MCAS test that will be taken in May. We will be focusing on the QFPS (Question, Facts, Plan, Solution) strategy. This teaches the students how to organize their information and requires them to explain the method they used when solving it. In addition, the students are required to underline the key words and information in the word problem that help them find an answer.
Reading
We are very busy readers in fourth grade, and study reading concepts in a variety of ways. We meet as a whole class daily, where we practice comprehension strategies, read and discuss the current book we are reading together, as well as practice grammar and vocabulary skills. The students will be reading several books this year including Because of Winn Dixie, Fish in a Tree, Bud, Not Buddy, and Operation Redwood. We will also have an inclusion reading block 3 times a week where the students will be broken into small groups to work on strategies that are most beneficial for their needs.
Spelling
Spelling lists and tests are assigned weekly,though there may be a week here or there when we will not have them due to other tests being given. The new words are introduced at the beginning of each week. The students are to copy the words into their spelling notebook and determine the weekly pattern. Daily homework assignments will be given to help the students practice their words and prepare for their test on Friday.
Writing
Writing plays a HUGE role in the fourth grade curriculum as we prepare for the PARCC Assessment. We spend time learning how to create power outlines to organize our thoughts, writing drafting, revising, editing, and writing multi-paragraph essays. New writing strategies are introduced weekly and the students are required to utilize this strategy in their writing assignment. Once a skill is taught, the students are expected to use it in each writing piece. This gradually building of writing skills and practice enables the
students become
secure in their writing.
Science
We start the year by traveling into Earth and talk about...Earth! We will start with the layers of the Earth which will begin our unit on Rocks and Minerals! We will also investigate how the Earth’s surface changes slowly through weathering and erosion and how it can change quickly due to earthquakes, tsunamis, and volcanoes.Students will then be electrified as we begin our study of electricity. Finally, we will end the year learning about the characteristics of Plants and Animals and how these characteristics help them to survive.
Read on to see what we cover in each subject!
Math
Stoughton has adopted the enVisionMATH program which engages students as it strengthens their understanding of math. enVisionMATH uses problem based interactive learning and visual learning to deepen conceptual understanding while incorporating visual tools to help students be better problem solvers. At the end of every unit, the students will be tested on the skills they have learned. Once corrected, these tests will be sent home for parents to view with their child and signed. Once signed and returned to school, it will be sent home permanently.
In addition, your child will take part in weekly multiplication facts tests. Each time a student passes a facts test, they move their picture to the next level on the "Multiplication Stars" cabinet. Once a student has mastered the multiplication tables they will move onto division fact tests.
Finally, we will be practicing word problems this year in preparation for the Math MCAS test that will be taken in May. We will be focusing on the QFPS (Question, Facts, Plan, Solution) strategy. This teaches the students how to organize their information and requires them to explain the method they used when solving it. In addition, the students are required to underline the key words and information in the word problem that help them find an answer.
Reading
We are very busy readers in fourth grade, and study reading concepts in a variety of ways. We meet as a whole class daily, where we practice comprehension strategies, read and discuss the current book we are reading together, as well as practice grammar and vocabulary skills. The students will be reading several books this year including Because of Winn Dixie, Fish in a Tree, Bud, Not Buddy, and Operation Redwood. We will also have an inclusion reading block 3 times a week where the students will be broken into small groups to work on strategies that are most beneficial for their needs.
Spelling
Spelling lists and tests are assigned weekly,though there may be a week here or there when we will not have them due to other tests being given. The new words are introduced at the beginning of each week. The students are to copy the words into their spelling notebook and determine the weekly pattern. Daily homework assignments will be given to help the students practice their words and prepare for their test on Friday.
Writing
Writing plays a HUGE role in the fourth grade curriculum as we prepare for the PARCC Assessment. We spend time learning how to create power outlines to organize our thoughts, writing drafting, revising, editing, and writing multi-paragraph essays. New writing strategies are introduced weekly and the students are required to utilize this strategy in their writing assignment. Once a skill is taught, the students are expected to use it in each writing piece. This gradually building of writing skills and practice enables the
students become
secure in their writing.
Science
We start the year by traveling into Earth and talk about...Earth! We will start with the layers of the Earth which will begin our unit on Rocks and Minerals! We will also investigate how the Earth’s surface changes slowly through weathering and erosion and how it can change quickly due to earthquakes, tsunamis, and volcanoes.Students will then be electrified as we begin our study of electricity. Finally, we will end the year learning about the characteristics of Plants and Animals and how these characteristics help them to survive.
- Social Studies