Math: Fourth grade continues to work through the Everyday Math Curriculum.  In the winter, we focus on decimals, estimation, fractions and percentages, and probability.  Throughout the school we work on fact memorization and strategies for solving multiplication and division problems. 

Reading/Writing: Reading is addressed through literature groups, whole class novels, and in the content areas of math, social studies and science.  Each month, every fourth grader is expected to complete a book report.  Each class picks a different genre each month to ensure enough library resources for all students.  Our writing instruction includes a focus on the six traits, as well as an incorporation of the Lucy Calkin’s writing curriculum.

Social Studies: Fourth is currently completing a Storypath unit, Early Northwest Coast Native Americans.  In this unit, students take on the role of a Native American within a family group selected by the teacher.  Each student makes their character, and together the families create a longhouse, as well as representations of artwork from the Northwest Coast Native Americans.  We also hold discussions about critical incidents that happened during this time period, including food shortages, reservations, and spreading diseases.  We conclude our unit with a celebration with foods that were available from the time period.

Science: We are currently studying Food Chemistry, in which we test foods for nutrients, learning about the process of conducting a fair test, and recording and graphing our results.  We also focus on the digestive system as a part of this science unit.  Our next science unit, Ecosystems, will begin in January.

In addition to the science unit, we will start Science Fair in January.  Mrs. Towler’s class meets on Tuesday’s, Mrs. Salisbury’s class meets on Monday’s, and Mrs. Day and Mrs. Power’s class meets on Friday’s.  During Science Fair, students get into groups of four or five and they work with a science mentor (a volunteer from the community) on a science project that the group picks together.  They work through the scientific process, and present their experiments at the annual Science Fair Night, which will take place on Thursday, March 25th.

Art: Our wonderful Bryant PTSA has funded an artist for all fourth grade classes this year.  We are excited to announce that Jennifer Lundgren will be our artist in residence.  We are looking forward to starting our art experience on November 6th.