Instruction in 4^th grade will focus on development of the following learning competencies:

• using word recognition strategies automatically when encountering unknown words
• inferring word meanings from roots, prefixes and suffixes
• using appropriate comprehension strategies and effective strategies before, during, and after reading
• reading and responding critically to a variety of texts
• identifying and interpreting elements of fiction and non-fiction
• drawing conclusions, making generalizations, and gathering support from the text
• summarizing main ideas in fiction and non-fiction and from spoken texts
• using active listening skills
• using writing process appropriately to plan, compose, edit, and revise own writing
• using complete sentences, correct word order in sentences
• composing multiple paragraphs with topic and concluding sentences, specific detail, logic, and coherence
• using correct capitalization, punctuation
• extending ideas with varied sentence structure
• proofreading own writing for spelling and correcting most misspellings independently
• creating readable documents with legible manuscript and cursive writing
• using technology to obtain, organize, and produce text

Instruction in 4^th grade will focus on development of the following learning competencies:

• using reasoning abilities to perceive patterns, justify strategies, and evaluate the reasonableness of answers
• communicating mathematically using words, numbers, symbols, pictures, charts, graphs, tables, diagrams and models using appropriate tools
• representing and explaining whole numbers, decimals and fractions using physical materials, number lines, etc.
• reading, writing, and ordering whole numbers, simple fractions, and commonly-used decimals
• performing and explaining operations on whole numbers including addition and subtrac-tion (4 digit), multiplication (2 digit times 3 digit), and division (2 digit divisor)
• using geometric concepts, relationships, and procedures to interpret, represent, and solve problems
• selecting and using appropriate units and tools of measurement for length, liquid capacity, time, weight, temperature, volume, monetary value, and angle size
• judging the reasonableness of an obtained measurement
• collecting and analyzing data, statistics, and probability
• making and interpreting bar graphs, line graphs, circle graphs and picture graphs
• understanding inverse relation-ship between addition and sub-traction and between multiplica-tion and division

Instruction in 4^th grade will focus on development of the following learning competencies:

• understanding and applying the scientific process of observing, generating questions, predicting, collecting and interpreting data, and drawing conclusions
• evaluating different points of view using relevant experiences, observations, and knowledge; and distinguishing between fact and opinion
• deciding what evidence, models, or explanations can be used to better understand what is happening in a current problem or situation
• demonstrating an understanding of the relationship between an animal’s structure and function and the interdependence of animals and plants in an ecosystem
• determining how the buoyancy of an object is affected by its size, weight, and shape
• demonstrating knowledge and understanding of the features and processes of the Earth’s movement and of rocks and minerals
• using various scientific tools to develop descriptions and measurements of objects

Science units taught in 4^th grade include

• Animals—Bones and Skeletons
• Earth Materials—Rocks, Soils, Land Forms
• Buoyancy

Using an historical perspective, the student travels throughout the United States to learn of the physical and human geography that has shaped each region of the country. Special emphasis is placed on the Midwest and Iowa history, geography, and culture.

Units taught in 4^th grade include

• Our Land and People
• The Southeast Region
• The Northeast Region
• The Midwest Region/Iowa
• The Southwest Region
• The Far West

Instruction in 4^th grade will focus on development of the following learning competencies:

• describing the land, resources and people of each region of the United States
• comparing and contrasting social, cultural, and economic characteristics of the different regions of the U.S.
• constructing and using maps
• tracing the connections of Iowa’s history and culture to the rest of the country
• explaining the contributions of the many people that shaped the America of today

The 4^th grade art program is one in which students will discover

• elements of design such as line, shape, color, space and form principles of design
• using natural and man—made forms, fantasy, and cultures for subject matter techniques in painting, drawing, watercolor wash, contour drawing, slab clay construction, and additive sculpture

Through the 4^th grade music program, students will discover

• music elements
• tone color, such as interpretive use of the singing voice
• proper singing techniques such as posture, diction, proper breathing

In the 4^th grade physical education program students participate in fitness, rhythmic, and individual activities and in team sports. Through these activities, students continue motor development, learn rules of and develop skills for participating in sports, and are encouraged to maintain a good fitness level, which enhances personal wellness. Through health instruction, students learn about community health agencies, discuss respect for animals, and continue learning about appropriate problem-solving, anger-management, and social skills. They will practice emergency First Aid procedures, learn about the danger of weapons and about ways to prevent diseases. Students will continue learning about proper nutrition and skills for maintaining personal wellness.

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To support the total instructional program, each school also provides the following services: