Welcome to the 4^th Grade at Eagle Cove School (formerly GICS)!

Ready to practice some Language Arts!
Click here to go to Mrs. Crites' English Page

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Students -- visit Mrs. B's homework website for assignment information.
http://new.schoolnotes.com/xpages/view/30441/2

Program Overview

     Fourth-graders are inquisitive and enjoy being active learners. Students have many opportunities, through projects and assignments, to take more responsibility and become increasingly independent learners.  They write more extensively and with more description and detail.  There is much integration between subject areas, especially Reading, Writing, and Social Studies.  Instructional methods include teacher-led and student-led discussion in whole group or small groups, cooperative group activities, hands-on discovery activities, independent student work including daily homework assignments, and thematic or content-based projects and research reports.  Past field trips have included an overnight trip to Echo Hill Outdoor School, a Walking Tour of historic Annapolis, and Children’s Theater performances.

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Curriculum Overview

     Language Arts:  Reading and Literature
          Students read a variety of literature in Fourth Grade, with selections often reflecting the social studies curriculum.  Emphasis is on student comprehension, inference-making, and the use of higher level thinking skills.  Our reading studies include adventure, fiction, historical fiction, biographies, and Shakespeare.  The use of self-selected literature, text sets, and Book Clubs fosters the enjoyment of reading throughout the year.  (Materials:  trade books such as Misty of Chincoteague, Freedom Train, and A Taste of Blackberries)

     Language Arts:  Writing
          Fourth-graders use the writing process to develop their thoughts.  Students are encouraged to make their own decisions about what they should write, share, and publish.  Students write narrative essays, poetry, expository essays, and research papers.  In addition, students keep a daily journal detailing their thoughts and experiences as fourth graders.  Students refine their understanding and strengthen their use of the conventions of English grammar through their practical reading and writing experiences.

     Language Arts:  Spelling
          Students study new spelling words each week.  We emphasize frequently used words that are at the students' vocabulary level.  Word lists also commonly contain new words from other subject areas such as Reading and Social Studies.

     Language Arts:  Handwriting
          Fourth-graders practice D’Nealian cursive handwriting.  They are expected to use cursive handwriting on most classwork, homework, and projects.  (Text: D’Nealian Handwriting, Scott Foresman)

     Mathematics
          Our fourth-grade math program emphasizes problem-solving and deepening the understanding of basic mathematical skills and operations.  Students study place value, addition, subtraction, multiplication, division of whole numbers, fractions, decimals, measurement, geometry, probability, and data collection.  In addition to the text, students frequently use manipulatives and calculators.  Students also engage in several mathematical projects that help them to apply their skills in reality-based situations.  (Text: Mathematics, Scott Foresman)

     Social Studies
           Fourth-graders study a variety of topics, with a focus on Maryland History from colonization to the present day.  Students begin the year learning geography, which leads to the study of exploration and the colonization of the New World.  Students develop geographical, critical thinking, and researching skills throughout all units of study.  (Texts: The Maryland Adventure, Gibbs-Smith; Core Knowledge, E. D. Hirsch, Jr.)

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     Art
          Students study the elements of design and review the principles of art.  Projects focus on thematic or representational issues pertaining to the work of artists studied in this course.  Art as a career is discussed. Highlight projects include papermaking, slab clay construction, puppet making, and portraits.  A variety of mediums are used.  Contemporary and Master artists are introduced.

     Computer
           Fourth graders navigate through a variety of programs independently, compare different Internet search engines, format and edit text, scan images, copy and paste images from other sources, and create simple PowerPoint presentations.  Basic troubleshooting techniques are taught, as well as ways of modifying desktop appearances, mouse controls, and sounds.  Keyboarding practice begins as students learn to use proper hand positions and to memorize keys’ positions on the keyboard.

     Library
          There is a greater emphasis on reference sources in fourth grade as students use encyclopedias, dictionaries, atlases, and the Internet to search for information.  The fourth graders continue to practice using the catalog to locate materials, and the 10 main classes of the Dewey Decimal System are explored.  Book talks are given regularly to introduce the students to adventure, mystery, fantasy, realistic, historic, and science fiction titles, and reading of all kinds is encouraged.

     Music
          Students continue to explore basic music elements such as pitch, tempo, as well as increasing complex rhythmic patterns and music notation.  Most of the songs they learn are two-part and involve movements.  Students continue to expand their knowledge of the four major instrument groups and exposure to different music genres through composer of the month and multicultural music.  They also learn to use new percussion instruments and tone chimes.  Cross-curriculum approaches are integrated into music lessons in cooperation with the homeroom teachers.  Exposure to performance opportunities will occur in class, during the December Holiday Program and through Assembly Programs.

     Physical Education
          The Fourth Grade physical education program is designed to introduce the principles of exercise: (1) increase the heart’s efficiency; (2) strengthen bones ligaments, and tendons, (3) increase flexibility.  Students will understand that skilled movement enhances skilled performance.  Students are encouraged to put their best efforts through vigorous physical exercise, sports, and games.  Physical fitness assessments are done in the fall of each year.  Students may receive an introduction to paddling and canoeing.  Sportsmanship, cooperation, and safety are reviewed and enforced.

     Science
          Students use the scientific method in hands on investigations and activities.  We stress thinking skills, forming hypothesis, interpreting data, problem solving, and observing patterns. Students use previous knowledge and experience in developing inquiry-based questions and content learning goals.  They build upon these authentic questions using the appropriate steps of the scientific method.

          The major topics studied in Fourth Grade are the solar system, earth science, rocks and minerals, the human body, digestion and nutrition, healthy choices, animal classification, weather predictions and outdoor exploration focused on Bay studies.  Fourth grade students work with the Chesapeake Bay Foundation and the Department of Natural Resources while growing underwater grasses in their classroom.  These grasses are planted at the end of the third trimester in our local watershed.

     Spanish
          In the fourth grade Spanish classes, we expand greatly on vocabulary. Students begin to learn Spanish grammar, such as definite and indefinite articles, subject pronouns, adjectives and agreement, regular “ar” verbs and much more using the textbook, Spanish is Fun. Book A.  (Amsco School Publications, Inc.)  We focus on the four skills of listening, speaking, reading, and writing Spanish. We will continue to explore Spanish speaking countries of the world, learning to appreciate their cultural differences and similarities.

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