•  
    4th Grade Curriculum
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
    Art

    Course Title: Art—Grade 4  
    Department: Art 
    Grade Level: 4   
    Time Per Day/Week: 45 minutes  
    Length of Course: Year
    Primary Resources: PDE Art Standards
     
    Units of Study: 
    Unit 1: Organic v. Geometric
    Unit 2: Overlapping in Drawing
    Unit 3: Alternative Media
    Unit 4: Clay-Slab Work
    Unit 5: Styrofoam Printing
    Unit 6: Color & Value-Cool/Warm and Light/Dark
     
    Curriculum-Based Assessments: Formative Sketches and Discussions, Unit Project Assessments

    Standardized Assessments: N/A

    Description of Course: 
    Grade 4 art is aligned to the PDE art standards. Students attend scheduled art classes taught by highly qualified teachers. The art program offers a planned curriculum in design, drawing, painting, printmaking, clay, crafts, and sculpture. Grade 4 focuses on differentiating between organic and geometric shapes, creating depth on a 2D plane, experimenting with hand-building techniques, and exploring the significance of color. They will develop vocabulary and craftsmanship through project-based learning. Students have opportunities for visual self-expression using a wide variety of tools, materials, and techniques. Students rotate between multiple unique art classrooms throughout the school year to provide diverse opportunities. The goal of the Art program is to enable students to explore different types of Art media and spark a lifelong interest in Art.
  •  
    Business Ed & TechnologyCourse Title: Keyboarding/Computers— Grade 4   
    Department: Business Education
    Grade Level: 4    
    Time Per Day/Week: Meeting once per 5-day rotation for 45 minutes each for a total of only 36 class meetings per year
    Length of Course: Year
    Primary Resources: Microtype Software; curriculum provided by the guidance department

    Units of Study: 
    Unit 1: Keyboarding 1
    Unit 2: Internet Safety

    Curriculum-Based Assessments: Build skill assessments 
     
    Standardized Assessments: N/A

    Description of Course:
    This course focuses on students learning the touch typing of alphabetic reaches. They learn it is essential for inputting words and sentences fluently across all curriculum content areas. Students learn that the ability to key effectively without looking at the keyboard is a lifelong skill. The students demonstrate keying mastery using the correct fingers to type each alpha key. In addition, the students will display proper keyboarding techniques, such as; sitting upright with feet placed correctly underneath the computer, having flat wrist and elbows tucked by side. Unit 2 Students learn becoming aware of online imposters is an imperative part of being a safe, online citizen. They learn to recognize dangers and danger signs in online communications, respond assertively to a variety of dangerous situations, and be encouraged to refuse to be drawn into potentially harmful situations. In addition, they learn to identify situations when you suspect imposters online where an adult needs to be notified and the suspect reported.
  • English Language ArtsCourse Title: English Language Arts— Grade 4  
    Department: ELA
    Grade Level: 4  
    Time Per Day/Week: 70 minutes/Day; 5 days/week    
    Length of Course: Year
    Primary Resources: Reading Wonders, McGraw-Hill (2014)
     
    Units of Study: 
    Unit 1: Word Study
    Unit 2: Writing & Grammar
    Unit 3: Reading
    Unit 4: Listening & Speaking

    Curriculum-Based Assessments: Vocabulary and Comprehension Tests, Grammar Tests, Spelling Tests, Writing Assessments, Presentations

    Standardized Assessments: STAR 360, Pennsylvania System of School Assessment (PSSA)

    Description of Course: 
    Grade 4 English Language Arts courses are aligned to PA Core Standards which encompass reading and analyzing a variety of genres in fiction and nonfiction texts. Students are taught to be strategic readers and use appropriate strategies to construct and analyze the meaning of the text. Students learn to respond analytically to text, using evidence to support their understanding. Student comprehension is emphasized and taught through both explicit and implicit understanding of the text. Additionally, students practice writing in a variety of genres such as narrative, informative, and opinion. Students also receive grammar and word study instruction embedded in their reading and writing. Speaking and listening skills are practiced through collaboration, discussion, class participation, and oral presentations. Active listeners make meaning from what they hear by questioning, reflecting, responding, and evaluating. Differentiated instruction is provided through small group instruction, and a variety of online and printed resources to meet the needs of students.
     
  • Health and Physical EducationCourse Title: Physical Education— Grade 04 
    Department: Health & Physical Education
    Grade Level: 4 
    Time Per Day/Week: 1 time per week for 45 minutes
    Length of Course: Year- a total of 36 class meetings
    Primary Resources:  Comprehensive Health Skills for Middle School, Sanderson, Zelman, McCarley

    Units of Study: 
    Unit 1: Health and Wellness
    Unit 2: Fitness
    Unit 2: Team Sports
    Unit 3: Cooperative Games & Activities

    Curriculum-Based Assessments: Fitness Assessments, Skill Development, Participation, & Sportsmanship

    Standardized Assessments: N/A

    Description of Course:
    The focus of this course will be to cultivate knowledge, passion, and skill to empower students to pursue healthy habits and a physically active lifestyle. Students will engage in various physical activities that support health and wellness, physical fitness, motor skill development and improvement, group interactions, and enjoyment. This course is in alignment with the PA Academic Health and Physical Education Standards, SHAPE America's National Standards for Health and Physical Education, and Grade-Level Outcomes for K-12 Physical Education. The focuses are on Health and Wellness, Fitness, Team Sports, and Cooperative Games/Activities. Health and wellness topics include focussing on the balance of physical, mental, and social health. Our units align with the PRSD Health and Wellness Commitment: sleep, exercise, hydration, nutrition, limiting screen time, stress management and mindfulness, being outdoors, fun and play. Fitness concepts include experimenting with a variety of activities to improve and promote personal fitness. (eg. Cardiovascular Endurance, Muscular Endurance, Muscular Strength, Body Composition, and Flexibility). Students will discover concepts of exercise and nutrition for establishing and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Team sports will also help with the understanding and demonstration of proper teamwork and sportsmanship. Team sports allow students to apply and improve movement skills (eg. dribbling, passing, trapping, catching, juggling, running, shooting, ball control, kicking, throwing, setting). Gameplay will be used to demonstrate the benefits of practice through drills, stations, partner work, and the importance of fair play (eg. positions, rules, leadership, and safety). Cooperative games are used to apply a variety of motor skills, creative movement patterns, strategy, and fitness to participate in large and small group activities. Group activities help to identify the benefits of communication and positive social interaction for success in a variety of physical activity environments.

  • LibraryCourse Title: Library—Grade 04   
    Department: Library
    Grade Level: 4  
    Time Per Day/Week: About one (40-45 minute) class every two weeks (varies)   
    Length of Course: Year 
    Primary Resources: N/A
     
    Units of Study: 
    Unit 1: Library Navigation
    Unit 2: Book Selection
    Unit 3: Expanding the Use of the Online Catalog
    Unit 4: Almanacs
    Unit 5: Atlases/Maps
    Unit 6: Research Process: Planning
    Unit 7: Investigating
    Unit 8: Sharing

    Curriculum-Based Assessments: N/A

    Standardized Assessments: N/A

    Description of Course: 
    The fourth grade library curriculum focuses on developing the students’ understanding of the library processes, library organization and print materials. The goals for fourth grade students are to use the library with guidance, choose “just right books” with guidance, use the online catalog and use reference sources, including atlases and almanacs. Research instruction focuses on planning research, investigating using library resources, sharing new knowledge and citing borrowed media.
  •  
    MathCourse Title: Math—Grade 4  
    Department: Math
    Grade Level: 4  
    Time Per Day/Week: 70 minutes per day/5 days per week    
    Length of Course: Year
    Primary Resources: My Math, McGraw-Hill
     
    Units of Study:
    Unit 1: Numeration: Generalize place value and understanding for multi-digit whole numbers. Apply place-value and numeration concepts to compare, find equivalencies, and round.
    Unit 2: Adding and Subtracting Whole Numbers: Use place-value understanding to perform multi-digit arithmetic. Estimate sums and differences and problem solve.
    Unit 3: Multiplication: Use place-value patterns and basic facts to find products. Perform multi-digit multiplication. Estimate products. Problem solve.
    Unit 4: Algebra: Generate and analyze patterns, and identify a number that follows a given rule.
    Unit 5: Division: Use place-value patterns and basic facts to find quotients. Perform multi-digit division. Estimate quotients. Problem solve. Identify factors and multiples, and prime and composite numbers.
    Unit 6: Geometry: Draw and identify lines and angles, and classify shapes. Measure and create angles. Determine the area, perimeter, and volume of an object. Find the line(s) of symmetry and determine congruency.
    Unit 7: Fractions: Find fraction equivalencies (i.e.simplest form) and order and compare fractions. Add, subtract, and multiply fractions. Problem solve.
    Unit 8: Measurement: Estimate and measure length, weight/mass, capacity in both customary and metric units. Convert units of time, customary measurement, and metric measurement. Calculate elapsed time. Problem solve.
    Unit 9: Decimals: Read and write decimals, compare and order decimals, and relate to fractions. Problem solve.
    Unit 10: Data and Graphs: Organize, display, and answer questions based on data. Find the mean, median, mode, and range of identified data.
    Unit 11: Probability: Find the number of possible outcomes, using pictures, numbers, diagrams, etc.

    Curriculum-Based Assessments: STAR 360

    Standardized Assessments: Pennsylvania System of School Assessment (PSSA)

    Description of Course: 
    Grade 4 math is aligned with the PA Academic and Core Standards. Unit 1 focuses on place value, writing numbers in a variety of forms, including expanded, word, and standard format. Numbers are compared and ordered. Unit 2 focuses on the operations of addition and subtraction. Students will estimate and problem solve. Unit 3 focuses on using basic multiplication facts to multiply larger numbers and to estimate products. Students will problem solve. Unit 4 allows students to apply the four operations to finding rules and analyzing patterns. Unit 5 focuses on using basic division facts to divide larger numbers and to estimate quotients. Students will apply this skill to solve problems. Unit 6 gives the students the opportunity to identify shapes and their attributes. Students will determine the congruency and symmetry of figures. They will work with the formulas to find the area, perimeter, and volume. In unit 7, students will interact with fractions, including using a variety of operations. In unit 8, the students will measure and estimate in both customary and metric units. Students will also calculate elapsed time. Unit 9 includes reading, writing, and ordering decimals. Fraction and decimal relationships will be discovered. Students will answer questions, based on data, displayed in graphs and charts. In unit 11, students will find the possible number of outcomes using a variety of activities and objects.
     
  • Music
     
    Course Title: Band—Grade 4     
    Department: Music     
    Grade Level: 4     
    Time Per Day/Week: One small group lesson. One Full Band rehearsal each week  
    Length of Course: Year 
    Primary Resources: Textbook: Sheldon, Boonshaft, Black, Phillips. "Sound Innovations for Concert Band" 2010, bk. 1; Concert performance music grade 0.5-1; EHUE 4th grade band website play-along tracks
     
    Units of Study: 
    Quality of sound
    Ensemble movement
    Matching pitch
    Technique and Artistry
    Expression, Phrasing
    Stylistic traits
    Feeling
    Cultural understanding
     
    Curriculum-Based Assessments: Winter and Spring Concerts 
     
    Standardized Assessments: N/A
     
    Description of Course: 
    4th Grade Beginning Band is a course that emphasizes instruction on learning to play a band instrument. Group lessons give instrument-specific instruction. Full ensemble rehearsal emphasizes playing with other instrumental sections in preparation for concert performances. Attendance at concert performances is required.
     
  • MusicCourse Title: General Music—Grade 4  
    Department: Music     
    Grade Level: 4  
    Time Per Day/Week: 1 time per 5-day cycle  
    Length of Course: Year     
    Primary Resources: Spotlight on Music. New York, NY, Macmillian/McGraw-Hill
    Resources developed by teachers and aligned to PA Academic Standards/National Music Standards

    Units of Study: 
    Unit 1: Music Literacy- rhythm/sixteenth notes
    Unit 2: Music Literacy- rhythm /dotted quarter/eighth notes
    Unit 3: Music Literacy- time signature
    Unit 4: Music Literacy- score reading
    Unit 5: Music Literacy- pitch lines/spaces
    Unit 6: Listening Analysis- form/vocabulary/evaluation
    Unit 7: Performance Skills
    Unit 8: Musical Contexts- styles of music, history, composers
    Unit 9: Creativity- improvisation, composition, and arrangement
    Unit 10: Technology 
     
    Curriculum-Based Assessments: 
    Rhythmic SLO
    Composition
     
    Standardized Assessments: N/A

    Description of Course: 
    Fourth grade general music students will continue to develop their literacy with reading treble clef note names. Students are introduced to eighth note and sixteenth note rhythmic patterns. Dotted note values are also introduced in fourth grade. Fourth grade students are introduced to musical form through listening and written examples. The composition is introduced and students perform basic musical improvisation and various  Orff arrangements. Orff is a developmental approach used in music education. Students continue to develop their performance skills on the recorder and mallet instruments.

  • MusicCourse Title: Chorus—Grade 4     
    Department: Music
    Grade Level: 4 
    Time Per Day/Week:  30 minutes/once a week      
    Length of Course: Year
    Primary Resources: Unison/Two-part repertoire, Elementary Choral method resources & Resources designed by the teacher
     
    Units of Study:  
    Unit 1: Beginning Vocal Tone production
    Unit 2: Vocal Warm-ups & Rounds 
    Unit 3: Music Literacy and Sightreading 
    Unit 4: Unison & Two-part Choral Literature 
    Unit 5: Vocal Performance
     
    Curriculum-Based Assessments: Performances (annual winter & spring)

    Standardized Assessments: None

    Description of Course: 
    Fourth grade Chorus is an introductory explore ensemble that is offered to all students in 4th grade. This ensemble focuses on beginning vocal & breathing techniques, utilizing various warm-ups, ear-training, and exploring unison and two-part repertoire. Fourth grade Chorus performs annual winter and spring concerts.
  • MusicCourse Title: Orchestra  
    Department: Music      
    Grade Level: 4
    Time Per Day/Week: 30 minutes small group/30 minutes full ensemble
    Length of Course: Year
    Primary Resources: Resources developed by teachers and aligned to PA Academic Standards/National Music Standards, Essential Elements Book 1 Hal Leonard
     
    Units of Study:
    Unti 1: Instrument Parts and Beginning Playing Positions 
    Unit 2: Left Hand Skills
    Unit 3: Music Reading 
    Unit 4: Right Hand (Bow) Skills
    Unit 5: Music Understand and Ensemble Skills
     
    Curriculum-Based Assessments: N/A
     
    Standardized Assessments: N/A
     
    Description of Course: 
    Orchestra students in grade 4 receive one 30-minute small-group pull-out lesson per 5-day rotation and one 30-minute full ensemble rehearsal per 5-day rotation. Lessons are scheduled on a rotation basis and are taught by one of the string teachers. In small group lessons, students learn essential for playing a string instrument, such as posture, playing posture, parts of their instrument, and different instruments of the orchestra. By the end of the first year of playing, students will be able to perform simple melodies on their instruments both by ear and by reading music. 

  • Science Course Title: Science—Grade 4 
    Department: Science
    Grade Level: 4 
    Time Per Day/Week: 50 minutes per assigned days (rotates with Social Studies)
    Length of Course: Year
    Primary Resources: Amplify Science
     
    Units of Study:
    Unit 1: Energy Conversions
    Unit 2: Patterns of Earth and Sky
     
    Curriculum-Based Assessments: Unit Tests, Labs
     
    Standardized Assessments: Fourth Grade Science PSSA
     
    Description of Course: 

    Unit one focuses on energy conversions and transfers, in addition to the many different types of energy.  (Preceding this, students will learn about electricity specifically, in isolation from the unit, including building simple, series and parallel circuits.) The students take on the role of engineers and build simple circuits, while investigating different types of energy, what happens when there is not enough energy, and solve how to provide more energy to a system. Unit two focuses on the solar system, specifically the moon, stars and other objects in space.  In this unit, students take on the role of astronomers, discovering patterns in the sky through the use of models, simulations and informational text.  

  •  
    SOCIAL STUDIESCourse Title: Social Studies—Grade 4    
    Department:     Social Studies
    Grade Level: 4  
    Time Per Day/Week: 45 minutes every other day
    Length of Course: Year

    Units of Study: 
    Unit 1: Land and Region in the United States
    Unit 2: Northeast Region
    Unit 3: Southeast Region
    Unit 4: Midwest Region
    Unit 5: Southwest Region
    Uint 6: West Region

    Curriculum-Based Assessments:  Lesson quizzes, chapter tests, state, and capital identification map tests and projects.

    Standardized Assessments: N/A

    Description of Course:
    The fourth-grade Social Studies course is aligned with the Pennsylvania State Standards. It is designed to focus on the geography and diverse cultures of the United States. The students will identify the 5 regions of the United States and the differences in the weather, climate, resources, and the people living in those regions. Within each region, students will develop an understanding of landforms, water, resources, climate, growth, and changes from the past to the present. Throughout the units of study, the students are required to identify states and the capitals of each region. Students will gain a deeper understanding and awareness of how these differences shape the United States today. 

  • World Languages

    Course Title: World Language—Grade 4   
    Department: World Language
    Grade Level: 4  
    Time Per Day/Week: 45 minutes/once every 5 days  
    Length of Course: Year
    Primary Resources: N/A
     
    Units of Study:
    Unit 1: English and American Sign Language
    Unit 2: Latin
    Unit 3: Romance Languages
    Unit 4: Slavic Languages

    Curriculum-Based Assessments: Projects, Quizzes, Dialogues

    Standardized Assessments: N/A

    Description of Course:  

    In Unit 1, English and American Sign Language,the students study communication in general, sign language, the history of the English language, regional dialects of English spoken in the United States, and dialects of English spoken in various countries outside of the United States such as England, Australia, Canada, and South Africa.  

    In Unit 2, Latin, students study Latin’s contribution to English in the form of roots, prefixes, and suffixes. Students will also examine the practical function of this “dead language” in our world today, in fields such as medicine, law, and government. Students will learn Latin vocabulary words for body parts that are used in the medical world, they will study the use of Latin in the scientific naming of animals throughout the world, and they will study the use of Latin in everyday phrases.

    In Unit 3, Romance Languages, students are introduced to the concept of language families. Throughout this unit, students will compare words in various Romance languages and discuss similarities shared by members of the same language family. They will look at basic greetings, numbers, and color vocabulary words for the Romance languages of Italian and Portuguese. The Portuguese unit includes a lesson on Carnaval in Brazil with a culminating activity of a samba parade and float making contest. 

    In Unit 4, the concept of Language Families continues as students are introduced to the Slavic family with a focus on Russian and Croatian. The students will compare and contrast greeting words and numbers among different Slavic languages. They will identify days of the week in Croatian and discuss differences between the Croatian calendar and the American calendar. Students will learn Russian vocabulary words for family members and create a set of Russian nesting dolls to represent members of a family. They will end the year by learning about the Romanov family,comparing and contrasting the movie Anastasia with true events in Russian history.