Fourth Grade Curriculum
Students in fourth grade are included in the upper school. Children receive instruction in five academic areas as they rotate among three teachers who teach according to their area of academic expertise. Teacher support and the use of planners allow for easy transition from the third grade self-contained homeroom to the new experience of changing classes and teachers.
English
The English curriculum develops both grammar and writing skills. Students keep journals for practicing writing. In-class writing workshops provide the format for experiencing the complete writing process: pre-writing, revising, editing, proofreading, and publishing. Writing assignments include personal narratives, letters, summaries, realistic fiction, research papers, poetry, and creative stories. The study of grammar is also a substantial component of the fourth grade curriculum. Students study punctuation, mechanics, sentences and paragraphs, and parts of speech to become better writers, speakers, and proofreaders.
Reading
Students build comprehension skills through a variety of literary genres, including adventure, humor, mystery, and more. Vocabulary development and the mastery of study skills are emphasized, while fostering a positive, enthusiastic attitude toward reading.
Mathematics
Fourth grade math students work on cementing the building blocks of addition, subtraction, multiplication and division facts using these processes in problem solving situations. Two-digit multiplication and long division are also covered. The final trimester emphasis includes concepts of fractions and decimals.
Social Studies
Florida history makes up most of the fourth grade social studies topics. Students also study geography terms and state government. By studying Florida’s role in American history, students begin to learn about our nation’s history, including the Revolutionary and Civil Wars. Occasional projects and study trips supplement in-class study. Writing skills are integrated throughout the social studies curriculum.
Science
The science curriculum in the fourth grade incorporates many hands-on lab experiences in the learning process. The classroom is fully equipped for labs, featuring lab tables and a sink. The topics covered build upon concepts introduced at lower grades to include all areas of science: life science, earth science, and the physical sciences. Study trips supplement science topics.
Spelling
Spelling instruction continues in fourth grade with a weekly assignment of inter-related words. Phonetics, combined with writing skills, is utilized to gain mastery of the words for spelling and application.
Learn more about Riverside's Fifth and Sixth Grade Upper School Programs »»
