Fourth Grade
Curriculum

Chooses to read a variety of materials for many purposes.

Self-selects texts at appropriate independent reading level.

Demonstrates a positive view of self as a reader.

Pursues an interest through a variety of reading materials.

Expands reading vocabulary.

Uses multiple strategies to identify and understand unfamiliar words (pictures, phonics, context clues, syllabication, grammar).

Applies reading strategies in order to gain meaning.

Previews and sets a purpose for reading.

Uses prior knowledge.

Self-corrects when something does not make sense.

Uses graphic organizers such as charts, diagrams, timelines and maps.

Identifies/infers the main idea, details and sequence of ideas.

Analyzes, elaborates on and responds critically to written works.

Makes and supports predictions.

Compares and contrasts written works.

Makes judgments about fact and opinion.

Distinguishes between fiction and nonfiction.

Makes valid inferences about: main ideas, details, character's feelings, author's purpose and point of view.

Includes an introduction.

States reasons for the preference or belief.

Elaborates with specific examples and supporting details.

Uses transition words, e.g.., such as, for example, finally.

A stated topic or problem.

Ideas and facts drawn from experience or research.

Fully elaborated paragraphs.

A systematic organization.

A conclusion.

Uses prewriting strategies such as:

Collecting models of writing and good language.

Using graphic organizers, e.g., clusters/webbing and comparison diagrams.

Using a variety of reference tools.

Notetaking and recording resources.

Topic focus throughout the piece.

Clear, logical organization.

Improved word choice.

Elimination of repetitive ideas.

Use of a variety of sentence openings and a mixture of simple and compound sentences.

Interesting openings and closings.

Complete sentences.

Appropriate use of periods, commas, question marks, exclamation points and apostrophes.

Capitalization of all appropriate words.

Proofreading for standard spelling of all words.

Uses a variety of spelling resources to find the standard spelling of unknown words.

Correct usage of nouns, verbs, linking verbs, adjectives, degrees of adjectives and adverbs.

Uses standard editing marks.

Reviews, practices and uses D'Nealian cursive alphabet.

Learns and uses problem-solving strategies to explain, write and solve story problems.

Identifies needed and extraneous information in story problems.

Demonstrates calculator skills in computing larger numbers.

Solves problems involving order and magnitude of whole numbers.

Solves problems involving place value concepts such as 10,000 or 1,000 more or less than given number.

Solves problems rounding 2- and 3-digit whole numbers.

Solves or estimates a reasonable answer to problems involving whole numbers and money amounts less than $10.00.

Knows multiplication and division facts through 12.

Multiplies 2- and 3-digit numbers by 1-digit with and without regrouping.

Identifies the appropriate number sentence or operation to solve 1-step story problems.

Relates fractions, equivalent and mixed numbers to pictures.

Relates decimals (0.01 to 2.99) to pictures.

Estimates the magnitude of fractions and mixed numbers.

Estimates the magnitude of decimals and money amounts.

Identifies appropriate metric or customary units of measure for length, weight and capacity.

Estimates/solves problems involving elapsed time.

Determines the value of a set of bills and coins up to $5.00.

Reads Roman numerals.

Identifies geometric terms or draws 2- and 3-dimensional geometric figures.

Identifies one or more lines of symmetry.

Estimates/measures perimeter to the nearest inch, half inch, centimeter.

Estimates/measures lengths and areas.

Creates bar graphs and pictographs from given data.

Draws reasonable conclusions from graphs, tables and charts.

Solves problems involving elementary notions of probability.

Extends patterns involving numbers and attributes and state rules for given patterns.

Identifies objects or figures that are the same or different by 1 or 2 characteristics.

Develops and understands decision-making, problem-solving, listening, speaking, personal and group interaction skills.

Develops an awareness of current events.

Recognizes, compares, and labels continents, and major bodies of water around the world.

Uses latitude and longitude to locate places.

Uses a map key to interpret information.

Computes distance and scale.

Explains how historians learn about the past utilizing primary and secondary resources.

Explains reasons for the results of Spanish, Portuguese, French, and English exploration of the New World.

Bones and Muscles

Observes and investigates the human skeletal and muscular systems and explains how they work together to make the body move.

Recognizes that there are 206 bones which give the body shape and are used to support, protect and help the body move.

Identifies, locates and classifies different joints in the body including sliding, hinge, and ball and socket.

Knows that tendons are special tissues which attach muscles to bones and ligaments are special tissues that attach directly from bone to bone.

Recognizes that all living things share basic characteristics by observing fossil bones of other mammals.

Understands that rocks are composed of different combinations of minerals and can be classified by attributes such as color, texture, layering and particle size.

Explains that soil is made partly from weathered rock, plant and animal remains, and contains living organisms.

Differentiates among igneous, metamorphic and sedimentary rock.

Identifies the layers of the earth's crust, local geology and land forms, and describes how landforms change as a result of geological activities such as volcanic eruptions, earthquake, flood, etc.

Describes how wind and water shape and reshape the earth's surface.

Knows that the earth is covered by a layered atmosphere within which weather is created or caused by a combination of air, water and the sun's heat.

Identifies instruments used by meteorologists to follow weather patterns.

Uses simple weather instruments to measure changes in temperature, precipitation and cloud cover.

Understands that clouds and fog are made of tiny droplets of water.

Recognizes that the earth has seasons and different regions of climates.

Observes, records and communicates changes of objects in the environment.

Classifies and sorts objects by type.

Makes comparisons between objects in a scientific study according to a given set of criteria.

Uses appropriate scientific tools to gather data and improve observation.

Makes reasonable predictions/hypotheses based on scientific information.

Studies effects of drugs on the mind and body.

Practices refusal skills and decision-making skills and describes the impact advertisements have on each.

Determines simple first aid procedures.

Becomes informed on personal and community responsibility for prevention and control of environmental problems.

Learns to communicate in Spanish or French through oral expression.

Learns the correct pronunciation of specific Spanish or French vocabulary.

Develops listening comprehension skills in Spanish or French.

Learns the nuances of verbal/nonverbal communication in Spanish or French.

Developes cultural awareness and cultural knowledge.

Andy Warhol (pop art)

Pablo Picasso (cubism/abstract)

Salvador Dali (surrealism)

Produces visual expressions, designs and communicates through art.

Drawing:  further develops techniques; pays greater attention to detail and drawing fluency.

Painting:  refines approach to two-dimensional challenges through transparent and opaque painting media.

Three-Dimensional Forms:  further explores creative challenges in three- dimensional form.

Experiences other mixed media (possibly print-making, collage and fiber art).

Perceives and responds to qualities of visual art.

Furthers knowledge and use of the elements and principles of design.

Makes informed opinions about visual art and understands the basis for those opinions.

Makes judgments about art using the visual language and the language of art.

Sings songs independently; in tune, accurately, including partner songs and rounds.

Sings expressively, with the appropriate dynamics, phrasing and interpretation.

Performs expressively a varied repertoire.

Demonstrates part-work, e.g., two-part arrangements.

Performs on instrument accurately, with good tone, technique and phrasing.

Plays simple melodies by ear, in different keys.

Reads and writes simple rhythmic and melodic patterns; e.g., dotted quarter and eighth; pentachoral melodies.

Identifies symbols, traditional terms and standard music notation.

Sight-reads simple melodies.

Identifies simple form, e.g., theme and variations.

Listens to and recognizes basic form, styles, meter and tonality.

Uses terminology in describing and analyzing music, e.g., theme and variations.

Devises criteria to evaluate music performance, e.g., ensemble, intonation, balance and blend.

Identifies ways in which other disciplines are interrelated with music.

Sings songs and plays games that explore cultural diversity, e.g., Central European.

Describes in simple terms the relation of music to history, e.g., Mozart and Ives; American Revolution.

Continues basic body management activities of prior years including the use of educational gymnastics.

Refines manipulative skills and their application to sports and games.

Develops complex rhythmic activities involving creative movement and specific dance patterns.

Participates in cooperative and competitive activities to develop interpersonal relationships and good sportsmanship.

Participates in "challenge by choice" activities at a level that represents optimum personal challenge.

Participates in and develops strategies for the improvement of selected fitness components from the Connecticut Physical Fitness Assessment.