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Dixie uses the research-based math curriculum Everyday Math. The curriculum uses many hands-on activities and games to teach math concepts. Everyday Math is a “spiraling” curriculum, which means concepts are introduced and then reviewed again and again throughout the year. The program uses algorithms (steps to do a math problem such as long division) that are different than most of us have learned, so your child’s homework may seem strange! Never fear, your child’s reference book and the unit Family Letters are good resources. The Student Reference Book can be brought home any evening, and you can expect the Family Letter to be sent home at the beginning of each unit. There is also a website that is very helpful: http://everydaymath.uchicago.edu/parents/index.shtml You can expect to see math homework most days in the form of Math Boxes (in a workbook) or Study Links (photocopied worksheets, answers are in the Family Letter). The homework is meant to reinforce what was taught in class. Fourth graders will be expected to master multiplication and division facts. Simple flash cards with a problem on the front and answer on the back are an easy way for you to help your child learn the facts quickly.
Reading skills grow a great deal in fourth grade as students make the change from learning-to-read to reading-to-learn other information. We focus on making sure students comprehend the variety of fiction and non-fiction materials they read. To best meet your child’s needs he or she will be in a flexible group, so his or her reading teacher may change during the year. Research shows that reading skills improve when students read, so encourage your child to read, read, read! Students will be expected to read at home and keep a weekly reading log. We will be using the Scott Foresman reading series this year in addition to novels and other reading materials.
Fourth grade students will study the genres of literary writing (stories, poems, plays), personal writing, transactive writing (writing for purpose such as to inform or persuade), and reflective writing. Students will complete a formal writing portfolio, which is part of the CATS state assessment, as well as other informal types of writing.
Language Arts and Spelling Students will continue their study of English grammar, especially as applied in their writing. They will complete daily and weekly assignments. As in other subject areas students will be in flexible groups to best meet their spelling needs. We will have weekly tests, with each week having a focus on a particular spelling pattern. The goal is for students to spell a variety of words with the pattern, not just the ones on the list. Students will have regular daily homework assignments to practice the word construction. Science Science is a fun focus area for fourth grade students. They will participate in many hands-on activities in the areas of physical, earth, and living science. Classes will rotate among teachers for various units, so your child will be taught by all the complex teachers during the year. Please keep in mind that fourth grade students will participate in the Science Fair. We will be sending home details and a timeline later in the year Social Studies In social studies this year, fourth grade students will learn about Kentucky history, regions, and economics as well as the United States regions. We want students to understand their role as an active citizen within their own community. Social studies instruction will be integrated into other areas of study. Handwriting Fourth grade students will build upon their cursive handwriting skills so they can effectively read cursive writing and write legibly. We will require certain assignments to be written in cursive by end of the second nine weeks. Practical Living Practical living includes the important topics of health, safety, appropriate behavior choices, emergencies, and nutrition. In addition to academics, we aim to develop skills that will help students be successful in all areas of life. |
