Fourth Grade

Students continue to build upon foundational knowledge acquired in earlier grades. Character education focuses on increased self-esteem and self-confidence in matters pertaining to academics and social engagement.

Problem-solving ability is an increasingly important component of the mathematics curriculum. There is review and extension of measurement, geometry, fractions and computation operations. Addition and subtraction of multidigit numbers with regrouping and multiplication facts are mastered. New concepts include working with decimals and relating decimals to fractions.

Reading, comprehension, grammar, vocabulary and writing (mechanics and composition) are the continuing components of the language arts curriculum. In addition to selections of poetry and nonfiction, students are reading longer books and novels. The foundations for literary analysis begun in the earlier grades are expanded and gradually become more sophisticated. Analysis of plot, character development, conflict, theme and the use of literary devices such as metaphor, simile, imagery and symbolism present opportunities for rich classroom discussion and eventually become topics of writing assignments as students’ skills develop. Creative writing is an additional component of the curriculum.

Second- through fifth-grade students will use the Internet to research and evaluate the accuracy, relevance, and appropriateness of electronic information sources. Students will demonstrate positive, social, and ethical behaviors while using the Internet. Students develop a California project that will include a presentation about California's history and cities.

The fourth grade curriculum focuses on California history. Studies include the establishment of the missions, how California became a state, and present day California. The textbook, Oh, California, provides the foundation upon which the curriculum is built.