Fourth Grade

Lower School Academics

Students in fourth grade experience a semi-departmentalized setting. One grade level teacher instructs math and science while the other teaches the language arts block of reading and social studies. Spelling and writing workshop are taught in the homeroom setting. Language arts includes a novel-based reading program that incorporates a wide variety of literature, supports decoding skills, uses literature circles to foster discussion of books, and assesses comprehension through writing. The math curriculum continues with Everyday Math spiraling through computational skills and promoting higher level thinking skills through an emphasis on conceptual understanding. Students study United States history from the Native Americans to the Civil War. In addition to learning history, students focus on geography and research projects. Science utilizes the extensive NEAL resources available at Powhatan. Habitats, ecosystems, biomes, and connections to students’ life experiences are the continuing themes guiding instruction. The writing program is a workshop experience that focuses on the 6 + 1 Writing Traits that was the focus of staff development for both teachers at the 2005 Sun Valley Literacy Conference.

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