Reading Language Arts
In fourth grade, there is an increased emphasis on reading comprehension by comparing literary and informational texts. The student will apply comprehension strategies to monitor their understanding and to think critically about the grade level texts read. Collaborative conversations and writing about reading continue as an extension to expand students’ understanding of what they read. The student will read a variety of genres with a focus on realistic and historical fiction across cultures. The student will expand vocabulary using knowledge of roots, affixes, synonyms, antonyms, and homophones. The fourth-grade student continues to write in a variety of forms and purposes across content. Student writing in fourth grade gets more complex, and the student will use organizational structures to convey their message through writing. Working in diverse teams as both a facilitator and a contributor, the student will continue to increase communication and collaboration skills. The student will deliver multimodal presentations and begin to examine media messages. The student will demonstrate comprehension of the research process by evaluating the relevance and reliability of information collected to create a research product. Additionally, the student will continue to understand the difference between plagiarism and using their own words.
Math
The fourth grade standards highlight advancing students’ understanding and proficiency in multi-digit arithmetic, fractions, and geometric concepts. Students work with multi-digit numbers and explore factors and multiples. They develop a deeper understanding of fraction equivalence and operations involving fractions and decimals. Additionally, they delve into geometric measurement, understanding concepts of angles, and classifying shapes based on their properties. These standards aim to prepare students for the complexities of higher-level mathematics through practical and conceptual understanding.
Science
Our solar system is a grand place, and in fourth grade science, students learn where we fit in this solar system. Starting with the solar system, and then moving to the planet Earth, the Commonwealth of Virginia, and finally their specific ecosystems, students examine how features of plants and animals support life. They also explore how living things interact with both living and nonliving components in their ecosystems. Throughout the elementary years, students will develop scientific skills, supported by mathematics and computational thinking, as they learn science content. In fourth grade, students will continue to develop skills in posing questions and predicting outcomes, planning and conducting simple investigations, collecting and analyzing data, constructing explanations, and communicating information about the natural world. Students continue to use the engineering design process to apply their scientific knowledge to solve problems.
Social Studies (Virginia Studies Part I)
The standards for Virginia Studies allow students to develop a greater understanding of Virginia’s rich history, from the contributions and cultures of its Indigenous People and the founding of Jamestown to the present. Geographic, economic, and civic concepts are presented within this historical context. Students will use geographic tools to examine the influence of physical and cultural geography on Virginia history. Students will develop the skills needed to analyze, interpret, and demonstrate knowledge of important events and ideas in our history and will understand the contributions made by people of diverse cultural and ethnic backgrounds. Ideas that form the foundation for political institutions in Virginia and the United States will be included as part of the story of Virginia. In the fourth-grade year, students will study social studies themes around Virginia geography, indigenous peoples, Jamestown, The American Revolution, and political growth and western expansion.
Music
The Grade Four General Music program focuses on deepening students’ musical understanding through singing, playing instruments, listening, creating, composing, and performing. Students engage in both individual and group processes to develop melodies and rhythms within given guidelines, while emphasizing critical thinking by analyzing music, identifying instruments, and comparing pieces from various cultures and periods. The curriculum also explores music history and digital citizenship, highlighting the technical aspects of music literacy like reading hexatonic scales, notating melodies, and performing rhythmic patterns. This comprehensive program aims to enhance musical skills and appreciation, preparing students for more advanced studies.
Art
Fourth grade students deepen their engagement with critical thinking as they generate original ideas and take on more complex art challenges. They analyze the expressive qualities of their artwork, learning to communicate stories, emotions, and ideas effectively. Through studies of history and culture, students gain insight into how art has influenced society and reflects diverse perspectives. They investigate innovative approaches, such as mixed media and digital art forms, and refine their technical abilities, focusing on accurate representation, spatial awareness, and perspective in their compositions.
Physical Education
In the elementary years, students develop maturity and adaptability in the use of fundamental motor skills and patterns that are then further refined and combined during the middle school years. Elementary students establish basic musculoskeletal vocabulary and use simple concepts as they develop their movements. They become aware of health-related fitness components (aerobic capacity, muscular strength and endurance, flexibility, and body composition), engage in a variety of physical activities, and develop a basic fitness plan. It is expected that elementary students recognize and use rules and procedures, focus on safety, respect similarities and dissimilarities, and cooperate with others. They will also understand the basic nutrition and fitness concepts of energy balance.
Health
The intent of Health Education for elementary school students is to assist students to become health literate, self directed learners with the ability to identify accurate health products and services, and learn how to create and maintain a safe and healthy environment for themselves and their family members.
This is accomplished by demonstrating:
- the knowledge and skills to make healthy decisions that reduce health risks and enhance the health of oneself and others;
- the ability to access, evaluate, and use health information, products, and services that influence health and wellness in a positive manner; and
- the use of appropriate health practices and behaviors to promote a safe and healthy community when alone, with family, at school, and in other group settings.
Family Life Education
The curriculum outlines key developmental goals for fourth-grade students, focusing on both physical and emotional growth. Students learn about human reproduction, puberty, and prenatal development, with an emphasis on individual differences and personal hygiene. The curriculum also covers emotional awareness, teaching students to identify and manage both positive and negative emotions, and highlights the importance of family responsibilities and communication. Additionally, it addresses issues like child abuse, drug use, and substance abuse, providing students with the knowledge to recognize risks and the tools to handle these challenges in a healthy way.
Library
This program of studies outlines key domains and competencies that guide learners in their intellectual, social, and ethical development. The standards are organized into six primary areas: Inquire, Include, Collaborate, Curate, Explore, and Engage.
- Inquire (Domains and Competencies)
Think, Create, Share, Grow: Learners are encouraged to build new knowledge by inquiring, thinking critically, identifying problems, and developing solutions. They engage with new knowledge by investigating questions, creating meaningful products, sharing those products, and responding to feedback. The process involves curiosity, evidence-based inquiry, and continuous growth.
- Include (Diversity and Inclusiveness)
Learners demonstrate awareness and respect for diverse perspectives within the learning community. They consider different viewpoints, engage in informed conversations, and act with empathy towards cultural diversity and global issues. Inclusiveness is central to their learning process, which includes evaluating and incorporating diverse perspectives.
- Collaborate (Working with Others)
Learners work effectively with others to broaden perspectives and achieve common goals. They actively seek collaborative opportunities, use various communication tools, and establish connections to expand their understanding. Collaborative learning is viewed as essential for problem-solving and knowledge creation.
- Curate (Organizing and Sharing Information)
Learners make meaning by collecting, organizing, and sharing personally relevant resources. They recognize when information is needed, assess sources, and make informed choices about which resources to use. This process involves critical thinking and decision-making to build useful and meaningful knowledge.
- Explore (Growth Mindset and Innovation)
Learners are encouraged to develop curiosity and a growth mindset through exploration and reflection. They engage in hands-on activities, solve problems, and innovate, applying new insights and continuing to develop skills through self-reflection and problem-solving cycles.
- Engage (Ethical and Responsible Knowledge Creation)
Learners engage ethically and responsibly in the creation and sharing of knowledge. They adhere to legal and ethical guidelines, reflect on their assumptions, and critically assess the validity and accuracy of information. They share their work with a global audience, ensuring respect for intellectual property and promoting ethical behavior in the learning community.
Each domain emphasizes the importance of curiosity, ethical behavior, collaboration, inclusivity, critical thinking, and continuous reflection as learners engage with knowledge. The program promotes lifelong learning and responsible engagement with information in a global context.