Ms. Hannah Green
​Teacher

Fourth Grade

Fourth grade is a pivotal year. The kids transition from learning to read to reading to learn. Throughout the year I gradually transfer more responsibility to the students with the ultimate goal of the kids becoming confident and independent learners. 

Catechesis

• ​Catechesis is woven into all aspects of our school day.
• Study the Beatitudes and explore ways to apply them in our own lives.
• Experience different forms of prayer. Engage in the Ignatian Examen. Practice prayers of gratitude.
• Service: Connects with a unit on the importance of bees. Discuss how we can help bees thrive.
• Explore a variety of saints. Discuss life lessons we can learn from them.

Language Arts
Read Aloud:

• More than just reading a variety of good literature.
• Model reading comprehension strategies.
• Fourth graders later practice these strategies during Guided Reading.
• Introduce life on the Oregon Trail.

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Guided Reading:

• Introduce students to novels at their Just Right Reading level.
• Encourage reading books they might not choose on their own.
• Students read in small groups and discuss comprehension strategies.
• After discussions, students write about their understanding of the story.
• Develop skills in writing well-developed, thoughtful, and interesting comprehension work.
• Emphasize neat and legible writing with correct conventions.

Nightly ReadWorks Articles:

• Provide opportunities to read about interesting topics.
• Develop skills in reading and comprehending informational text.

Daily Independent Reading:

• Offer quiet time to develop reading fluency.
• Allow students to read Just Right books of their choice.
• Include Just Right reading as part of nightly homework.

Writing to Learn:

• Utilize a gradual release of responsibility model.
• Provide greater support when introducing new skills.
• Gradually transfer responsibility to students as they become ready.
• Integrate writing throughout the curriculum.
• Offer many opportunities to apply learned writing skills.

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Math
Component 1: Core Math Skills:

• Teach fourth grade Common Core math skills.
• Incorporate fun methods like:
• Silly stories, songs, dances, and chants.
• Use of a Number Character or two.
• Develop fluency in:
• Adding, subtracting, multiplying, and dividing whole numbers.
• Explore various topics including:
• Fractions and decimals.
• Customary and Metric measurement.
• Area and perimeter.
• Geometry.

Component 2: Customized Learning:

• Use an adaptive math program to assess each student’s level in five math domains.
• Students work at their appropriate level for:
• Nightly homework.
• Twice-weekly sessions at school for question support.
• Provides opportunities for:
• Reviewing earlier grade level skills for those who need it.
• Introducing above grade level skills for advanced learners.
• Advanced math group sessions:
• Available for students who demonstrate mastery of fourth grade math skills partway through the year.
• Occur twice each week.
• Allow students to continue working through the regular fourth grade math program.

Science
Mystery Science Program:

• Provides an interesting and engaging way for students to experience science.
• Features video-based, inquiry-driven science units and mini lessons.
• Aligns with the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS).

Lesson Structure:

• Each full-length lesson begins with a provocative question to spark curiosity.
• Guides students through a critical thinking process.
• Culminates in an activity designed to explore a specific science concept.

Social Studies

• Focuses on the state of Oregon.
  • Geography of Oregon:
  • Interesting landforms.
  • Important rivers and other bodies of water.
  • Major cities and tourist attractions.
  • Economic opportunities.
  • Activities and things to do.
• The Oregon Trail:
  • Historical journey and its significance.
  • Impact on indigenous people who lived in the area before pioneers arrived.

Fourth grade is a year of exploration. The kids are developing their critical thinking skills. They are interested in learning more about the world around them and they are taking the first steps in becoming confident, independent learners and communicators. It is my honor and privilege to be part of their journey.