spelling. Students are introduced to various types of writing, such as creative, personal narrative, expository, persuasive, formal, and informal. Students also practice writing various types of poetry. Mathematics In fourth grade, the Singapore Math approach is utilized through the Math in Focus curriculum. The concrete- pictorial-abstract methodology of introducing topics and skills allows students to gain an understanding of concepts through research-based discovery. There is an emphasis on problem solving, skill consolidation and deep understanding in preparation for algebra. Topics studied include number sense, addition, subtraction, multiplication and division, factors, prime numbers, fractions, decimals, problem solving, geometry, and real-world application of mathematical concepts. Social Studies Fourth grade students investigate cooperation and interdependence in the United States through investigating different regions of the country. Students also use current events to draw connections between different regions today. Fourth grade geography work focuses on “United States Regions,” allowing students to learn about environmental, geographic, and technological developments in different regions of the country. Students will learn how to read and analyze different thematic maps, such as climate maps, land use maps, and population maps in order to draw comparisons between different regions of the United States. Using Nystrom’s Encompass program, which focuses on hands-on geography to increase engagement, students will work cooperatively and analyze primary and secondary sources in order to explore our world. Fourth grade students focus on the different regions of the United States. The students are able to examine the Great Lakes Region in more depth through field studies to different civic and cultural institutions throughout the United States. in the state. Project Work Students use the Project Approach to gain knowledge of what they think they know and begin to ask questions for what they want to know. Using the Liggett Approach to education as their basis, students will build upon their research and discovery as they document their learning using models, illustrations, videos, writing and presentations. Project topics vary from year to year depending upon student interests. Presentations are frequently prepared and given to various audiences as a culmination of project work. These presentations come in many formats.
Fourth Grade
Literacy The fourth grade reading curriculum is designed to develop reading skill, stamina, independence, and enjoyment. Through a variety of reading experiences, students in fourth grade engage in developing active reading strategies for reading class novels, biographies, and mysteries, as well as for conducting author studies through a variety of genres. Grammar Students continue strengthening their foundational skills in parts of speech (nouns, verbs, adjectives, adverbs, pronouns, prepositions, and conjunctions) and sentence structures. Word Study In fourth grade, students continue to apply skills not only to learn word structure but also the meaning of words. Words that have multiple meanings are included. Students apply phonics skills to words, phrases, sentences, and stories that contain the specific letter-sound relationships that they are learning. Students are introduced to subject-appropriate spelling words. Daily work with spelling words increases vocabulary as students practice writing words in sentences. Writing Students build upon their writing mechanics, especially capitalization, usage, grammar, punctuation, and
2026-2027 ULS Curriculum Guide
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