Fourth Grade Curriculum for Mrs. Kelley's class:

Math - Everyday Mathematics

Everyday Mathematics is a spiraling math program designed to teach students at their developmental level. This means that we will cover topics this year that the students will have been introduced to during previous years. These are their "Developing" and "Secure" goals in 4th grade. We will cover the topics more fully and/or at a deeper level. I will also introduce new concepts to them which will be covered more fully in the years to come, ("Beginning" goals.) Most units have a mixture of different goals; beginning, developing and secure. While students will be assessed on each math assignment, the report card will report on secure goals only.

You can visit the Everyday Math website at www.everydaymath.org for more information.

Science - ECA Science kits

In fourth grade, we will be using the ECA Science kits to cover our Science material. These kits are designed to be hands-on studies in science. This year we will explore Land and Water, Electrical Circuits and Motion and Design.

Language Arts -

Reading - A variety of strategies will be utilized to master the many reading outcomes. These will include individualized reading, guided reading, and literature circles. The students will be continuously monitored on individual progress for comprehension and fluency.

The students will read and listen to many genres of literature, including fiction, non-fiction, folktales, drama, and poetry. I will also share with them a variety of picture books and will guide them in using reference and resource materials.

The students will be expected to read at home for pleasure (at least 15 minutes every night recorded on a weekly reading log,) and for curriculum content.

Writing - As a district we will be utilizing the Lucy Calkins Units of Study writing program. The students will be exposed to many types of writing this year. They will have the opportunity to write both expository (informational) and narrative (story form) texts.

Spelling - We will be working on the Dolch 1,000 most frequently used words list this year. We will begin the year pretesting students to determine the words they will be practicing each week. This program will allow students to work on an individualized basis on the words that they do not know. Students will work with a spelling buddy in class and will complete different spelling activities each week. Homework for spelling will consist of studying their week's words nightly as well as writing their words in sentences. This program blends with our writing curriculum and will hold students accountable for spelling in their formal drafts of their everyday writing.

Grammar - We will be teaching grammar lessons this year as well as having the students apply this knowledge during DOL (Daily Oral Language) time.

Social Studies - Michigan

Fourth graders all across Michigan study many facets of Michigan during Social Studies. Students will learn about Michigan history, civics, and economics. Students will have the opportunity to complete some research themselves while they either complete a Michigan WebQuest to produce a Michigan newspaper, or complete Michigan ABC pages. To enrich our study of Michigan, we enjoy a trip to our State Capitol in Lansing.

Specials -

Here is our Specials schedule:

Day 1 - LMC

Day 2 - Art

Day 3 - Music/PE

Day 4 - Quest

Day 5 - PE/Music