4th Grade

The 4th Grade reading program challenges students, who continue to work in flexible, ability-based groups. Through a variety of genres and perspectives, students are exposed to different cultures, historical periods, and writing styles. 

Students continue to evolve their basic comprehension skills, and are introduced to more analytical thinking strategies. They have been learning to support their claims with textual evidence, and synthesize information to draw their own conclusions. Through class discussions, peer conversations, and written responses, students continue to build valuable skills that will help them understand and discuss literature. They deepen their explicit and inferential thinking, broaden their vocabulary skills through the use of context clues, and to develop more fully independent reading skills.

Important comprehension skills include: identifying the main idea, theme, and supporting details; summarizing, predicting, and determining the author’s purpose; comparing and contrasting, and connecting subject matter to the students’ everyday environment and real-world experiences.

Writing is integrated throughout the curriculum. Using the Step up to Writing program, students learn to research, plan, and construct a detailed and organized five-paragraph essay on a given topic. Increasing emphasis is placed upon using voice and expression as a means to explore and communicate a variety of experiences. 

Writing styles include: personal narratives; expository essays; persuasive essays; news articles; and poetry.

Students continue to develop math practices, concepts, and skills, using the enVision math program. Over the course of the year, students are introduced to whole number operations, fractions, decimals, geometry, probability, grade-level algebraic concepts, and measurement. 

Lessons begin with problem solving and fluency activities followed by a structured math lesson and practice activities. Students are offered extension and enrichment activities as well as opportunities to investigate real world applications of math through project based learning. 

Small math groups allow students to collaborate effectively with each other as well as receive personalized support from their teachers. Students are encouraged to communicate using clear mathematical vocabulary and expand higher level thinking and strategies to decipher and solve multi-step problems. 

Beginning in 4th Grade, students are encouraged to participate in our Math Club, which meets weekly to explore complex, challenging math problems and competes throughout Los Angeles in a variety of math tournaments.  

Fourth grade students delve into California's rich history through interactive, online programs, newspaper-based curriculums, and extensive research. Over the course of the year, students engage in both independent and collaborative projects and simulations that help them to explore: the history of Native Californians; early European explorers; the four regions of California; the Spanish mission system; Mexican ranchos; California’s statehood; the Gold Rush era; and the building of the Continental Railroad.

Through these topics, students participate in a wealth of discussions and activities aimed at providing perspective and insight into the different cultural groups who immigrated to California, and their treatment during this time in history.

Additionally, 4th grade students visit a Gold Rush simulation, in which they are given the opportunity to immerse themselves in mining life and participate in activities appropriate to the late 1800’s. These activities help students develop an increased understanding of what life was like for early California settlers.  

As part of our Global Education program, 4th graders study their sister country, Mexico, through research and collaborative projects with their sister school.

Throughout the year, students learn more about Mexico through their Social Studies, Art, and Music curriculums. In addition, students research ancient civilizations, learn about Mexican history and tradition, and make personal connections to modern day culture.

Some special projects include opportunities to exchange letters, videos, and friendship bracelets with our penpals at our sister school.

Students in 4th Grade continue to develop socially and emotionally through out Character Education & Service Learning programs. In 4th Grade, students lead a school supply collection benefitting the Heart of Los Angeles (or HOLA).

The 4th Grade science curriculum features an in-depth study of water, including water’s properties and California agriculture. During a unit on biomes, the students take virtual field trips using CalAlive, a computer-based program, which allows them to make observations and conduct experiments on all of California’s biomes. The children also study the food chain, health and nutrition, and energy, with a focus on electricity and magnetism.

Hands-on experiences include: weekly lab work, a school-wide Planting Day, and service learning, such as the recycling program that they spearhead, which promotes environmental stewardship.

Caring for the science lab animals is the highly-envied last piece of the 4th Grade curriculum. Each day at recess or lunch, the children are responsible for coming to the Science lab to feed and nurture their furry friends. At the end of each year, students then train the incoming 4th Graders on the feeding and care procedures.

Beginning in 4th Grade, students take on the role of mentors to students in 2nd and 3rd grade, fostering their leadership skills and sense of responsibility. They participate in meaningful activities that foster team building, collaboration, and empathy.