1. ELEMENTARY CURRICULUM OVERVIEW FOURTH GRADE

2. ELEMENTARY SCHEDULING GRADES 3 THROUGH 5 EMSISD SubjectMinutesDescription ELAR 90 A comprehensive ELAR curriculum includes reading instruction, written expression, spelling, vocabulary, handwriting, and reading instruction. A 90 minute daily ELAR block with 45 minutes of Writing Workshop minimum 3 days per week. Social Studies 45 45 minutes is the minimum per day of social studies instruction. In 3-5, effective social studies instruction should continue to implement effective literacy instructional strategies and materials. A strong foundational understanding of the social studies TEKS must be included. Mathematics 90 The focus of math instruction is based upon conceptual understanding prior to the implementation of mathematical procedures (teaching of algorithms). A skills time within the 90 minute mathematics block, will allow time for differentiated instruction to meet student needs. Science 55 55 minutes is the minimum per day for science instruction. Students should be exposed to non-fiction literature as well as having multiple hands-on lab opportunities.

3. ENGLISH LANGUAGE ARTS AND READING

4. LITERACY INSTRUCTION Strategic and developmentally appropriate focus on: PHONICS FLUENCY VOCABULARY DEVELOPMENT READING COMPREHENSION CRITICAL WRITING 4th GRADE ELAR

5. CLASSROOMS Our classrooms are designed to be collaborative, creative, and literacy rich. In our classrooms, you will find: Large/small group meeting areas.​ A classroom library filled with a variety of leveled texts.​ Individual book boxes or bags.​ Ample writing supplies and mentor texts.​ Areas to practice both independent and collaborative reading and writing.​ Teacher and student-created anchor charts.​ Resources to support a gradual release of responsibility (sound linking charts, word walls, writing folders, etc.).​ A display of student products that reflect recent work in the classroom.​ 4th GRADE ELAR

6. READING AND WRITING WORKSHOP During the English Language Arts and Reading (ELAR) block, students will: Receive explicit instruction through mini lessons. Engage in purposeful student talk. Explore a variety of genres and participate in shared and modeled demonstrations of effective reading and writing strategies. Read and write independently for sustained periods of time. Explore how words work and apply what they learn in the context of reading and writing through small- group, peer, and individual conferences. Receive timely feedback and set future reading and writing goals. Share their work with others. 4th GRADE ELAR

7. GRADE LEVEL FOCUS During the English Language Arts and Reading (ELAR) block, fourth grade students will focus on: Reading increasingly challenging texts in a variety of genres with fluency and comprehension. Deepening understanding of text structure within a variety of genres. Building understanding of relationships between words and nuance in word meanings- synonyms, antonyms, idioms- and using this knowledge to convey ideas precisely. Comparing and contrasting themes, topics, and character traits within and across texts. Using underlying text structures to support understanding of challenging topics and difficult vocabulary in informational text. 4th GRADE ELAR

8. GRADE LEVEL FOCUS Continued During the English Language Arts and Reading (ELAR) block, fourth grade students will focus on: Producing a variety of genres through composing and writing. Writing opinions that offer reasoned arguments and provide facts and examples that are logically grouped to support the writer’s point of view. Writing stories, real or imaginary, that unfold naturally and developing the plot with dialogue, description, and effective pacing of the action. Increasing command of writing craft, conventions, and presentation of ideas. 4th GRADE ELAR

11. WHAT SHOULD YOUR CHILD BE BRINGING HOME? Self-selected library books EMSISD

12. MATHEMATICS EMSISD

13. THE LAST 4 PROCESS STANDARDS – IT’S ALL ABOUT THE COMMUNICATION! (D) communicate mathematical ideas, reasoning, and their implications using multiple representations, including symbols, diagrams, graphs, and language as appropriate; (E)use mathematical relationships to generate solution and make connections and predictions. (F) analyze mathematical relationships to connect and communicate mathematical ideas. (G) display, explain, or justify mathematical ideas and arguments using precise mathematical language in written or oral communications. 4TH GRADE MATH

14. STAAR MATH REPORTING CATEGORIES Category 1: Numerical Representations and Relationships Category 2: Computations and Algebraic Relationships Category 3: Geometry and Measurement Category 4: Data Analysis and Personal Financial Literacy 4TH GRADE MATH

15. Develop fluency with efficient use of the four arithmetic operations on whole numbers and use this knowledge to solve problems Measure angles Understand decimals and addition and subtraction of decimals Build foundation for addition and subtraction of fractions FOCAL POINTS FOR FOURTH GRADE 4TH GRADE MATH EMSISD

16. STRATEGIES IN PARENT LETTERS EMSISD 4TH GRADE MATH

17. GUIDING PRINCIPLES Support students to make sense of mathematics and learn that they can be mathematical thinkers Focus on computational fluency with whole numbers Emphasize reasoning about mathematical ideas Engage all learners in understanding mathematics 4TH GRADE MATH

18. We the People of the United States of America SOCIAL STUDIES EMSISD

19. 4th GRADE SOCIAL STUDIES Throughout social studies in Kindergarten-Grade 12, students build a foundation in history; geography; economics; government; citizenship; culture; science, technology, and society; and social studies skills. The content, as appropriate for the grade level, enables students to understand the importance of patriotism, function in a free enterprise society, and appreciate the basic democratic values of our state and nation. EMSISD

20. In Grade 4, students examine the history of Texas from the early beginnings to the present within the context of influences of the Western Hemisphere. Historical content focuses on Texas history including the Texas revolution, establishment of the Republic of Texas, and subsequent annexation to the United States, and important issues, events, and individuals of the 19th and 20th centuries. 4th GRADE SOCIAL STUDIES EMSISD

21. Fourth graders receive instruction through units that continue to build a foundation in history; geography; economics; government; citizenship; culture; science, technology, and society; and social studies skills: Unit 1: Map Skills/The Geography of Texas Unit 2: Celebrating Freedom/Texas Government Unit 3: The Early History of Texas Unit 4: Exploration and Colonization of Texas Unit 5: Revolution and the Republic of Texas Unit 6: The Road to Statehood Unit 7: New Challenges for Texas Unit 8: A Growing State Unit 9: Hard Times at Home and Abroad/Black History & Women's History Enrichment Units Unit 10: Texas Today/Hispanic Heritage & Local History Enrichment Units 4th GRADE SOCIAL STUDIES EMSISD

22. ELEMENTARY SCIENCE: LEARNING THROUGH INQUIRY

23. WHAT IS SCIENTIFIC INQUIRY? Scientific inquiry allows students to take an active role in understanding science content and processes. Scientific inquiry transforms learning from teacher centered to student centered learning. Scientific inquiry engages students in problem solving and critical thinking. Scientific inquiry is the active construction of ideas and forming connections. 4 TH GRADE SCIENCE

24. WHAT ARE THE ESSENTIAL FEATURES OF A STUDENT-CENTERED SCIENCE CLASSROOM? Learners are engaged in scientifically oriented questions. Learners give priority to evidence, which allows them to develop and evaluate explanations that address scientifically oriented questions. Learners formulate and evaluate explanations from evidence to address scientifically oriented questions. Learners communicate and justify their proposed explanations. 4 TH GRADE SCIENCE

25. WHAT ARE THE ESSENTIAL FEATURES OF A STUDENT-CENTERED SCIENCE CLASSROOM? Learners are engaged in scientifically oriented questions. Learners give priority to evidence, which allows them to develop and evaluate explanations that address scientifically oriented questions. Learners formulate and evaluate explanations from evidence to address scientifically oriented questions. Learners communicate and justify their proposed explanations. 4 TH GRADE SCIENCE

26. WHAT IS THE STUDENT’S ROLE? Ask a question about objects, organisms and events in the world around them Plan and conduct a simple investigation Employ simple equipment and tools to gather data and extend the senses Use data to construct a reasonable explanation Communicate investigations and explanations 4 TH GRADE SCIENCE

27. SCIENCE NOTEBOOKS IN EVERY CLASSROOM Integrates science and language arts skills Helps students develop cognitive knowledge of science content and processes Enhances writing skills Serves as an assessment tool to gather information on students’ thinking 4 TH GRADE SCIENCE

28. EMS-ISD K-5 GIFTED AND TALENTED PROGRAM What is PACE? Educational program which serves identified gifted/talented students in grades K-5 2 hour pull-out program for 2 nd – 5 th graders Kindergarten and 1 st grade students served in classroom with differentiated instructional strategies Learning Opportunities for GT Students Students work on a differentiated curriculum with extended activities Instructional goals focus on helping students to develop critical thinking skills, communicate effectively, reason and solve problems, and value diversity. Lessons span across all curriculum areas and incorporate a research component in the spring semester The depth of projects builds as the students progress to the upper grades EMSISD PACE

29. STATE ASSESSMENT Fourth grade students will take the state-mandated STAAR Reading, Writing, and Math exams at the end of this year.