Fourth Grade
Wheeling Country Day School’s Fourth Grade is a time of growing independence, where eight and nine-year-olds take on greater responsibility for their learning. Students explore Newton’s Laws, energy, and waves through STEM; study animal structures and senses in life science; and investigate fossils, erosion, and landscapes over time. ELA is woven throughout, with novel studies like Holes deepening connections. Student voices are valued, growth is nurtured, and community guides their journey.
About Fourth Grade
Fourth grade students concentrate heavily on social aspects of life, with a strong emphasis on contextual understanding, recognition of differing perspectives, and a development of empathy.
The reading component focuses on vocabulary, comprehension, and analysis of character and plot in a broad range of selections including fiction, historical fiction, and non-fiction. Writing continues to be a central part of all learning activities including journals, book reports, and research papers. Spelling and vocabulary skills develop from word lists and from words in the content areas. Grammar and structure become valuable tools to enhance communication. Students develop reports, stories, letters, and journal entries using the writing process.
Mathematics continues to stress the need for accurate computation and careful application in the problem solving process. Concepts are introduced and reviewed through a variety of hands-on and pencil-and-paper activities. Equations and word problems take on increasing importance in the program. The analytical approach to problem solving prepares the children for more rigorous quantitative explorations.
The study of United States history uses both historical and current events, along with cultural analysis, which culminates in a Native American societal review. The use of Socratic discussions and open-ended, Problem-Based Learning activities is relied upon in order to instill a sense of understanding across civilizations.
Classroom experiments rooted in Inquiry-Based Learning allow students to utilize creative and innovative thinking skills, as well as develop unique solutions to real world situations. Students will study a variety of topics including physical, earth, and natural sciences while using outdoor, place-based resources among a lush campus in order to better visualize both the problem and solution.
The fourth-grade class has a strong focus on writing and language arts throughout the year. The students work on memoir writing, learning how to craft engaging introductions and endings for their stories. They explore various forms of figurative language, such as similes, metaphors, and hyperbole, to enhance their writing. In grammar, the students learned about conjunctions, compound sentences, and capitalization rules. Additionally, the class participated in literature circles, choosing books like “Lawn Boy,” “Chocolate Fever,” and “Amber Brown,” to discuss and analyze together. The teachers encourage the students to practice writing regularly and aim to foster a love for reading through engaging class read-alouds.
In addition to the traditional subject areas, students participate in fine arts, physical education, foreign language, and technology classes. An emphasis on the fine arts has been a part of the school since its inception. Biweekly classes in art and music are highlights in the children’s experiences. Daily physical education classes enhance physical development, while the morning intramural program fosters team relationships across grade levels. Children learn to use both the library and the computer as valuable resources for information.
Mathematics has been a significant focus in the fourth-grade curriculum. The students work on multiplication, reviewing and recalling their multiplication facts. They engage in timed practice problems to improve their multiplication speed and partner up for flashcard exercises. The class also explore concepts like multiplying by tens, hundreds, and thousands, as well as using place value to add and subtract large numbers. Emphasizing real-world applications, the students were encouraged to use addition and subtraction in word problems. The teachers incorporated interactive and hands-on activities, such as a whole-class Jeopardy game, to reinforce their math skills.
Character development instruction highlighting respect, responsibility, trustworthiness, fairness, caring, and citizenship complements the academic offerings. Each teacher weaves this special program into the class’s regular curriculum.
Fourth grade Deep Dive’s are an in-depth exploration of specific subjects or topics beyond the regular curriculum. It involves immersing the students in a comprehensive study of a particular subject, allowing them to gain a deeper understanding and appreciation for the chosen topics.
During a History Deep Dive, they could focus on significant historical events and periods, such as the American Revolution and the French and Indian War. They learn about key figures, important battles, and the impact these events had on shaping the nation’s history. Through engaging activities and discussions, the students connect these historical events to real-life experiences and learn valuable lessons from the past.
During a Science Deep Dive, the students could explore various scientific concepts and phenomena. They learn about sound waves, the water cycle, and other scientific principles through hands-on experiments and activities. The goal is to foster curiosity and a deeper understanding of the natural world. By actively engaging in scientific exploration, the students develop critical thinking skills and make connections between scientific theories and their everyday experiences.
Fourth Grade Teachers & Staff
Damon Rouse
MS Language Arts
Grace White
Fourth Grade
Stella Boldrick
Fourth Grade & Middle School Math
