Fourth Grade - Goals and Objectives
	These objectives are general guidelines for children in the Fourth Grade. They are meant to inform parents of the standards against which their child will be assessed during the course of the school year and create a set of goals with which we strive to help all children achieve. It is, however, important to remember that not all children develop at the same rate. As birth dates and maturation vary, so will a child's ability to achieve many of these developmental milestones. Some children may only begin to exhibit traits listed on this inventory, while others demonstrate them on a consistent basis. Both can be appropriate when viewed within the context of a child's overall development. Please keep in mind that the Fourth Grade curriculum is intended to be the vehicle through which we encourage the growth of these broader behavioral objectives. Social Development and Work Habits Fourth graders will be expected to: listen attentively complete assignments in a neat and thorough manner work independently work cooperatively exercise self-control be sensitive to the needs of others be responsible show initiative finish work on time be flexible when necessary develop good organizational skills organize time efficiently have a positive attitude toward school activities use cursive on all written assignments utilize word processing skills on research projects Language Arts Students will: continue to develop their love and appreciation for literature be able to read and interpret many forms of literature build vocabulary and utilize vocabulary in written and oral forms experience words through reading, discussing, using and writing develop oral reading fluency, tone and mood while identifying the word meaning and grammar cues within the reading develop independence in reading and writing observe various types of written materials recall information gained from previous readings and build upon that to gather more information compare types of readings and writings to gain information and apply it in their own writing make generalizations about the materials they have read or heard infer the meanings of readings and writing to understand and further question the author's purpose form a hypothesis from the readings and writings which can be tested predict outcomes of readings analyze the information and concepts acquired and organize them to best suit the reading apply the information gained through teacher and peer conferencing to their writing write in complete sentences and develop a paragraph develop clearly written stories to include a beginning, middle and an end be able to follow the writing process: brainstorming, rough draft, conferencing, editing and final draft begin to more frequently identify misspelled words and incorrect sentence structure Mathematics Objectives Students will: develop problem solving strategies calculate mentally check for accuracy find short-cuts in solving multi-step problems realize there are many ways to find an answer work independently and collaboratively understand written and oral directions realize which information is necessary to solve a problem realize the reasonableness of an answer use calculators correctly apply knowledge already learned to new concepts use number sense to solve problems understand how to use math in real-life situations become more comfortable with more challenging process of problem-solving and logic develop a recognition that practice is necessary in developing competency in math understand that both the answer and how you arrive at it are important master basic multiplication and division facts understand the relationship between addition and subtraction understand the relationship between multiplication and division use and understand appropriate mathematical symbols multiply two and three-digit numbers accurately use “long division” to solve problems understand place value from millions to hundredths develop geometry and spatial sense calculate with fractions and mixed numbers use mathematical symbols correctly solve multi-step problems record and graph information accurately use customary and metric measurement Science Students will: Follow safety procedures in the classroom, laboratory, and field Apply mathematical skills to describe the natural world Use appropriate scientific tools, such rulers, graduated cylinders, thermometers, microscopes, and micropipettes to solve problems about the natural world Observe and discuss objects and events and record observations Use appropriate "inquiry and process skills" to collect data Observe, collect, organize, and appropriately record data, then accurately interpret results Describe the relationship among air, water, and land on Earth. Observe the way one form of energy can be transferred into another form of energy Describe the effects of common forces of objects, such as those caused by gravity, magnetism, and mechanical forces. Describe the life processes common to all living things. Social Studies Students will: develop a self-realization through experience better understand human relationships sharpen thinking ability through learning activities that involve students in critical and creative thinking and in decision making activities apply many other skills as they engage in independent activities observe, listen, read, take notes, summarize and communicate information read to find the main idea, note directions, prove a point, form impressions, draw inferences and predict outcomes make and interpret maps, globes, graphs, charts, time lines and illustrations use the skills of interpreting, comparing, classifying, generalizing, inferring, hypothesizing, predicting, analyzing, synthesizing and evaluating. (Bloom’s Taxonomy) distinguish facts from opinions identify cause and effect and other relationships work in large and small groups take roles as leaders and followers have a positive attitude toward diverse individuals, groups and cultures