LOS ALTOS SCHOOL DISTRICT
201 Covington Road
Los Altos, CA
COURSE OF STUDY
Fourth Grade
Revised 8/06
Adopted Programs:
SRA Math Explorations and Applications 4
CSL Success with Math Coach 4
Replacement Unit: Seeing Fractions
Creative Publications: The Problem Solver 4
By the end of fourth grade, students understand large numbers and addition, subtraction, multiplication and division of whole numbers. They describe and compare simple fractions and decimals. They understand the relationship between area and perimeter and the properties of the relationships between plane geometric figures. They collect, represent and analyze data to answer questions.
Problem solving with students choosing their own strategies or thinking of multiple possibilities.
Manipulative materials used in lessons to introduce, help explain, and reinforce math concepts.
Cooperative learning activities fostered in small group situations.
Provision for a variety of experiences to develop number concepts and facility with facts. Examples include: real life situations, concrete experiences, applications, justification of reasonableness, and mental computation.
Estimation used frequently to promote a common sense attitude toward math.
Calculators used regularly and in appropriate activities.
Sequential lessons meeting the needs of all children presented from each of the following strands: number sense, algebra and functions, measurement and geometry, statistics (data analysis and probability), mathematical reasoning.
"The Los Altos School District believes that every child should have the opportunity to make continuous progress in mathematics. Children should be grouped for math based on an on-going assessment of individual student needs. To maintain a program of continuous progress, some children will be accelerated beyond their assigned grade placement. No later than 4th grade (fall placement), each school will establish a common math hour for their children. Based on past work history, learner characteristics, tests of 'essential understanding', and spring testing, each child will be grouped for math instruction in the leveled class best meeting his/her learning needs and level of concept mastery. (LASD K-8 Scope and Sequence, 1987; Continuous Progress Math Program, Philosophy Statement, 2002)"
Adopted Programs:
Houghton Mifflin, Reading
LASD Reading Standards
Word Analysis, Fluency and
Systematic Vocabulary Development
Students understand the basic
features of reading. They select and
know how to translate letter patterns into spoken language using phonics,
syllabication, and word parts.
Reading Comprehension
Students read and understand
grade level appropriate material. They
draw upon a variety of comprehension strategies as needed, including generating
and responding to essential questions, making predictions, and comparing information
from several sources.
Literary Response and
Analysis:
Students read and respond to
a wide variety of significant works of children’s literature. They distinguish between the structural
features of text and the literary terms or elements (i.e., theme, plot,
setting, and characters).
Adopted Programs:
Houghton Mifflin, Language
Language Arts: What We Teach (Grade 4)
WRITTEN LANGUAGE STANDARDS
Writing Strategies:
Students write clear/coherent
sentences and paragraphs that develop a central idea. Their writing considers
audience and purpose. They successfully
use the stages of the writing process (i.e., pre-writing, drafting, revising,
and editing successive versions).
Writing
Applications (Genres and Their Characteristics)
Students
write compositions that describe and explain familiar objects, events, and
experiences. Student writing
demonstrates a command of standard English and
drafting, research, and organizational strategies.
Oral
and Written Language Conventions
Students write and speak with a command
of standard English conventions.
ORAL LANGUAGE STANDARDS
Listening
and Speaking Strategies
Students listen and respond critically to oral communication. They speak in a manner that guides and
informs the listener’s understanding of key ideas, using appropriate phrasing,
pitch, and modulation.
Speaking
Applications (Genres and Their Characteristics)
Students deliver brief recitations and oral presentations about familiar experiences or
interests that are organized around a coherent thesis statement. Student speaking demonstrates a command of
standard English and organization and delivery strategies.
Adopted
Programs:
CSIN Science Program: Geology and Electricity/Magnetism
Volcanoes and Earthquakes
Environments
Elementary Science Laboratory Program
Concepts and Content:
Structure/function of body systems
Simple circuits
Magnetism and energy conversion
Electricity and light
Geological changes, erosive forces
Mountain ranges: California
Types of rocks; classification and testing
Adopted Programs:
Harcourt Brace, California
Rand McNally Map Program – California History
Rand McNally The Classroom Atlas Program
Concepts and Content:
Pre-Columbian California
Historical California: California Indians, Explorers, Missions, Ranchos, Mexican War for Independence,
Gold Rush, Statehood, and Westward Movement
California: Growth and Development
Modern California
Geography of California and United States
Hemispheres
Use of grid lines and directions
Climate
Earth movement
All children participate in daily physical education aimed at developing sportsmanship, coordination, agility, strength, stamina, enjoyment of physical activity and participation in team and individual sports. All upper grade children have the opportunity to take part in the Los Altos Junior Olympics each Spring. A P.E. specialist works with the children twice every week.
All children in grades four through six receive weekly vocal music, and music recorder instruction from a music teacher. Art, drama, and dance are integrated throughout the curriculum. Each site employs an art aide.
For children who qualify, the District offers programs for English as a Second Language, Gifted and Talented, Speech and Language Development, Special Education, Psychological Testing and Counseling, and Home Teaching.
*****************************
The Los Altos School District Course of Study describes a large portion of the basic curriculum which is presented at each grade level to all children.
Although there is no assurance that each child will master every area, a major effort will be made to ensure maximum understanding and mastery. Some children will master the concepts quickly and will be encouraged to move ahead to the next grade level's material.