Fourth Grade

Language Arts

In the fourth grade at Browne Academy language arts is integrated with all other subjects. Components utilized in language arts include trade books from all disciplines; textbooks in reading, Virginia history and science; large classroom libraries; a variety of resource and research materials accessed online; and, the school Library. The language arts program is comprised of four subsets at this grade level: English (grammar and writing), reading (vocabulary, comprehension, and language skills), spelling (spelling words and dictionary skills), and handwriting (cursive). The main objectives of the language arts program for fourth grade are: to develop competent writing skills through understanding and correctly applying the rules of grammar and spelling; to exhibit comprehension of reading material through summarizing; to explore and appreciate literature from various genres; to ably express ideas orally; to legibly write in both cursive and print; and, to locate and process information from textbooks. Daily activities include silent reading, group and individual instruction, literature discussions and writing. Students often participate in reading teacher-chosen class novels upon which class-wide and small group activities are based. These activities integrate the whole curriculum and help build an appreciation for different types of literature. In addition to the language arts instructional time spent in the classroom, the students have a weekly scheduled library visit and may utilize the Library on other occasions, as necessary.

Math

The fourth grade math program at Browne Academy is integrated with all other subject areas to the greatest extent possible. The objectives of the fourth grade math program include: mastering all basic math facts in addition, subtraction, multiplication and division; understanding the value of money; computing partial products in multiplication; solving long division problems with two-digit divisors; adding, subtracting and multiplying fractions; forming equivalent fractions; finding the perimeter, area and volume of figures, regions and solids; identifying plane and solid geometric figures; determining congruent figures and lines of symmetry; adding and subtracting decimals; and, problem solving. In addition to learning new concepts, students maintain skills through weekly practice activities. Frequently students work individually or in pairs to explore math concepts and solve real-life problems. Students work with textbooks, manipulatives, computer math games, word problems and participate in daily drills.

Science

Science is part of the integrated, interdisciplinary program at Browne Academy. In science class the students are exposed to increasingly complex aspects of the life, earth and physical sciences. They both design and carry out experiments. They make observations and inferences as well as measure, weigh and record data. They work as individuals and teams to bring their own creativity and ideas to bear on real situations. They use art, language arts and math skills during their experimentation while also learning the use of many different lab materials. Students research problems of interest and record their results in reports, evaluations, lab books, formal lab reports and research papers. Finally, they learn how science and society influence one another and the role of science in history.

Social Studies

In the fourth grade, students investigate and explore Virginia history. The social studies program helps students to strengthen their reading, writing, critical thinking, and research skills. It allows students to learn about the formation of Virginia from the perspective of the men and women who have made significant contributions to life in Virginia. Throughout the year, students travel through time to learn about the social, political, economic, and cultural forces that have shaped Virginia's rich past. In addition to studying the social studies textbook, The Virginia Adventure, there are many other facets to the program. Students take numerous field trips to various historical sites including Gunston Hall in Mason Neck, Virginia for Colonial Days and the Manassas National Battlefield to learn more about the Civil War. They also attend theatrical presentations including Freedom Train, the story of Harriet Tubman's life. In addition, students complete individual and group projects to learn more about the various regions of Virginia, and share written and oral reports about famous events and people in Virginia history. Daily activities include reading, using maps, researching and writing reports, discussing historical events, and working on projects.

Technology

Fourth grade Technology classes specifically address how a computer works. Fourth graders focus on software. Students attend class twice a week in the Computer Lab. The objectives of the fourth grade Technology program are to:

• Develop a technical vocabulary about PC hardware and software
• Understand computer history, as well as where technology is heading
• Enhance keyboarding skills by mastering the ‘reaches' with Type to Learn 3 for Networks while concentrating on proper hand placement and accuracy
• Process, store, and retrieve documents from the Browne network and the Internet
• Create one to two-page documents in Microsoft Word using data organization tools, like tables and bulleted lists
• Create various presentations in Excel, PowerPoint and HyperStudio

French and Spanish

In fourth grade, students take French for the second semester and Spanish for the first semester. The goal of the Spanish curriculum in the fourth grade is for students to continue to be exposed to the joys of learning Spanish. The program introduces basic Spanish vocabulary and cultural aspects through the following means: songs, games, hands-on activities, visual imagery, story telling, and various other oral exercises. During the year, listening and speaking skills are continually reinforced, while reading and writing begin to factor into the curriculum. Students work individually and in groups to practice the different language skills. In the fourth grade the previous year's topics are reinforced and students explore additional themes such as family, professions, house, food, clothing and weather.

During the second semester, the fourth grade has French class twice a week and each lesson lasts forty minutes. Fourth graders continue to work on their comprehension, speaking and writing skills, with the help of a French native speaker. The objectives of French at this level are to master the basic vocabulary necessary to converse in beginning-level French, to encourage a positive response toward different languages and cultures, to increase awareness and respect for cultural diversity, and to have students gain an understanding of world geography and its effects. They continue to explore French history, art, music, dance, food and currency. A variety of materials are used to supplement the text such as flashcards, French scholastic magazines and books, videos and educational songs. Major issues in the Francophone world are addressed by sharing newspaper and magazine articles. French is spoken frequently, but English is used to explain difficult concepts. There are French quizzes beginning in fourth grade and there is a small amount of homework given.

By the end of fourth grade, the children are armed with the four language skills: listening, speaking, reading, and writing, which will prepare them to commence their journey into Middle School. By the end of fourth grade, the children have an important decision to make: choosing the one language they will study and maintain for the next four years.

Art

The art program for fourth grade focuses on generating ideas for works of art through discussion of the past and present. The art elements and principles of design will be examined to emphasize perspective, aspects of color that will include intermediate colors, tint, shade and intensity, explore contour lines that define the outer edges of objects, experiment with value and shading techniques, use pattern in a work of art to add variety, repetition and unity, and focus on two-dimensional and three-dimensional forms. Students have the opportunity to create a contour drawing, produce a painting using intermediate colors, create a textured surface and use it to make a relief print, construct a clay object using the coil method, build a sculpture and create a landscape and still life from direct observation.

Music

The overall goal of Browne Academy's music program is appreciation and understanding of music through active participation. Browne's interdisciplinary and integrated music curriculum is designed to deepen the knowledge and appreciation of music through singing, ear training, music theory, music history and the playing of instruments. Students in the fourth grade continue to study note reading in the Treble Staff and recorder playing. They are also introduced to the Bass Staff so they are prepared for Middle School activities such as Band, Handbells and Concert Choir, which become available to them in fifth grade. Membership in the Lower School Chorus is also available to fourth graders. The Lower School Chorus performs for community functions and school assemblies.

Physical Education:

The Browne Academy physical education curriculum is committed to providing students with a comprehensive, challenging and enjoyable program that will be the foundation of an active, healthy and productive lifestyle. All students are appropriately challenged regardless of their physical and athletic abilities. Good sportsmanship is discussed across all grades and is an expectation of every student.

The physical education curriculum focuses on the continuation of skill development in fourth grade. Refinement of these techniques is crucial to ensure proper form. The intricacies of team sports continue to develop as the students play a variety of challenging games and activities. These fun and intense competitions are an initial introduction to the competitive interscholastic sports that start in fifth grade. The importance of teamwork and the expectation of good sportsmanship continue to be emphasized. Physical fitness challenges continue and the students are encouraged to perform at their highest level.

Field Trips

Fourth grade students have several opportunities over the course of the year to expand upon classroom lessons and learning outdoors on campus with trips off campus to destinations such as the National Building Museum to learn more about physical science; Great Falls Park for a study of geology and the makeup of our earth; the Theodore Roosevelt Memorial Park to learn about and observe plants and animals in their habitats; Manassas Battlefield Park to tour a Civil War landmark; and, Lisner Auditorium to see a performance of Freedom Train