Fourth Grade At a Glance Below are a few of the exciting experiences that await your fourth-grader in Langley’s Lower School: • Rotation of drama, art, and music classes culminating in interdisciplinary performances that build confidence and stage presence • STEAM immersion design-thinking workshop based on research from MIT and Stanford
The Langley School’s Arc of Development recognizes that the steepest part of a child’s development comes early, and that while every child’s path is unique, there are predictable cognitive, emotional, and social milestones. With this model, our students receive age-appropriate, inquiry-based instruction.
• All students learn an instrument in either band or strings, and take part in choral and instrumental performances during Lower School concerts • Writers’ celebrations that provide opportunities to share student writing • Continued curriculum-based field trips that lay the foundation for inquiry-based projects
Learning in Action “During an inquiry project on African artifacts, students take on the role of archeologists and examine photographs of African artifacts. With the aid of a dig site map, students use classroom resources to identify where these artifacts were found and use an online field journal to record observations, research, and questions.” -Grade 4 Teacher “Fourth-graders make their own interactive book with an original story as part of an integrated STEAM project that teaches them a variety of skills, including programming, creativity, and problemsolving. This is an interdisciplinary project that ties in with our language arts program.” -Grade 4 Teacher “Students explore how the physical geography of South America affects the people and animals who live there through an inquiry-based research project. Working in groups, they use a variety of resources to research a South American land or water formation, then create a diorama and written description of their physical feature.” -Grade 4 Teacher
Units of Study: These units of study are examples of how we build age-appropriate, interdisciplinary lessons. The goal is to challenge, expand thinking, and inspire students to act on their curiosity, ask good questions, and solve problems. Social Studies: Geography Essential Question: How do geography, climate, and natural resources impact how culture develops and the way people live and work? Skill/Activity: Compare and contrast current political, economic, and land use maps Science: Physics of Flight Essential Question: How can I apply Newton’s laws to my everyday life? Skill/Activity: Design and construct a rocket, launched by an air pump, to explore rocketry and the principles of space flight Math: Geometry Essential Question: How does what we measure influence how we measure? Skill/Activity: During a scavenger hunt, find the area of the floors or the bulletin boards Language Arts: Historical Fiction Reading/Writing Essential Question: What can we learn about culture and history through historical fiction? Skill/Activity: Read and discuss historical fiction novels to understand the essence of a culture and the subtleties of the human experience not captured through nonfiction
Sample Schedule 8:00-8:25 a.m….............Morning Meeting 8:25-9:25 a.m…..............................Reading 9:25-10:05 a.m…..................Snack/Recess 10:05-10:45 a.m…...............................Band 10:45-11:30 a.m…..........................…Library 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m…........Lunch/Recess 12:30-1:10 p.m…...................Social Studies 1:10-2:10 p.m…................................…Math 2:10-2:50 p.m…...............................Writing 2:50-3:10 p.m…................Closing Meeting 3:10 p.m….................................…Dismissal
What “Specials” Classes Will My Child Have? Music, Art, or Drama (3x/7-day cycle): elements/principles of design; color-mixing; movement/improvisation; appreciation for musical and artistic traditions; ensemble and teamwork on stage; physical and vocal exercise techniques; public speaking P.E. (3x/7-day cycle): lifetime fitness skills; team sports skills; introduction to strategic and tactical play; teamwork and cooperation Spanish (3x/7-day cycle): oral communication; reading and writing; cultural and cross-disciplinary connections related to South American weather/geography and Mexican music/folktales Band/Strings (2x/7-day cycle): music theory; note reading; instrumental play; performance Library (1x/7-day cycle): evaluation of information for research skill development; reading for pleasure and purpose
Since we believe educational programs should continually evolve to meet the needs of our students, all curricular lessons and schedules referenced here are examples and may change.