Language Arts
Fourth grade Language Arts encompasses grammar, writing, spelling, and basal reader instruction. Students explore various themes (i.e. Risks and Consequences, Our Changing America) through short stories as well as novels. They incorporate grammar concepts into weekly spelling units and corresponding creative writing pieces (i.e. expository essays and personal narratives). Language instruction builds standard usage to help students become effective communicators and build their creativity, confidence, and fluency in real-life, cross-curricular writings.
Math
Fourth grade mathematics is a comprehensive program that enables students to experience mathematical processes as part of everyday life. The following concepts are emphasized: numbers and numeration; operations and computation; data and chance; measurement and reference frames; geometry; patterns, functions, and algebra.
Science
In fourth grade science we begin our focus at Rocks and Minerals. We also cover the solar system as well as electricity and magnetism. We finish of the year exploring light, color, and sound. All of these topics are explored with hands on approaches and are connected with the students’ everyday life.
Social Studies
Fourth grade social studies focuses on Virginia state history and the state's role in events through the end of the American Revolution.
Spanish
Exploratory Spanish for fourth grade exposes students to the communicative language and the variation of Spanish customs in Spain and Latin American countries. Students learn the commonly asked questions and responses in Spanish while performing daily tasks. Students practice communication in Spanish while maintaining a conversation about sports, likes and dislikes, having breakfast, lunch and dinner. Students learn to differentiate lexical variation during a conversation. Students are capable of using the correct form of Spanish adjectives, nouns and verbs. Students experience the assimilations and differences of Spanish culture versus their own culture.
Music
The student is given a foundation for basic music literacy and appreciation. Students experience music sequentially through singing, moving, playing, listening and creating. Music concepts explored in fourth grade include rhythm, melody, harmony, tone color, form and expression. Exposure to a range of music opens us up to how we perceive and perform music.
Art
Fourth grade students will enhance their knowledge of the elements of art. They have built a base from kindergarten through third grade. Fourth graders will do more detailed and sophisticated projects using this base as a launching point for their works of art. Students will be introduced to different artists and artistic styles that will provide them with inspiration for their works of art.
Computer
Students use up-to-date technology in all aspects of the academic program at all grade levels. Computers are used to reinforce and enrich skills in math, geography, science and language arts. Problem solving and logical thought skills are reinforced through the use of appropriate software. Word processing, graphic and desktop publishing programs are used to design and publish documents. Projects call for databases to organize information.
Library
At Norfolk Collegiate School all students visit the library weekly for selection of books for course work and independent reading. They learn library organization, proper care of books, and age-appropriate library skills. In fourth grade students learn about the Dewey Decimal System, how to use atlases to find information and they follow all the steps to complete a mini-research paper that goes in their history scrapbook. They formulate an outline; find materials both print and electronic, complete note cards, a rough draft and a final copy.
Physical Education
The students will demonstrate an understanding of movement that fosters cooperation and sportsmanship. The students will be encouraged to give their best effort at all times.