The Galaxies

4th Grade

Language Arts

Spelling

The spelling program in 4th & 5th grades will continue to foster the understanding of spelling patterns. Students will learn to recognize the categories of regular, rule-based, and irregular spellings. Spelling strategies and major spelling patterns are taught through mini-lessons. An individualized list of words is introduced weekly and reinforced through writing activities.

Grammar/Usage/Mechanics

4th & 5th grade students continue to develop and demonstrate command of grammar and usage in written and spoken form. Particular emphasis is given to:

Using verb tense to convey various conditions
Understanding when and where to use conjunctions, prepositions, and interjections
Using commas appropriately
Punctuating items in a series

Sentence diagramming is introduced to reinforce student understanding of sentence structure and parts of speech.

Textbook: Exercises in English

Workbooks – Loyola Press

Vocabulary

In addition to content area vocabulary, students receive isolated vocabulary instruction comprised of classical roots study and analogies. In classical roots study, students acquire and use grade-appropriate language through the study of Greek and Latin roots words and affixes, which account for approximately 60% of the English language. In the study of analogies, students use reasoning skills to determine the meaning of new words based on words they already know and the relationship expressed in the analogy.

Textbooks: Vocabulary from Classical Roots & Ridgewood Analogies

Reading Comprehension

Students develop and demonstrate comprehension skills for targeted nonfiction readings by applying before, during, and after-reading strategies. With guided practice, students gain independence accessing information from nonfiction texts and unlocking the meanings of new and unfamiliar content area vocabulary.

Textbook: Read for Real (Nonfiction Strategies for Reading Results) – Zaner-Bloser

Novel Study

Through close reading of grade-appropriate, content-linked literature, students learn to:

Identify prevalent themes in a story
Describe, in-depth, the plot, characters, settings, and events in a story drawing on specific elements of the text
Compare and contrast characters, settings, and events in a story
Build appreciation for various authors, genres, and topics
Reinforce content area learning
Develop and reinforce writing skills

Previous Novel Study titles include:

Bud, Not Buddy by Christopher Paul Curtis
Island of the Blue Dolphins by Scott O’Dell
The Mostly True Adventure of Homer P. Figg by Rodman Philbrick
The Hundred Dresses by Eleanor Estes

Writing

Students continue to build on their writing skills as they are provided guided instruction and exemplars that enable them to produce clear and cohesive writing in a variety of formats. With consideration of purpose and audience, students produce:

Opinion pieces on topics or texts supporting a point of view with specific reasons

Informative/explanatory texts that examine topics and convey ideas and information

Narratives, both real and imagined, using effective techniques, descriptive details, and clear event sequences

Examples include:

“How-to” Essay
Persuasive Essay
Personal Narrative
Character Analysis
Response to Literature
Descriptive Essay
Research Report
Response to Prompt
Fictional Narrative

Handwriting

Math

Through an enriching and rigorous math curriculum, students will develop a strong conceptual understanding of various topics in mathematics. Students in grades 2-5 will attain mastery in all five major content areas: number sense & operations, algebra, geometry, data analysis & probability, and measurement. At the core of each unit are key concepts and open-ended problems that align with the New Jersey Student Learning Standards.

The essence of all math learning is problem solving. At Sundance, students are taught the skills needed in order to be effective problem solvers. Manipulatives are used throughout each unit of study to help students gain a deeper understanding of concepts, and discussions of mathematical ideas are practiced daily.

Students are challenged every day to become more confident learners and more willing risk-takers.

Numeration

Adding and Subtracting Whole Numbers

Multiplication Meanings & Facts

Division Meanings & Facts

Multiplying by 1-Digit Numbers

Patterns & Expressions

Multiplying by 2-Digit Numbers

Dividing by 1-Digit Divisors

Geometry

Understanding Fractions

Adding & Subtracting Fractions

Understanding Decimals

Operations with Decimals

Area & Perimeter

Solids

Measurement, Time, and Temperature

Data & Graphs

Equations

Transformations, Congruence, & Symmetry

Probability

Science/STEAM

The 4th graders learn to identify and classify living and nonliving things, including different types of animals and plants in their Life Science unit. They explore life cycles, basic adaptations, and plant parts and functions. Human body systems are also introduced. Active observation of seeds and growing plants, and exploring the wilderness area outside the school the school building enhance the experience.

In Earth and Space Science, the 4th grade students examine Earth's surface changes caused by weathering, erosion, water, and vegetation. They explore basic features of the solar system and the movement of celestial bodies.

Our Physical Science unit of study in matter and energy, including properties like mass and forms of energy such as sound, light, heat, and magnetism/electricity is particularly exciting. The students explore motion, speed, and how energy transfers during collisions. Wave properties, light reflection, and how we see are also key concepts.

Scientific practices such as modeling, investigation, data analysis, and problem-solving are emphasized throughout all topics.

Social Studies

The Galaxies program is guided by K-4 Common Core standards.

Topics of study include:

Civics, Government, and Human Rights
Geography, People, and the Environment
Economics, Innovation, and Technology
History, Culture, and Perspective

The focus of instruction is on developing an understanding of core democratic values, the rights and responsibilities of American citizens, and how key people and events contributed to the development of the American heritage. Exploration of cultural universals enables students to realize how the availability of resources, the changing environment, and innovation impact everyday life. Building on this foundational content, students will begin a more in-depth study of U.S. History, World History, and Global Studies that will continue through grade 8.

Art

The Visual Arts program at Sundance is designed to provide a comprehensive arts experience that enriches the overall curriculum. Students are exposed to a wide variety of two-dimensional, three-dimensional and digital media projects. Students are also introduced to a multitude of artists from varying time periods and cultures with the “Artist of the Month” series. Many of the artists and art projects are intertwined with Sundance’s yearly themes in order to augment the thematic learning experience. Rounding out the arts program in the upper grades is a focus on aesthetic examination that encourages students to understand, discuss and analyze a variety of art forms. Using the New Jersey Core Curriculum Content Standards as a guideline, the Visual Arts program helps students to explore their creativity and develop their abilities to understand, produce and appreciate art.

The Creative Process

Students will identify the elements (line, value, shape, form, space,
color and texture) and principles of design (unity, emphasis, balance, propor- tion, contrast, movement, rhythm, variety, harmony) that are evident in eve- ryday life.
Students will compare and contrast works of art in various mediums that use the same art elements and principles of design.

History of the Arts and Culture

Students will be introduced to a new artist each month representing a variety of time periods, cultures and styles.
Students will recognize works of dance, music, theatre, and visual art as a re- flection of societal values and beliefs.
Students will relate common artistic elements that define distinctive genres of art.
Students will determine the impact of significant contributions of individual artists from diverse cultures throughout history.

Art Creation

Students will work individually and collaboratively to create two- and three- dimensional works of art that make cohesive visual statements and that em- ploy the elements of art and principles of design.
Students will identify common and distinctive characteristics of artworks from diverse cultural and historical eras of visual art using age-appropriate stylistic terminology experiment with various compositional approaches in- fluenced by these styles.
Students will differentiate drawing, painting, ceramics, sculpture, printmak- ing, textiles, and computer imaging by the physical properties of the resulting artworks, and experiment with various art media to create original works of art.
Students will collaborate in the creation of works of art using multiple art media and present the completed works in exhibition areas.

Aesthetics

Students will make informed aesthetic responses to artworks based on struc- tural arrangement and personal, cultural, and historical points of view.
Students will demonstrate how art communicates ideas about personal and social values and is inspired by an individual’s imagination and frame of ref- erence.
Students will assess the application of the elements of art and principles of

Theatre Workshop

The Primary and Upper School Theatre Workshop at Sundance provides our students with an opportunity to develop skills necessary for success in the 21st century. We appreciate the parental support and enthusiasm for the Theatre Workshop model and show time experience that is a vital component of a Sundance education.

Our theatre program offers instruction that integrates several aspects of the art form: creative, drama, improvisation, acting, script writing, readers theatre, theatre history, directing, designing, researching, comparing art forms, analyzing and critiquing and understanding contexts. Classes are formatted to encourage teamwork, risk taking and full participation while providing fun and challenging opportunities for students to explore basic acting skills and the technical elements of theatre. Performance opportunities include a literature based stage production in the fall, a theme-based spring production (students help script, plan, produce and perform) and two variety shows where acts themselves are student generated. Students also function as stage crew and technical support.

Click here for more information about The Sundance Theatre Program

Physical Education

The Physical Education program is designed for the purpose of enhancing psychomotor, cognitive, and physical development through physical body movement. Physical Education offers opportunities to develop independence, goal -setting, leadership, teamwork and sportsmanship.

Skill Development
Activities

Skill Development

Developing the fundamental concepts related to effective execution of actions provides the foundation for games, sports, dance and recreational activities.
Developing body control when moving in relation to others, objects and boundaries in personal and general space.
Understand movement error in response to feedback and explain how the change improves performance.

Activities

Spanish

Objectives:

To develop spontaneous responses to different situations in complete Spanish sentences
To improve the communication skill
To be actively involved and willing to participate in class
To speak, interact and sing only in Spanish
To expand knowledge of vocabulary and new phrases
To get proficient in writing and reading skills
To learn more about cultures and traditions in Spanish speaking countries

Spanish curriculum overview