Fourth Grade

English Language Arts (ELA) and Reading

Fourth graders engage with complex literature and informational texts, focusing on critical thinking, themes analysis, and synthesizing information.

• Analyzing texts: Students learn to determine the theme of a story, play, or poem, and to summarize texts objectively.
• Evidence-based writing: Writing assignments increase in complexity and depth. Students draw evidence from literary and informational texts to support their analysis, reflection, and research in multi-paragraph essays.
• Vocabulary acquisition: There is a strong emphasis on learning academic and domain-specific vocabulary, using context clues, and understanding figurative language like similes and metaphors.

Mathematics

Fourth grade math expands on established skills, introducing multi-digit arithmetic and complex fraction operations.

• Multi-digit arithmetic: Students learn standard algorithms for adding and subtracting large numbers, and develop strategies for multiplying and dividing multi-digit numbers.
• Fraction operations: Students learn to add and subtract fractions with common denominators, and multiply fractions by whole numbers.
• Geometry and decimals: We introduce decimals (tenths and hundredths) and their relationship to fractions. In geometry, students use protractors to identify, draw, and measure lines and angles.

Social Studies

The New York State fourth grade social studies framework introduces students to the history of New York State, as well as the history of their local community.

• Early peoples and exploration: Students study the Native American groups of New York, early European exploration, and the impact of colonial settlement.
• State history: Lessons focus on New York’s pivotal role in the American Revolution, the development of the state constitution, and the state’s growth through industrialization and immigration.
• State government: Students develop their knowledge of the structure and function of the New York State government, including the three branches and the rights and responsibilities of citizenship.

Science

The New York State Grade 4 Science Learning Standards (NYSSLS) focus on inquiry-based learning, requiring students to investigate energy transfer, physical adaptations of organisms,  and Earth’s systems. Key areas include how internal/external structures support life, food chains, rock layers, and solutions to natural hazards. Units include:

• Making a Compass: Students build their own compasses to demonstrate how the Earth’s magnetic field works, what kinetic energy is, and how it is transferred to other forms of energy.
• Capturing the Elusive: This unit investigates how camouflage is an adaptation that organisms use for survival. Students become wildlife photographers, and design their own camouflage to use on their adventure.
• Mystery of Minerals: This unit investigates the different properties of rocks and minerals.

Hebrew Language Arts

Students strengthen their ability to read, write, and speak Hebrew with increasing fluency and confidence. Through a mix of Judaic and general-interest texts, they expand their vocabulary and refine their use of language in more complex contexts.

Instruction integrates language development with themes of collaboration, self-awareness, and respect for others. As students engage in group work and written expression, they build both communication skills and the ability to use Hebrew as a tool for learning and connection.

Judaic Studies

Fourth grade learning reflects a deeper engagement with text and values. In Chumash, students continue their study of Sefer Bereishit, focusing on the later narratives of Yaakov and the story of Yosef. Through close reading and discussion, they strengthen their ability to interpret text and consider multiple perspectives.

Tefillah continues to be an active and meaningful part of the day. Students participate in daily minyan and build greater familiarity with the structure and language of the siddur. The study of holidays expands to include broader themes such as teshuvah, freedom, decision-making, and the continuity of Jewish history. Students explore how these ideas connect to both Jewish tradition and the world around them, including integrated learning experiences such as writing and creative projects.

Students deepen their connection to Israel through focused study of Yom Ha’Atzmaut and Yom Yerushalayim, exploring the history and significance of Jerusalem and its place in Jewish life.