Grade 4 Overview for 2009-2010 The document provides an overview of the Grade 4 curriculum for the 2009-2010 school year at a Primary Years Program school. It includes summaries of the 6 units of inquiry, mathematics curriculum focusing on basic skills and concepts, language arts covering reading, writing, spelling, listening and speaking. It also outlines important dates including field trips, homework expectations, methods of communication, and other school policies. The goal is to welcome students and families to Grade 4 and give them a comprehensive overview of what to expect for the coming year.

1. Welcome to Grade 4!
Grade 4 Team:
Jennifer Cox
Dan Allen
Jenifer Simpson
Jan Vinclair

2. Units of Inquiry
Mathematics Homework
Language Parent Participation
Field Trips Communication
Production Other School Policies
PYP Essentials
Grade 4
Overview for 2009-2010

3. Primary Years Program
Units of Inquiry
I. Sharing the Planet
Learn, Care, Challenge, Lead
II. How the World Works
Weather
II. Who We Are
Body Systems
III. How We Express Ourselves
The Expressionists
IV. How we Organize Ourselves
The Marketplace
V. Where We are in Place and Time
Adventures Through Time

4. Learn, Care, Challenge, Lead
Central Idea: Maintaining a community where all
members feel valued, safe and respected is the
responsibility of all in that community.

5. Everyday Mathematics
Skill and Concept Areas:
 Basic facts
 Operations
 Calculator
 Numeration
 Geometry
 Data
 Algebra
 Reference Frames
 Mental Math
 Strategy
We will focus assessments on the
secure skills outlined in Everyday
Mathematics.

6. Math Units:
 Naming and Constructing Geometric Figures
 Using Numbers and Organizing Data
 Multiplication and Division; Number Sentences and Algebra
 Decimals and Their Uses
 Big Numbers, Estimation, and Computation
 Division; Map Reference Frames; Measures of Angles
 Fractions and Their Uses; Chance and Probability
 Perimeter and Area
 Percents
 Reflections and Symmetry
 3-D Shapes, Weights, Volume and Capacity
 Rates

7. Language
In Grade 4, Language consists of reading, writing, spelling,
listening and speaking.
Reading:
 fiction, non-fiction and poetry
 literature circles and small group instruction
 research skills, reading for information and comprehension
Writing:
 variety of purposes, including writing to entertain, recount, explain, persuade,
inquire and instruct.
 writing process: planning, drafting, conferring and publishing
Spelling:
 Explicitly taught each week. Base words, affixes, etymology, common letter
strings, etc.
 The English spelling system is highly ordered, coherent and consistent
 Includes word study and vocabulary development
Speaking and Listening:
 listening to others, presenting information verbally

8. Home Learning
We believe that when extending learning at home, children
should be engaged and stretched to think creatively. More than just
“doing work,” students should be involved in investigating, inquiring
and gathering information in a variety of ways. This year, Grade 4
will introduce learning logs as a means of extending learning at home.
Learning logs may be in the form of a journal, a response on a class
blog, or another format your child chooses to express his or her
learning.
Learning logs will be handed out on Mondays and returned to
school by Wednesday of the following week. Students will be given a
menu of tasks designed to get them thinking and to show their
thoughts in varied formats. The main components of the learning logs
include the following:
 Math: connected to math units of study and designed to include investigations,
memorization of basic facts and/or projects.
 Unit of Inquiry: open-ended tasks, research or inquiry as connected to
classroom learning.
 Language: reading logs, responses to literature, blog comments or written
tasks and word investigations.
We encourage fourth graders to learn independently; however,
they may need occasional support from an adult in the beginning.
Focus on reflection and action. If home-learning becomes a battle,
let’s talk.

9. Day Trips: TBD
Overnight Trips
Anzere
21-25 September 2009
Ski Trip
Davos, 17-19 March 2010
Field Trips

10. Other Important Dates
Welcome back barbeque: 28 August at 3:45
Goal Setting Conferences: October 6th
Teacher Work Day (No school): October 19th and November 19th and 20th
October Break: October 10th – 19th
December Break: December 19th – January 10th
Winter Break: February 13th – 22nd
Grade 4 Production: TBD
Student-Led Conferences: March 4th As some dates may
change, please check ZIS
Spring Break: March 27th – April 11th
Links for current
Ascension : May 13th -14th
information.
Whit Monday: May 24 th
Last Day of Class: June 17th
Music Presentation Dates TBA
www.zis.ch

11. Communication
 E-mail
 Communication books
 Phone Tree- developed by room parents
 Conferences
 Reports
 Portfolios
 Blogs- http://blogs.zis.ch/grade4/
 Newsletters- beginning of each unit

12. Other School Policies
Absences
Snack and Lunch (healthy
snack only)
After School Care Program
Birthday parties

13. Thank you!