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4th & 5th Grade Courses

We introduce 4th and 5th grade students to the building blocks for success in school—reading, writing, and mathematics. We weave in science, social studies, technology, art, and physical fitness to provide a well-rounded core curriculum.

To encourage further exploration, we ofer exciting electives and clubs. Students can take world language courses, learn basic music concepts, conduct home experiments, and much more.

We supply students with the finest instructional resources, including virtual tools, art kits, workbooks, and more. Our teachers bring it all together. They’re experts at motivating students online and personalizing lessons.

Course Requirements

4th & 5th Grade FVA Students are required to take:

• Language Arts
• Math
• Science
• Social Studies
• Physical Education (1 semester)
• Ed Tech & Online Learning 4 & 5 (1 semester)
• Music (1 semester)
• Art (1 semester)
• 1 Elective (optional)

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4th Grade Core Courses

Language Arts 4 Students explore topics and apply reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills outlined in national and state standards. They learn to understand vocabulary and read more independently. Basic writing skills are reinforced as students write longer, well-organized narrative, informational, and opinion compositions. Spelling, handwriting, and proper language usage are emphasized. Daily spelling activities help students learn to spell and use words correctly.

Math 4 Students explore topics and apply math skills outlined in national and state standards. Mastery of basic skills helps students multiply two-digit numbers and divide three-digit numbers by one-digit divisors. Measurement covers both customary and metric units. Students also study geometry concepts including lines, angles, polygons, perimeter, area, and congruence. Fourth grade math also covers equations, statistics using data and graphing techniques, and probability concepts. Throughout the course, students practice problem-solving strategies and explain mathematical reasoning.

Science 4 Students in this course use the scientific method to perform hands-on and virtual explorations. In the area of life science, they explore the differences and similarities among organisms. In Earth science, students investigate the differences between rocks and minerals and explore forces and forms of energy. Students are also introduced to the idea of a career in science.

Social Studies 4 A regional approach is used to examine the geography and history of the United States in this course. During their studies, students learn how to use different types of maps and apply geographic skills and concepts. The course emphasizes the role of the individual in the community and the concept of change over time.

5TH GRADE CORE COURSES

Language Arts 5 Students explore topics and apply reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills outlined in national and state standards. Writing instruction focuses on structure, format, and grammar. Students use effective planning tools such as graphic organizers and outlines to create narrative, informational, and opinion compositions.

Math 5 Students explore topics and apply math skills outlined in national and state standards. The order of operations is discussed, and students learn to solve and write equations and inequalities. Students advance in geometry as they classify two- and three-dimensional solids, calculate the surface area and volume of regular and irregular figures, explore graphing and probability, create circle graphs, and make predictions based on statistics. Throughout the course, students practice problem-solving strategies and explain their mathematical reasoning.

Science 5 Students continue to sharpen their investigative skills. In life science, students examine the living world; in physical science, they explore characteristics of matter, sound, and light. Students also learn about Earth’s composition and the forces that shape its surface. The scientific method is reinforced, and careers in science are discussed.

Social Studies 5 In this course, students trace the history of the United States from the earliest Americans to the 21st century. Students practice map skills as they chart the growth of the nation and develop their ability to compare, sequence properly, and interpret sources. Students also study how geography has affected culture and historic events.

Required Electives for Grades 4 & 5

Art In this course, students are introduced to works of art from several continents. As they become more familiar with art elements and the principles of design, they learn how these are applied in creating visual art in diverse cultures around the world. In addition, students use various media to create two- and three-dimensional projects.

Discovering Music I or II Juilliard eLearning Courses designed for students in grades 3–5, these courses teach students fundamental musicianship skills from a Western Classical approach while aligning to national music education standards. The courses challenge students to improve their listening, notation, analysis, performance, and improvisation skills. With audio, visual, and interactive technologies provided by both The Juilliard School and Connections Education, these courses provide a unique and advanced learning experience for students in these grades.

Physical Education By fourth grade, students have improved hand–eye coordination, and they understand rules and the importance of following them. This prepares them for more advanced instruction in both individual and partner activities. Students learn the importance of nutrition and exercise as they relate to health and physical fitness. They also have the option of participating in yoga or an individual or a team sport. By fifth grade, students understand the concepts of fair play and playing by the rules. Respecting themselves and others is emphasized during cooperative physical education activities. Students learn the importance of nutrition and exercise as they relate to health and physical fitness. They also have the option of participating in yoga or an individual or a team sport.

Additional Electives for Grades 4 & 5

Educational Technology & Online Learning 4 In this course, students use appropriate technology tools and resources to complete projects, manage information, and solve problems. Students use software to write, organize, analyze, and present information. Students become responsible users of technology as they learn about Internet safety, appropriate online behavior, and effective search and website evaluation strategies.

Educational Technology & Online Learning 5 In this course, students use appropriate technology tools and resources to complete projects, manage information, and solve problems. Students use software to write, organize, analyze, and present information. Students learn listening and organizational skills and set attainable learning goals. Students become responsible communicators and users of technology as they learn about intellectual property, Internet safety, and effective search and evaluation strategies.

WebQuest This interactive elective allows students to participate in a unique and individual WebQuest experience. The course is primarily based on students’ collecting, submitting, and tracking their own data. In addition, students are able to share online their collected information with other students.

Home Life In this course, students select from a number of activities that develop their skills through fun, experiential learning projects. Activities include cooking, crafts, sewing, home maintenance, family outings, and genealogy.

Languages

Chinese I & II Students learn Mandarin Chinese through conversations with a native speaker. Cultural explorations lead students to make connections between their culture and that of people in the Mandarin-speaking world. These introductory courses use many interactive components to engage students with the Chinese language and culture. The courses are offered for students in third, fourth, and fifth grade.

Sign Language This course introduces students to the fundamentals of American Sign Language through the use of vocabulary, grammar, and conversation as well as basic signing and finger-spelling techniques. Special activities and exercises help students understand the culture of the deaf and hard of hearing community.

Spanish I & II These highly interactive courses enable students to communicate with a native speaker and make connections between their culture and the culture of people in the Spanish-speaking world. Students further develop their Spanish communication skills as they study familiar topics such as school, clothes, and community. (These courses are offered for students in third, fourth, and fifth grade.)