The curriculum series used for math is Houghton Mifflin.  Math class covers a variety of mathematical concepts including: computation, money, measurement, geometry, problem solving, graphing, probability, calculator skills, and fractions.  We use many different activities, games, and materials to try to increase each child’s interest.  Fluency in the basic facts is also important for students to continue to be successful in math.  We stress practice of the basic facts (+, -, x, /,) with weekly quizzes call Fishy Facts.  Students move to a different fish level each time they pass a quiz. 

The curriculum series used for reading is Scott Foresman. The goal of reading is to continue to build the student’s reading skills using various materials and comprehension methods, and to foster a love of reading by encouraging students to read and introducing them to different genres and authors.  We continue to build on skills learned in previous grades and expand them as reading comprehension is improved.  There are also several themes introduced throughout the school year including Japan and Cranes, Dog sledding, and Historical Fiction during the Prairie Days.

All fourth grade students are encouraged to read 15 minutes per night, including the weekends, for Reader’s Club.  This is an optional program, but we strongly encourage all the 4^th graders to compete, due to a friendly homeroom competition. 

Genre projects (book reports) are part of their reading grade.  There is additional information sent home about how these are done.  I will require approximately 2 per quarter.  Each of these is worth double the points.

The curriculum series used for social studies is Wisconsin: Our Story, Our State.  The focus of 4^th grade social studies is our great state of Wisconsin .  We concentrate on the areas of Wisconsin geography, history, people, and government.  Our text is The Wisconsin Journey; however, we will use many other resources including magazines, newspapers, literature, reference books, video, and computers to learn about our state.  Highlights of the year include Native American dioramas, Lumberjack Day, a Madison field trip, and various other Wisconsin projects.

The curriculum used for science is Scott Foresman.  Topics of study in fourth grade science include plants, animals, ecosystems, the solar system, weather, rocks and minerals, and electricity.  Some of the things we do to build understanding of the science disciplines are: explore light and color, connect electric circuits, experiment with growing conditions for plants, examine rocks and minerals, grow crystals, and research animals.  As part of our environmental focus fourth graders travel to Baraboo to visit the International Crane Foundation and “adopt” a crane for the year.  We are closely following the reintroduction of whooping cranes to Central Wisconsin .  Bird identification has come to be a favorite unit which coincides with the spring migration.

The curriculum used for English is 6+1 Writing Traits with a supporting text of Writer's Express.  Our English program targets building student skills in the areas of reading, writing, listening, speaking, and thinking.  The writing process is taught step by step, with students applying critical thinking skills to their work, and using listening, speaking, and grammar skills in a meaningful context.  The important elements of grammar and mechanical language skills are taught.  Themes and concepts from other content areas are incorporated into language arts lessons.  Students discuss and share their work, give oral presentations and frequently read in an “author’s chair.”  Students participate in MUG (mechanics, usage, grammar) to improve editing skills.  Vocabulary is built weekly through WOW (word of the week.)

The curriculum used is the Rebecca Sitton Spelling Program.  There are 5 "Core Words" each week and 15 review words.  The words appear again and again in order to master them.  Students are also expected to spell the "Priority Words" correctly 100% of the time in all of their writing.