MATHEMATICS
Students will be learning mathematics with direct
instruction, hands-on experiences, and step-by-step models
that build conceptual understanding. Practice will require
the use of problem solving skills and strategies. It is our
goal for each child to achieve success through a balance of
computational skills, conceptual understanding, and
problem solving.
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For more information, please visit the Lane 4th
grade website at:
http://schools.bibb.k12.ga.us/1642209111262
3983/site/default.asp
Wild About
Learning
2011-2012
Over the course of the year, your child will explore concepts
such as:
Place Value
Rounding
Algebraic Reasoning
Graphs and Data Analysis
Multiplication
Division
Order of Operations
Geometric Figures
Measurement
Fractions
Decimals
Supplies Needed in Math:
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One folder with prongs and pockets or spiral
notebook
Loose leaf paper
Helpful MATH Websites:
• Harcourt Math
www.eharcourtschool.com
 Houghton Mifflin
www.eduplace.com
• U.S. Dept. of ED.
www.ed.gov/pubs/parents/Math/index.html
• Bi-Lingual Math Ed.
http://www.aaamath.com/
• Math Education http://www.math.com/parents.html
• Online Math Games http://www.coolmath4kids.com/
Leighanne Etheridge, room 205
Laetheridge.lane@bibb.k12.ga.us
Math and Writing
Nicole Harrell, room 203
Nharrell.lane@bibb.k12.ga.us
Social Studies, Science, and Writing
Julie Ross, room 204
Jross.lane@bibb.k12.ga.us
Reading, English, Spelling, and Writing
READING/ELA
WRITING
4th grade reading is designed to help students develop
a lifelong love of reading. We will strive for each
student to be reading and comprehending text above
grade level before the end of the year.
Writing is a wonderful way to communicate and
express yourself, and fourth grade will begin the
journey into the world of written expression. Over
the course of this year, your child will continue to
explore the writing process while writing narratives,
nonfiction essays, persuasive essays and creating
responses to literature.
HOMEWORK: All students are expected to read a
MINIMUM of 30 minutes at home daily. Students will
be expected to track their reading and respond to their
reading assignments. Students should read “just right”
books that they can read successfully while still being
challenged by the material. We will be moving very
rapidly so it will be essential that your child READ!
READ! READ! Grammar & Spelling homework will be
assigned MOST nights.
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SUPPLIES for Reading:
One Folder with Prongs
At least 2 sharpened pencils
Accelerated Reader: All students are required to read
at least 6 AR books per grading period and take AR
tests on those six books. At least 2 of the 6 AR grades
should come from chapter books. The top six AR
grades per grading period are recorded as a reading
grade. AR books that are recorded as grades must be
on the child’s current grade level or higher. A failing
score can be replaced by a passing score just by
reading and taking another test.
In fourth grade, AR book grades are taken from three
sources. First, books that are on the current grade level
or above are graded. Second, stories from the Fourth
Grade Reading Series are graded. Third, your child will
be doing reading activities out of guided reading
books. Guided reading books are leveled depending on
difficulty and text features. Your child has been placed
in a guided reading level based on their current needs
and they will progress through the levels as they
achieve success in the previous level. Fourth grade
students who are working in level P or higher will have
their AR tests for those levels graded.
Encourage Your Child To:
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Write in a journal
Write letters or notes
Write emails
Create a list
Read a variety of books
Supplies Needed in Writing:
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One Folder with Prongs
SCIENCE
The science program in fourth grade encompasses
the water cycle, weather, light and sound, force and
motion, the solar system, and ecosystems. The
scientific method will be used often as students use
experimentation along with research, observation,
writing, and discussion. There are a variety of texts
and hands-on kits to cover each topic.
Helpful Websites:
• Ask a Scientist
http://www.madsci.org
• Inventive Kids
http://www.inventivekids.com/indexFlash.html
• NASA Science
http://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/
• Online Weather School
http://www.srh.noaa.gov/srh/jetstream/
• The Science Club
http://scienceclub.org/kidfun.html
• Simple Machines
http://www.mikids.com/Smachines.htm
Supplies Needed in Science:
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One Composition Notebook
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One Folder with Prongs
SOCIAL STUDIES
The world of social studies is intriguing! There are
several reoccurring themes in 4th grade social
studies. The reoccurring themes are beliefs and
ideas, conflict and change, distribution of power,
individuals, groups, and institutions, location,
movement and migration, and technological
innovations. Over the course of this year, your child
will repeatedly explore those themes during each
historical unit. The historical units are as follows:
 Native Americans
 European Explorers
 Colonial America
 The Revolutionary War
 A New Nation
 Westward Expansion
 The Civil War
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These historical units will be explored in conjunction
with geography, government, and economics
strands.
Study Tips for Social Studies
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Read class notes daily
Create vocabulary flashcards using index
cards
Study with a friend or parent
Read books about the current unit
Use the internet (with parents permission)
to discover more information on the unit
of study
Helpful Websites
Scott Foresman Building a Nation:
www.sfsocialstudies.com
GA DOE (Standards for all content areas):
http://www.doe.k12.ga.us
Smithsonian Institution:
http://www.si.edu/harcourt/socialstudies
Supplies Needed in Social Studies:
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One Folder with Prongs
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One Spiral Notebook (Optional)