grade 4
At Tesseract School, fourth grade is a year in which students develop a strong sense of ownership over their learning as they engage in a variety of independent and group projects.
Our student-centered approach and integrated thematic curriculum stimulates young students and easily captures their interest and curiosity by linking curriculum-based concepts and skills to daily life experiences.
Students start their day as a group, greeting one another and sharing news and class projects in Morning Meeting. This experience brings the lower school together as a community and teaches students to be good listeners and confident public speakers.
In fourth grade, a strong focus is placed on organizational skills. Using a supervised daily planner to record assignments, students are taught an understanding of time management and the importance of diligent study habits. Tesseract fourth-graders hone their research, technology and presentation skills as emphasized in each thematic unit. Writing poetry, exploring the Caldecott Medal-winning novel, “The Invention of Hugo Cabret,” studying reptiles with the Phoenix Herpetological Society, creating their own unique inventions and building molecule models are some of the highlights students of the fourth-grade experience.
Solid typing skills as well as a proficiency in using word processing and presentation software are fostered through the consistent use of laptop computers; writing and editing skills are further enhanced utilizing the Six Traits of Writing. Spanish, visual and performing arts, library, technology and physical education are integrated into the fourth-grade curriculum in addition to hands-on activities, field trips and service- learning projects, continuing the development of students’ abstract, creative and critical thinking skills while further enriching their educational experience.
As important as our academic curriculum is our social curriculum, Responsive Classroom®. Knowing each student individually, culturally and developmentally, and recognizing and celebrating each other’s similarities and differences, we create a culture of respect and reflective social interaction with students, educators and the rest of the community. The Responsive Classroom approach continues to support students in fourth grade with a focus on personal responsibility, self-esteem, friendship and respect. Tesseract fourth-graders blossom into responsible, independent learners ready for the upcoming challenges of middle school and beyond.
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