Fourth Grade

CURRICULUM

“What makes a great book?” is the essential question we ask students as they uncover the many different genres of literature in the Fourth Grade reading curriculum. Students read new literature as well as timeless classics as avenues to answer this essential question. Fourth Grade students are able to use their self-confidence to hone their presentation skills in projects that require both writing and speaking about the literature they are reading.

Fourth Graders study the State of Missouri in the Social Studies curriculum that asks questions like, “Are modern civilizations here now more civilized than ancient ones?” and, “Is bartering still a valuable way to obtain goods?” During the process of learning about these cultures and historical periods, as well as modern-day government, students create their own unique classroom city. Making decisions involved in creating a city enables them to discover how specific decisions by government and businesses affect everyone in the community.

The Mathematics curriculum used in Fourth Grade further stimulates problem solving and increases mental math ability. Different algorithms are used to solve multi-digit addition, subtraction, multiplication and division. Geometry is introduced and elementary algebraic concepts are presented on a regular basis using a variety of hands-on activities.

Being a part of the upper school allows Fourth Graders to take on a more advanced leadership role. Students guide their younger buddies in classroom activities and lessons.

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MONTHLY UPDATES

Wow!!!

Is the school year over already?!?  It was such an action-packed last month, it was hard to keep track of everything going on!

At the end of April, the Fourth Grade class made their annual trip to Jefferson City so that we could tour the Capitol building and learn more about Missouri government.  Up next was our Project culmination.  The students all created their own businesses to expand Plymouth City, a fictional town started up by last year's group.  They had great setups and tons of information to provide to the many guests that stopped by.  After that, it was off to Onondaga State Park for our class camping trip.  Fourth Graders had an amazing time camping, getting to set up their own tents and help prepare all the meals.  They were undeterred by rain, and had an amazing time exploring the vast cave system underground!  Finally, we finished off the book "My Side of the Mountain," by Jean Craighead George.  The protagonist, Sam Gribley, lives off the land of the Catskill Mountains in New York, which includes finding a number of edible plants.  Fourth Grade was inspired to do the same, so we picked some plants from around school grounds, then washed them and put them in a salad and pancakes.  It was such a fun way to end the year!

Each of the students was engaging, curious, intelligent, and a joy to have in the classroom.  It's time for them to move on to Middle School, where they will continue to learn and grow. Their teacher will miss having them in the classroom, but it was a pleasure to be a part of their schooling experience.  

What a great year!  Have a wonderful summer, everyone!

Sincerely,
Mr. Rowe

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Updates Archive

Meet Matt Rowe,
Fourth Grade Teacher

We are excited to have Mr. Matt Rowe join our faculty as the new Fourth Grade teacher.  Matt, a native St. Louisan, is no stranger to independent schools as he is an alumnus of both College School and Thomas Jefferson School.  Matt graduated from Knox College in Galesburg, Illinois with a Bachelor of Science in Anthropology and Sociology.  He then obtained a Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary Education from the University of Missouri – St. Louis.  Matt just completed a year-long practicum in Fifth Grade at City Academy in St. Louis.  His love of history, science, math, technology and literature will prove to be a great foundation for our uniquely integrated academic instruction at Rohan Woods.

E-Mail Fourth Grade Teacher Matt Rowe
Distinctive Qualities and Leadership