Fourth Grade

Welcome to 4th Grade!

Ms. Purdy                         Mrs. Reynolds            Ms. Turner

We welcome you to a wonderful world of learning and building leaders for the future.

4th Grade Math Curriculum

The 4th grade math curriculum at McIntyre Elementary School is based upon the The University of Chicago's Everyday Mathematics program.

The basis for instruction in this program differs from other methods in its "spiraling" approach to developing students' math skills and ability. As opposed to a "linear" method, where students are drilled on individual concepts and skills, Everyday Mathematics exposes students to a consistent variety of concepts and applications that are reinforced and developed throughout the course of the year.

Everyday Mathematics also stresses a need for the development of students' math skills in real-world applications; practice and support at home are CRITICAL components of a child's success in this program. The Homelinks and Family Letters that your child brings home will very clearly state the methods and intentions of what is being taught at school. The Family Letters, which are sent home at the beginning of each unit, contain a wealth of introductory information for parents about the content of each upcoming unit. The Family Letter also contains an answer key for all the Homelinks (homework) that are assigned in the unit.

It is important to note that much of what our students are exposed to may be conceptually unfamiliar to them (and parents). Everyday Mathematics takes into account the fact that all students learn at different levels. Students are not expected to exhibit mastery of all the concepts they are exposed to in the classroom. Check with your child's classroom teacher for specific grade-level expectations.

Classroom instruction will emphasize:

• A problem-solving approach based on everyday situations that develops critical thinking.

• Frequent practice of basic skills through ongoing program routines and mathematical games.

• An instructional approach that revisits topics regularly to ensure full concept development.

• Activities that explore a wide variety of mathematical content and offer opportunities for students to apply their basic fact skills to geometry, measurement, and algebra.