The Fourth Grade language arts program emphasizes vocabulary development, literal and interpretive comprehension, summarizing, and study skills. Students further develop their ability to organize events sequentially, identify main ideas, and defend inferential analysis. Enrichment opportunities for reading include participation in Junior Great Books, a program which combines outstanding literature and shared inquiry discussions. Mrs. Avin, our librarian, runs these groups, with the goal of helping students become independent readers and thinkers who are able to discuss their ideas and learn from each other. The writing process focuses on persuasive writing and language activities, brainstorming, mapping and editing. Review and reinforcement of cursive writing is an important part of the fourth grade year.

The Judaic Studies curriculum for Grade Four continues to deepen and extend the students’ knowledge in Prayer (Tefilot), Bible (Chumash), Holidays (Chagim), and the weekly Torah portion (Parsha HaShavuah). Children engage a more advanced level of Torah commentary by building upon Rashi skills learned in third grade, and by developing the skills necessary to give Divrei Torah. The students get involved in an intensive unit on Shabbat. The unit culminates with a big Friday night family Shabbat dinner where the children lead Kabblat Shabbat services. Preparations for the big night include learning all of the Friday night prayers and songs, baking challah from scratch, writing a persuasive piece about an object on the Shabbat table, making Kiddush cups and candlesticks.

The entire structure of our Hebrew program is based on the notion that the best learning environment for children is one in which knowledge is acquired through a variety of activities, using each of the five senses. In addition to studying from textbooks, students use music, games and visual aids to learn the Hebrew language. Students develop their Hebrew and heritage literacy in a gradual and spiraled process. New ideas and concepts are built upon an expanding foundation of knowledge. By making the study of Hebrew relevant to the children's everyday lives, the program enables them to develop a true appreciation of their heritage.

The Fourth Grade focuses on various stories. Students learn to comprehend and write about the stories they read.

In a science lab filled with experiments and animals, the Lower School Science curriculum exposes students to the wonders and joys of science as it is found all around them. Materials are presented in a “hands-on” interactive format. Students are encouraged to become involved in activities and to ask questions. The scientific process is stressed as a way to solve practical problems, explore observations and curiosities.

Fourth Grade students investigate matter and its properties including physical and chemical changes, electricity, the Chesapeake Bay and visit the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center for a day long field trip to explore the Bay.

The goal of the Computer Technology program in the Lower School is to provide students with skills to design, create, communicate, and solve problems by using computer technology.  Coding skills are used to reinforce concepts in computational thinking, logical reasoning and sequencing skills, as well as language arts, math, and other curricular areas. Utilizing the computer lab and a class set of iPads, students gain confidence using desktop computers and tablets. They use a variety of applications to create a wide array of projects and build skills that enhance and strengthen the General and Judaic Studies curricula. Digital citizenship, including safeguarding privacy, proper care of hardware and software, cyberbullying, safe and effective searching, and respecting intellectual property are introduced in an age-appropriate manner.

Students develop self-confidence and gain an appreciation for the arts through a program that integrates art history and elements of design with practical, age-appropriate art projects exploring a wide range of techniques and materials.

Lively discussions based on artist exemplars and cultural imagery generate momentum and encourage unbridled creativity towards each project. Themes in this program often integrate with curricular topics in both General and Judaic studies. Students will experience the creative process through drawing, painting, collage, sculpture, ceramics and printmaking.

Throughout the Lower School years, students develop core skills in vocal music utilizing the concepts of rhythm, melody, harmony, form, expression, vocabulary and listening skills. By performing, creating and describing music, each student will learn to appreciate Jewish, and American music. Classes meet with a music specialist once per week and also meet weekly for a Kabbalat Shabbat sing-a-long. In addition, contemporary and traditional Jewish songs are taught, along with liturgy, Shabbat songs, and American songs. 

In early grades, students learn a growing repertoire of Jewish music in both Hebrew and English. The students prepare for such specific performance opportunities as the First Grade Siddur Ceremony, the Second Grade Chumash and Third Grade Midot Presentations. Additional highlights include performances by the Fourth Grade Choir, a Lower School Production, Synagogue performances, Grandparent’s Day Presentation and performances for community events.

The physical education program is an integral part of the development of the “total” child. It provides a wholesome experience that develops children physically, socially, mentally, and emotionally. Through participation in physical education, a student can learn confidence, discipline, honesty, enthusiasm, and a positive attitude. In the lower grades, the emphasis is placed on an active movement education program that includes activities that emphasize cardiovascular fitness. Ball skills and modified sport skills are gradually integrated into the program to prepare the students for more complex activities to be taught in future years. As skills are taught, the knowledge of proper technique is emphasized, thus stimulating intellectual development as well as physical endurance. A key element of each class is a high level of active participation by each student. Overall, the physical education curriculum works to develop children who are physically active, mentally alert, and socially well-adjusted.