Grade 4 Class

Developing reading comprehension skills is a key goal. With the abundant variety and volume of reading materials available today, reading skills that decipher the meanings of many different kinds of texts and passages are essential. Learning and applying strategies and techniques provide the means to enhance reading comprehension, whether for a school assignment or just for pleasure.

A wide range of literary genres, as well as other written forms such as advertising and interactive media, is involved. Students’ ideas in selecting texts or passages are included to elicit deeper interest in reading. Classroom interaction and discussions help establish a firm basis for inquiry, thus enabling the students to probe into the meaning of what was read and assess its significance.

One of the most important acquired skills is the ability to write using clear, coherent and correct language. A good writing ability allows students to prosper in the later years of education, not to mention open up career choices. Fine writing skills are promoted by teaching how to write in a wide variety of styles, as well as across the curriculum.

All aspects of writing, from from note taking and outlining, to revising and producing a final copy are covered. In addition, a journal is kept to record experiences, thoughts and feelings on various topics. Good writing habits reinforce good writing skills. In turn, improved writing skills instill confidence in the ability to communicate.

One of the most important tools acquired in education is the ability to write well.

A genuine understanding of science is gained through direct experience and careful observation of phenomena. In conjunction with learning basic concepts of the life, earth, space and physical sciences, a wide range of observations and experiments are conducted to elucidate the scientific principles being studied.

When studying the seasons, students keep a record of sunrises and sunsets, and the position of the sun in the sky, over several weeks before and after an equinox. Another assignment involves students observing changes in plant and animal life of a particular habitat, during different times of the year. Inquiry is encouraged into why some plants and animals appear at certain stretches annually, while other plants and animals can be observed year round.

The essential insight of the discipline is recognition that human beings are social creatures who interact with each other, in particular places, at certain times. This simple truth lays the foundation for history, geography, sociology and other related fields. Focus is placed on developing an aptitude for critical thinking, as well as practical skills.

One of the projects involves studying family histories, which can be a valuable learning experience. History, geography and society are subjects directly related to the students’ own lives, thus demonstrating the relevancy of skills applied in these disciplines.

Conceiving and creating works that express the students’ own aesthetic temperaments is one of the most rewarding experiences. Although children may have only a moderate talent in the fine arts or performing arts, these subjects present an opportunity to develop a set of skills not utilized in reading, writing or arithmetic. Each year, the students actively engage in a number of dramatic presentations, musical recitals and fine arts exhibits.

Many find that expressing themselves aesthetically allows for communicating thoughts and feelings more freely than through words or numbers. Each child has ample opportunity to learn about art, drama and music, and find personal satisfaction in them.

As children’s bodies grow bigger and stronger, exercises and physical activities are required to challenge and enhance fine- and gross-motor skills. Appropriate exercise activities and sports are conducted, bearing in mind, at the same time, how children at the same age may develop at different paces. In addition to the physical benefits that sports and exercise provide, valuable experiences contributing to social and personal development are gained.

Computer technology and its myriad applications are indispensable. Instruction and computer time is provided that is relevant to the students’ educational level. A trans-disciplinary approach to learning helps reinforce verbal, visual and numerical skills as computer competency is honed.