Fourth Grade

English Language Arts

English Language Arts students will grow skills in listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Students in Fourth Grade will… 

● read and analyze a wide range of texts 

● refer to details and examples in a text when drawing inferences and explaining 

● explain details and themes, describe characters and settings, understand how events build over time, and narrators’ points of view 

● find main ideas and details, explain how ideas are connected, figure out word meanings, and interpret information from text and visuals 

● recognize cause/effect, problem/solution, and other structures in informational texts 

● compare themes, topics, and points of view in fiction and nonfiction books and articles 

● use context clues, prefixes/suffixes, and root words to learn and use new vocabulary 

● write and revise opinion essays, informational pieces, and detailed narratives 

● use correct verb tenses, quotation marks, and commas in complex sentences 

● participate in conversations, build on others’ ideas, ask questions, share thinking clearly 

● grow vocabulary and use more sophisticated words and phrases

Mathematics

KPS math students make sense of problems and persevere in solving them; reason abstractly and quantitatively; construct viable arguments and critique the reasoning of others; model with mathematics; use appropriate tools strategically; attend to precision; look for and make use of structure; and look for and express regularity in repeated reasoning. Students in Fourth Grade will…

● use whole-number arithmetic to solve word problems, including problems with remainders and problems with measurements 

● add and subtract whole numbers quickly and accurately (numbers up to 1 million) 

● multiply and divide multi-digit numbers in simple cases (1,638 × 7, 24 × 17, 6,966 ÷ 6) 

● measure angles and find unknown angles in a diagram 

● understand simple decimals in terms of fractions (rewriting 0.62 as 62/100) 

● understand and apply equivalent fractions (recognizing that 1/4 is less than 3/8 because 2/8 is less than 3/8); add, subtract, and multiply fractions in simple cases, and solve related word problems

Science

Through inquiry, collaboration, and sense-making, KPS students use science and engineering to understand the world around them regarding… 

● Earth’s systems - processes that shape Earth 

● energy 

● waves and information 

● structure, function, and information processing 

● engineering design

Social Studies

Individually and collaboratively, students will engage in planned inquiries to investigate… 

● post-statehood Michigan history 

● ways people have interacted with the environment of the United States and consequences of those interactions 

● the United States economy 

● public issues in the United States 

● the United States government and rights and responsibilities of citizenship

Specials

Art

The KPS Art program supports creativity, self-expression, and skill development through hands-on learning and exposure to a variety of artistic tools and techniques.

 Students follow class expectations while deepening their understanding of advanced color theory and the elements and principles of design. They engage with a wide range of artistic mediums and techniques, refining their skills and creative habits. Students also gain a broader perspective on the role of art across cultures and throughout history.

Music

The KPS Music program offers all students from a rich and engaging experience grounded in Music Learning Theory. Music instruction emphasizes how children naturally learn music in a way similar to how they acquire language.

Students deepen their musical understanding by engaging with more complex rhythmic patterns, tonalities, and ensemble work. They explore instruments, movement, and vocal activities, building skills in musical literacy and performance. Students learn to listen, create, and respond to music in ways that strengthen their appreciation and connection.

Physical Education

The KPS Physical Education (PE) program is designed to help students build essential skills through a wide variety of activities that promote fitness, teamwork, and fun. 

Students expand on foundational skills with advanced fitness tests, skill drills in soccer and basketball, relay races, and strategy games. Teamwork games and varied movement activities help improve agility and coordination. The year concludes with Field Day - an exciting celebration where students showcase their skills, support one another, and enjoy friendly outdoor competition.

STEM

The KPS Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) program provides students with hands-on learning experiences that inspire creativity, curiosity, and critical thinking through real-world exploration.

Students build on foundations with more complex problem-solving tasks, design challenges, and technology-based projects. They apply critical thinking to real-world scenarios, work in teams to develop creative solutions, and explore STEM careers through career-connected learning experiences. The emphasis on innovation, reflection, and perseverance helps prepare students for future academic success and a changing world.