4th Grade - Kitah Dalet - כיתה ד
Patty Balmer, General Studies
Ruth Malka, Judaic Studies

General Studies

Language Arts
Reading, writing, and listening skills are influenced by maturity and experience as well as by the general ability to ponder, reason, and interpret the written symbols. Advanced decoding skills; and literal, critical, inferential, and interpretive skills are developed while students become engaged in reading the literature anthology and selected trade books.

Math
The students learn mathematical skills through the Houghton Mifflin math series. Topics include place value and money, operations and algebraic reasoning, multiplication of whole numbers, division of whole numbers, measurement and graphing, geometry and measurements, fractions and decimals, probability and algebra, and graphing. Students learn to use different methods of computation and are encouraged to choose the method that works best for them. Skills and concepts are presented in a spiral fashion. Topics are introduced incrementally as new concepts are built upon previous ones. All of these concepts are reinforced throughout the school year. Mastery of facts and strong computation skills are expected. Students are given math fact drills in addition to experiences in real life situations requiring the use of mathematics.

Social Studies
The primary focus in fourth grade is the study of New York State. Topics include geography, history, early explorers such as Henry Hudson, Native Americans of New York, colonial New York which includes the early Dutch and Jewish settlements, and immigration to New York. The study of New York will be explored through the use of our text book, various trade books, and research via the Internet and library. The incorporation of primary source documents and their relevance and interpretation will also be addressed. The course of study and length of time spent on specific topics is often a reflection of the curiosity of the students.

Science
The scientific method and experimentation through the use of hands-on science kits comprise a large portion of the fourth grade science program. Topics include motion and design, plant and animal life, electricity, and land and water.

Judaic Studies

Hebrew - עברית
In Hebrew language arts, oral-aural skills are emphasized along with reading, writing, grammar, and Hebrew literature. The texts used for language arts are Hakol Chadash, Aleph Bet and Yesodot Halashon. This comprehensive language program is designed to build skills in vocabulary and grammar, sentence structure, parts of speech, and verb conjugation in past and present. Supplemental materials provided by the teacher afford opportunities for reinforcement and enrichment. The varied curriculum helps to develop an understanding of language concepts and patterns, and competency in written communication.

Holidays - חגים
As each of the holidays approaches, they are incorporated into the curricular studies. While expanding their knowledge of concepts, vocabulary, and customs associated with the holidays, students experience the joy and richness of the holidays through stories, songs, and art projects. Selections from Megillat Esther and the Pesach Haggadah are studied in depth. The booklets, Nilmad Dinim, are used as a guide. The fourth grade conducts a family oriented participatory seder. The children prepare intensively by learning the prayers of the Haggadah, the laws of Pesach and the story of the Exodus from Egypt. Each family is given a part in the seder to present to the class.

Torah - תורה
Students in Kitah Dalet complete their study of the Bereshit, the Book of Genesis. Narrative portions starting with Parashat Vayishlach are taught. Students learn grammatical constructions unique to the Torah text as well as new vocabulary words that are essential to the understanding of the text. Occasionally, commentaries will be introduced in order to enhance the understanding of the text. During the course of the year, Bereshit will be completed using the original text.

Prayer and Shabbat - תפילה
Students begin Monday mornings with Havdalah. Shaharit prayers are conducted each morning. Kitah Dalet joins with the third and fifth grades in the Beit Midrash for communal services twice a week. On Fridays, Kabbalat Shabbat prayers are incorporated as we prepare for Shabbat.

Israel - ישראל
Utilizing the textbook, HaKol Chadash Traveling Through Israel, Kitah Dalet studies about different areas in Israel, and enriches their understanding of the geography and people of Israel.

Additional Curricular Experiences

Library and Information Center
Grade four students learn to become more independent library users. Students learn about the sections of the library, use of the library computer catalog and call numbers, various reference books and how to use them, and how to evaluate a book for selection.
In computer class, the students learn to create Power Point presentations, editing and word processing for creating documents, the use of both online interactive sites and research sites, how to navigate from search engines to sites using addresses and key word searching, to access Judaic and general studies sites, and safe use of computers and the Internet.

Physical Education
Bet Shraga is fortunate to have a large, well equipped gymnasium, as well as an extensive outdoor play yard with three separate playing fields. During their two weekly classes of PE, fourth grade children have opportunities to engage in developmentally appropriate exercises, team sports, gymnastics, and physically challenging games that develop a sense of teamwork.

Art
Fourth graders begin the year learning about proper body proportion. Each student draws by observing a jointed wooden manikin. These lessons culminate with a study of Edgar Degas and a pastel drawing of dancers. Proper facial proportions are taught in preparation for self-portrait drawings. Fourth grade students have their first experience with ceramics. They make and glaze their own kiddish cup and seder plate for Passover. Art activities related to their study of Native Americans as well as stop action animation are included in fourth grade art.

Music and Dance
The fourth grade students attend weekly music classes. The music curriculum focuses on singing songs about holidays, Shabbat, and Israel. While learning vocabulary in English, Hebrew, and Yiddish, students learn about the elements of music. Exploration of orchestral instruments is included as well. Students in fourth grade learn to play the recorder, culminating with their participation in a performance at Carnegie Hall in New York City.
Through bi-weekly Israeli dance classes, the students begin building a useful repertoire of folk dances and expanding their knowledge of the culture and history of the Jews and Israel through this art form.