Stevens uses a balanced approach to literacy through literature circles, read-alouds, guided reading and independent reading. Students develop an understanding of the relationship between reading, thinking and reflection. Fourth graders continue to experience independent reading, small group literature study, and read aloud.  They develop their skills in reading both fiction and non-fiction texts. Literature Circles provides an opportunity for a small group of students to read the same text and engage in conversations about various literary elements. Fourth grade student continue to enjoy the experience of Writers’ Workshop, when they are given time to write creatively.  We focus on genres such as personal narratives, fiction writing, informational writing, and opinion writing. 

Students examine the lives and communities of people who settled and live in the United States. The focus is on deeply investigating and researching a particular group of people and understanding why they immigrated, how they survived, the injustices perpetrated against or by them, and how groups resisted or reconciled these injustices. We also use current event articles to tie what happened in the past to what is happening in the present, helping students understand the relevance and influence of history and its impact on modern day. Students explore sources including artifacts, oral storytelling, non-fiction texts, primary documents (including photography, music, art, journal entries), and maps. 

Students continue to extend, refine, and revise their skills as scientists by observing, predicting, categorizing, and organizing the data they collect. Students engage in an integrated science approach studying the foundational roots of biology and earth science while devising hypotheses, collecting data, and drawing conclusions. Scientific writing is a hallmark of the program where students synthesize their data and support their ideas with scientific evidence, devising testable claims and experiments. 

In fourth grade, students continue to develop mathematical concepts through the Singapore Math curriculum and other supplemental resources. Students continue to develop and practice place value, multi-step problem solving strategies, multiplication, division, fractions, decimals, and geometry. 

The character and social emotional education curriculum in fourth grade is designed to facilitate student awareness and preparedness to effectively and appropriately interact in groups, as well as confidence and conviction in their own moral and ethical choices. Students explore their identities and learn more about other people’s lives and experiences by respectfully asking questions and listening with an open mind. Topics include:

• Respect and friendship
• Building community
• Individuality
• Similarities and differences
• Joining in
• Bullying
• Standing up for yourself
• Assertiveness
• Conflict resolution
• Exclusion and inclusion
• Teasing and joking
• In collaboration with Science, students also learn about reproduction, anatomy, and safe touches

Fourth graders can expect daily homework that is purposeful and helps students manage their time and workload responsibly. This will vary by student and according to subject. Students are assessed frequently through quizzes, tests, journals, daily observation, writing assignments, projects, homework and portfolios. In the fall of fourth grade, students take the CTP-5 standardized test, administered by the Educational Records Bureau.
 

In addition to the trips connected to the social studies and science curricula, students enjoy an overnight trip to Fairview Lake YMCA camp in western New Jersey. During their two-day stay, students experience team-building and increased confidence through activities on low ropes courses, exploration of the lake, stream and swamp habitats, a night hike and campfire, and a challenging hike to the top of the Kittatinny Ridge.