In fourth grade, students are ready to read long and increasingly more complex novels and nonfiction books. Developing reading comprehension and learning new vocabulary are central components of students’ work, and guided reading activities encourage them to find meaning, connect ideas, and draw conclusions. Fifth-graders immerse themselves in chapter books that intrigue them and nonfiction books that support their hobbies and interests. They practice forming and articulating opinions about what they read and learn to support their ideas with examples from the text. Fifth graders are exposed to various reading materials and encouraged to consider how authors' perspective informs a text.  

Among the benchmark skills students are working towards in fourth-grade reading: 

• Use knowledge of phonics rules to decode unfamiliar multisyllabic words 

• Apply reading comprehension strategies such as making inferences, determining the main idea, and identifying key details 

• Use context to understand the meaning of new vocabulary

• Read aloud with fluency and expression

Among the benchmark skills students are working towards in fifth-grade reading:

• Apply reading comprehension strategies such as making inferences, determining the main idea, and identifying key details 

• Express ideas using examples from the text to support

• Interpret the role of the author’s perspective in the overall text

• Consider and compare multiple perspectives from texts

• Read aloud with fluency and expression

In the 4-5 class, students’ writing usually connects with their assigned reading, thematic studies units, or specific writing genres such as creative writing, poetry, or nature journaling. Fourth graders practice articulating increasingly complex ideas, organizing their thoughts using graphic organizers and planners, and developing well-supported paragraphs. Fifth graders learn to identify and develop their writer’s voice, create their own graphic organizers, and write well-supported, multi-paragraph pieces. 

Among the benchmark skills students are working towards in fourth-grade writing:

• Know the components of a sentence, and consistently write in complete sentences

• Know the parts of speech and their functions

• Apply grade-level conventions of grammar and mechanics

• Write a structured paragraph with a topic sentence and several supporting details

•  Use punctuation correctly

Among the benchmark skills students are working towards in fifth-grade writing: 

• Write multi-paragraph essays, persuasive texts, narrative stories, friendly and business letters, and various forms of poetry

• Summarize information clearly and concisely

• Apply grade-level conventions of grammar and mechanics

• Plan, revise, and edit writing

• Use research to create an informational presentation and/or written report.

In 4-5 math, students deepen their understanding of math topics, honing foundational skills concepts and applying them to increasingly sophisticated problems. Math lessons are hands-on, experiential, and often interdisciplinary, enriching context and meaning by drawing on associated curricular topics and real-life situations. Fourth graders build on the skills learned in younger grades while increasing in complexity with fractions, decimals, the basics of geometry, and larger numbers. Fifth-grade math focuses on manipulating fractions, decimals, percents, exponents, order of operation, geometry, and algebraic concepts. 

Among the benchmark skills students are working towards in fourth-grade math: 

• Fluent recall of multiplication and division facts from memory through 12s 

• Multiply two, three, and four-digit numbers

• Find common multiples and factors

• Find the area and perimeter of polygons

Among the benchmark skills students are working towards in fifth-grade math: 

• Compute percentages 

• Use algebraic notation to represent and analyze situations and structures 

• Estimate quotients (mentally divide)

• Convert improper fractions and mixed numbers

• Add, subtract, multiply, and divide fractions with like and unlike denominators

Thematic studies allow students to dive deeply into a topic over time, make meaningful connections,  and become experts. A thematic study approaches a subject from various perspectives and disciplines, providing children with numerous entry points based on their interests and skills. Thematic Studies class in 4-5 equips students with the ability to understand, participate in, and make informed decisions about their world.  Each year will include at least one student-selected, in-depth research project that encourages deep thinking about a subject related to a thematic unit. The 4-5 thematic studies units typically include investigations of ancient and modern cultures, influential people, United States history, and world geography. Sample units from recent years include Ancient Egypt, Westward Expansion, Industrial Revolution, Immigration, and Oceans & Mountains. 

Among the benchmark skills students are working towards in fourth and fifth-grade thematic studies, using the Immigration unit as a reference, include: 

• Recognize the push and pull factors that lead people to emigrate and immigrate and why people become refugees 

• Understand the immigrant experience, including the hurdles to becoming documented in the United States

• Develop awareness of cross-cultural bridges and barriers

• Use technology and digital media to understand a topic further and to find answers to questions

• Conduct research by gathering information about a topic from multiple sources

The 4-5 science curriculum is a two-year program designed around essential questions that lead students through alternating thematic units of Engineering and Biology. The project-based units are designed around essential questions and enduring understandings, with flexibility for exploration based on student inquiry. Over each year, students build a science portfolio that demonstrates competence, development of skills, and personal reflection.

During Engineering, students investigate Biomimicry. Through an introduction to bioengineering and biomimicry, children explore biomaterials, architecture, and interactive environments on and off campus. Students learn that all living things are affected by environmental change. They develop a deeper awareness of natural phenomena and begin to understand how our choices as individuals and as a society impact the Earth.

Among the benchmark skills students are working towards in the fifth-grade Biomimicry unit: 

• Use design thinking to test how designs can be improved while working within specified constraints

• Explain how engineers use biomimicry to design innovative new products and show examples of engineered products that were inspired by nature

• Use biomimicry to develop an idea for a new product

• Document their understanding in writing using science & nature journals 

• Record observations, track, and analyze data

During Biology, students investigate Systems. A mindset more than a prescribed practice, systems thinking provides an understanding of how each part contributes to the whole. Students learn how organ systems interact and work together and then apply that knowledge to a broader understanding of how different parts of an object/action work together and how different types of teams can collaborate to create processes and accomplish goals. 

Among the benchmark skills students are working towards in the fifth-grade Systems unit: 

• Know the organs in the body and understand the relationships between them

• Understand that groups of organs can work within a system.

• Understand the science of anatomy

• Use models to see and learn about internal organs and their location in the body

• Document their understanding in writing using science & nature journals 

• Record observations, track, and analyze data

Spanish instruction at Birches begins with the 2-3 class. The 4-5 class units are proficiency-oriented and focus on high-frequency vocabulary and student-centered language while incorporating music, games, and cultural activities about the Spanish-speaking world. Emphasis is placed on listening and reading in Spanish, and students engage in scaffolded writing activities. Lessons include other supplemental materials, often authentic resources such as popular and traditional music, videos, or infographics. During the year, students will be exposed to vocabulary about greetings, likes and dislikes, food, weather, animals, colors, days of the week, and months of the year while also learning facts about Spanish-speaking countries.

A typical unit in the 4-5 class focuses on one Spanish-speaking country and provides exposure to its cultural products, practices, and perspectives. Content is presented through communicative activities with repeated exposure to the target language. The unit on Peru focuses on the country's biodiversity, geography, major crops, and music. The class aims to build students' linguistic proficiency while inspiring interest in other cultures.

Among the benchmark skills students are working towards in 4-5 Spanish:

• Ask and answer simple questions about themselves and their feelings

• Express likes and dislikes

• Talk about the calendar

• Identify several Spanish-speaking countries geographically, describing their flags and naming cultural products or practices

• Interpret short narratives and simple informational texts

4-5 artists review and continue using the Elements of Art (line, shape, color, texture, value, and form) and the Principles of Design (emphasis, proportion, movement, variety, balance, pattern, and unity). Every year, students start with a self-portrait as a developmental marker. 

Lessons are planned to nurture experimentation and self-expression using various art materials. Through hands-on activities, students express themselves artistically, fostering an appreciation for art, self-expression, and embracing differences. Students see examples from a diverse range of artists and begin to discuss art in context to the world around them. 4-5 artists learn about various movements in art throughout history by viewing and discussing slides and artist-of-the-week postings. They participate in whole-class and individual critiques. Materials used include but are not limited to pencil, marker, watercolor, tempera, pastel, printmaking, ceramics, sculpture, and natural materials. 

Among the benchmark skills students are working towards in the 4-5 art:

• Age-appropriate studio habits

• Refine craftsmanship 

• Build keen observational skills 

• Expand use and understanding of art vocabulary

• Interpret and analyze art in context

• Make individual choices when expressing ideas and concepts

Students in 4-5 music are introduced to the ukulele, learning to play the instrument and the music that can be created. Each class, students are led through a routine of tuning their ukuleles, warming up, group instruction, and independent group practicing, composing original tunes, and playing. End-of-term projects culminate with both solo and group ensemble performances. In addition, students regularly sing a varied repertoire of music and are exposed to music from various cultures.

Among the benchmark skills students are working towards in 4-5 music:

• Sing in tune

• Understand musical concepts and use music vocabulary

• Be familiar with melodic and rhythmic notation

• Play ukulele and other instruments in an ensemble 

• Present and perform music in a relaxed concert-type setting  

4-5 wellness classes focus on movement & field games, mindfulness, yoga, and growth education. During movement & field games, students practice locomotor, non-locomotor,  and manipulative skills and reinforce movement concepts incorporating spatial awareness, effort awareness, and relationships. When practicing mindfulness, students pay attention to body posture and sensation, practicing awareness of breath as a tool to connect mind and body, and mindful observation of nature. During yoga, students notice how different poses make them feel and design their own sequences based on what poses would support them with respect to their physical and emotional states.

In fourth grade, growth education topics include perspective-taking, an introduction to puberty, and navigating peer dynamics. In fifth grade, growth education topics include listening with care, puberty, gender, reproductive anatomy, and navigating peer dynamics.

Among the benchmark skills students are working towards in 4-5 wellness:

• Participate in moderate to vigorous physical activities and games

• Know personal space when moving in different directions at different speeds

• Utilize mindfulness practice and yoga to support physical and emotional well-being 

• Demonstrate sportsmanship

• Apply a positive attitude and effort to physical challenges and the ability to communicate constructively with their peers

The 4-5 class focuses on learning to take responsibility for oneself and each other. We consistently emphasize the importance of physical and emotional well-being for all students. As students become increasingly autonomous during these years, they manage various situations with increasing independence in partnerships and small groups. We begin each year by creating a community agreement outlining the norms and expectations every student believes they can thrive under. As the year progresses, we routinely host meetings to discuss ways to solve problems. During these meetings, students practice negotiating, voicing their opinions, and weighing the needs of individuals and the needs of the group. Additionally, as the academic expectations grow with the student’s capabilities, students are encouraged to become self-advocates, taking ownership and seeking help when needed. Developing habits of good citizenship and good work are ongoing goals in the 4-5 classroom.

At Birches School, we are committed to helping children learn and grow in a community of equity and inclusion where diversity of thought, practice, and identity is celebrated. In support of this goal, we seek to create a community where our students experience a sense of belonging and bring their whole selves to their learning. We value the richness that comes alive in our classrooms when many differing perspectives are represented.  

The 4-5 curriculum offers opportunities for children to learn about the world around them and value the differences they discover. In our Modern World Cultures unit, for example, students journey through the world as they study elements of culture in various countries. Through this interdisciplinary unit, students learn about the intricacies of culture, gain an awareness of the world’s diversity, and build empathy for the experiences of others. In our Westward Expansion and Industrial Revolution units, students delve into history through various lenses, including Indigenous Peoples, immigrants, black citizens, and white settlers.