American Sign Language
	In fourth grade students review and master basic sign language vocabulary and finger-spelling skills, including conversational phrases using the grammatical structure of American Sign Language. Topics of focus include the alphabet, greetings, colors, numbers, extended family, adjectives, clothing, and time signs. All instruction is geared around hands-on activities and skit performances, giving students the opportunity to further develop their expressive and receptive sign language abilities. This 40-minute class meets twice a week for a quarter of the year. The girls study Mandarin, French and Spanish during the other three quarters of the year.

	Art
	In Lower School art, a student is encouraged to discover her own artistic voice, express herself with confidence, connect with the physical world, and think and feel in new ways. Students are introduced to basic design principles as they mix colors, paint, draw, weave, sew, make books and construct in numerous other ways. Art teachers work closely with homeroom teachers to plan art projects that enrich and personalize core curriculum themes. Meets once weekly.

	Drama
	During the last week of school, fourth graders perform a musical extravaganza for the entire Lower School and parents. Every student sings, dances, and acts in this production. Following the performance, the class throws a celebration party in the theme of their production.

	French
	With a continued focus on building student interest in the language and culture of the French-speaking world, this course exposes students to considerable spoken French. As the girls become more familiar and comfortable with the language in fourth grade, they will answer oral questions in French and demonstrate comprehension by responding to more simple commands and requests. The bilingual fairy tales “Les trios petits cochons” and “La Belle et la Bete” offer a review of themes such as: classroom objects, clothes, colors, numbers, body parts, animals, food, family and expressions with “avoir.” Songs, rhymes, games and art offer a fun way for students to learn about the French culture and practice their vocabulary. This 40-minute class meets twice a week for a quarter of the year. During the other three quarters, the girls study American Sign Language, Mandarin and Spanish.

	Instrumental Music
	All students are introduced to the soprano and alto recorders in Lower School music classes. In fourth grade, students interested in playing a woodwind instrument can enroll in voluntary, small group instruction, which meets meets once a week before school. Girls who take this class may continue to study their instrument in Middle School. Instruments can be rented through Zeswitz Music Company.

	Language Arts
	The goal of the language arts curriculum is to help ensure a smooth transition into Middle School by equipping students with fundamental reading, writing and speaking skills. Students read several age-appropriate novels, identifying and analyzing literary elements and sharpening critical thinking skills. Vocabulary lessons increase reading independence. Students are exposed to various writing genres. They receive instruction in grammar, writing mechanics and word usage. Opportunities to practice public speaking include presentations that help students gain confidence and a composed presence in the spotlight.

	Let's Care
	This program introduces developmentally appropriate social and emotional topics. Overarching themes include respect for self, others and community; the importance of empathetic connections, emotional safety and mutual support; the development of effective communication and decision-making skills; the appreciation of differences and diversity in our community; friendship-making skills, bully-proofing strategies and an emphasis on “inclusion” as a community value.

	Library
	On their way to becoming independent library patrons, fourth graders use library terminology, encyclopedias and other reference materials for curriculum-related research. They read books from various genres and give spontaneous oral book reviews to classmates. Our shared reading time includes a variety of fiction and non-fiction. Computer skills are coordinated with the technology department.

	Mandarin Chinese
	The fourth grade Chinese program is designed to review vocabulary learned in prior years – greetings, numbers, colors, animals, family members and foods – and use this knowledge to compose more detailed sentences.  Vocabulary words for sports are introduced in fourth grade.  Chinese culture continues to be a focus in class and is discussed throughout the quarter as it pertains to the vocabulary lesson. There is more emphasis on teaching the girls to use many describing words to compose more elaborate sentences using grammar that is introduced this year.  Students are taught to speak Mandarin independently and with confidence, using a correct spoken accent.  Students are also able to use their vocabulary to make simple Chinese picture books.  Lessons are taught through songs, rhymes, stories, crafts, games, and visual aids.  This 40-minute class meets twice a week for a quarter of the year.  The girls study American Sign Language, French and Spanish during the other three quarters of the year.

	Math
	A variety of strategies for teaching and reinforcing math concepts is used at the fourth grade level, including word problems and problem-solving activities. Manipulatives, games and puzzles are used to introduce, supplement and re-teach skills. Topics include mathematics properties, rules for multiples, factors and divisibility, prime and composite numbers, fractions and equivalents, decimals and statistics. Students also review and build on skills in number concepts, multiplication, division, metrics, fractions, graphing and data interpretation.

	Music
	By fourth grade, students are musically literate, which includes knowing how to read and write on the musical staff and how to sing in two- and three-part harmony. Each student experiences the rewards of performance from the annual Winter Holiday Concerts to the concluding Spring Sings in May. The fourth grade play is an energetic song and dance production. By fourth grade, many students study in our group flute classes or progress to private instrumental instruction at our adjunct music conservatory or with area teachers.

	Physical Education
	The focus of fourth grade physical education is on teaching students the basic skills needed to play team sports. Emphasis is placed on applying learned skills to a competitive situation, winning with grace, and accepting defeat. In addition, students learn the rules of safe play as well as how to properly handle and care for equipment. Competition is used positively to promote enjoyment of sports and to provide for continued social development. Meets four times a week.

	Science
	Our Lower School science program uses the BSCS Science TRACS curriculum, an inquiry-based program that incorporates many cooperative-learning opportunities in a modular format. The Life Science module concentrates on the observation of plants and animals in local ecosystems. In Physical Science, students investigate the changing properties of five simple substances: salt, cornstarch, baking soda, alum and talcum powder. For the Earth and Space Science module, students examine the effects of weathering, erosion, deposition and volcanic eruptions on the earth’s surface.

	Social Studies
	In fourth grade, the overall theme for the year is the study of the United States. Students begin by studying our own state of Pennsylvania. The girls move on to the study of the rest of the United States region by region, comparing and contrasting geopolitical attributes. Students focus on the use of map skills and learn to read non-fiction textbooks. During the winter term, each student conducts a research project on a particular state and creates a presentation for the States Fair in the spring. This project includes the use of Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Publisher software. Current events are presented throughout the year.

	Spanish
	With greater confidence in their Spanish speaking skills, fourth grade students are able to hold a conversation with one another using only Spanish. Proper pronunciation is emphasized. To converse, students use a series of questions and vocabulary words for emotions. Also, sentences using the word Tengo (I am/I have) are introduced. Classroom instructions are given in Spanish and listening activities are used to further students’ comprehension skills. Reading and writing is further developed through completion of extensive worksheets and online Spanish activities. An important cultural event is presented and discussed, noting similarities and differences to the students’ own celebrations. In fourth grade there is a discussion of which countries speak Spanish and where they are located on the map. This 40-minute class is held twice a week for a quarter of the year. The girls study American Sign Language, French and Mandarin during the other three quarters of the year.

	Technology
	To build computer proficiency while working on projects that enhance the curriculum, students focus on keyboarding, file management, web navigation, and basic skills in word processing and spreadsheets. Graphing, timeline, and multimedia projects correspond with various units in social studies, science, language arts, and math. Past projects have included participating in Web Quests, researching a state in preparation for a state fair, creating timelines to highlight events in their studies of Notable Women, and using an on-line chat room to discuss favorite books with other students.

	Wellness
	Family is an important theme in fourth grade wellness. Students discuss the social and emotional roles of the family, the roles they and others play within their family, and the habits and traditions that make their family unique. They also learn to develop effective communication methods for resolving conflicts. Additional topics during the year include healthy food choices; use and abuse of drugs, tobacco and alcohol; and the physical changes that occur during puberty. Meets for 3 weeks on a 9 week rotation.