A co-educational private school for Preschool–Grade Eight

Grade 4

THE LEADERS OF THE LOWER SCHOOL.

Grade 4 students during their Expo presentation

 

Our private Fourth Grade in Somerset County, NJ, serves as the year where students evolve into leaders of the Lower School. By fourth grade, academic challenge has increased significantly, and subjects have become more sophisticated. Fourth-graders are more responsible and are beginning to think critically and informatively. Students begin to utilize more advanced strategies and can interpret and analyze information at a higher level. 

Fourth-graders are the leaders of the Lower School. They take this "job" seriously—leading by example and showing their younger classmates the importance of the FH Pillars. They receive instruction in traditional subjects each day but also participate in special subjects like Learning & Design, Spanish language and culture, music and visual arts, and physical education.

 

EXPLORE OUR CURRICULUM

 

Your Child's Fourth Grade Experience

DURING THEIR TIME IN FAR HILLS COUNTRY DAY SCHOOL'S GRADE 4, YOUR CHILD WILL......WORK INDEPENDENTLY.

Using HMH Into Reading, Far Hills Country Day School’s Grade 4 students have the opportunity to work independently, following a personalized path that accelerates their learning. In their small-group learning environment, students receive targeted, data-driven instruction while building meaningful relationships with their peers and teacher.

...EXPAND THEIR WRITING SKILLS.

Students produce writing in the following genres: reflection, narrative, expository, descriptive/creative, and persuasive.

...PRACTICE THEIR PUBLIC SPEAKING AND PERFORMANCE SKILLS, A LOT!

Grade 4 students perform in four productions throughout the year: K–8 Holiday Concert, integration of performance and composition for their Fourth Grade Expo, Grandparents’/Special Friends’ Day Concert, and the Lower School Closing Ceremonies.

...LEARN INTERPERSONAL SKILLS.

In Grade 4, students work to use their words to communicate their feelings with others in order to solve conflicts. We use different cross-curricular activities to incorporate the following skills:

  • self-awareness (recognize one’s own emotions, thoughts, and values);
  • self-management (effectively manage stress, controlling impulses, and motivating oneself);
  • social awareness (empathize with others, including those with diverse backgrounds and cultures);
  • relationship skills (maintain healthy relationships with others including communicating clearly, listening well, and cooperating with others); and
  • responsible decision-making (make choices about personal behavior and the well-being of oneself and others).

FOURTH GRADE IN ACTION

A Grade 4 student presents her Grade 4 Expo Project

 

 

 

The Grade 4 Expo is the culmination of a student’s Lower School years at Far Hills. This multidisciplinary project has a significant writing component central to the Grade 4 Language Arts curriculum.

Throughout the year in Social Studies, background knowledge is developed as students learn about early settlers in our country and the events that led to the American Revolution. Students examine both the perspective of the colonists and that of King George III. Each student is then assigned the role of a colonial tradesperson. This helps to frame the project for them and gives them a platform from which to begin their research.

Students spend the first few weeks researching the tools and materials of their respective trades and their primary customers. Based on their findings, students then decided if it would be in their best interest to remain loyal to King George or join with the Patriots. These findings are drafted into a four-paragraph essay that states arguments both for and against the issue. After deciding on a position, students then craft speeches aimed at persuading audience members to support their views.

Additionally, the arts are woven into the Expo as students study and perform the music of the Revolutionary War, perform an adapted version of “My Shot” from Hamilton by Lin Manuel Miranda, create a three-dimensional project in Art class based on their colonial trade, and create their own costumes and props.

See the Far Hills Difference for Yourself

Now that you've read all about Grade 4 at Far Hills Country Day School, we invite you to request a viewbook, visit us, and apply today!