The elementary computer lab curriculum is a dynamic and evolving framework, shaped by available technology, how often students engage with it at school, and the specific needs of each grade level. Many students begin with some exposure to computers, typically through games or videos at home. The goal of the school’s technology program is to shift that perspective—helping students see computers not just as entertainment, but as valuable tools for learning and productivity throughout their lives. This is the ideal time to introduce students to the basics of computer use. The focus at this stage is to help them understand that computers can be used for a purpose—to create, explore, and learn.

The emphasis is on understanding the components of a computer and learning how to use them together. Students begin building comfort and confidence with the technology through hands-on exploration and guided practice.

Understanding Computer Components:

• Monitor
• Keyboard
• Mouse
• How each part works and interacts with the others

Basic Operation Skills:

• Demonstrating how to use a mouse (click, drag, navigate)
• Demonstrating how to use the keyboard (key recognition, following prompts)

Computer Etiquette:

• How to behave respectfully when using computers
• How to care for equipment and use it responsibly

To support skill development, the classroom environment can include a visual interface with simple icons that link directly to age-appropriate educational websites. These sites should focus on strengthening mouse control, basic keyboard familiarity, and early literacy and numeracy skills. For example, interactive games that prompt students to press specific keys based on images or sounds are both engaging and instructional. This is also a key time to begin integrating reading and writing into computer activities. It’s important to help students distinguish between writing with a pencil on paper and typing on a keyboard. The goal is to ensure that technology complements, rather than replaces, foundational literacy development. By the end of the year, students should begin to see the computer not just as a source of entertainment, but as a tool they can use to learn, explore, and create.

Computer Lab Year at a Glance

4th  Grade

• Zearn- this math program is the result of a grant for our district. Students work through math strategies to “ZEARN IT”. This means they have completed their lesson. They complete one lesson every time they come to the computer lab. This program follows along with the math lessons the students are currently learning in their math classes.
• Prodigy Math- This program is a kid favorite. As the kids get math questions correct, they get to “battle” their classmates in fun math games. It closely follows the curriculum of the skills they are learning in their math classes.
• IXL- this program provides a detailed assessment for each child. Based on the results each student has a personalized learning plan to help assist them in areas where more teaching would benefit the child. We will be focusing on Math skills in the Computer Lab
• Edmentum- This math program supplements math strategies taught in the classroom. A game that is achieved after a completed lesson keeps the students motivated and engaged.
• ABC YA – This game driven, curriculum based, program is largely utilized as a reward. This is offered primarily at the end of each six weeks to celebrate a job well done.
• NWEA- Three times a year students will have benchmark assessments given in math. This is at the beginning of the year, middle of the year, and the end of the year. This vital information provides their classroom teacher with the information of where each student thrives, and struggles. This helps them tailor their teaching to bridge the gaps between students

We rotate these programs weekly (except NWEA) to keep the students engaged and excited about using the computer.

4th Grade Spanish for 2025-2026

We will review what we covered in Spanish in 3rd grade. After reviewing, students will move on to learn more and we will do it in this order.

Fine Arts/Music

4th Grade Curriculum

We switch every six weeks from art to music

Arts Overview

Focus on four key strands: observation and perception, creative expression, response, and History and Culture.  Guide students to develop visual literacy, explore their creativity through art-making, critically analyze artwork,

Standards:

• Color
• Shape
• Space
• Line
• Pattern
• Variety
• Texture
• Proportion
• Movement
• Balance
• Emphasis

Requirements/Task(s):

Each week we work on an element of art and do an art project using age-appropriate art media and techniques incorporating the principles of design.

Music Overview

We will begin with a variety of imitation rhythm warmup activities, like echo singing, clapping back and listening games with exposure to the elements of music and untuned instruments, and tuned instruments beginning with singing. Students will learn to read music following specific rhythm patterns.  Students will listen to a wide variety of music styles and learn about world music styles and popular music through the years. Students will complete a simple worksheet in each lesson and be asked to write some words in response to the music they have listened to.

Standards:

• listening skills
• echoing
• singing
• rhythm
• instruments