4th Grade Curriculum Outline (Words Only)

Parent-facing planning outline. For DBM’s full scope & sequence, visit: https://www.dbmlearningacademy.com/compliance/general/compliance/curriculum.php

English Language Arts

Text Structure & Summarizing

• Identify structures: description, sequence/chronology, compare/contrast, cause/effect, problem/solution.
• Summarize using key details and main idea; avoid personal opinions in summaries.
• Use headings, captions, graphs, and bolded terms to support understanding.

Opinion Writing

• State a clear claim; support with reasons and evidence from texts or research.
• Use linking words/phrases (for example, therefore, in addition, however).
• Conclude by reinforcing the claim and strongest reasons.

Parts of Speech

• Nouns/pronouns, verbs (progressive/perfect tenses intro), adjectives, adverbs, prepositions, conjunctions.
• Subject–verb agreement; complete vs. fragment vs. run-on sentences; compound/complex sentences.
• Capitalization of proper nouns/titles; commas in compound sentences and series; quotation marks in dialogue.

Context Clues & Word Study

• Use context, morphology, and reference tools to determine meaning.
• Greek/Latin roots and affixes (tele-, micro-, geo-, -ology, -ment, -tion).
• Build academic vocabulary for science/social studies topics.

Character & Plot Analysis

• Analyze character traits, motivations, and changes across a story.
• Identify themes and how setting and events develop the theme.
• Compare points of view; cite textual evidence with quotation or paraphrase.

Cursive & Note-Taking (Level 4)

• Fluent cursive paragraphs with consistent slant/spacing; speed with legibility.
• Structured notes (two-column/Cornell) from read-alouds and videos; headings and bullets.
• Weekly cursive application in journals, summaries, or letters.

Keyboarding & Research

• Target 20–25 WPM with accuracy on short compositions.
• Search with precise keywords; evaluate sources (author, date, purpose), and record citations (“Title, Author/Org, URL, Date”).
• Draft, revise, and publish a one-page report that includes a diagram or labeled image.

Mathematics

Multi-digit Operations

• Fluent addition/subtraction to 1,000+ using place-value strategies and standard algorithm.
• Multiply up to 4 × 1-digit and 2 × 2-digit with area/partial products; relate models to algorithm.
• Intro to long division with 1-digit divisors using place value and repeated subtraction.
• Multi-step word problems; check with estimation and inverse operations.

Fractions & Mixed Numbers

• Equivalent fractions with visual models and number lines; simplify when appropriate.
• Compare fractions with unlike denominators using common denominators or benchmarks (½, 1).
• Add/subtract fractions with like denominators; add/subtract mixed numbers (conceptual).

Measurement & Conversions

• Convert within a system (in–ft–yd; oz–lb; min–hr) to solve multi-step problems.
• Perimeter and area of rectangles/compound figures; intro to volume concepts.
• Elapsed time with start/end/unknown intervals.

Geometry & Angles

• Classify lines (parallel, perpendicular) and angles (acute, right, obtuse).
• Measure/construct angles with a protractor; find unknown angles in simple diagrams.
• Classify polygons, especially quadrilaterals, by attributes.

Data & Graphs

• Generate and interpret scaled bar graphs, line plots, and tables.
• Solve “how many more/fewer,” “total,” and “difference” questions using data.

Science

Ecosystems & Food Chains

• Producers, consumers, decomposers; food chains → food webs; energy flow.
• Adaptations and environmental changes; human impact and conservation.

Electricity & Circuits

• Build and diagram simple series/parallel circuits; conductors vs. insulators; switches.
• Safety around electricity; everyday applications.

Earth’s Processes

• Rock cycle; plate movement basics (earthquakes, volcanoes, mountains); water cycle connections.

Weathering & Erosion

• Physical vs. chemical weathering; erosion, transport, and deposition shaping landforms.
• Design small models to test erosion control (plants, barriers, slope changes).

Scientific Tools & Inquiry

• Use scales, rulers, thermometers, hand lenses, and timers accurately; record units.
• Plan fair tests with variables and controls; organize data in tables/graphs; form evidence-based conclusions.

Social Studies

U.S. States & Regions

• Identify states/regions, capitals, major landforms, waterways, and regional industries.
• Compare regional climates and cultural features.

Government & Civics

• Three branches (roles, checks/balances) at federal and state levels.
• Rights and responsibilities; civic participation and community service.

Explorers & Early America

• Motives for exploration; routes; exchanges of ideas, goods, and diseases (age-appropriate overview).
• Early colonies: daily life, challenges, and interactions with Native peoples.

Native American History

• Pre-contact cultures and regional diversity; respect for primary voices and perspectives.
• Cultural contributions, stewardship of land, and continuity into the present.

Economics & Trade

• Producers/consumers, specialization, interdependence; supply/demand (intro models).
• Simple budgets and saving goals; trade across regions and with other countries.

Geography Skills (maps & timelines add-on)

• Use map keys, scale, latitude/longitude (intro), and thematic maps.
• Create timelines for regional and national events; cause-and-effect chains.

Logic, Problem-Solving & Projects

• Weekly logic sets (number/angle puzzles, multi-step riddles) with written justifications.
• Monthly projects: build a model circuit town, erosion-control demo, state-region travel guide, explorer diary with map.
• Oral presentations with note cards/slides; organize ideas, cite sources, and field questions.

For DBM’s complete scope and samples across grades, visit: https://www.dbmlearningacademy.com/compliance/general/compliance/curriculum.php