Our enthusiastic fourth-grade students are well prepared for their roles as leaders of the Lower School. A morning of orientation to build community and discuss leadership opportunities and responsibilities occurs before school formally begins. They have developed strong foundational skills in all areas; they are ready to meet increased expectations and to be positive role models for younger students; and they are blossoming into confident, collaborative, and capable students and communicators.
Most of the time boys and girls willingly work together, and they enjoy whole-class as well as small-group activities, particularly when a goal needs to be accomplished. They can be both competitive and cooperative—quick to react and quick to forgive—which plays out during physical education classes as well as at recess. They have matured and are open to independently using the mediation and problem-solving skills they have learned. Plenty of physical challenges and outdoor play are necessary for their quickly developing muscles.
Our strong fine arts program provides new opportunities for our fourth-grade students. Drama classes hone skills as they interpret literature from different cultures and genre through “story theatre” activities; vocal projection and articulation skills are practiced and applied in other situations, particularly in their role as leaders of weekly Lower School Community Meetings, a coveted leadership opportunity. They learn to play the recorder in music class, and former students find themselves reminiscing about the fun (and joining in!) during performances of “The Fifty Nifty United States.” Exposure to other cultures is experienced in fine arts as well as world language classes with the goal of developing understanding and acceptance of others.
Highlights of the Fourth-Grade Experience
List of 8 items.
Protectors of the Earth
Protect and restore a local ecosystem through the Earth Keeper Program at Lake Forest Open Lands
Experience Three World Languages
Students explore Spanish, Mandarin Chinese, and French, supporting their study of immigration and helping them make an informed choice on which language to study in Upper School
The Immigrant Experience
Reenact the immigrant experience at Ellis Island
Computing Experts
Use laptops through the LFCDS 1:1 computing
Creating Relationships
Forge relationships in the School through House System Events with multi-age "family members"
Music Makers
Learn to play the recorder
Future Leaders
Demonstrate leadership skills by managing recycling, leading Community Meetings, supervising lunch tables, and leading parent conferences
Reliving History
Research and portray an historical figure in the LFCDS Living History Museum
Curriculum Guide
Faculty
List of 13 members.
Scott Baeseman
Chair of the Fine Arts Department, Music Teacher, Chorus
(847) 615-6185
Katie Bowler
Grade 4 Teacher (4KB)
(847) 615-6146
Nan Caldwell
Chair of World Language, Spanish Teacher, US Coordinator of Community Service
(847) 615-6166
Mark DeBernardi
Visual Art Teacher
(847) 615-6179
Rachel Diaz
Assistant Head of Lower School and ECC
(847) 615-6243
Laura Gabriel
French Teacher
(847) 615-6240
Jason Gronkiewicz-Doran
Grade 6 Social Studies Teacher
(847) 615-6164
Paul Hedlund
Fourth-Grade Teacher (4PH), Fourth-Grade Team Leader
(847) 615-6173
Kevin Nicholson
Early Childhood & Lower School Science Teacher
(847) 615-6154
Nicky Pitman
Drama Teacher
(847) 615-6181
William Scroggins
Physical Education & Wellness Teacher
(847) 615-6232
Suzanne Stanczak
Physical Education & Wellness Teacher
(847) 615-6122
Rhonda Venard-Darin
Visual Art Teacher
(847) 615-6180
A co-educational independent private school for students age 2 through Grade 8. Graduating students of strong character with a passion for learning since 1888. Schedule a tour!