Fourth grade is an exciting year where students take a significant leap in their academic journey, developing crucial skills and fostering a greater sense of independence. It’s an exciting time of transition, where students build a strong foundation for future learning while also developing the social and emotional skills necessary to thrive. Here is some of what happens in 4th grade.

• Students are encouraged to take more ownership of their learning, managing their time, and setting goals for themselves. 
• The curriculum builds upon previous learning, particularly in math and language arts. Students refine multiplication and division skills, take a deep dive into fractions and decimals, and apply these concepts to solving complex problems. They will also explore various writing styles, including narratives, persuasive essays, and fantasy stories during writing time. They also deepen their understanding of literary elements! 
• Science lessons spark curiosity about the natural world, covering topics like matter, forces, circuits, Earth’s processes, human body systems, weather patterns, and energy flow within ecosystems. In Social studies we will be focusing on Texas geography, local state history, government, and cultural heritage.
• Students are more aware of their emotions and the emotions of others and will learn to navigate friendships, cope with peer pressure, and develop effective communication and conflict resolution skills.

Karis Alvarez
4th Grade Teacher

karis.alvarez@austinisd.org | 512-414-2013

Ms. Alvarez is in the second year of her teaching career which started here at Barton Hills!  She grew up in Houston and graduated college from The University of Texas San Antonio, where she completed a full year of student teaching. She is a cat mom to two kitties named Hyde and Basil and in her free time she likes to go rock climbing, do yoga and explore farmers markets. She feels so excited and lucky to get to be teaching at Barton Hills!

Mina Patel
4th Grade Teacher

mina.patel@austinisd.org | 512-414-2013

Teaching has been Mrs. Patel's jam for the last 8 years here at our lovely little school! She graduated from the University of West Florida and has been at teacher for 27 years.  She and her husband have son who is a senior this year! She enjoys traveling, reading, going for walks and more recently watercolor painting.  She absolutely loves our little school and our community.