Fourth grade is an exciting year, students rotate through different classes and teachers each day! Here's a peek at some of the work students take part in:
Language Arts:
Students participate in novel book clubs to facilitate deep analysis of a variety of genres. They work through the writing process using an author's eye to analyze mentor texts and develop as writers of narrative and informational pieces. We also work on fine tuning revision and editing skills.
Math:
Students dive into multiplying and dividing larger numbers, adding, comparing, and creating equivalent fractions, and a variety of geometry topics. They will also use MinecraftEdu to explore math concepts and coding.
Science:
Students study and participate in hands-on investigations of organisms and ecosystems, the earth, moon, and sun, force and motion, weather, and much more. They are also encouraged to create their own investigation for the annual science fair.
Karis Alvarez
4th Grade Teacher
karis.alvarez@austinisd.org | 512-414-2013
Ms. Alvarez is starting her teaching career 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 spend her first year teaching at Barton Hills!
Madison Elder
4th Grade Teacher
madison.elder@austinisd.org | 512-414-2013
Ms. Elder has been a teacher for five years and is in her first year at Barton Hills. She is from San Antonio and graduated from Texas A&M University (WHOOP). Ms. Elder loves working out, hanging out with her friends, and shopping on Amazon during her free time. She has a strong passion for teaching and making school hands on and engaging for all of her students.
Nathan Kennedy
4th Grade Teacher
nathan.kennedy@austinisd.org | 512-414-2013
Mr. Kennedy has been a teacher for over 13 years. He left the corporate sector to study ecology & preservation of coral reefs at UT Austin, then decided to become a science & math teacher. An environmental advocate, he strives daily to teach the next generation of the importance of understanding & caring for the world around them. He also loves making connections between the natural world & the math we learn. He & Jill, his partner of 20+years, have 2 kids. Their son Skyler is 20 & their daughter Clementine is 14. Mr. Kennedy loves the ocean, SCUBA diving almost every year in Cozumel, Mexico. He swims with wild dolphins & loves to pet sharks.