The emphasis in fourth grade is on helping the students become more independent users of reference and research materials, including those available on the Internet. The children work with basic reference sources, both print and electronic, and learn how to locate, evaluate and use information that they need. They are encouraged to use the IMC's CD-ROM work stations to solve reference questions. Newbery Scholars , a reading enrichment program based on Newbery award-winning books, is open to fourth graders. Fifth and Sixth Grades Research skills are an important part of the IMC program for both the fifth and sixth grades.
Students complete units on a wide variety of reference materials, both print and electronic.
They are instructed in the use of CD-ROM technology and the Internet to search for information. Fifth graders this year will form committees to analyze, discuss and research the best picture books of the year and decide upon the annual Oradell Illustrator's Award . Sixth graders will complete a unit on storytelling and are expected to learn and tell a story to their class. Some students may also choose to take part in the annual Storytelling Festival. Students are encouraged to become Fifth Grade or Sixth Grade Newbery Scholars by reading a certain number of Newbery award-winning books and reporting on them.