Fourth Grade
Our students continue to develop their skills through the Grammar stage where the solid foundations of language, faith, and the sciences continue to be developed and strengthened. Our academic theme this year is Early Modern Times where our students will hear the stories and participate in activities related to this crucial era in history.
LANGUAGE
In the grammar stage the solid development of language skills is paramount. In fourth grade, students continue to develop their knowledge and love of language through vocabulary, phonics, spelling, the development of grammar and oral reading. They continue to develop their cursive handwriting and comprehension skills in all subject areas.
In Fourth Grade students are introduced to the novel. Using the techniques of the Reading Side by Side Reading Program, they learn how to decode words, develop fluency with synonyms and antonyms, the layout of a novel and a story parts, while learning critical reading and writing skills. The Side-by-Side Reading Program exposes all students to longer texts than they have previously experienced. As they are exposed to various genres of writing they will learn how to collect information from what they have read, interpret, and discuss that information, and then apply it. The result will be students who love reading and love reading critically.
Handwriting is Writing Our Catholic Faith by Universal Publications. Students continue to develop their cursive handwriting abilities during fourth grade, which they will use throughout life. Catholic words, sentences, and pictures reinforce students’ faith while they practice their handwriting.
Spelling Connections is published by Zaner-Bloser. This well-regarded spelling series follows a word study approach to teach spelling. By teaching common spelling patterns and using carefully curated words students learn the letter and sound combinations that they need to learn unfamiliar words. As they learn how to recognize and anticipate syllable patterns, they can use them to “self-explain” how to apply these learned rules to words at their current grade level as well as to increasingly complex words.
Grammar is taught through Well Ordered Language by Classic Academic Press. The curriculum presents grammar in a clear, orderly way, while simultaneously seeking to cultivate a child’s wonder of language by presenting instruction in the context of narrative and language, attractive illustrations, and samples taken from classic children’s literature and poetry. Students will be able to identify the parts of a sentence and understand how words behave. The curriculum is designed for teachers and students to actively engage with each other and with the grammatical concepts in each lesson, using language skills-reading, writing, speaking, diagramming, and listening – along with physical movement, songs, and chants. Through Well Ordered Language’s unique, creative, and orderly method of analyzing the grammatical functions of the parts of speech, students will find the mastery of grammar achievable, meaningful, and delightful.
RELIGION
Students delve deeper into the narrative of salvation history. They learn that Jesus is the fulfillment of the Old Testament promises.
Students fully participate in the prayer life of the school through daily prayers, weekly Mass, Penance, seasonal devotions, and social action practices.
Our text is Jesus our Guide by Ignatius Press
MATHEMATICS
Saint Mary’s uses a traditional, sequential approach to mathematics instruction. This sequential approach emphasizes number sense, patterning, mental math, memorization, critical thinking, and grade appropriate algebraic reasoning, all integrated with problem solving and assessment. As a result, students learn, understand and are comfortable with using mathematics.
Our text is Progress in Mathematics: Grade 4, published by Sadlier Press. Progress in Mathematics provides rigorous content focused on building deep conceptual understanding of key math skills and concepts at each grade level in an orderly, natural format.
HISTORY
History, along with language and religion, are the foundational subjects of classical education. At this level students learn ancient history by listening to, discussing the stories, and doing related activities.
Our text is The Story of the World-volume 3: Early Modern Times. Students develop listening and recall skills and participate in appropriate and engaging projects from the related Activity Book.
SCIENCE
Our science program is Science: A Closer Look published by Macmillan/McGraw Hill. It offers students exciting and engaging activities which promote curiosity and foster the development of science inquiry skills. Through a consistent and structured learning cycle, students confidently build upon their experiences to develop a lifelong understanding of science concepts.
SPECIALS
In addition, each day students participate in either Latin, Art, Music, Gym, or Library