Fourth Grade

Religion
The curriculum covers the history of the Church, parts of the Mass, and how to be a good Christian Catholics by following the examples of Jesus. We focus on the Beatitudes, the Liturgical year, the Ten Commandments, as well as corporal and spiritual works of mercy. We also study Bible stories using illustrated children's Bibles. Students also host mass quarterly.

Social Studies
The social studies curriculum takes an in-depth look at the study of the United States. Students become well-versed in the regions of the United States, the states and capitals, the economy, and the federal government. Through discussion, map study and projects, students begin to understand their place in the United States. Students also learn through daily geography inquiry and atlas skills.

Math
The math curriculum covers addition and subtraction of four-digit numbers, two-digit multiplication and long division, adding and subtracting fractions with like denominators, comparing fractions, mulitpling fractions by whole numbers, and changing fractions into decimals. In geometry, students learn how to measure and draw angles with protractors, use conversion of measurements, find perimter and area, identify line symmetry, and classify different quadrilaterals. Students draw points, lines, line segments, rays, angles, and perpendicular and parallel lines. Fourth graders are expected to have multiplication facts memorized by the end of the school year. We use songs, IXL Math, and flash cards to help with memorization.

Language Arts
Students study literature of many genres to expand knowledge and literary experinces. Using authentic literature, Scholastic News, the Wonders basal reader, and novel studies, students practice applying essential reading skills and strageies to analyze and evalute text. Students also spend 30 minutes per day independently reading text at their level. Through group and individual reading, students gather evidence from texts to analyze and reflect in written pieces. Students learn to idntify figurative language as well as write fiction, non-fiction, expository, and poetry pieces. Students' writing mechanics are enhanced not only thorugh the process but through the leanring of identifying simple, compund, and complex sentences. Students will also build on thier knowledge of possessive nouns, verb tenses, linking and helping verbs, pronouns, possessive pronouns, adjectives and adverbs that compare, and prepositions. Weekly spelling and vocabulary tests are also given.

Science
The physical science portion of the curriculum covers engineering and technology. In life science, fourth graders learn about plant and animal structures and fuctions, energy and commuication, shaping landforms, and Earth's features and resources.