Fourth-Grade Curriculum
Religion
The religious education program centers on the Ten Commandments in fourth grade. Students use the
Spirit of Truth
text from Sophia Press and complete in-depth studies of each commandment.
Spirit of Truth also comes with at-home connections for family formation and online resources. We supplement this with the
Education in Virtue
Program, which covers the habits necessary to grow as a disciple of Christ. Students are exposed to the Corporal and Spiritual Works of Mercy and the Beatitudes. Students learn about God’s full plan for our salvation. We trace His promise from Adam and Eve to the cross. They memorize, compose and learn many prayers. Frequently they look up scripture in the bible. We attend Mass and Adoration weekly. A unit covering the parts of the mass begins the year. A comprehensive study of the rosary is also covered.
Reading
Novels are taught using the comprehension strand of Project Read. Research, comprehension, vocabulary, fluency skills as well as dictionary skills are taught. We also supplement with the Accelerated Reader program. Several genres of books are covered.
English
Basic grammar is covered: sentences vs fragments nouns,verbs,adjectives and adverbs are studied.After a grammar unit is completed,students will be guided through a writing assignment. Process writing includes stories using the Project Read story form, five-paragraph essays: expository and persuasive, diary form, fractured fairy tales and some poetry. Punctuation and capitalization rules are taught, practiced, and enforced. Students keep a writing notebook of their compositions.
Spelling
Pre-tests are given every Wednesday followed by a final test on Friday. Spelling units are introduced every Friday and work is done independently during the week. Students use Zaner-Bloser’s
Spelling text.
Handwriting
Students are given weekly morning work to practice their cursive writing.
Science
Mystery Science encompasses the study of life science, physical, and earth science,and the scientific method. Report writing and a Science Fair experiment are also part of the fourth-grade science curriculum.
Social Studies
Classroom economy is a main focus point in 4th grade. Students apply, interview and are hired for jobs for which they receive paychecks and pay taxes. They use their pay to buy items in our classroom stores and purchase tickets to travel around the United States in groups. In these groups they study the regions by reading our text book, REGIONS to fill out travel notes (packets). This skill develops over the year. We watch videos, take virtual field trips and do many other activities to help make connections.
Math
Our math program, Savvas enVision series, comes with a wide variety of resources that can be found online. Students are encouraged to develop a flexible mathematical mindset, learning and applying multiple methods of solving problems, in addition to developing solid procedural fluency.
Enrichment
Spanish
Fourth graders continue developing their reading, writing and conversational skills. Students learn to count by tens and are introduced to more complex grammatical concepts such as definite and indefinite articles to talk about nouns. Students are able to recognize classroom instructions and vocabulary in Spanish and use basic greetings. Students also learn about the Hispanic culture and Catholic faith with short prayers, songs and traditions.
Specials
Each week our fourth graders participate in art, music, PE, library and technology. They also enjoy participating in the Christmas program and the option of Elementary School Choir.
Fourth-Grade Play
Try-outs and rehearsals are held each February for the fourth-grade musical performed in May. Students learn basic acting and blocking skills. This is an exciting four-month project.
Field Trips
Each year we attend one drama production and participate in a science-related field trip.
Recess/Lunch
Every day, fourth graders enjoy a 25 minute lunch period followed by 25 minutes of outdoor recess time. Recess and lunch are supervised by parent helpers.
How to Get Ready for Fourth Grade
Many children find the transition to fourth grade challenging. Here are some tips to help you prepare.
- Practice cursive over the summer
- Keep a journal
- Read for 15 to 20 minutes daily
- Review basic math facts
Fourth-Grade Survival Tips
When you’re a fourth grader, here are some survival tips to ensure your success.
- Keep your assignment book up to date and have your parents check it daily
- Learn to study for weekly quizzes and tests
- Understand the importance of vocabulary and bold-faced headings
- Capitalize and punctuate properly every time
- Learn some test-taking skills
What Parents Say...
“Fourth grade provides Catholic education for our children with a strong academic foundation…”
“Fourth grade shows how enthusiastic and creative teachers bring out the best in their students. The kids have assignments that are fun but which also go beyond the mastery of facts to help the children develop independent thinking skills that cross all subjects.”
“Fourth grade is a wonderful and challenging year at St. Francis. After mastering the basics in grades one through three, the students really put their skills to work. They learn to read for content, how to prepare for tests and they do a lot of writing. Group and individual projects spark their creativity and originality. Finishing the year with the musical is a special and memorable touch. All of my boys loved fourth grade at St. Francis. It is one of the best years.”
