Fourth Grade

Our curriculum is driven by the Diocesan Standards which align with the Common Core State Standards (CCSS).

Religion

The focus is on the four Pillars of the Catholic Catechism: What We Believe, How We Live, How We Worship, and How We Pray. Students study models of Christian living by learning about the life of Jesus, the lives of saints, and the lives of other members of the Christian community. In the spring, parents are also invited to attend a Fourth Grade production called Saint Night at which students create a theatrical museum of saints.

English - Language Arts

I hope to encourage a love of reading and writing in my students that will continue throughout their lives. The reading program includes the Daily 3 program- Read to Self, Work on Writing, and Word Work, Scholastic Storyworks, and Book Clubs using shared novels. Continued development of reading skills, comprehension, and critical thinking skills are an integral part of our program.

St. James School uses the writing program called Step Up to Writing. This writing program has a structured framework that teaches students a step-by- step approach to writing with graphic organizers, modeled writing, and a common language. I strive to empower my students as writers with instruction and practice in both expository and narrative writing. Writing assignments such as research reports, essays, literature responses, and poetry are integrated across the curriculum.

Students will continue a formal study of grammar that emphasizes parts of speech, sentence structure, and punctuation.

Mathematics

Students will receive whole class and small group instruction on the basic math curriculum. The CCSS domains for Fourth Grade are: Operations and Algebraic Thinking, Number and Operations in Base Ten, Number and Operations—Fractions, Measurement and Data, and Geometry.

Science

The Four main units of the Next Generation Science Standards this year are:

1. Exploring Energy
2. Waves
3. Earth Is Constantly Changing
4. Structure and Function of Plants and Animals

Fourth Graders will investigate and study the major science concepts through the use of the interactive Science notebooks, chapter study guides, class discussions, and in class demonstrations/experiments. In addition, once a month, the fourth graders go to the school’s 1600 square foot science lab for a special lesson by the full-time science teacher.

Social Studies

California here we come! In Fourth Grade, students are involved in an in-depth study of California’s regions and history. Activities include reading related literature, map making, comparing California Native American tribes, writing a mission report, creating California themed artwork, and participating in a Gold Rush simulation. I am excited to offer your child a memorable overnight camping trip this spring to Coloma where the Gold Rush Era comes to life!

Activities:

1. Mission Project Build Day
2. Saint Research Project
3. Saint Night
4. Coloma Gold Rush 49er Overnight Camp.

St. James School educates the whole child. Therefore, Fourth Graders also attend classes in Music, PE, Art, and Library.