4-1 Teacher: Mrs. Rosaleen Adams

4-2 Teacher: Ms. Michelle Der

4th GRADE CURRICULUM

Religion: Blest Are We (RCL Benziger, Faith & Word Ed.)
·      Catholic religious beliefs and traditions using the theme of journey
·      Ten Commandments and Beatitudes
·      Sacraments
·      Family Life Program
·      Archdiocese’s Online Kid Safety Program
Grading based on lesson activities, classwork, tests, participation in class discussions, liturgies, masses, etc., knowledge of various prayers, and the respect shown to others.

Spelling: (Scott Foresman, Ed.)
·      One unit per week
·      Weekly practice pages are assigned to develop spelling strategies and understanding of spelling words
·      Weekly sentences are assigned to allow students to develop and utilize spelling words in the correct context (bridged with English)
·      Weekly words are assigned to be written 5x each for further spelling practice
·      Weekly tests with one bonus spelling question (bridged with vocabulary)
-Tests are usually given on Thursdays; Pretests on Fridays
·      Please note: All spelling is required to be completed in cursive.
Grading based on tests and general spelling in all subjects.

Handwriting: (D’Nealian)
·      Clarity
·      Neatness
·      Uniformity of Letters
·      Spacing & Slant
Grading based on general writing in Spelling and English, and various evaluations.

English/Language Arts: (Houghton Mifflin, Ed.)
(Scott Foresman Workbook pages) – used as supplemental text for reinforcement)
·      Integrates grammar, writing, and literature
·      Grammar skills applied in writing & in Spelling Sentences
·      Written responses to literature selections using complete thorough sentences
·      General spelling in writing

The following skills are introduced in fourth grade:
     Grammar:     predicate adjectives
               appositives
               adverbial forms of comparison
               future tense
               conjunctions
     Usage:     avoiding double negatives
               avoiding unnecessary tense shifts
     Mechanics:     comma in direct address
     Literature:     figurative language
               Idioms
               Term “stanza”
Grammar and creative writing: Step-Up to Writing program with a focus on
Narrative and Expository writing.
Grading based on classwork, homework, quizzes, and tests. Tests are given after each Grammar unit has been taught. Packets will be sent home prior to tests so that students may focus on areas of need. Creative projects, poetry, etc. may also be graded.

Reading: (Scott Foresman, Seeing Is Believing)
·      Vocabulary developed with weekly story (placed in Student Planner weekly)
·      Comprehension, study skills, vocabulary exercises in workbook
·      Begin to develop higher-order thinking skills
·      Build phonics/word study strategies
·      Build research and study skills
·      Quarterly written and/or oral reports
·      Weekly visits to school library
·      Teacher reads to class aloud, students read aloud, & choral reading
·      RAH program (60 minutes required per slip; minimum of 20 minutes each line)
·      Tests = selection, unit, end-of-year, graded written reports
Grading based on classwork, homework, workbook pages, quizzes, and tests. Selection Tests are given after each reading selection, approximately once a week. Selection Tests assess the mastery of vocabulary, target skill, and comprehension of the reading selection. Unit Tests are given approximately after 5-6 main reading selections. Unit Tests assess the understanding of various reading skills by their ability to utilize the skills to gain comprehension. It will also consist of phonics/word study, as well as research and study skills discussed and practiced in class. Notice of Unit Test dates and contents will be sent home prior to the test to allow students time to study and prepare. Written and oral reports are also graded.

**Please Note: Some reading sections may take more than a week to thoroughly complete. Students will be assigned to reread each story aloud, go over comprehension check, and study the vocabulary words prior to each Selection Test. We will go at a flow and pace that suit the students.

Math: (McGraw-Hill, Ed. Mathematics) – Taught by Mrs. Der in 4-2
·      Basic addition & subtraction mastery
·      Basic Multiplication & Division mastery
·      Place Value up to the millions
·      Adding & Subtracting large numbers, up to the millions place
·      1-2 Digit Multiplication & Division
·      Collect, represent, and analyze data to answer questions
·      Multi-step word problems
·      Various problem solving techniques applied to solve a variety of Math problems
·      Fractions, Fraction Operations, & Probability
·      Relate Fractions & Decimals & Decimal Operations
·      Describe and compare simple fractions and decimals
·      Measurement
·      Geometry (properties of, and the relationships between, plane geometric figures)
·      Please Note: All Math is required to be completed in pencil.

Internet connection:         www.mhschool.com
(Click on “Parent Island” for activities to support the student’s math learning at home.)

Grading based on classwork, homework, and tests. Each Chapter will be followed by a test. A Pretest will be assigned prior to each test. Cumulative tests follow the third, sixth, tenth, and final chapters. Students must show work for full credit.

Social Studies: (Houghton Mifflin: History-Social Science California Studies) – Taught by Mrs. Adams in 4-1
·      Social Studies terms, vocabulary, concepts, and topics for each chapter
·      Use of primary resources, maps, graphs, and diagrams
·      Refine reading skills through practice lessons within each chapter
·      Develop higher-order thinking skills to answer questions based on chapter content
·      Lesson Tests (presented in standardized-format and allow students to practice their test taking skills. These one-page tests contain multiple-choice questions focused on core lesson content.)
·      Chapter Tasks & Tests (Tasks include lesson practice pages & activities. Tests include short-answer questions connected to the chapter content and have students apply the reading skills to facilitate their comprehension of the chapter content.)
·      Unit Tests (Tests include questions to test student’s ability to read the chapter and apply its contents. Some questions also test student’s mastery of previously taught skills, as applied to chapter content.)
*Some tests include a “Think & Write” section, which encourage students to develop and apply higher-order thinking skills to answer questions based on chapter content. These questions require short and extended written responses.

Science: (Simple Solutions Level 4) – Taught by Sr. Jane in class
·      The consumable book SIMPLE SOLUTIONS Level 4 is used for the subject of Science. Sister Jane teaches two 45-minute periods twice a week. Each class has two lessons taught and on Thursday a quiz is given to assess mastery of the subject matter.  A crossword puzzle will be given periodically to serve as a review.

Technology – Taught by Ms. Creedon in class and in the computer lab
·      Use of desktops and laptops
·      Logging-in, logging-out, and saving of class and personal files within the school system
·      Proper use of programs such as Microsoft Word, KidPix, etc.
·      Knowledge and use of school website, particularly the grade appropriate folders with links
·      Keyboarding skills

Grading Weights
         Tests/Quizzes         40%
         Classwork                  25%
         Homework                  20%
         Participation                  15%