GRADE FOUR
COURSE OF STUDY

RELIGION – MRS. WILEY

The theme of the Grade 4 Religion course is the Church's rich tradition of moral example and teaching. This tradition provides motivation and direction for the child's moral growth. Students also learn more Scripture as well as study the Sunday Gospel, feasts and saints. Discussions in class are based on the sacraments, prayer, scripture and the liturgical seasons of the Church.

Text: Faith First, Level 4. Resources for Christian Living, 2007.
Bible.
The Good News Weekly. Ligouri Publications.

Class meets 45 minutes four times per week.

LANGUAGE ARTS – MRS. REARDON

The Language Arts program is an integrated program that incorporates all aspects of literacy through shared reading experiences; teacher read alouds, literature study groups, independent reading time, writer's workshop, grammar skills, word study and spelling.

In Grade Four reading instruction is centered on the five comprehension strategies: making connections, questioning, making inferences, visualizing and synthesis. In addition, students will learn how to determine importance when reading nonfiction. Reading skills and strategies allow students to become independent, fluent and confident readers.

Vocabulary is enriched through the use of the vocabulary series, and through the study of content vocabulary. The English text is used to supplement the program when studying sentences, parts of speech and the writing process.

Spelling words are based upon the common spelling patterns, the vocabulary series, and curriculum from other content areas. In addition, spelling lists will be differentiated depending on the needs of each student. Students will be asked to learn how to spell words that they misspelled in their own writing.

Writing instruction is done through a workshop model at which students will learn the Six Traits of Writing: Ideas, Organization, Voice, Word Choice, Sentence Fluency and Conventions. In addition, students will be taught how to edit a piece of work through Daily Oral Language.

Reading homework will consist of nightly reading, and possibly journaling or other related assignments. The vocabulary book is considered part of the reading grade and should be completed when assigned. Vocabulary words should be reviewed nightly. Unit quizzes are given on the vocabulary words.

English assignments may include exercises from the textbook, or writing assignments. Tests are given at the end of units of study.

Spelling units will be covered on weeks when there is no Vocabulary. Exercises using the words are assigned as homework. Tests will be given on Fridays.

* Novels of different genres are read every month. Genres include historical fiction, biography, realistic fiction, mysteries, fantasy and mythology.

Reading text: Traditions. Houghton Mifflin, 2001.
Literature sets will be used throughout the year.
English test: English. Level 4. Houghton Mifflin, 1998.
Vocabulary: Vocabulary Workshop. Sadlier-Oxford, 2006.

Class meets 90 minutes five times per week.

MATHEMATICS – MRS. REARDON

The Fourth Grade Math curriculum consists of eight units of study that include: place value and money, operations and algebraic reasoning, multiplication and division of whole numbers, measurement and graphing, geometry, fractions and decimals, and probability. Interwoven throughout each unit of study will be a focus on word problems.

Students will also be given timed tests to assess their knowledge of the multiplication and division facts every Friday. The students will work at setting goals and achieving them through the Rocket Math program. These tests will be averaged in as part of their overall math grade.

Tests are given upon completion of a chapter. Homework from the practice book is given each evening. Students will complete their homework on graph paper each night; students earning below a B average on an assignment will correct the mistakes, and return it to school the following day. This is done to ensure mastery of skills introduced in class. Students should show all work and pay attention to details. Each math class will begin by reviewing concepts from a previous lesson to ensure mastery of skills over time.

Text: Houghton Mifflin, 2007.

Class meets 45 minutes five times per week.

SOCIAL STUDIES – MRS. REARDON

Geographic regions of the United States are the major focus of the course work. The year begins with a study of map skills and then looks at the five regions of the United States. The geography, economy and cultures of each region are explored. Part of the year is dedicated to the study of our own state, Missouri. Emphasis is placed on map skills as well as reading charts, diagrams, graphs and tables.

Tests are given after each chapter. Students will be required to learn the states and capitals of each region and be able to identify them on a map. All tests are based on the book and class discussions. Homework assignments may consist of lesson reviews and workbook pages.

Text: Regions. Scott Foresman, 2003.

Class meets 45 minutes five times per week.

SCIENCE – MS. PILARSKI

The Science course of study has three units: Life Science, Earth Science and Physical Science. This program provides opportunities for the students to develop, maintain and utilize the basic science process skills of observing, comparing, classifying, collecting and interpreting data, communicating, planning and conducting simple investigations, measuring, predicting, inferring, drawing conclusions, using models, hypothesizing, identifying and controlling variables, and experimenting. Emphasis on successful study-skill strategies is incorporated into the curriculum.

Quizzes are given occasionally and tests are given at the end of each chapter. Careful note taking and completed assignments in science binders are necessary for successful quiz and test taking. A test study guide is given in class approximately four-five days in advance. Budget approximately 15 minutes for science homework every night.

Text: Harcourt Science. Harcourt, Inc., 2000.

Class meets 45 minutes five times per week.

FRENCH – MRS. ARATA

This course is designed to give the students a basic foundation in French. Students learn to structure full sentences in order to achieve good communication. Flash cards are used to introduce and practice vocabulary and grammar. Daily class participation is very important.

Text: Gerard et ses Copains, Book 1. Symtalk Language Systems, 2002.

Class meets 45 minutes two times per week.

SPANISH – MS. HARMON

This course is an introduction to the Spanish language in a relaxed environment capable of enhancing self-confidence as familiarity with the language grows.

Classroom time is spent in a variety of activities including question and answer conversations, work in pairs and groups as well as games and use of Symtalk flashcards to introduce and reinforce vocabulary. Cultural awareness is introduced through reading and holiday projects. Daily class participation is very important. Oral quizzes are given on a once per month basis.

Text: Pablo y sus Amigos, Symtalk Spanish, 2004.

Class meets 45 minutes two times per week.

MUSIC - MRS. SCHWARTZ

The goal of the Music program is to help children see the value of music in their lives as an art form; as a source of enjoyment; as a part of their historical, cultural and social awareness; and as a source of beauty and creative expression in a world of technology.

At this level, the teacher uses a multi-faceted approach to teaching music. A basic series is used to teach the musical concepts of beat, meter, melody, harmony, form and tone color in increasing difficulty from Grade 3. The Kodaly approach is used to teach pitch awareness and the Orff approach is used to transfer rhythmic movement to instruments. Soprano recorder instruction is continued from Grade 3 in increasing difficulty. Liturgical music is also integrated into the total program.

Students should practice their recorders at home for ten minutes, five times per week. Class participation and good behavior is paramount. Attendance at the Christmas and Spring Concerts is expected.

Text: Spotlight on Music. McGraw Hill, 2005.

Class meets 40 minutes two or three times per week.

ART - MRS. WALTHER

Students experience a variety of media. In the primary grades, students learned and used the various elements of art. These skills are further developed in Grades 4, 5 and 6 with an emphasis placed on the art principles such as balance, contrast, repetition and emphasis. Students gain an appreciation for art through art history and a focus on artists' works. The student's confidence in her artistic ability is encouraged.

Class meets 45 minutes two times per week.

PHYSICAL EDUCATION AND HEALTH - MRS. SITEK

The Physical Education units taught in Grades 4, 5 and 6 promote rhythmic movement, leadership skills, fair play, self-esteem and to work as a team. The PE units include: volleyball, soccer, flag football, Frisbee golf, basketball, softball, floor tennis, dance and more. These activities strengthen muscular development, flexibility and endurance. The PE program stresses the values of responsibility, cooperation, self-acceptance and good sportsmanship.

The health curriculum consists of a comprehensive health, substance-abuse and violence-prevention program twice a month. The topics include nutrition, illness prevention, drug and alcohol prevention, safety, etc. This program, The Great Body Shop, contains information to help your child understand her body, the way it works and the best way to keep it healthy.

Students in Grades 4, 5 and 6 walk/run the mile in the fall and participate in the Presidential Physical Fitness testing in the spring.

Class meets for 40 minutes two or three times per week.

COMPUTER EDUCATION - MRS. WILEY

The curriculum begins with learning the PC desktop. Students choose from these applications: Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Access, Power Point and Publisher), Inspiration, Kid Pix, Kidspiration, Kid Keys and Internet Explorer.

The focus is one of incorporating these applications into project-based learning in the various subjects of the academic curriculum, which gives students experience using paint and draw programs, word processing and multi-media.

All students are taught to save and retrieve their projects from their own folder on the server.

All students, closely monitored by teachers, are taught to use the Internet with a focus on safety, the value and quality of sources, and copyright issues.

Grades 1-6 meet for 45 minutes twice a week with both the homeroom and computer teacher present.

LIBRARY - MRS. BYRD

The purpose of the library is to excite the girls about reading, improve their research skills, and supply students and teachers with books. The students visit weekly to check out books and read. Visits to the library are also scheduled to learn more about research materials and methods in conjunction with classroom projects. In addition, enrichment materials are provided to classrooms to dovetail areas of study.

ACADEMIC POLICIES
GRADES 4, 5 and 6

A. Progress/Performance

Report cards each quarter

Parent-Teacher conferences are scheduled after the fall grading period and are optional in the spring

Conferences and/or observations are available on request

CODE TO GRADING

A+	= 100 - 99	Consistently excellent work
A	=  98 - 95	demonstrating insight, initiative
A-	=  94 - 93	creativity and scholarship
B+	=  92 - 91	Consistently superior work
B	=  90 - 87	demonstrating above average
B-	=  86 - 85	comprehension and performance
C+	=  84 - 83	Consistently acceptable work
C	=  82 - 80	demonstrating satisfactory mastery of
C-	=  79 - 78	basic concepts and conscientious performance
D+	=  77 - 76	Fluctuating performance, inadequate
D	=  75 - 72	mastery, performance below average
D-	=  71 - 70

B. Homework Expectations

Students in Grades 4-6 may expect homework assignments most evenings to develop a habit of study and to reinforce concepts learned during the day. It is very important that homework be completed when assigned. Students are responsible for being prepared for class each day. This includes having homework, supplies and educational materials needed for class each day.

C. Standardized Testing

ERB (Educational Records Bureau) - Administered to Grades 4, 5 and 6 in fall.

OLSAT (Otis-Lennon School Ability Test) – Administered to Grades 4 and 6 in the spring.