RELIGION
Fourth graders will learn through stories, activities, Scripture, prayer, discussion and reflection about their Catholic faith.  Catholic values are discussed and integrated not only in Religion, but in all  learning. The focus is on:

   · God, Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit
   · planning, assisting in liturgy and other forms of  worship
   · the sacraments
   · service
   · liturgical seasons
   · morality
   · Church structure

LANGUAGE ARTS/READING
The Language Arts Program includes reading, writing, speaking, listening, and  the study of literature.  The components of the program emphasize the development of those skills that allow students to read with fluency, comprehend and interpret written materials, communicate well, and listen and speak effectively.  The skills acquired and understood are applied and reinforced in all content areas.

READING/LITERATURE
Children through the textbook will experience authentic literature in the form of poetry, folktales, nonfiction, fiction, biographies, fantasies and plays.  Reading fluency will develop and improve as students are presented with the following skills:

   · understanding cause and effect
   · understanding plot
   · identifying figurative language
   · sequencing events of a story
   · analyzing details
   · using context clues &  other resources to enhance vocabulary
   · identifying the characteristics of fiction
   · stating the author's purpose
   · creating graphic organizers
   · self-correct while reading
   · interpret pronunciation key and diacritical  marks in a dictionary or glossary

WRITING
Fourth grade students use writing to convey meaning.

Students will:
   · write legibly using cursive
   · write multiple sequential paragraphs on a given topic
  · apply grammar and mechanics
         parts of speech
         tenses
         punctuation
   · construct an outline
   · use the writing process including pre-writing, writing, revising, editing, and final draft
   · write in multiple forms
         narrative, descriptive and persuasive essays
         book reviews

LISTENING/SPEAKING
Fourth grade students will listen for understanding, follow directions and respond appropriately to the speaker. Students will use acquired language and vocabulary to express opinions. 

They will:
   · present material orally
   · make presentations to individuals and small groups
   · participate in small & large group discussion
   · express ideas clearly when speaking
   · give a " how-to" speech
 
TECHNOLOGY & REFERENCE SKILLS
Fourth grade students will study, retain and use information from a variety of sources. 

Students will:
    · retrieve materials using a library classification system
    · define a research topic through key word searches
    · combine  text, use of other  tools to create a project
    · use tool bar and menus
    · create and use a database
    · understand  copyright violations
    · create a multimedia presentation

MATHEMATICS
Fourth grade students acquire a knowledge of  mathematics and the ability to apply math skills to solve problems through the use of the textbook,  extended activities, and hands on experiences.
Students will:
  · identify place value
  · identify, describe & compare relationships of points and lines
  · multiply and divide 2, 3, & 4 digit numbers
  · describe and use patterns 
  · add and subtract fractions
  · use decimals with the four operations
  · measure and compare units of length, capacity and weight
  · compare and construct geometric shapes
  · graph and explain data
  · solve problems with one variable
  · demonstrate problem solving strategies

SCIENCE
Students use concrete, hands-on experiences to  understand science in the physical and natural world around them. They learn through observing, predicting, questioning and explaining. 

Students will:
 · explain relationship of living things to their environment
 · describe characteristics of light and sound
 · describe and use simple electrical circuit
 · identify and classify rocks
 · identify effects on water, rock cycles
 · identify constellations
 · describe factors affecting ecosystems
 

SOCIAL STUDIES
Fourth grade students acquire social and cultural understanding of the world around them.

The focus will be:
  · immigration and cultural appreciation
  · regions of the U.S.
  · geography/map skills
  · government
  · Illinois history
  · meeting needs through goods and services

PHYSICAL EDUCATION
In fourth grade, students learn and explore factors that affect a healthy lifestyle.

Students will develop and maintain
  ·  muscle strength, cardiovascular endurance & flexibility
  · use rules, safety and strategies of sports and games
  · demonstrate sportsmanship and participation in sports and games

ART
In fourth grade, students will have the opportunity to express themselves in various art forms.

Students will:
  · use elements and principles of art to express ideas
  · interpret artistic products and experiences
  · learn how art reflects and shapes society and life

MUSIC
In fourth grade, students will have the opportunity to participate in music activities and to develop an appreciation for music.

Students will:

    · sing in groups
    · read basic musical notes
    · distinguish various types of musical instruments and elements
    · learn a simple musical instrument

REPORTING

A report of student progress will be distributed approximately half way through each quarter.

Parent-teacher conferences will be scheduled in early November, but can be requested at any time.

Students will receive a report card at each of the four marking periods.

HOMEWORK
Fourth grade students will be assigned homework as needed for practice and reinforcement as well as for the completion of special projects.

 

PARENTS CAN HELP BY
  · Modeling  active participation in weekly liturgy, daily prayer and service.

  · Being supportive of teachers and policies

  · Showing an interest in homework, while encouraging student independence.

  ·  Limiting extracurricular activities which interfere with schoolwork.
 · Staying in touch with the school